Hey there! If you work with technology or management, you’ve definitely heard the news: PeopleCert has just launched ITIL (Version 5).

But before we talk about what changes in the content, let’s clear up the doubt that’s puzzling agilists and service managers alike: after all, what should we call this new phase? Is it ITIL 5? ITILv5? ITIL Version 5?

If you want to stay informed (and avoid embarrassment in your next governance meeting), come with me!

Also read: The Definitive Guide to ITIL 5

The official name: ITIL (Version 5)

Unlike the transition from v3 to ITIL 4, where the number “4” symbolized the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the naming this time is more direct and structured: ITIL (Version 5).

In official PeopleCert communications, you will see the term written exactly like this, often with “Version 5” in parentheses or placed just below the logo.

Why not simply “ITIL 5”? The idea is to reinforce that ITIL is now a living ecosystem. Version 5 is not a reboot, but an AI-native, complexity-ready evolution. It incorporates what already worked in ITIL 4 (such as the Value System and the Guiding Principles) and raises the bar for today’s environment.

What really changes (beyond the name)?

If I had to summarize Version 5 into three pillars, they would be:

AI-Native: It’s no longer about “how to use AI to help with tickets.” It’s about managing services in a world where AI is part of the team.

Digital Experience Focus: The emphasis shifts from “technical process” to how the stakeholder (customer, user, or sponsor) perceives value.

Complexity Management: ITIL now fully embraces the fact that not everything is linear. It introduces concepts from Complexity Thinking to help decide what to do when the cookbook approach doesn’t work.

What about my ITIL 4 certification?

Relax — no need to tear up your certificate! PeopleCert has been very clear: ITIL 4 Foundation continues to be recognized as a prerequisite for the advanced modules of Version 5.

• Have ITIL 4 Foundation? You’re already halfway to the new specializations.

• Have ITIL v3? That’s a bigger leap. The official recommendation is to update directly to ITIL (Version 5) Foundation to understand the new AI and digital product concepts.

Next steps

The qualification scheme is now organized into clear streams such as ITIL Practice Manager, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader, all crowned by the prestigious ITIL Master.

The big highlight on the path to the top is the ITIL Transformation module, now positioned as the “heart” of all designations.

Conclusion

Whether you quickly type ITILv5 in chat or formally write ITIL (Version 5), what truly matters is that IT service management has evolved into Digital Product and Service Management.

The market no longer wants just “availability.” It wants value, agility, and applied intelligence.

So, have you started exploring what’s new in Version 5? What do you think about this stronger AI-driven approach? Let’s talk in the comments!