ITIL 4 Certification Expiration: What Happens If You Don’t Renew?

 ITIL 4 is one of the most respected frameworks in the world of IT Service Management (ITSM). Earning an ITIL 4 certification is a major milestone, validating your expertise in delivering and managing IT-enabled services. But did you know your ITIL 4 certification has an expiration date?

In 2023, Axelos—the governing body behind ITIL—introduced a new renewal policy. Under this rule, all ITIL 4 Renewal certifications are valid for three years from the date of certification. If you don't renew within that period, your certification status becomes inactive. But what does that mean, and how does it affect your career?

Let’s explore the consequences of letting your ITIL 4 certification expire and why timely renewal matters.



What Happens If You Don’t Renew?

  1. Loss of Active Certification Status
     Once your certification expires, it will no longer be considered active in Axelos’ records. This means you won’t appear as a certified professional in their official Successful Candidates Register unless you renew. Employers or clients searching for certified professionals will not be able to validate your certification status, which could damage your credibility.

  2. Reduced Career Opportunities
     Many organizations now expect ITSM professionals to have up-to-date certifications, especially for leadership or consulting roles. An expired ITIL 4 Certification Expiration might disqualify you from promotions or job openings, as companies prefer professionals who demonstrate ongoing commitment to their field.

  3. Compliance Risks
     For some companies, especially those working with government or regulated sectors, having a team with current certifications is often a compliance requirement. If your certification lapses, you may no longer be eligible to work on specific projects or accounts that demand compliance-based qualifications.

  4. Missed Industry Updates
     ITIL 4 is continuously evolving to align with new technologies and methodologies such as Agile, DevOps, and AI. Not renewing your certification means missing out on these advancements and best practices, potentially leaving your skills outdated.

How to Renew Your ITIL 4 Certification

To prevent your certification from expiring, you have three options:

  • Retake the same certification exam before the three-year period ends.

  • Take a new ITIL 4 certification at the same or higher level (e.g., progressing from ITIL 4 Foundation to ITIL 4 Managing Professional).

  • Earn and log 60 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points via MyAxelos, the official platform for tracking professional development. This option is ideal for professionals who want to maintain certification without retesting.

Each of these methods ensures that your certification remains active and recognized in the industry.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Renewing your ITIL 4 certification isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about staying competitive. With ITSM practices evolving rapidly, professionals must demonstrate both commitment and current knowledge. A valid ITIL certification reflects your readiness to support digital transformation, customer-centric service delivery, and resilient IT operations.

If your certification is nearing expiration, assess your renewal options now. Whether through CPD, upskilling to a higher level, or retaking the exam, renewing your ITIL 4 certification is an investment in your long-term career growth.

Bottom Line:
 Letting your ITIL Certification expire can impact your job prospects, compliance eligibility, and professional credibility. To remain a trusted ITSM expert, make renewal part of your career strategy.

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