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PeopleCert · Business Platforms · Entry

ITIL 4 Foundation exam guide

Exam ITIL 4 Foundation (ITIL Foundation Version 5 also available)

ITIL 4 Foundation validates understanding of IT service management concepts: the service value system, guiding principles, value chain and key practices. In 2026 PeopleCert launched ITIL (Version 5) Foundation and plans to sunset ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027, so first-time candidates should consider Version 5 unless an employer specifically requires ITIL 4.

Questions40
Time limit60 minutes
Passing score65% (26/40)
Exam feeSee official page
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPeopleCert online proctored or via accredited training organization

Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Fee note: Price varies by region and bundle; often includes eBook and PeopleCert Plus; extra time for non-native speakers.

Who it's for

Service desk staff, IT operations and support engineers, and anyone joining an organization that runs ITIL-based service management.

What the exam covers

Key concepts of service management—
ITIL guiding principles—
Four dimensions of service management—
Service value system and value chain—
ITIL practices (purpose and key terms)—
Seven practices in detail (incident, problem, change enablement, service request, service desk, SLM, continual improvement)—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Basic IT or service desk exposure helps; no experience required.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Renew by passing a higher ITIL module (including Version 5 modules) or logging 60 CPD points via PeopleCert Plus. PeopleCert plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Explaining the service value system and value chain
  • Applying the seven guiding principles
  • Incident vs problem vs change distinctions
  • Service level management basics
  • Continual improvement model
  • Value co-creation with consumers and providers

Job roles

Service Desk AnalystIT Support SpecialistIncident ManagerChange CoordinatorIT Operations AnalystService Delivery Manager

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Learn key concepts, the four dimensions and the seven guiding principles from the official ITIL 4 Foundation book.
  2. Week 2: Service value system, value chain activities and the 15 practices you must recognize by purpose.
  3. Week 3: Study the seven detailed practices and take two official sample papers.
  4. Week 4: Review definitions verbatim, take a final mock and book the exam.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Memorize exact definitions (service, utility, warranty, outcome); questions often hinge on one word.
  • Know the purpose statement of each practice; many questions are 'which practice...' matches.
  • Change enablement terms (standard, normal, emergency change) are frequently tested.
  • No negative marking, so answer every item.
  • If starting fresh in 2026, compare Version 5 Foundation; the price and format are the same.

Key terms for this exam

All 44 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

Is ITIL 4 being retired?

PeopleCert plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027 after launching ITIL (Version 5) Foundation in early 2026. Existing ITIL 4 certificates are not announced as becoming invalid.

Should I take ITIL 4 or ITIL Version 5 Foundation?

First-time candidates are generally better off with Version 5 unless an employer or contract requires ITIL 4 or you already hold an ITIL 4 voucher.

What is the ITIL 4 Foundation pass mark?

65%, or 26 of 40 questions, in 60 minutes.

How much does ITIL 4 Foundation cost?

Pricing varies by country and bundle; the UK PeopleCert bundle has been listed at about GBP 541 including VAT. Check PeopleCert for your region.

Is ITIL Foundation worth it?

Yes for service desk, ITSM tool and IT operations roles; it is often required by employers and ServiceNow partners.

Official page: www.peoplecert.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.