Does ITIL 4 Foundation Expire? Renewal Options Explained

ITIL(Information Technology Infrastructure Library) has long been the gold standard for aligning IT services with business needs. For many years, obtaining an ITIL certification was a significant career milestone that required no renewal. However, with the introduction of ITIL 4, that has changed.

With the release of ITIL 4, certifications now require renewal every three years by accruing a set number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points annually before its expiration date. You can also renew your certification by retaking the ITIL 4 Foundation or higher-level exams. If you're an ITIL 4 Foundation certification holder or are considering becoming one, understanding the renewal process is crucial to maintaining your certification.

In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about the ITIL 4 Foundation certification renewal process, including why certifications expire, your renewal options, and how to plan your next steps. Whether you're a seasoned ITIL veteran or new to the framework, this guide will help you navigate the new landscape of ITIL certification and ensure that you remain at the forefront of IT service management excellence.

Do ITIL 4 Certifications Have an Expiry Date?

If you've earned your ITIL 4 certification, you're already aware of its benefits for your career in IT service management. However, to maintain these advantages and keep your credentials relevant, it’s essential to stay current with industry standards and best practices. This is why renewing your ITIL 4 certification is crucial.

The ITIL framework evolves continually to keep pace with technological advancements and industry trends. By renewing your certification every three years, you ensure that your knowledge remains up-to-date, allowing you to implement the latest IT service management strategies effectively. This renewal not only maintains your competitive edge in the job market but also ensures that your skills align with current industry practices, keeping you well-prepared to meet the demands of your organization.

Renewing Your ITIL 4 Certification: What You Need to Know

If you've earned your ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you know how it benefits your career in IT service management. However, to maintain these benefits, staying current with industry standards and best practices is crucial, which makes renewing your ITIL 4 Foundation certification essential.

Why Renewal is Important

The ITIL framework evolves continually to keep pace with technological advancements and industry trends. Renewing your ITIL 4 certification ensures that your knowledge remains up-to-date, allowing you to implement the latest IT service management strategies effectively. This renewal not only maintains your competitive edge in the job market but also ensures that your skills align with current industry practices, keeping you well-prepared to meet the demands of your organization.

ITIL 4 Foundation Certification Renewal Requirements

To renew your ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you generally have two main options:

Strategy	Description
Accumulate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points	Engage in approved professional development activities through PeopleCert's CPD program, including attending workshops, completing courses, and participating in community events. Collect at least 20 CPD points from various categories annually, consistently over three years, to renew your certification.
Take Another Exam in the Same Product Suite:	Renew your ITIL 4 certification by taking another exam within the same product suite. For example, if you have held an ITIL 4 Foundation certification for a couple of years, taking and passing an ITIL 4 Specialist exam, such as ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support, will renew your Foundation certification as well. However, note that obtaining a certification from a different suite, such as PRINCE2, will not renew your ITIL 4 certification.
Retake the Certification Exam	Renew your ITIL 4 Foundation certification by retaking and passing the certification exam before it expires. This method ensures a formal reassessment of your ITIL knowledge and skills, granting another certification cycle upon passing.

Among the various methods for maintaining ITIL certifications, obtaining additional ITIL certifications stands out as the most straightforward and efficient. This approach not only renews your existing certification but also adds a new qualification to your resume, making it a win-win scenario. Retaking the same exam you've already passed can feel redundant, and the CPD program, while valuable, can be confusing and time-consuming.

Key Steps for Renewing Your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification

Following a structured renewal process is essential to maintain your ITIL 4 Foundation certification and ensure your skills remain current. Below are the key steps to renew your certification and stay current with the latest IT service management practices.

Action	Description
Track Your CPD Activities	If you choose to renew your certification by acquiring CPD points, use PeopleCert's CPD tool to log professional development activities. You must achieve 20 CPD points annually for three years.
Stay Informed on ITIL Updates	Regularly check for ITIL updates from PeopleCert. Be aware of any changes to the framework or additional renewal and certification requirements.
Engage with the ITIL Community	Join ITIL user groups and networks to stay updated on trends and best practices, contributing to your CPD points.
Consider Additional ITIL Certifications	You can renew your certification by retaking the ITIL 4 Foundation certification before your current certification's expiration date. Additionally, you can pursue certifications like ITIL Specialist, Strategist, or Leader to enhance your expertise. Higher-level certifications automatically renew your ITIL 4 Foundation certification.

