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Upgrade from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5)

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If you already hold an ITIL 4 certification, you can now take a shorter route to ITIL (Version 5) Foundation. The exam may be streamlined. Your learning experience shouldn’t be. ITIL (Version 5) builds on concepts ITIL 4 professionals already know while expanding the framework for today’s digital product and service environment. That creates an interesting question for certified ITIL 4 learners: What does it really take to make the move from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5)? A Foundation Bridge course can provide an abbreviated transition. It focuses on what has changed and gives eligible ITIL 4 certificate holders a shorter path to the new certification. For some learners, that may sound like all they need. At ITSM Academy, we see the opportunity differently. If you are going to update your certification, why not also give yourself the time, context, and instructor guidance to understand the new framework in depth? Go Beyond the Bridge For a limited time, learners with a valid ITIL 4 certif...
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The Official ITIL (Version 5) Publications Have Arrived

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Back in May, I wrote about the arrival of the new ITIL (Version 5) Advanced Certifications and what they mean for service management professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.   Read  What Open Book Exams Really Mean for Learners . At the time, one of the biggest questions we received was: "When will the official books be available?" The wait is over. ITSM Academy now has the official ITIL (Version 5) hardcopy publications available for purchase and immediate shipment. Why These Books Matter The transition from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5) is more than a simple update. While many of the foundational concepts remain intact, the framework expands significantly to address how modern organizations create value through products, services, experiences, strategy, and transformation. These publications provide the detailed guidance behind the certifications and offer valuable reference material for practitioners, leaders, consultants, trainers, and organization...
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We’re Not Ready for ITIL (Version 5). We’re Too Immature.

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"We’re Not Ready for ITIL (Version 5). We’re Too Immature." It is a common reaction. When organizations hear about ITIL (Version 5), especially in the context of digital product and service management, AI governance, experience, and transformation, they may assume it is intended only for those with a mature ITSM program already in place. They think: We are still trying to get incident management under control. Our request process is inconsistent. We have too many silos. We are not ready for something more advanced. But that conclusion misses the point. You do not need to be mature to benefit from ITIL (Version 5). In many ways, less mature organizations may have the most to gain. ITIL Is Not a Reward for Maturity ITIL has never been something organizations earn the right to use once they have everything figured out. It is guidance that helps organizations improve how they create, deliver, and support value. That matters at every stage of maturity. For o...
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ITIL (Version 5) Advanced Certifications: What Open Book Exams Really Mean for Learners

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There’s a meaningful shift happening across ITIL (Version 5) advanced certifications - and it’s one worth paying attention to. Advanced courses now include open-book exams. It may feel like a shortcut at first. In reality, it’s a different kind of challenge. One centered on application, not recall. Why Open Book? A Shift Toward Real-World Application Open-book exams reflect a deeper evolution in how capability is assessed and how professionals are expected to apply what they learn. They focus on: Applying concepts in context Navigating and interpreting guidance quickly Making informed decisions using trusted sources This aligns directly with the direction of ITIL (Version 5): a move toward digital product and service management (DPSM), where success depends on how well you use knowledge, not just memorize it. In practice, this means learners need to be comfortable working with the official publications during the exam, just as they would on the job. What This ...
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Clarity First: A Faster Way to Navigate ITIL (Version 5)

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If you have visited ITSM Academy's All Things ITIL page recently, you may have noticed some big changes. We are not just adding more content. We are curating practical, easy-to-consume insights designed to help you make sense of ITIL (Version 5) quickly and confidently. As updates continue across the ITIL landscape, ITSM Academy’s focus is simple: stay at the forefront and make it easier for you to keep up without getting overwhelmed. This collection is designed for IT professionals, team leaders, and organizations looking to build a shared understanding of ITIL and align on training and implementation decisions. It is especially useful for individuals and teams exploring ITIL (Version 5), comparing certification paths, or preparing for upcoming training. Clarity first. Credentials second. Outcomes always. That mindset guides how we build and organize every resource we share. As of April 7, 2026, on our  All Things ITIL  page, you will find: Introductory...
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What We’ve Seen Go Wrong (After the Class Ends)

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What We’ve Seen Go Wrong (After the Class Ends) After two decades of delivering ITSM training, we’ve had a front-row seat to what happens after the exam is over. And here’s the truth that many providers don’t talk about: passing the exam is not the hard part. What goes wrong usually happens when learners return to work, and good intentions collide with real organizations, real constraints, and real habits. Here are the most common patterns we’ve seen. 1. The credential becomes the finish line Too often, certification is treated as the outcome instead of a milestone. Learners celebrate (as they should), but there’s no next step defined for application. No time carved out to try something new. No expectation that behavior will change. Without intent, learning quietly fades back into routine. 2. “We took the class.” replaces “We changed how we work.” Organizations sometimes check the training box without addressing the environm...
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What Actually Sticks After Class

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What Actually Sticks After Class (And Why) After two decades of delivering ITSM training, we’ve had a front-row seat to what happens after the exam is over. What makes training stick isn’t memorizing a definition perfectly; it’s understanding the thinking behind it. It sticks because something shifted . Over the years, we’ve noticed a consistent pattern in what learners carry forward long after class ends. 1. Mental models, not mechanics The most durable takeaway isn’t a process diagram; it’s a new way of seeing. When learners grasp why practices exist and how value is co-created, they begin making better decisions, even in situations not covered in class. That mindset travels with them. 2. Shared language When teams learn together - or at least align around the same concepts - conversations change. Suddenly, people can say: “What outcome are we optimizing for?” “Who actually experiences this?” “Is this adding value, or just acti...
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