IT Certification
How to Verify an ITIL Certification
Verify ITIL 4 Foundation, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader certifications through PeopleCert and Axelos. Understand the ITIL certification scheme, digital badge verification, and a checklist for IT service management hiring.
Quick answer
ITIL certifications are administered by PeopleCert (which acquired Axelos in 2021). Verify ITIL credentials through the PeopleCert Candidate Search at peoplecert.org, or by verifying the candidate's Credly digital badge. Confirm which ITIL version and level the certification covers.
ITIL 4 certification scheme
ITIL 4 (the current version, released 2019) has a multi-level certification scheme:
| Level | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | ITIL 4 Foundation | Entry-level; most common; covers core ITIL 4 concepts and Service Value System |
| Managing Professional (MP) | ITIL 4 MP (4 modules: CDS, DSV, HVIT, DPI) | Practitioner stream; requires passing 4 module exams plus Foundation |
| Strategic Leader (SL) | ITIL 4 SL (2 modules: DIS, DITS) | Leadership stream; focuses on digital strategy |
| Master | ITIL 4 Master | Highest level; requires MP + SL plus practical application submission |
Most job requirements specify “ITIL Foundation” — confirm whether the posting requires Foundation only or a higher level (MP or SL designation).
PeopleCert verification
PeopleCert is the exclusive global examination institute for ITIL certifications since Axelos's acquisition. All ITIL certificates issued from 2021 onward are PeopleCert records.
Verify ITIL credentials at: peoplecert.org → Verify Certificate (enter the Certificate ID from the candidate's certificate or digital badge). The portal confirms:
- Certificate holder name
- Certification title and version (ITIL 4 Foundation, ITIL 4 MP, etc.)
- Certificate ID and issue date
ITIL 4 Foundation certificates do not expire. However, some employers require recency — certifications earned on ITIL v3 (pre-2019) are based on an older framework. Confirm whether the employer accepts v3 or requires ITIL 4 specifically.
ITIL v3 vs. ITIL 4
ITIL v3 (the previous version, with 5 service lifecycle stages) is still valid but Axelos/PeopleCert ended new v3 exam availability in 2021. Holders of ITIL v3 Expert or Intermediate certifications have valid credentials, but they reflect the older framework.
Verify v3 certificates through PeopleCert as well — all historical Axelos exam records migrated to PeopleCert's system. If the candidate has a pre-2021 certificate, PeopleCert should still be able to confirm it via the Certificate ID.
Digital badge verification
PeopleCert issues Credly digital badges for ITIL certifications. Candidates can share a badge URL that allows direct employer verification. When a candidate shares a Credly badge link:
- Click the badge link to view the Credly badge page
- Confirm the earner name matches the candidate's identity
- Confirm the issuer shows PeopleCert (or Axelos for pre-2021 badges)
- Confirm the certification level and version
- Check the issue date — some employers specify a minimum recency
Verification checklist
- 1. Confirm which ITIL level is required — Foundation, MP, SL, or Master
- 2. Verify at peoplecert.org with the Certificate ID from the candidate's certificate
- 3. Confirm ITIL version — ITIL 4 vs. ITIL v3; confirm employer accepts the version presented
- 4. For digital badges: verify via Credly badge URL — confirm earner name, issuer, and certification level
- 5. For MP or SL designations: confirm all required module exams were passed (4 for MP, 2 for SL)
Verify IT and computer science program accreditation
IT and computer science degree programs from ABET-accredited or regionally accredited universities carry the most weight for technical hiring. Use VerifyED to confirm a candidate's degree program was properly accredited.
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