We Teach Continual Improvement. Turns Out, We Practice It, Too

When PeopleCert first announced the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Transition (MPT) course, we did what we have done since 2004: scheduled an early beta class for North America.

At that point, the course was still taking shape. Based on the previous ITIL v3 and ITIL 4 capstone transition courses - each of which concluded with one exam - we initially planned MPT as one consolidated class leading to one exam. As we approached our launch date and additional details were released, PeopleCert established that MPT would include two distinct areas of study and two certification exams:

Product, Service and Experience (PSE): 120 minutes, 40 case-based questions
Transformation: 90 minutes, 40 case-based questions

Both exams are open book, with a passing score of 70%. Depending on learners' prior certifications, those who pass both earn either their ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional or ITIL (Version 5) Master designation.

As of August 2026, prerequisite designation mapping:

ITIL 4 Managing Professional → Earns the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional designation - or -
ITIL 4 Master → Earns the ITIL (Version 5) Master designation - or -
ITIL v3 Expert → Earns the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional designation - or -
ITIL v3 Master → Earns the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional designation - and -
Attend an accredited training course

We adjusted our course materials to address the finalized requirements, but kept the June 2026 launch as one accelerated delivery.

It was successful: within the first week, five learners passed both exams and became ITIL (Version 5) Masters. Several others passed one exam.

But successful does not mean there is nothing to improve.

What We Learned

MPT focuses on what has changed, but it still covers significant updates across Foundation, Product, Service, Experience and Transformation - along with preparation for two case-based exams.

Since our first virtual delivery in 2007, we have done everything possible to avoid eight-hour virtual training days. This MPT delivery reinforced why. The schedule was brutal for our learners and instructors.

We proved we could deliver all the material in one accelerated class. As adult education professionals, we also determined that we should not.

So, we changed the structure.

MPT is now scheduled as two separate cohorts:

MPT: Product, Service and Experience
MPT: Transformation

There is no required order, and the time between courses allows learners to absorb the material, complete the first exam, and return ready to focus on the second.

Continual Improvement in Practice = Drink Your Own Champagne

We teach organizations to focus on value, progress iteratively with feedback, and improve based on evidence. It would be rather awkward if we did not apply those principles to ourselves.

Our first cohort confirmed the value of the MPT pathway - and showed us how to make the delivery better.

That is continual improvement at its most practical: observe what happens, listen to the people involved, and improve the next iteration.

Start where you are. Progress iteratively with feedback. Focus on value.

Learn more about the updated ITIL Managing Professional Transition pathway.

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