What's New in ITIL®4?

May 9, 2019, by Stéphanie Boyard

Since ITIL v3 was released in 2007 (and its updated 2011 edition), a large number of new and updated technologies (Cloud, Serverless Computing, Software-Defined Networking, AI, etc.) have emerged that now need managing. ITIL® 4 reflects these changes.

The long-awaited ITIL® 4 came with positive feedback and also questions needed to be answered. Managers and consultants are trying to determine if they should continue their journey with ITIL® 4. When is the best time to undertake that journey? Which training to follow? What are the impacts for their organization and their career path? We invite you to read our frequently asked questions to learn more about the ITIL® 4 program. If you can not find answers to your questions, please contact us.

Why do we need ITIL® 4?

Since ITIL v3 was released in 2007 (and its updated 2011 edition), a large number of new and updated technologies (Cloud, Serverless Computing, Software-Defined Networking, AI, etc.) have emerged that now need managing. ITIL® 4 reflects these changes.

The purpose of ITIL® 4 is to provide organisations with comprehensive guidance for the management of information technology in the modern service economy. ITIL® 4 will evolve to provide an end-to-end IT/digital operating model, covering the full delivery (and sustaining) of tech-enabled products and services.

When will ITIL® 4 be available? When will it be translated in French?

The ITIL® 4 Foundation certification is currently available in English.

The French version of ITIL® 4 Foundation (exam and materials) will be available by the end of May 2019.

The training, delivered by experimented and certified teachers, spans over three (3) days, including the preparation for and the monitoring of the exam. Consult our training plan or more information : ITIL® 4 Foundation with exam class

I have taken ITIL® v3 (2011) Foundation. How should I transition to ITIL® 4?

If a candidate has taken only ITIL® v3 (2011 edition) Foundation, then the recommended approach is to take ITIL® 4 Foundation in order to be able to transition to the new scheme.

There is a large amount of new material in ITIL® 4 Foundation. Therefore, a new single exam is required to assess end-learner’s knowledge of the new ITIL® 4 Foundation guidance.

Alternatively, end learners also have the option of obtaining 17 credits from the ITIL® v3 (2011 edition) scheme which would make them eligible to take the ITIL® Managing Professional transition module to migrate to ITIL® 4 scheme.

Is there a bridge module from ITIL® v3 (2011 edition) Foundation to ITIL® 4 Foundation?

Due to the structure of ITIL® 4 Foundation, there will be no transition module at the foundation level. ITIL® 4 Foundation contains a large number of new elements; therefore, only one exam is required to assess the final learner's knowledge of the new ITIL® 4 Foundation Guide.

However, our partners are designing a one (1) day training to facilitate understanding of the differences between the last two (2) versions of ITIL. The content will focus on the overview of differentiating elements between ITIL® v3 (2011 edition) and ITIL® 4.

This day will only be for students with ITIL® v3 certification (2011 edition) in their hands. This training will not include preparation for the exam or supervision. This day will be available Q3 2019.

When will ITIL® v3 (2011 edition) be discontinued?

The transition will be a gradual process, allowing for end-learners to continue collecting their ITIL® v3 (2011 edition) Intermediate credits to enable transition to ITIL® Managing Professional.

AXELOS will therefore not discontinue ITIL® v3 - 2011 edition (stop maintaining exams, publishing books or accrediting candidates) before June 2020.