ITIL 5 is here: what’s really changing and why ITIL 4-certified professionals shouldn’t ignore it

Durante años, ITIL ha sido el lenguaje común de la gestión de servicios de TI. Ha ayudado a miles de organizaciones a optimizar sus operaciones, mejorar la entrega de valor y profesionalizar sus equipos. But the situation has changed. A lot.

Today, we work in environments dominated by digital products, automation, hybrid ecosystems, constantly evolving services and, of course, artificial intelligence. And that is precisely why ITIL 5 has been developed: an evolution of this framework designed to address how today’s digital organisations operate. (peoplecert.org)

So… is ITIL 4 no longer useful?

Yes, it works. And it will remain valid for a long time to come.

In fact, PeopleCert has made it clear that ITIL 4 certifications remain recognised and are compatible with the advanced ITIL 5 pathways.

But it is also true that the new approach introduces significant changes that are beginning to shape the conversation within the sector:

• an approach that is much more focused on the full life cycle of digital products and services,
• a greater focus on creating value and enhancing the customer experience,
• seamless integration with AI-powered environments,
• a more cross-cutting approach, rather than one based on silos,
• and up-to-date terminology that reflects how technology organisations operate today. (peoplecert.org)

It is not a departure from ITIL 4. It is a logical progression.

The big shift: from ‘service management’ to ‘digital product and service management’

One of the most interesting developments in ITIL 5 is that it moves away from an overly process-centric view to embrace an approach that is more closely aligned with the product, the customer experience and the value stream.

The new framework places much greater emphasis on:

• value streams,
• collaboration between departments,
• continuous improvement integrated into day-to-day operations,
• customer experience,
• and the ability to adapt quickly in complex and changing environments. (peoplecert.org)

In other words: ITIL 5 speaks the language of modern organisations much more effectively. And why does that matter? This is because more and more companies are looking for professionals who can bridge the gap between operations, business, digital experience and the continuous delivery of value. Not just people who “handle tickets”.

What happens if you already have ITIL 4?

Here’s the good news.

PeopleCert has launched a specific pathway called the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5), designed specifically for professionals who already hold ITIL 4 certification and wish to update their qualifications without having to repeat the entire course from scratch.

And to be honest, it makes perfect sense.

The Bridge is designed to be a quick and convenient way to get from A to B:

• it focuses solely on the new features of ITIL 5,
• it avoid revisiting concepts you already know,
• and makes it much easier to obtain the Foundation Version 5 certification.

Furthermore, the programme focuses on issues that are particularly relevant today:

• digital complexity,
• AI-powered services,
• the evolution of digital product management,
• update of terminology and principles,
• and new ways of creating value within modern technological ecosystems.

It’s not the exam that’s interesting. It is what it represents

As a professional, you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth updating your skills. However, the question you should probably be asking yourself is a different one: Where will the market be in two or three years’ time?

Because the move to ITIL 5 is not simply a version upgrade, but reflects the direction in which modern digital service management is evolving.

We are already seeing organisations begin to incorporate this language into initiatives relating to transformation, digital experience, automation and service governance.

Updating your strategy now allows you to stay ahead of that transition, rather than reacting too late once the market has already stabilised.

Who should consider the ITIL 5 Bridge?

In particular:

• IT Service Managers,
• operations managers,
• transformation leaders,
• product owners,
• DevOps or ITSM roles,
• consultants,
• those responsible for continuous improvement,
• and any professional who already holds ITIL 4 certification and wishes to keep pace with developments in the sector

Because maintaining a valid certification is not just a matter of renewing a qualification. The point here is to continue speaking the language that organisations need today – a language that is changing rapidly.

If you’d like to find out more about the official transition programme, you can view the course content here: