ITIL 4 vs. ITIL 5: What You Need to Know

ITIL Version 5 launched in February 2026, and if you hold an ITIL 4 certification, you’re probably wondering what it means for you. The short answer is: your certification is still valid, and there’s no immediate pressure to do anything. But the longer answer is more nuanced—and worth understanding before you plan your next move. This session cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, practical breakdown of what actually changed, what carries over from ITIL 4, and how to decide whether and when to pursue the new Version 5 pathway.

What You’ll Learn

ITIL 5 is not a replacement for ITIL 4—it’s an evolution. The core principles, the Service Value System, the four dimensions, and the seven guiding principles all carry over. What Version 5 adds is a broader scope that now encompasses digital product management alongside traditional IT services, a genuinely AI-native approach to service management, and a restructured certification pathway that’s more role-aligned than what ITIL 4 offered. This session walks through all of it clearly and without the marketing language.

You’ll learn exactly what ITIL 5 added, changed, and preserved from ITIL 4, how the new certification structure works—Foundation, Practice Manager, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader—and how it maps to the ITIL 4 paths you may already be on. We’ll cover the ITIL 4-to-5 transition options including the Foundation Bridge exam, what the new AI Governance extension module covers and who it’s for, and how the 12-month parallel coexistence period affects your decisions right now. You’ll leave with a clear picture of whether to stay on ITIL 4, transition now, or wait.

Who Should Attend

This session is built for anyone with an existing ITIL 4 certification trying to understand what the Version 5 launch means for their credentials and career path. It’s also valuable for IT service management professionals who are new to ITIL and trying to decide which version to pursue, as well as IT managers, service desk leads, and operations professionals considering ITIL training for their teams. If you’re responsible for organizational ITIL adoption or workforce development planning, this session will help you make informed decisions about your roadmap before committing to a direction.

Exclusive Benefits for Attendees

• Full recording of the session for future reference
• ITIL 4 vs. ITIL 5 side-by-side comparison guide
• ITIL Version 5 certification pathway map
• Live Q&A with a certified ITIL instructor
• Certificate of Attendance for your professional records