ITIL Certification Renewal: A Complete Guide

Before You Read

1. ITIL® 4 and ITIL® (Version 5) certifications must be renewed every three years

2. You can renew by retaking the same exam or earning another ITIL® certification

3. PeopleCert Plus members can renew by logging 20 CPD points yearly for three years

4. A new certification in the ITIL Product Suite renews all certifications in that suite

What happens when your ITIL® Certification reaches its renewal date? Does it expire automatically, or can you extend its validity? If these questions have crossed your mind, you're in the right place. Understanding the renewal process can help you avoid last-minute confusion and keep your professional credentials current.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about ITIL® Certification Renewal, from validity periods and renewal requirements to the different ways you can renew. Read on to find the approach that works best for you.

A Brief About ITIL® Certification

ITIL® certification validates knowledge and capabilities in digital product and service management using ITIL guidance. The current ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme begins with Foundation and provides progression into advanced certifications and professional designations.

ITIL® 4 and ITIL® (Version 5) certifications should be renewed every three years to remain current. Renewal helps professionals demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and staying relevant in IT Service Management (ITSM).

What are the Main ITIL® Certifications?

ITIL® offers a range of certifications designed for professionals at different stages of their careers. From foundational knowledge to advanced expertise, these certifications help individuals develop skills in IT Service Management and digital service delivery. Let's explore some of the key ITIL® (Version 5) certifications:

1) ITIL® Foundation (Version 5): The entry point to ITIL®, covering core concepts and practices for digital product and service management.

2) ITIL® Product: Focuses on managing digital products across their lifecycle.

3) ITIL® Service: Covers resilient service delivery, service levels, operations and continual improvement.

4) ITIL® Experience: Focuses on human-centred experience, trust and value creation.

5) ITIL® Strategy: Covers strategic alignment between business goals, technology and investment.

6) ITIL® Transformation: Focuses on embedding and sustaining organisational and digital change.

Trainer’s Pro Tip

If you hold multiple ITIL® certifications, plan your next certification strategically. Passing another certification within the same ITIL Product Suite can renew all certifications you hold in that suite, helping you combine renewal with continued progression.

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How to Renew ITIL® Certification?

There are three ways to keep eligible ITIL® certifications current. You can renew by retaking the same certification, earning another certification within the same ITIL Product Suite, or using the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) route through PeopleCert Plus. ITIL® certifications covered by the policy must be renewed every three years from their original certification date.

1) Retake the Same ITIL® Certification

You can renew your ITIL® certification by retaking and passing the same certification exam. Once you pass, the certification is renewed, and its renewal date is updated.

2) Earn Another ITIL® Certification

You can also renew by completing another certification within the same ITIL Product Suite before your renewal date. A Product Suite refers to a group of related certifications offered under the same certification programme, such as ITIL®.

When you achieve a new certification in the same Product Suite, all certifications you hold within that suite are renewed. This allows you to maintain existing certifications while progressing to another ITIL® qualification.

For example, if you hold ITIL® 4 certifications and pass the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) exam, your existing ITIL® 4 certifications will also be renewed.

3) Renew Through Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

PeopleCert Plus members can renew through the Continuous Professional Development programme by logging 20 CPD points each year for three consecutive years. Maintaining continuous PeopleCert Plus membership during this period is required.

CPD points can be earned through activities related to professional experience, education and community engagement. However, at least five of the 20 required points must come from professional experience each year.

Remember

If you choose the CPD route, begin logging CPD points from your first year and continue each year throughout the renewal period.

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What Happens if You Don't Renew ITIL® Certification?

If you don't renew your ITIL® certification within the required three-year period, your certification will be marked as outdated or 'Not Current' in certification records. However, your achievement will remain listed in the Successful Candidates Register (SCR) and Candidate Verification Service, with a note indicating that renewal is required. This may affect how employers view your certification status.

How Does ITIL® Certification Renewal Help?

Keeping certifications current helps professionals demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and a commitment to continuous professional development. It also helps maintain professional credibility and shows employers that their credentials remain current.

Renewal also provides opportunities to expand expertise and support career progression. By engaging in professional development activities or pursuing additional qualifications, professionals can strengthen their skills and stay informed about emerging IT service management practices.

Quick Check

Which of the following is a key benefit of keeping an ITIL® certification current?

A. Removing the need for future learning

B. Demonstrating up-to-date knowledge and continued development

C. Automatically earning a higher ITIL® designation

D. Extending certification without meeting renewal requirements

Answer: B. Demonstrating up-to-date knowledge and continued development

Keeping track of your renewal date and planning ahead makes ITIL® certification renewal easier to manage. With multiple renewal routes available, you can choose an appropriate approach while keeping your certification current.

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