Benefits of Renewing Your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification

Renewing your ITIL 4 Foundation certification is more than just updating a certificate—it's a smart move for your career. It shows you're serious about keeping up with the latest IT service management methodologies. By renewing, you learn new skills, make yourself more valuable at work, and meet other professionals in your field. These benefits can help you get ahead, whether you're looking to move up in your current job or find new opportunities.

Here’s how renewing your ITIL 4 Foundation certification can help you grow professionally:

• Career Advancement: Maintaining your ITIL 4 Foundation certification demonstrates your ongoing commitment to professional development, making you more attractive to employers and increasing your chances for promotions and salary increases.
• Updated Knowledge: Renewal ensures you are equipped with the latest ITIL practices, allowing you to implement cutting-edge strategies in your organization.
• Networking Opportunities: Engaging in CPD activities often leads to networking opportunities with other ITIL professionals, expanding your professional network and opening doors to new career opportunities.

7 Common Pitfalls to Avoid in the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification Renewal Process

Renewing your ITIL 4 Foundation certification is critical in maintaining your professional standing in IT service management. However, you may encounter several common pitfalls during the renewal process. Knowing these pitfalls can help avoid setbacks and ensure a smooth renewal experience.

1. Procrastination and Last-Minute Rush

One of the most common pitfalls is waiting until the last minute to begin the renewal process. Whether accumulating your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points or preparing to retake the certification exam, waiting until the last minute will cause unnecessary stress and potential delays. To avoid this, start tracking your CPD activities early and set reminders before your certification expiration date.

2. Misunderstanding CPD Points Requirements

Another frequent issue is misunderstanding the CPD requirements. Suppose you don't know what qualifies as CPD activity or how many points you must accrue annually. In that case, it could lead to you not having enough points, jeopardizing your ability to renew your certification. Ensure you thoroughly review PeopleCert's CPD guidelines and utilize their CPD tracking tool to keep track of your points.

3. Failure to Stay Updated

The ITIL framework and the requirements for maintaining your certification are continually evolving. Failing to stay informed about updates from PeopleCert can result in missing crucial changes that affect your renewal. Regularly check official communications and ITIL-related news to stay ahead of any updates that might impact your certification status.

4. Neglecting to Document CPD Activities

While participating in CPD activities is essential, it's equally important to document these activities properly. Suppose you don't log your learning and community events activities, or you log them incorrectly. In that case, your oversight can lead to a shortfall in the required CPD points for your certification renewal. Keeping detailed records and regularly updating your CPD log on the PeopleCert platform is crucial.

5. Overlooking Additional Certification Opportunities

If you focus solely on maintaining your current ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you may overlook the potential benefits of pursuing higher-level ITIL certifications. These additional higher-level certifications contribute to your CPD points and enhance your skillset and marketability. Take advantage of opportunities to expand your expertise within the ITIL framework.

6. Inadequate Exam Preparation (If Retaking)

If you opt to retake the ITIL 4 Foundation exam as your renewal method, be sure you spend adequate time preparing to retake the certification exam. You might underestimate the need for a thorough review, assuming your initial certification preparation is sufficient. However, the exam content may have evolved, and refreshing your knowledge with the latest materials is crucial for success.

7. Ignoring the Importance of Community Engagement

Engaging with the ITIL community offers more than just CPD points—it provides valuable networking opportunities and insights into best practices. You don’t want to neglect this aspect of your CPD because you will miss the collaborative benefits and professional growth from active participation in ITIL forums, user groups, and events.

Conclusion

Renewing your ITIL 4 Foundation certification is vital in maintaining your relevance and expertise in IT service management. Whether you accumulate CPD points or retake the certification exam, staying proactive in your renewal process will ensure you continue to reap the benefits of your ITIL certification throughout your career.