Last updated June 2026 based on current PeopleCert exam guidance.
ITIL (Version 5) advanced certifications now include open-book exams. This does not lower the bar. Instead, it changes the challenge from memorization to application, interpretation, and confident use of official guidance.
Open-book exams are about capability, not shortcuts.
Learners still need to understand the material, connect concepts across the guidance, and apply recommendations to scenario-based questions.
For ITIL (Version 5), this shift aligns with the broader move toward Digital Product and Service Management (DPSM), where professionals are expected to use trusted sources to make informed decisions in real-world situations.
How preparation changes
Hardcopy and digital publication options
During eligible open-book exams, learners may use either the official ITIL (Version 5) hardcopy publication or the official eBook through the VitalSource Bookshelf app on a second device, in line with current exam guidelines. The second device must be set to airplane mode.
Need the official hardcopy book?
Order official ITIL (Version 5) hardcopy publications from ITSM Academy.
PeopleCert Plus and digital access
PeopleCert Plus provides access to official digital publications for eligible ITIL (Version 5) certifications, along with supporting resources such as the official syllabus, sample exams, and glossary.
What this means for organizations
Open-book exams reinforce an important shift: ITIL training is not only about certification. It is about building capability. Learners who come prepared to work with the guidance are better positioned to participate actively in class and apply what they learn after training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ITIL (Version 5) advanced exams open-book?
Yes. ITIL (Version 5) advanced certifications include open-book exams. Learners are expected to understand the material and use the official guidance effectively during scenario-based questions.
Which ITIL (Version 5) certifications use open-book exams?
Open-book exams are used for advanced ITIL (Version 5) certifications, including ITIL Product, Service, Experience, Strategy, Transformation, AI Governance, and Managing Professional Transition (MPT).
Does open-book mean the exam is easier?
No. Open-book does not mean easy. The exam shifts the emphasis from memorization to application, interpretation, and the ability to locate and use relevant guidance quickly.
What materials can I use during an ITIL open-book exam?
For eligible exams, learners may use the official hardcopy publication or the official eBook through the VitalSource Bookshelf app on a second device, according to current exam guidelines.
Can I use notes, highlights, or tabs in the official book?
Learners may use approved annotations, highlights, and tabs in the official publication. Notes written in the blank pages of the official book may also be used. Loose-leaf notes and unofficial printed copies are not permitted.
Can I use the ITSM Academy learner manual during the exam?
No. The ITSM Academy learner manual and other unofficial books or printed materials are not approved for use during the open-book exam.
Should I buy the hardcopy book?
Many learners prefer the hardcopy publication because it allows them to highlight, tab, annotate, and quickly navigate the guidance while preparing. The best format depends on how you study and how comfortable you are navigating digital materials. Official ITIL (Version 5) hardcopy publications are available here.
How should I prepare differently for an open-book exam?
Preparation should focus on understanding concepts, knowing where key topics are located, practicing with scenarios, and becoming comfortable using the official publication as a working reference.
Where can I order official ITIL (Version 5) hardcopy publications?
Official ITIL (Version 5) hardcopy publications are available through ITSM Academy. View available ITIL books and publications.
Related ITIL (Version 5) resources