The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is the entry-level step in ITIL, the IT service management framework owned by PeopleCert. The exam is 40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes, closed book, and you need 65 percent to pass. PeopleCert has released ITIL (Version 5) and plans to sunset ITIL 4 modules on December 31, 2027, but it says ITIL 4 qualifications stay valid prerequisites for the higher-level Version 5 modules.
What is ITIL 4 Foundation?
ITIL is a framework for how organizations plan, deliver and improve IT services. Foundation teaches the vocabulary and the core ideas, such as the service value system, the guiding principles and the main practices like incident, problem and change.
It's useful for help desk and service desk staff, IT operations people, and anyone whose company runs on a service management tool like ServiceNow. You don't need prior ITIL experience to start.
What is the ITIL 4 Foundation exam like?
Exam detail: ITIL 4 Foundation
- Questions: 40
- Format: Multiple choice
- Time: 60 minutes
- Book: Closed book
- Passing score: 65 percent
- Renewal: Every 3 years
At 65 percent, you need 26 of 40 correct to pass.
How do you renew ITIL 4 Foundation?
PeopleCert issues the certificate with a three-year renewal date. You can renew one of three ways.
- Join PeopleCert Plus and log 20 CPD points a year for three years, 60 in total.
- Pass another certification from the same product suite. PeopleCert says passing any ITIL (Version 5) certification also renews ITIL 4 certifications.
- Retake the same certification.
Should I take ITIL 4 Foundation or wait for ITIL 5?
Here's how I'd think about it. PeopleCert's plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on December 31, 2027. So if you want the newest version on your resume, ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the one to target.
That said, an ITIL 4 Foundation certificate isn't wasted. PeopleCert says ITIL 4 qualifications are fully recognized as prerequisites for all higher-level Version 5 certifications, so you don't have to retake Foundation to move up. If you want the Version 5 Foundation certificate later, PeopleCert offers an optional one-day ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) course with a short exam.
- Status
ITIL 4 Foundation: Current, sunset planned December 31, 2027
ITIL Foundation (Version 5): Released - Exam style
ITIL 4 Foundation: Closed book, multiple choice
ITIL Foundation (Version 5): Closed book, multiple choice - Counts toward Version 5 higher levels
ITIL 4 Foundation: Yes
ITIL Foundation (Version 5): Yes - Renewal
ITIL 4 Foundation: Every 3 years
ITIL Foundation (Version 5): Every 3 years
If your employer or a contract asks for ITIL 4 by name, ITIL 4 Foundation still makes sense.
How can Accumentum help with ITIL?
Our ITIL 4 Foundation training course covers the ITIL 4 exam areas in 10 modules, and the course page says no prior ITIL experience is needed. Basic IT knowledge helps.
If you want to pay over time, PathPay® spreads an eligible course over 3 to 18 months. It's a payment plan, not a loan or insurance, and eligibility is confirmed at checkout.
I'll be upfront about two gaps. PathPass® doesn't have an ITIL practice bank right now. And PathLock™ lists PeopleCert (ITIL) packs as coming next, not live. If you need help picking between ITIL and another certification, email info@accumentum.net or use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ITIL 4 Foundation exam?
40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes, closed book. You need 65 percent, or 26 correct, to pass.
Does ITIL 4 Foundation expire?
It carries a three-year renewal date. You renew with 60 CPD points through PeopleCert Plus, by passing another ITIL certification, or by retaking the exam.
When does ITIL 4 retire?
PeopleCert's current plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on December 31, 2027.
Is ITIL 4 Foundation still worth it with ITIL 5 out?
It can be. PeopleCert recognizes ITIL 4 qualifications as prerequisites for Version 5 higher-level modules, and an optional one-day Bridge course updates you to the Version 5 Foundation certificate.
Do I need training to take ITIL Foundation (Version 5)?
No. PeopleCert says training isn't mandatory for ITIL Foundation (Version 5), and you can self-study.
Sources
Official facts checked Sep 28, 2026.
- PeopleCert, ITIL 4 Foundation (exam format, passing score, renewal): https://www.peoplecert.org/browse-certifications/it-governance-and-service-management/ITIL-1/itil-4-foundation-2565
- PeopleCert, ITIL FAQ (Version 5, sunset date, Bridge, renewal routes, training rules): https://www.peoplecert.org/help-and-support/faq-itil
Accumentum facts come from the live ITIL 4 Foundation course page, /pathpay/, /pathpass/ and /pathlock/ on accumentum.net.
