ITIL v3 to ITIL Version 5: Should you upgrade your certification in 2026?

If you’re still holding an ITIL v3 certification, you’re not alone. Over the past week we’ve had a wave of questions from ITIL v3 candidates and practitioners asking the same thing: Is it worth recertifying in ITIL Version 5; and how big a jump is it?

We asked one of our most experienced consultants, Shane Johnson to weigh in.

Claire CherryFeb 18, 2026

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A quick timeline: from ITIL v3 to ITIL 5

ITIL v3 landed on 31 May 2007, a very different world: pre-AI, pre-DevOps, and long before “digital product” became everyday service management language. ITIL v3’s 2011 refresh helped mature the guidance and strengthened the conversation about value.

Then ITIL 4 arrived in February 2019 and shifted the emphasis:

· More focus on value and value co-creation

· New models and metaphors

· A move from “processes” toward practices

· A deliberate step away from being overly prescriptive

Now, in February 2026, ITIL Version 5 is here. The big question for ITIL v3 professionals: is it time to make the step?

Why many people stayed on ITIL v3

If you didn’t move to ITIL 4, you’re in good company. Common reasons we hear include:

· ITIL v3 felt “good enough” for the organisation

· ITIL guidance wasn’t implemented well; confidence dropped

· Concern that migration paths were a “cash grab”

· The migration path felt complex

· ITIL 4 felt less prescriptive than expected

· “It doesn’t address my specific pain point, so why bother?”

· “We’re Agile/DevOps now; we don’t need ITIL”

· Lack of time to recertify

· No single course matched the exact need (multiple courses required)

ITIL Version 5: evolution, not revolution

The move to ITIL 5 is widely positioned as an evolution rather than a revolution. Unlike the shifts from v2 → v3 or v3 → v4, the overall model and structure remains recognisable, with refinements and updates.

That said, if your last formal study was ITIL v3, and you haven’t been applying ITIL 4 concepts in practice, ITIL Version 5 can still feel like unfamiliar territory.

Key differences ITIL v3 candidates will notice in ITIL Version 5

Here are the changes that tend to matter most when transitioning from ITIL v3 to ITIL 5:

· Practices, not processes: similar names (mostly), different intent; understanding the difference matters.

· More practices overall: moving from 26 v3 processes to 34 practices.

· Lifecycle update: the 5-stage service lifecycle is replaced with 8 lifecycle stages.

· Service Value System (SVS) and Service Value Chain concepts are central.

· Practices decoupled from lifecycle stages: acknowledging that activities span multiple stages.

· Broader scope: more emphasis on service management, not only IT service management (Enterprise Service Management is a real thing).

· Stronger focus on value and value streams.

· More emphasis on products as well as services.

· More focus on user experience and the human elements of service management.

· Explicit consideration of digital services/products and AI in service management.

· Increased integration of ideas from Agile, Lean, DevOps, and related frameworks.

Can you migrate your ITIL v3 certifications to ITIL Version 5?

This is the question everyone asks first.

If your background is ITIL v3, the recommended approach is straightforward: in most cases, you begin with ITIL (Version 5) Foundation to cover new topics and align to the updated framework. If you are an Expert or Master, further information on pathways will be available soon. Register your interest with us and we can let you know when this is available.

ITIL v3 Foundation

· Entry point: Complete the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) course

· Transition option: Start with ITIL (Version 5) Foundation (recommended to cover new topics)

ITIL v3 Intermediate or Capability (1–4 modules)

· Entry point: Complete the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) course

· Transition option: Start with ITIL Foundation (recommended path forward)

ITIL Expert (v3)

· Under review, more information to follow for this pathway. Register your interest and we will advise once available.

ITIL Master (v3)

· Under review, more information to follow for this pathway. Register your interest and we will advise once available.

Is ITIL Version 5 worth it?

Yes, if modern service management is relevant to your organisation’s strategy.

ITIL Version 5 is designed for a world where:

· the boundary between “IT” and “the business” is blurred

· services and products are deeply digital

· value streams, experience, and outcomes matter as much as process compliance

· AI and automation are becoming normal considerations

If you work in service delivery, service operations, service design, IT leadership, or enterprise service management, staying current is usually a career advantage.

What if your organisation uses ITIL 4, will ITIL Version 5 be confusing?

Not typically. The language and concepts in ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5 are closely aligned, and ITIL Version 5 builds on the direction ITIL 4 established.

Where should you start?

For most ITIL v3 candidates, the simplest starting point is:

1. ITIL Foundation (Version 5)

2. Then evaluate whether any further certification is worth it for your role (and your budget)

Talk to us before you commit

If you’d like help choosing the most sensible ITIL v3 to ITIL Version 5 pathway for you or your team, get in touch with ITSM Hub. We’ll talk through your situation and help you pick the most efficient route

About ITSM Hub

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