The updated version of ITIL is set to start rolling out during Q1 of 2019.  Here is some early release information to help you with answers to common questions.

Relevance

Why is there a need for an update to ITIL?

ITIL supports organizations and individuals to gain optimal value from IT and digital services. It helps define the direction of the service provider with a clear capability model and aligns them to the business strategy and customer needs. ITIL, a professionally recognized certification scheme, provides comprehensive, practical and proven guidance for establishing a service management system, providing a common glossary of terms for businesses using IT-enabled services.

What is the relevance of ITIL v3 now that ITIL 4 will be released?

New students should still pass the ITIL v3 Foundation exam because it continues to support organizations and individuals to gain optimal value from IT and digital services. It equips a student with a clear capability model, aligning them to the current business strategy, current needs, and the current way of working within the organization.

While ITIL Foundation level gives a high-level overview, and Practitioner focuses on how to practically adopt and adapt the ITIL framework, those who want to demonstrate knowledge of the entire ITIL scheme, should work through the Intermediate credit system to become an ITIL Expert.

Besides the fact that the knowledge gained in ITIL v3 is still relevant and valuable in ITIL 4, it is recommended to start or continue to invest in ITIL v3 Intermediate level courses or Practitioner course because:

• The credits you earn for the ITIL v3 Intermediate/Practitioner level courses have value in the transition scheme to get the ITIL Managing Professional certification in ITIL 4.
• The knowledge gained in the ITIL v3 Intermediate/Practitioner courses are based on good practice, which is also very relevant in ITIL 4. That knowledge can already be applied in helping the organization moving forward.
• Waiting for the levels Specialists, Strategist or Leader courses is possible, but realize that these courses are expected to be released earliest in the 2nd half of 2019. Starting or continuing with the ITIL v3 Intermediates/Practitioner makes it possible for students to get the required credits for the ITIL Managing Professional Transition Module the moment it is available.

ITIL v3, a globally recognized framework, provides comprehensive, practical and proven guidance for establishing an IT service management system, encouraging consistency and continual improvement for businesses using IT-enabled services.

• The ITIL Best Practice framework provides a common language and tools that power collaboration within IT teams, to deliver value across a business.
• ITIL is the global standard in IT best practice and is used globally by millions of practitioners. It is relied upon by 90% of the FTSE 500 to run their IT operations.

What is the relevance of ITIL 4 given the strong adoption of ITIL v3?

ITIL 4 is the next iteration that incorporates all of the best things from ITIL as it is known today and expands IT and service operations to a new level. Moving from traditional process lead delivery, ITIL 4 supports faster, quality and value-driven delivery for people and organizations.

ITIL 4 will help businesses navigate the new technological era, commonly known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The speed of current breakthroughs is disrupting almost every industry on a global scale. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is marked by emerging technology in fields including robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, autonomous vehicles and much more.

ITIL 4 will provide a practical and flexible basis to support organizations on their journey into the new world of digital transformation by helping them align their human, digital and physical resources to compete within the modern complex landscape and adopt these emerging technologies into their IT operations.

The context of ITIL, with the release of ITIL 4 is now much bigger, with an emphasis on the business and technology world, how it works today, and how it will work in the future with Agile, DevOps and digital transformation.

ITIL 4 will be much more relevant to developers, practitioners, and businesses as a whole through promoting a holistic view of delivering products and services. Right from Foundation level, ITIL 4 will emphasize the importance of collaboration, transparency, automating where possible, and working holistically.

ITIL 4 retains many of the core elements that make ITIL so valuable to individuals and organizations today. Change is a constant state and organizations are struggling to navigate it. ITIL 4 is a best practice that supports organizations in navigating this ongoing change.

Value

Does ITIL v3 still establish value for my organization?

ITIL v3 is as relevant as ever and continues to be in demand globally by many IT practitioners, giving value to millions of people and businesses around the world.

All certifications for ITIL will remain valid following the update and will continue to be recognized as valuable certifications globally.

How will ITIL 4 establish value for my organization?

ITIL 4 is an evolution from ITIL v3, providing a practical and flexible transition that allows organizations to adopt the new ways of working required by the modern digital world, while retaining many of the core elements of good IT service management.

Development of ITIL

How is ITIL 4 being created?

ITIL 4 is the result of feedback and insights from thousands of professionals and organizations globally. It has been developed by a team of industry experts from around the world, including 150 content writers, reviewers, and contributors from the wider IT industry.

How is your ITIL 4 course ware being created?

We, Optimal Connections, LLC, work closely together with ITpreneurs, a leading courseware provider and member of the AXELOS lead architect team. Together we’re in the process of creating courseware tailored to your needs. The first set of courseware will be available with the deployment of ITIL V4 Foundation training, targeted for Q1 2019.

To learn more about ITIL, and to view the high level release planning video, please visit the ITIL section of the AXELOS web site: https://www.axelos.com/best-practice-solutions/itil