Credential type: professional designation earned by examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page
Scheduled retirement
PeopleCert (AXELOS) retires ITIL 4 SL on 2027-12-31. ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) is the named replacement path.
No direct replacement is named in the reviewed official sources.
The ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL) certification, administered by PeopleCert (AXELOS), focuses on the intersection of IT and business strategy. It covers two primary domains: ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve and ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy. This certification helps professionals navigate the complexities of digital transformation and align IT services with organizational goals. It is a linear exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions designed to test your mastery of strategic service management concepts and leadership practices within modern digital environments.
This certification is intended for established and aspiring IT leaders who need to manage digital transformation. It is highly suitable for professionals responsible for aligning IT-enabled products and services with business strategy and those managing complex service management environments within their organizations.
Review the official PeopleCert (AXELOS) study documentation to understand the service value system and management practices. Focus on the integration of digital strategy with service management. Since the exam is a 90-minute linear test, practice answering 40 multiple-choice questions within the time limit. Ensure you understand the transition to ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) before beginning your studies to ensure your certification remains relevant for your career goals.
This domain covers the practical application of the service value system. It focuses on how to direct, plan, and improve organizational activities to ensure value creation through service management practices and effective governance structures.
This domain addresses the strategic role of IT in the digital era. It provides guidance on how to formulate digital and IT strategies that support business objectives and manage digital transformation initiatives effectively.
The exam is a 90-minute linear session. You must answer 40 multiple-choice questions. Ensure you meet the 70 percent passing score. Manage your time effectively across all questions to complete the exam within the allotted duration and verify your answers before submission.
The ITIL 4 Strategic Leader exam consists of exactly 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates should be prepared to answer all of these within the allotted time to ensure they have the best opportunity to pass the certification assessment successfully.
Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70 percent to earn the certification. It is important to review all study materials to ensure you meet this requirement during your official exam session at a testing center.
The exam is a 90-minute session. This duration is designed to allow candidates sufficient time to read and answer all 40 questions provided in the linear format while maintaining focus on the core strategic management concepts covered.
The exam price is 430 dollars. This fee covers the cost of the certification attempt and provides access to the necessary testing environment required to complete your ITIL 4 Strategic Leader qualification before the scheduled retirement date.
Verified 2026-08-30
This editorial was compiled by reviewing official PeopleCert (AXELOS) documentation and third-party exam guides to ensure all facts regarding the retirement and successor path are accurate and current for all certification candidates.