Get Started with ITIL v5
Why invest in official ITIL v5 resources
ITIL v5 is used by over 3 million certified professionals worldwide and adopted by 82% of Fortune 500 companies. Whether you are a practitioner seeking certification, a manager building team capability, or a leader driving digital transformation, starting with the right resources is critical.
| Benefit | What you gain |
|---|---|
| Globally recognized credential | ITIL Foundation is accepted in 150+ countries by employers across all industries |
| Career acceleration | ITIL-certified professionals earn 15-20% more than non-certified peers (industry surveys) |
| Structured knowledge | A systematic framework for managing digital products and services |
| Immediate applicability | Apply principles and practices to real projects from day one |
| Pathway to advanced roles | Foundation unlocks three designation tracks: Practice Manager, Managing Professional, Strategic Leader |
| AI-native framework | ITIL v5 is the first version with integrated AI governance guidance |
The case for a hardcopy book
Our strong recommendation: Purchase a hardcopy (printed) edition of the official ITIL Foundation (Version 5) book. While digital formats are convenient, a physical book provides measurable advantages for studying a dense, interconnected framework like ITIL.
Why hardcopy is better for ITIL study
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Deeper reading retention | Reading on paper improves comprehension and recall by 25-30% compared to screens, especially for complex, structured content |
| Active annotation | You can highlight passages, write margin notes, attach sticky tabs, and create a personal map of the framework. These physical interactions strengthen memory encoding |
| Multi-page comparison | ITIL concepts are deeply interconnected. With a physical book, you can open two or three sections simultaneously, comparing value chain activities, practices, and lifecycle stages side by side |
| No digital fatigue | IT professionals already spend 8-10 hours daily on screens. Studying from a physical book provides cognitive relief and reduces eye strain during evening study sessions |
| Exam-mode conditioning | ITIL exams do not allow electronic devices during the test. Training your brain to process information offline prepares you for the exam environment |
| Distraction-free focus | A physical book has no notifications, no tabs to switch to, no social media temptations. It creates a dedicated "study mode" that improves concentration |
| Permanent reference | Your hardcopy book needs no battery, no internet connection, no subscription renewal. It remains accessible for years as a professional reference |
| Professional library | Building a collection of industry-standard reference books demonstrates commitment to your profession and signals expertise to peers and employers |
How to study effectively with a hardcopy book
First pass (week 1-2)
Read the entire book cover-to-cover without stopping to memorize. Focus on the big picture and how concepts connect.
Second pass (week 3-4)
Re-read with active annotation. Use colored sticky tabs for key sections (one color per chapter). Write summary notes in margins.
Cross-reference (week 5)
Use the book alongside this ITIL v5 Compass site. The book gives depth; this site gives searchability and practice quizzes.
Review (week 6)
Focus on flagged sections and your margin notes. Take practice exams while referencing the book for weak areas.
Where to get the official book and certification
Option 1: PeopleCert Direct (recommended)
PeopleCert offers a self-study package that includes:
- The official ITIL Foundation (Version 5) book
- Exam voucher
- Official mock exam
- Online proctored exam access
Purchase from PeopleCert (opens in a new tab)
Option 2: Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs)
ATOs are PeopleCert-authorized training providers that offer:
- Instructor-led courses (2-3 day intensive training with a certified instructor)
- Classroom or virtual options
- Course materials including the official book
- Exam voucher typically included
Find an ATO near you (opens in a new tab)
ATO advantage: Training through an ATO often includes the hardcopy book as part of the course package. This is frequently the most cost-effective way to obtain both the book and structured training.
Option 3: Amazon and online bookstores
Search for "ITIL Foundation Version 5 PeopleCert" on Amazon or your preferred bookstore. Ensure the book is published by PeopleCert (not third-party study guides).
Verify authenticity: Only purchase books published or authorized by PeopleCert. Third-party "ITIL study guides" may contain outdated or inaccurate content and are not aligned with the official exam syllabus.
PeopleCert services overview
| Service | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Study Package (opens in a new tab) | Official book + exam voucher + mock exam | Self-motivated learners who prefer their own pace |
| ATO Training (opens in a new tab) | 2-3 day instructor-led course with certification exam | Learners who prefer structure and classroom interaction |
| Mock Exams (opens in a new tab) | Official practice exams that mirror the real exam format | All candidates preparing for the exam |
| Take2 Re-Sit (opens in a new tab) | Second exam attempt guarantee (add-on) | Risk-averse candidates who want a safety net |
| PeopleCert Plus Membership (opens in a new tab) | Access to PeopleCert Library, Masterclasses, AI Knowledge Center | Ongoing learners and certified professionals |
| Foundation Bridge (opens in a new tab) | Upgrade exam for existing ITIL 4 Foundation holders | ITIL 4 certified professionals moving to v5 |
Choosing your learning path
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Best for experienced IT professionals who are comfortable with self-directed learning.
| Week | Activity | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Read the official book (first pass) | Hardcopy book |
| 3-4 | Deep study with annotation + this site | Hardcopy book + ITIL v5 Compass |
| 5 | Practice exams and cross-reference | Mock exams + book |
| 6 | Final review and exam | Take the exam online |
Take the exam
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam format:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Pass mark | 26/40 (65%) |
| Delivery | Online proctored via PeopleCert Web-Based Exam |
| Language | English |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Open book | No |
Learn about the web-based exam (opens in a new tab)
Continue your ITIL journey
After passing Foundation, you can pursue advanced designations: