How to upgrade to ITIL (Version 5)


 ITIL v4 Foundation

Holders of ITIL v4 Foundation do not need to retake ITIL Foundation (Version 5). ITIL v4 Foundation qualifies candidates to progress through the ITIL (Version 5) certification scheme accordingly. Simply put, ITIL v4 respects investments already made. That said, those who hold ITIL v4 Foundation certification and do not see in the short term progressing through the ITIL (Version 5) certification scheme can undertake ITIL Foundation (Version 5) Bridge. We offer a self-paced ITIL Foundation (Version 5) Bridge certification course complete with the Official PeopleCert exam + free exam retake here

ITIL v4 Practice Manager

(Current holders): To upgrade to ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5), holders of ITIL v4 Practice Manager will be required to undertake ITIL Transformation (Version 5). ITIL Transformation (Version 5) only needs to be taken once across the entire ITIL (Version 5) certification scheme. The expected release date for ITIL Transformation (Version 5) is the 9th April 2026. 

(On-route): Those candidates who have already started the v4 Practice Manager journey, for clarification, the only change is the Transformation (Version 5) module which is now required, CDS no longer applies to the ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) designation. 

ITIL v4 Managing Professional

(Current holders): The core modules (CDS, DPI, DSV, HVIT) have been replaced with three ITIL (Version 5) modules, Product, Service and Experience. Holders of ITIL v4 Managing Professional will be required to undertake Managing Professional Transition (MPT) which is a bridge course, migrating the new ITIL (Version 5) core modules (Product, Service and Experience). The MPT course also incorporates ITIL Transformation (Version 5). MPT will be a five day course. The expected release date for MPT is the 14th May 2026.

(On-route): Those candidates who have already started the ITIL v4 Managing Professional journey, from a financial perspective, such candidates should take stock based on what stage they are currently at with a view of upgrading/transitioning to ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5). For example, those candidates who have already obtained three ITIL v4 modules would be best placed to continue their ITIL v4 Managing Professional journey, and then undertake MPT. Those who already have two modules can also continue their ITIL v4 Managing Professional journey and then take MPT, or revert to the ITIL (Version 5) certification scheme (e.g., Product, Service, Experience and Transformation).

ITIL v4 Strategic Leader

(Current holders): To upgrade to ITIL (Version 5), holders of ITIL v4 Strategic Leader will be required to take the ITIL Transformation (Version 5). module. ITIL Transformation (Version 5) only needs to be taken once across the entire ITIL 5certification scheme. The expected release date for ITIL Transformation (Version 5) is the 9th April 2026.

(On-route): Those candidates who have already started the ITIL v4 Strategic Leader journey, for clarification, DPI and DITS no longer apply to the ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation. So, candidates who already have one of these modules (DPI or DITS) are best reverting to the ITIL (Version 5) certification scheme. For example, if candidates continue with the ITIL v4 journey with a view of upgrading to ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5), will have two course modules to complete (DPI or DITS) whichever is outstanding, plus ITIL Transformation (Version 5). Alternatively, the ITIL (Version 5) certification scheme only requires two course modules, ITIL Strategy (Version 5) and ITIL Transformation (Version 5).

ITIL v4 Master

The core modules (CDS, DPI, DSV, HVIT) have been replaced with three ITIL (Version 5) modules, Product' Service and Experience. Holders of ITIL v4 Master will be required to undertake Managing Professional Transition (MPT) which is a bridge course, migrating the new ITIL (Version 5) core modules (Product, Service and Experience). This MPT course also incorporates ITIL Transformation (Version 5). MPT will be a five day course. The expected release date for MPT is the 14th May 2026.

Once having completed MPT this will by default, upgrade/transition candidates to ITIL Master (Version 5), e.g., already having v4 Practice Manager and v4 Strategic Leader designations and undertaken Transformation (Version 5) as part of MPT.