ITIL® 4 vs ITIL® 5 Cost 2026: Exam Fees, Training & Total Price Compared
Quick Summary: In CertScope's cost guides, the ITIL® 4 Foundation exam is listed at $350–$390 in the US and the ITIL® 5 Foundation voucher at about $550 in the US. Both exams are 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes with a 65% pass mark. Training adds roughly $300–$800 for a live online ITIL 4 course; ITIL 5 live online courses run $350–$600 and usually include the exam voucher. If you already hold ITIL 4 Foundation, a 1-day bridge course (about $150–$300 plus the exam fee) is the usual route to ITIL 5.
ITIL® 4 vs ITIL® 5: Cost at a Glance
| ITIL® 4 Foundation | ITIL® 5 Foundation | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam format | 40 questions, 60 minutes, 65% to pass | 40 questions, 60 minutes, 65% to pass |
| Exam fee (US) | $350–$390 | ~$550 |
| Exam fee (UK) | £275–£300 | ~£395 |
| Exam fee (Germany / Netherlands) | €320–€380 (Germany) | ~€420 (Germany, France, Netherlands) |
| Exam fee (India) | ₹8,500–₹12,000 | ~$350–$380 |
| Live online training | $300–$800 (2 days), exam bought separately | $350–$600, exam voucher usually included |
| Self-paced course | $50–$200 | $100–$250 |
| In-person classroom | $600–$1,500 | $700–$1,400 |
| Does it expire? | No | — |
Figures come from CertScope's ITIL 4 Foundation cost guide and ITIL 5 certification cost guide. They are approximate and vary by country, testing mode and training provider — always confirm the current fee with PeopleCert or your provider before you book.
Exam Fees by Country
The exam is administered by PeopleCert, and the price depends on your country of residence.
| Country | ITIL® 4 Foundation | ITIL® 5 Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $350–$390 | ~$550 |
| United Kingdom | £275–£300 | |
| Germany | €320–€380 | |
| India | ₹8,500–₹12,000 | ~$350–$380 |
| Singapore | SGD 450–SGD 550 | ~$400–$450 (Singapore, Hong Kong) |
| UAE | AED 1,200–AED 1,500 | ~$450–$500 (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) |
The two guides list some countries in local currency and others in US dollars, so compare the columns as a guide rather than to the last digit.
What You Actually Pay: Total Cost Scenarios
ITIL® 4 Foundation (US, per our ITIL 4 guide)
| Scenario | Total |
|---|---|
| Self-study + exam | ~$410 |
| Online course + exam | ~$500 |
| Live training + exam | ~$700–$900 |
ITIL® 5 Foundation (per our ITIL 5 guide)
| Option | Total (training with exam voucher) |
|---|---|
| Budget (self-paced) | ~$200–$350 |
| Mid-range (live online) | ~$400–$600 |
| Premium (classroom) | ~$800–$950 |
The main difference to watch is what the price includes. ITIL 4 prices in our guide treat the exam as a separate purchase, while ITIL 5 live courses usually bundle the voucher into the course fee, which is often cheaper than buying the two separately.
Already Hold ITIL® 4 Foundation?
You do not need to repeat Foundation. ITIL 4 Foundation does not expire, and the usual path to ITIL 5 is a 1-day bridge course, which typically costs $150–$300 plus the exam fee. For a full breakdown of what changed between the versions, see our guide to ITIL 5 vs ITIL 4: key differences and whether to upgrade.
Starting from Scratch?
If you are new to ITIL, ITIL® 5 is the current version, so most new candidates go straight to it. A live online course with the exam voucher included is the simplest way to budget, because there is no separate exam purchase to track.
How to Lower the Cost
- Choose a course that includes the exam voucher. Buying them together is usually cheaper than buying separately.
- Ask your employer. ITIL is widely requested in service desk, IT operations and service management roles, and many employers reimburse it.
- Time your purchase. PeopleCert and training providers run occasional promotions on vouchers.
- Pick the right format. Live online sits between self-study and classroom on price, with instructor support.
Which Should You Choose?
- New to ITIL: ITIL 5 Foundation, with a bundled course and voucher.
- Hold ITIL 4 Foundation: the 1-day bridge course, rather than starting again.
- Targeting a job that still lists ITIL 4: check the posting. ITIL 4 Foundation does not expire, so you can keep it while you decide whether to bridge.
Ready to certify? See upcoming dates and pricing for ITIL® 5 Foundation Certification Training or browse live batches and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ITIL 5 more expensive than ITIL 4? In CertScope's guides the ITIL 5 exam voucher is listed higher than the ITIL 4 exam in the US ($550 vs $350–$390), but ITIL 5 live courses typically include the voucher, so compare the all-in price of the course you choose rather than the voucher alone. Check the current PeopleCert price before booking.
Do I have to take ITIL 5 if I have ITIL 4? No. ITIL 4 Foundation does not expire. The bridge course is for people who want to move to ITIL 5.
How many questions are on the exam? Both Foundation exams have 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, and a 65% pass mark (26 correct answers).
What is the cheapest way to get certified? Self-study plus the exam voucher is the lowest cash cost, but a bundled course usually improves first-attempt pass rates. Our ITIL 5 guide puts the minimum realistic cost at about $250–$350 with an affordable course that includes the voucher.
Where can I see detailed prices for my country? See the ITIL 4 cost-by-country guide and the ITIL 5 certification cost guide.
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