The exam at a glance
The ITIL Foundation exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes, with a pass mark of 65% (26 out of 40 correct). It is a closed-book exam — no notes, no reference materials, no internet access during the test. The exam is available in multiple languages and can be taken either online with a remote proctor or in person at a Pearson VUE test centre.
Unlike some IT certifications, ITIL Foundation has no prerequisites. Anyone can register and sit the exam regardless of experience level, though PeopleCert recommends some familiarity with IT service delivery before attempting it.
Question types you will actually see
Almost all questions are standard four-option multiple choice — read a scenario or statement, select the single best answer. A smaller number of questions use a "missing word" format, where a sentence has a blank and you choose which term correctly completes it — these typically test mnemonics and specific terminology like the guiding principles or the four dimensions.
There are no drag-and-drop questions, no multi-select ("choose two") questions, and no simulations in the Foundation exam — those formats appear in higher-level ITIL certifications, not Foundation. Every question on the real exam has exactly one correct answer among four options.
Booking and exam day logistics
Exams are purchased through PeopleCert directly, or via an accredited training organisation if you took a paid course. Once purchased, you receive a voucher code and can schedule your sitting through the PeopleCert portal, choosing either an online proctored session or an in-person Pearson VUE test centre slot.
For online exams, you need a working webcam, a quiet private room, valid photo ID, and a stable internet connection. The proctor will ask you to scan the room with your webcam before starting to confirm no unauthorised materials are present. Some candidates find this process stressful the first time — doing a system check the day before is worth the ten minutes it takes.
For test centre exams, arrive at least 15 minutes early with valid photo ID. No personal items are allowed at the desk — phones, watches, and bags are stored in a locker. Scratch paper or a whiteboard is usually provided by the centre if needed for working through scenarios.
What to bring and what is provided
Bring: valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name exactly. That is genuinely the only thing you need to bring to a test centre.
Provided: the computer, the exam software, scratch materials if permitted by the centre, and — for online exams — the proctoring software which you install ahead of time following PeopleCert's instructions.
Not allowed: phones, smartwatches, notes, textbooks, calculators (not needed for this exam), or any communication device. For online exams, a second monitor typically must be disconnected or the proctor will ask you to remove it from view.
Results and certification
Results are provided immediately after submitting the exam on screen, showing your score and pass/fail status. An official certificate follows by email within a few business days, and can usually be downloaded as a PDF from your PeopleCert account.
The ITIL Foundation certification does not expire — it is valid for life, unlike some other Foundation-level IT certifications. There is no continuing education requirement to maintain it, and no annual fee.
Ready to practice under real conditions?
Our mock exams run the exact 60-minute timer and 65% pass mark you'll see on exam day.