ITIL Master (Version 5): More Than a Badge

I was honoured to be featured recently in an ITIL Master (Version 5): enhancing career credibility case study published by PeopleCert. The article reflects on my journey from ITIL 4 Master to ITIL Master (Version 5) and, more importantly, why I believe the latest evolution of ITIL matters for organisations navigating constant change.

One of the key messages from the case study is that the future is not about choosing between products and services. It is about understanding how the two work together. Services are built on products, and products only deliver value when they are supported by effective services. ITIL (Version 5) recognises this reality and encourages a more joined-up approach that helps break down silos and improve the overall customer experience.

What resonated most with me is that the qualification journey is not really about collecting certifications. It is about gaining knowledge that can be applied to real challenges. At Runshaw College, our own digital product and service management journey, along with our work on AI governance and continual improvement, meant many of these concepts were already becoming part of everyday practice. The new ITIL guidance helped provide structure, shared language and fresh ideas to continue moving forward.

For anyone working in IT, digital transformation, service management or leadership, the biggest lesson is simple. Professional credibility comes not from passing exams, but from applying what you learn to make things better for customers, colleagues and organisations. Certifications may open doors, but practical improvement is what creates lasting value.

If you’re interested in reading the full case study, you can view it here:

https://www.itil.com/Itil-News-and-Announcements/itil-master-version-5-enhancing-career-credibility

If you’d like to learn more about the power of Digital Product & Service Management you can also check out this article:

Digital Product & Service Management: The Lifecycle That Finally Made It All Make Sense

My 1TakeOn

Sometimes the most valuable part of a learning journey isn’t the destination. It’s discovering new ways to connect people, products and services to create better outcomes.