Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
Which type of risk is imposed on consumers by a service?
The correct answer is B. ITIL Version 5 explains that service consumers are concerned with two types of risk. The first type is risk reduced or fully removed from the consumer by the service. Examples include failure of the consumer's own server hardware or lack of staff availability. These risks are part of the provider's value proposition because the service helps the consumer avoid or reduce them. The second type is risk imposed on the consumer by the service, also called risks of service consumption. ITIL gives examples such as the service provider ceasing to operate or experiencing a security breach. Therefore, option B is correct. Option A and option C are examples of risks that a service may reduce or remove for the consumer. Option D is not a risk in this context; it is better understood as a cost imposed on the consumer, because ITIL lists staff training as part of the total cost of consuming a service.
Which of the following is an example of a service action?
The correct answer is D. In ITIL Version 5, service provision includes several elements: managing the provider's resources configured to deliver the service, ensuring access to those resources for users, fulfilling the agreed service actions, managing service levels, and continual improvement. Service actions are therefore activities performed by the service provider, or jointly with the consumer, as part of the agreed service delivery. A digital learning platform conducting a live online training session is a clear example because the provider is actively performing an agreed action for users. Option A is better described as providing access to a provider's resources, not a service action. Option B describes service consumption by the user, not an action performed by the service provider. Option C is the supply of goods, because a physical hardware token is delivered to the customer. ITIL recognizes that service provision may include supply of goods, but that is not the same as a service action.
Who is responsible for the procurement and use of services?
The correct answer is C. ITIL Version 5 defines a service consumer as an organization responsible for the procurement and use of services. This means the service consumer is the party that obtains services from a service provider and uses those services to enable value. Within a service consumer organization, ITIL identifies three important roles: customer, user, and sponsor. The customer defines service requirements and takes responsibility for outcomes. The user actually uses the service. The sponsor authorizes the budget for service consumption. However, the broader organization responsible for procuring and using the service is the service consumer. Option A is incorrect because the service provider is responsible for delivering and supporting services. Option B is incorrect because a digital product vendor provides or manages digital products, but this is not the ITIL definition asked here. Option D is incorrect because sponsors authorize the budget, but they are only one role within the service consumer organization.
Which BEST describes the principle of ''keep it simple and practical''?
The correct answer is A. The ITIL guiding principle ''keep it simple and practical'' states that organizations should always aim to minimize the number of steps needed to accomplish an objective. ITIL Version 5 recommends applying outcome-based thinking and eliminating any process, product, service, action, or metric that does not increase value or produce a useful outcome. ITIL also warns that trying to create a specific solution for every exception often leads to over-complication. Designers should think about exceptions, but they cannot practically cover them all with detailed procedures. Instead, they should design rules that can handle exceptions generally. This makes option A the best answer. Options B, C, and D directly contradict the principle because they encourage too many features, too many unique processes, and too many steps. ITIL emphasizes simplicity, value, autonomy, trust, and practical decision-making, especially in complex situations where rigid and overly detailed controls are often ineffective.
Which of the following activities BEST represents transfer of goods in a service offering?
ITIL Version 5 describes three forms of service relationships during delivery: access to resources, transfer of goods, and service actions. Transfer of goods refers to situations in which goods are provided to users as part of the service. In the deliver activity section, examples include non-returnable equipment and supplies, manuals, and access keys. Among the options, supplying new laptops to the customer best represents transfer of goods, so B is the correct answer. Option A is clearly access to resources because the user is accessing shared online storage. Options C and D are service actions because they involve support, training, or advice provided by the service provider. ITIL also notes that in some cases something may appear to be transfer of goods but is actually access to resources if ownership remains with the provider. However, in exam-style interpretation, ''supplies new laptops to the customer'' is the best available match to transfer of goods. Therefore, using the ITIL framework's service interaction categories, B is the strongest and verified answer.
How can continual improvement of value streams be achieved?
The correct answer is C. ITIL Version 5 explains that value streams are context-specific combinations of activities within an organization's value chain. These activities are enabled and supported by management practices. Therefore, continual improvement of value streams is achieved not only by mapping and analysing the flow of work, but also by improving the management practices that support and enable those value streams. ITIL describes management practices as organizational capabilities combining competencies, processes, methods, technology tools, and partners or suppliers. Improving these capabilities improves the organization's ability to perform value-creating work effectively. Option A is incorrect because external dependencies cannot usually be eliminated; organizations often rely on service networks, partners, and suppliers. Option B is incorrect because creating a new value stream for every product or service is unnecessary and may create complexity. Option D is incorrect because workflows vary by context, and ITIL recognizes that actual value streams are performed differently in real situations. The practical approach is continual mapping, analysis, and practice improvement.
Exam domains verified against: Official PeopleCert ITIL-5-Foundation exam guide, last checked October 2026.
Understand how value is created, delivered and continuously improved across digital product and service lifecycles. Learn the distinction between products and services in technology-driven environments where rapid adaptation to changing customer needs is essential.
Explore how value emerges through collaboration between service providers, consumers and stakeholders. Learn to balance multiple perspectives including outcomes, costs, risks, experience and sustainability.
Sample question from this domain above: Q2
Study the holistic approach covering organizations and people, information and technology, partners and suppliers, and value streams and processes. Understand how each dimension contributes to effective digital product and service management.
Sample question from this domain above: Q6
Learn how guiding principles, governance, value chain activities, management practices and continual improvement work together to create value. Understand the integration of all SVS components in real organizational contexts.
Master the seven guiding principles that provide universal guidance for decision-making and effective collaboration across organizations. Apply these principles to adapt ITIL practices to real-world digital environments regardless of context.
Study the eight lifecycle activities from discover through retire that replace ITIL 4's service value chain. Understand end-to-end guidance from initial concept identification through safe decommissioning of products and services.
Explore how ITIL's 34 management practices provide consistent effective ways of working across organizations. Learn the purpose and basic concepts of key practices across general management, service management and technical management categories.
Learn how to identify, map and manage value streams to improve flow, visibility and outcomes. Apply value stream thinking to identify bottlenecks, eliminate waste and optimize end-to-end delivery.
Master the step-by-step approach for driving organizational improvement through the seven-question model. Apply continual improvement principles to support long-term success and maintain improvement momentum.
While not part of the Foundation exam, ITIL v5 includes an AI Governance extension module that addresses the ethical, compliant, and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence. This optional certification focuses on risk management, transparency, accountability, and regulatory considerations in AI deployment.
Common questions about the exam itself