How to Transition to ITIL V4 from ITIL V3

ITIL 4 has added a lot to the table. From an improved outlook to IT service management to an all-new structure of the ITIL suit, ITIL has evolved a lot with ITIL 4. Tools, concepts, and methodologies from various other popular frameworks have been included in the new ITIL 4 along with the new Service-Value-System.

AXELOS has launched the first certification under ITIL suit: ITIL 4 Foundation and the rest of the certifications are to be released during the year 2019. While the release of the new version is being praised in general for including various new tools, it has also led to confusion related to the transition from Version 3 to Version 4.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how you can transition to the new version of ITIL.

The first thing that you need to understand is that the release of ITIL 4 does not render ITIL V3 useless. Even after the release of ITIL 4, the industry recognizes ITIL V3 certifications. However, having the new certification does indicate that you stay updated with the latest trend and best practices.

ITIL V3 Foundation

The structure of ITIL 4 does not leave any room for the transition between course ITIL V3 Foundation and ITIL V4 Foundation. As ITIL V3 Foundation gave a basic introduction to ITIL suit and ITIL terminologies and principles, and ITIL V4 Foundation includes a large number of new materials, it is recommended that you take up ITIL 4 Foundation.

ITIL V3 Intermediate (low Credits)

If you have moved forward into the ITIL V3 Intermediate but have relatively low credits (3 to 4), you have two options:

1. Take ITIL 4 Foundation and further certification in the interested field of ITIL Specialist, Strategist or Leader:

If you are not aiming for the Managing Professional designation, the best way forward for you would be to take up ITIL 4 Foundation, followed by certification in the most relevant area of practice or interest. Taking this route comes with two benefits.

First, you will be updated with the latest knowledge base being offered by ITIL 4.

Second, you will get expertise in the field that you are working in.

2. Earn 17 credits from ITIL V3 and take up ITIL Managing Professional transition module:

If you have completed any module beyond ITIL Foundation and aim at taking up Managing Professional (ITIL MP) designation, you will have to continue with the ITIL V3 modules till you earn 17 credits mandatory for ITIL Managing Professional transition module. This will help you fast track your journey by eliminating the need for Managing Across the Lifecycle course and exam.

ITIL V3 Intermediate/Practitioner (High Credits)

If you have already earned 6 to 8 credits, the best way forward, for you, will be to continue with the ITIL V3 credentials till you earn the desired 17 credentials for a smooth transition to ITIL Managing Professionals module. This will help you fast track past the Managing Across the Lifecycle course and exam.

ITIL V3 Expert

If you have already achieved ITIL V3 Expert credential, it is advisable to take up ITIL Managing Professionals module. The module has not yet been released by AXELOS and if you have achieved ITIL V3 Expert credential, you will have to wait. Be on the lookout though! After taking up ITIL Managing Professionals module, if you are interested in pursuing the ITIL Strategic Leader stream, all you need to do is to complete the ITIL Leader Digital & Strategy module. Once you have completed both the modules, you will be eligible for ITIL Masters.

ITIL 4 is a very new certification course with the ITIL 4 Foundation exam starting from 28th of February 2019 and the rest of the modules not even been released by AXELOS. If you are looking to start your ITIL journey and are looking to know about the first certification in ITIL journey, here is a good read for you: “All you need to know about ITIL 4 Foundation”. Happy Learning!