ITIL 5 Foundation: Overview

What ITIL Foundation (Version 5) covers, who it suits, and how it differs from ITIL 4 - a quick orientation.

This article is a plain-English orientation to ITIL Foundation (Version 5).

What ITIL 5 Foundation is

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the entry point into the latest version of the ITIL service-management framework. It introduces the core concepts, vocabulary, and practices that the rest of the scheme builds on.

Who it’s for

Anyone working in or around IT service delivery - support, operations, project, and management roles - who wants a current, recognized grounding in ITIL.

How it differs from ITIL 4

ITIL 5 builds on ITIL 4 rather than replacing everything you know. If you already hold ITIL 4, see Upgrade to ITIL Version 5 for the bridge route.

Next steps

Ready to train? Explore the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) course, or talk to us about group training.

Need help?

Our team is here to help - contact us and we'll get you an answer.

Last updated June 17, 2026