⚠️ Unofficial Website: This is an independent informational site about the ITIL® 4 Foundation exam. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to PeopleCert, AXELOS, or the official ITIL® brand. Always verify details on the official PeopleCert website before booking or studying.
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What is ITIL 4 Foundation?
ITIL 4 Foundation is the entry-level certification for the ITIL 4 framework for IT and digital service management. It introduces the Service Value System (SVS), the seven guiding principles, the four dimensions of service management, the Service Value Chain, and selected ITIL practices.
It was first launched in 2019 and remains available in late 2026. There are no prerequisites. Training is optional (self-study is permitted).
Latest Updates (November 2026)
ITIL Version 5 Launched: ITIL Foundation (Version 5) was released in February 2026. ITIL 4 Foundation and Version 5 currently run in parallel.
Planned Sunset: PeopleCert’s current plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027. Exam voucher validity details for ITIL 4 have not yet been fully announced.
Certificates Remain Valid: Existing ITIL 4 certificates stay valid. They are fully recognised as prerequisites for higher-level Version 5 certifications. An optional Foundation Bridge is available for ITIL 4 holders who want the Version 5 Foundation certificate.
Still On Sale: As of October–November 2026, PeopleCert continues to sell the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. New candidates may prefer Version 5 due to the planned sunset, but ITIL 4 remains a valid route.
Sources: Multiple independent summaries of PeopleCert FAQ and product pages (checked October–November 2026). Confirm current status on peoplecert.org or itil.com.
Exam Format & Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 40 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each) |
| Duration | 60 minutes (75 minutes with 25% extra time for non-native speakers of the exam language) |
| Pass mark | 65% (26 out of 40) |
| Format | Closed book · No negative marking |
| Question types | Standard, missing word, list (select two), and occasionally negative |
| Bloom’s levels | Primarily Level 1 (recall) and Level 2 (understand) |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Languages | English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Thai (and others may be available) |
| Issued by | PeopleCert |
Syllabus & Learning Outcomes (Official Weighting)
Based on the official ITIL 4 Foundation Candidate Syllabus. The largest portion of the exam focuses on understanding seven practices in detail.
| Learning Outcome | Marks (approx.) | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Key concepts of service management | 5 | Definitions (service, utility, warranty, customer, user, etc.) and value co-creation |
| 2. ITIL guiding principles | 6 | Nature, use, and the seven principles |
| 3. Four dimensions of service management | 2 | Organizations & people, Information & technology, Partners & suppliers, Value streams & processes |
| 4. Service Value System (SVS) | 1 | Purpose and components |
| 5. Service Value Chain | 2 | Activities and how they interconnect |
| 6. Purpose & key terms of 15 practices | 7 | Recall purpose of selected practices and key definitions |
| 7. Understand 7 practices in detail | 17 | Continual improvement, Change enablement, Incident management, Problem management, Service request management, Service desk, Service level management |
| Total | 40 |
Tip: Learning Outcome 7 alone is worth 17 marks (42.5%). Prioritise deep understanding of those seven practices.
Core Concepts to Know
Seven Guiding Principles
- Focus on value
- Start where you are
- Progress iteratively with feedback
- Collaborate and promote visibility
- Think and work holistically
- Keep it simple and practical
- Optimize and automate
Four Dimensions of Service Management
- Organizations and people
- Information and technology
- Partners and suppliers
- Value streams and processes
Service Value Chain Activities
- Plan
- Improve
- Engage
- Design & Transition
- Obtain/Build
- Deliver & Support
Service Value System (SVS)
The SVS describes how all components and activities of an organization work together as a system to enable value creation. Key components include the Guiding Principles, Governance, Service Value Chain, Practices, and Continual Improvement.
Practices Covered in Detail (LO7)
- Continual improvement (including the Continual Improvement Model)
- Change enablement
- Incident management
- Problem management
- Service request management
- Service desk
- Service level management
You also need the purpose (and some key terms) of 15 practices in total.
Cost, Bundles & Renewal
Prices vary by country, currency, and purchase channel (PeopleCert direct vs. accredited training organizations or resellers). Figures below are approximate as of October 2026 and should be confirmed on the official store.
- Exam bundle (voucher + official eBook + Learning Resource Kit): around US$690 or £541 (incl. VAT where applicable)
- eLearning package: higher (often ~US$1,029)
- eLearning+ (includes free retake + mock exam): higher still (often ~US$1,338)
- Resellers and training providers may offer different pricing, sometimes lower for exam-only vouchers.
Renewal: Certifications are valid for 3 years. Renewal typically requires accumulating CPD points (commonly cited as 60 points over the period, or via PeopleCert Plus membership and related activities). Passing certain other exams in the suite can also renew existing certifications.
Always check current pricing and renewal rules on the PeopleCert website, as they can change.
Should You Take ITIL 4 Foundation in Late 2026?
Reasons to consider ITIL 4
- Still fully available and valid
- Recognized as a prerequisite for higher Version 5 modules
- Same exam format and list price as Version 5 Foundation
- Useful if your organization or role specifically references ITIL 4
Reasons to prefer Version 5
- Newer framework (launched early 2026)
- No planned sunset date announced
- Avoids the need for a later Bridge exam if you want the Version 5 Foundation certificate
- Aligns with the direction of the certification scheme
For most new candidates starting in late 2026, ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is generally the more future-proof choice. Existing ITIL 4 holders do not need to retake Foundation to progress to higher Version 5 modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this website official?
No. This is an independent, unofficial informational site. ITIL® is a registered trademark of the PeopleCert group.
When does ITIL 4 Foundation retire?
PeopleCert’s current plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027. Certificates already earned remain valid.
Do I need training to sit the exam?
No. Training is optional for Foundation. Many candidates prepare via self-study using the official book and practice questions.
What is the pass rate?
Publicly reported pass rates are generally high (often cited around 70–80%+), but success depends on preparation.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes. PeopleCert offers online proctored exams.
Sources & Further Reading
- PeopleCert ITIL 4 Foundation product page
- Official ITIL 4 Foundation Candidate Syllabus (PeopleCert / AXELOS)
- PeopleCert ITIL FAQ and transition guidance (as summarized by multiple independent sites in 2026)
- itil.com news and updates
Information compiled from publicly available sources in October–November 2026. Details can change — always confirm on the official PeopleCert website before making decisions or purchases.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not official. ITIL® is a registered trademark of the PeopleCert group. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Last updated: November 2026