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The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the globally recognized entry-level certification in the ITIL framework, administered by PeopleCert. It validates your understanding of digital product and service management concepts, the ITIL Service Value System, guiding principles, the product and service lifecycle, value streams, and management practices. Released on February 12, 2026, it replaces ITIL 4 Foundation and is the mandatory prerequisite for all advanced ITIL certifications.

The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam contains 40 multiple-choice questions. You have 60 minutes to complete the exam (75 minutes if English is not your working language). Each question is worth 1 mark with no negative marking. You need 26 out of 40 correct answers (65%) to pass.

The passing score for the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam is 65%, which means you must correctly answer at least 26 out of 40 questions. There is no negative marking, so you are encouraged to attempt all questions even if you are unsure of the answer.

No, PeopleCert has not mandated training for ITIL Foundation (Version 5). You are permitted to self-study using the official eBook and Learning Resource Kit. However, accredited training courses and official eLearning are encouraged to fully understand the new material. Note that for all upper-level ITIL modules beyond Foundation, accredited training or official eLearning IS required.

The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam covers seven core syllabus categories: (1) Key ITIL Terms and Definitions, (2) The Four Dimensions of Product and Service Management, (3) The ITIL Product and Service Lifecycle, (4) The ITIL Service Value System including guiding principles and governance, (5) Value Stream Identification, Mapping and Management, (6) ITIL and Artificial Intelligence at an awareness level, and (7) ITIL and Other Frameworks including DevOps and PRINCE2.

The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam voucher costs approximately USD $314 when purchased directly from PeopleCert (US/Canada pricing). PeopleCert also offers bundled packages: the Exam Prep bundle (eBook + exam voucher + Learning Resource Kit) is priced at EUR 644. Many accredited training organizations offer courses that include the exam voucher at a discounted rate compared to purchasing separately.

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) retains 40% of ITIL 4 content, includes 36% completely new material, and modifies 24% from ITIL 4. Key differences include: a new 8-activity Product and Service Lifecycle Model (replacing the 6-activity Service Value Chain), AI governance content as a native part of the framework, expanded focus on digital product and service management (DPSM) rather than purely IT service management, enhanced value stream mapping and management, and a stronger emphasis on digital exp

The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certification is valid for 3 years from the date of passing. To renew, you can: (1) become a PeopleCert Plus member and log 20 CPD points per year for three consecutive years, (2) take and pass another certification from the ITIL product suite, or (3) retake the same certification before the renewal date.

Yes. If you hold an ITIL 4 Foundation certificate, you can take the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) Bridge course. This is a one-day course focusing on key changes, with a shorter exam of 20 multiple-choice questions in 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can proceed directly to upper-level ITIL (Version 5) modules without retaking Foundation, as ITIL 4 qualifications are fully recognized as prerequisites.

The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certification supports a wide range of roles including IT Service Manager, Digital Product Manager, IT Operations Specialist, Product Owner, Service Delivery Specialist, Customer Success Manager, Enterprise Architect, Transformation Manager, IT Project Manager, Chief Digital Officer, Experience Manager, Service Improvement Manager, and Process Lead. It is valuable for professionals at any career stage working in IT, digital delivery, or service management.