In recent years, many teams and managers have deliberately switched to ITIL 4 . Processes have been modernized, roles refined, and service management made more value-oriented. With ITIL 5 , or ITIL Version 5, the next stage of development is now available, often referred to as the new ITIL.
The good news is that if you’re already familiar with ITIL 4, you won’t be starting from scratch. The key question is: How can you get started with ITIL 5 efficiently and in a way that suits your specific role? This article provides clear guidance, without getting into exam details or unnecessary theory.
Why It's Worth Taking a Look at ITIL Version 5
ITIL Version 5 builds on many proven principles but introduces new areas of focus that are particularly relevant for organizations offering digital products and services. These include:
- a greater focus on the lifecycle of digital products and services
- a clearer link between governance, value, and flow
- more focus on skills and collaboration rather than purely process-based logic
- new career paths that better align with specific roles
Organizations that have already implemented ITIL 4 can leverage this evolution to make service management even more strategic and interoperable.
The best way to get started depends on your role
Not everyone needs to follow the same certification path right away. For a solid start with ITIL 5, this simple guide is worth checking out:
If you are familiar with ITIL 4 but would like to understand ITIL 5
Then the ITIL Version 5 Foundation training is the best place to start. It clarifies the new structure and provides a common language for integrating ITIL 5 into your organization.
When you put service management into practice
In that case, it’s worth exploring the advanced tracks, such as Practice Manager or Managing Professional, depending on whether you want to delve deeper into specific practices or manage service management holistically.
When you lead and manage strategically
In that case, the Strategic Leader track is worth considering, as ITIL 5 places a strong emphasis on strategy, governance, and value creation.
Important: The right entry point isn’t a matter of “the higher, the better,” but rather a matter of fit. What matters most is the responsibilities you hold in service management.
Avoiding Common Misconceptions When Switching
Many organizations waste time because they misjudge the transition. Three common misconceptions:
“ITIL 5 completely replaces ITIL 4; we have to start from scratch.”
In practice, it’s more about leveraging existing strengths and making targeted improvements.
“ITIL 4 automatically covers ITIL 5.”
ITIL 4 provides a solid foundation, but ITIL Version 5 introduces new concepts and modules that should be carefully understood.
“We’re starting right away with the Advanced modules.”
Without a shared foundation within the team, there is often a lack of common understanding. That’s why the Foundation course is often the smartest first step.
And what about Transition and Bridge?
For many ITIL professionals, the key question is whether a transition or bridge path is available. In short: Those who already have extensive prior ITIL experience can, in many cases, efficiently transition to ITIL 5 via a transition or bridge path.
It is important not to choose this path based on "gut feeling," but rather on the existing certifications and the planned roadmap. A separate article on the ITIL 5 transition will follow in the editorial calendar to examine this topic in detail and within a clearly defined scope.
Latest publications
Would you like to better understand the structure of the ITIL 5 certification, including Practice Manager, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader? Then be sure to read the previous post:
Training Tip: ITIL 5 Foundation and Transition at SERVIEW
If you want to take a structured approach to getting started with ITIL 5 or ITIL Version 5, the ITIL 5 training courses at SERVIEW are the right choice. The ITIL Version 5 Foundation courses began at SERVIEW in March and offer the ideal introduction to the new ITIL.
Do you want to make the transition from ITIL 4 as efficient as possible? SERVIEW can help you choose the right path, whether it’s Foundation or Transition training.
Find out more now:
ITIL 5 training courses at SERVIEW
