The ITIL Foundation Version 5 certification is the official entry point for anyone looking to validate knowledge in the latest version of the product and service management framework. Launched by PeopleCert in 2026, it gradually replaces ITIL 4 Foundation as the entry step for those starting the ITIL certification path.
For ITSM professionals, an ITIL certification is not just a technical decision: it involves cost, preparation time, and, for those who already hold ITIL 4, understanding whether it is worth migrating now or waiting. This guide answers these questions practically, using format, price, and requirement data verified directly on PeopleCert's official pages in August 2026.
What is the ITIL Foundation Version 5 certification
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the entry-level certification for the ITIL framework, administered by PeopleCert, which proves basic knowledge in digital product and service management in increasingly complex and AI-enabled environments. It replaces ITIL 4 Foundation as the first step in the ITIL certification track and becomes a prerequisite for subsequent modules, such as specialist, strategist, and transformation modules, which previously required ITIL 4 Foundation. The certification is recommended both for those who have never taken an ITIL exam and want to start directly with the most current version and for those working in Service Management who need a credential aligned with the framework's current state.
The exam covers concepts such as value co-creation between service providers and consumers, the four dimensions of product and service management (organizations and people, value streams and processes, information and technology, partners and suppliers), the Product and Service Lifecycle Model (PSLM), and Continual Improvement practices. Unlike ITIL 4, Version 5 also incorporates a dedicated AI Capability Model, reflecting the growing presence of artificial intelligence in IT Service Management and expanding the framework's scope beyond traditional IT toward digital product management.
How the exam works
The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam is officially administered by PeopleCert, the accrediting organization for the ITIL framework since 2021. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, lasts 60 minutes, is closed-book (no consultation of materials during the test), and requires a minimum passing score of 65%. The exam is available in 9 languages, including Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Spanish, and English. The exam is proctored remotely online via webcam. In some countries, it is also possible to take the exam in person through an accredited PeopleCert partner (ATO).
Regarding pricing, PeopleCert offers three packages for direct purchase on the official website (August 2026):
- Exam bundle (self-study): US$ 536, includes official eBook, exam voucher, and Learning Resource Kit (courseware and quick reference guide). This is the recommended option for those who prefer to study independently using official material.
- eLearning: US$ 1,153, includes the exam bundle items plus an interactive video course with approximately 9 hours of content, divided into self-paced modules.
- eLearning+: US$ 1,338, includes everything in the eLearning package, plus a free second attempt in case of failure and access to official mock exams to simulate the actual test before the scheduled date.
Prices are charged in US dollars by PeopleCert and may vary depending on the country and currency selected at checkout. Rescheduling costs should also be considered: rescheduling the exam more than 48 hours in advance is free, but rescheduling between 48h and 4h before the scheduled time carries a fee of US$ 60, and rescheduling after that period costs US$ 120. The certification is valid for 3 years, renewable by earning 60 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points via PeopleCert Plus, without needing to retake the exam from scratch.
I already have ITIL 4 Foundation: do I need to take it again?
It is not necessary to retake the full exam. PeopleCert created the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5), a specific module for those who already hold any ITIL 4 certification, with the exception of the ITIL 4 Specialist: Acquiring and Managing Cloud Services and ITIL 4 Specialist: Sustainability in Digital and IT modules, which do not grant direct access to the Bridge. The Bridge exam covers only what changed between ITIL 4 and Version 5, such as the new dimensions, updated terminology, and the AI Capability Model, without repeating content already certified in the previous exam. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, lasts 30 minutes, is closed-book, and requires the same minimum passing score of 65%, also available in the 9 languages of the full exam, including Brazilian Portuguese.
The cost is also significantly lower: the Bridge exam bundle costs US$ 193, compared to US$ 690 for the full certification, and the Bridge eLearning+ package costs US$ 482, compared to US$ 1,338 for the full eLearning+. Those who are already certified in ITIL 4 and only want to stay updated with the market, without spending time reviewing material they already master, will find this option to be the fastest and most economical path to achieving Version 5 certification.
Is it worth getting the ITIL 5 certification?
The answer depends on career stage and existing certifications. These are the profiles and situations where the certification usually makes the most sense:
- Those starting in ITSM without any ITIL certification, since Version 5 is now the official entry point of the framework.
- Those who have completed ITIL 4 Foundation and want a quick update without repeating already certified content (in this case, the Bridge module is recommended over the full certification).
- Those leading or aspiring to lead digital product or service teams, as Version 5 expands the framework's scope in that direction.
- Those working or planning to work with AI governance applied to IT services, a topic incorporated directly into the new version via the AI Capability Model.
- Those undergoing career transition or seeking promotion who need a current, market-recognized credential to enhance their resume.
- Those working in related areas, such as product management or customer experience, who want a formal foundation in Service Management to collaborate better with IT teams.
Outside these cases, it is worth considering whether the investment makes sense right now: for those who hold ITIL 4 and do not plan to advance in the certification track soon, updating can wait, as PeopleCert has not yet announced a retirement date for the previous version.
How to prepare for the exam
Preparation can be self-guided or structured, depending on the package selected. Either way, several steps help reduce the risk of failure and the cost of a retake:
- Read the official ITIL Foundation (Version 5) eBook completely from start to finish, without skipping sections, as it is the direct reference used to create exam questions.
- Study the Learning Resource Kit, which includes courseware and a quick reference guide organizing concepts by topic.
- If choosing the eLearning or eLearning+ package, set aside the ~9 hours of interactive course content into short study blocks, taking advantage of the self-paced module format.
- Take at least one official PeopleCert mock exam under actual exam conditions, answering 40 questions in a timed 60-minute session.
- Review new Version 5 terminology carefully, paying special attention to the Product and Service Lifecycle Model (PSLM), which replaces the Service Value Chain, and the AI Capability Model.
- Simulate the exam under real-time conditions without consulting materials, ensuring preparedness for the test pacing.
- Schedule the exam time with sufficient buffer to reschedule for free if an unexpected issue arises, as last-minute rescheduling incurs fees.
For those who want a detailed understanding of what changed between the two versions before deciding on a path, see the article ITIL 5: What Changed and What IT Professionals Need to Know.
Conclusion
The ITIL Foundation Version 5 certification is currently PeopleCert's official entry point for validating knowledge in digital product and service management, with established format, pricing, and languages. For those who already hold ITIL 4, the Bridge module is the fastest and most economical path to Version 5, while beginners should go straight to the full certification. In either case, understanding the format, cost, and prerequisites before purchasing a voucher prevents unnecessary expenses and improves first-attempt pass rates without relying on a paid retake.
