Top ITIL 4 Certification Books: 30+ Must-Reads for 2025

Are you looking to enhance your IT Service Management (ITSM) skills and pursue ITIL certification?
A well-structured study plan and quality study materials are essential for success. ITIL books are a valuable resource to help you understand ITIL concepts, best practices, and prepare for the certification exams.

ITIL, or Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a globally recognized framework that provides a set of best practices for managing IT services. By obtaining ITIL certification, you can demonstrate your expertise in ITSM and improve your career prospects. However, navigating the vast ITIL books available can take time and effort. That's why we've curated a list of the best ITIL books to help you effectively prepare for your certification exams.

In this post, we'll explore some top-rated ITIL books to guide you through your ITIL certification journey. These books cover a wide range of ITIL topics, including service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, and continual service improvement.

ITIL Books to Read for ITIL Certification

Securing ITIL certification is crucial for IT professionals striving to master IT Service Management. To help in this journey, selecting the right books is key to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and its applications. We have researched and listed top ITIL books that are instrumental in preparing for certification, offering the insights and knowledge necessary to succeed in the ITIL exam and advance your career in ITSM.

1. ITIL® Foundation: ITIL 4 Edition

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2019
Overview: This book is the official ITIL 4 Foundation certification guide, which introduces the ITIL 4 framework. ITIL 4 brings ITIL up to date with the latest trends in IT operations, including Agile, DevOps, and digital transformation. The book covers key concepts, guiding principles, and practices of IT service management (ITSM). It offers a solid foundation for anyone interested in ITIL, helping readers understand how ITIL 4 can be applied to improve service management in any organization. The content is designed to be accessible to those new to ITIL and those familiar with earlier versions, preparing them for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam.

2. ITIL Foundation Exam Study Guide

Author: Liz Gallacher, Helen Morris
Published Year: 2012
Overview: This comprehensive study guide is aimed at individuals preparing for the ITIL Foundation exam. The authors, both experienced ITIL practitioners, provide clear and concise explanations of all key ITIL concepts. The guide includes a variety of learning aids, such as chapter summaries, review questions, and practice exams, to reinforce understanding and help readers gauge their exam readiness. Also, the book includes real-world examples and case studies, making the theoretical concepts more tangible and easier to apply in practical scenarios.

3. ITIL Foundation [PDF]

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2019
Overview: This digital version of the ITIL Foundation manual offers the same content as the printed book but in a more accessible, portable format. The manual covers the essential elements of ITIL 4, including the ITIL service value system, the four dimensions of service management, and key ITIL practices. It is an essential resource for anyone preparing for the ITIL Foundation exam, providing all the necessary information in a structured and easy-to-navigate format.

4. ITIL Foundation Essentials: The Exam Facts You Need

Author: Agutter Claire
Published Year: 2012
Overview: This concise study guide focuses on the most critical facts and concepts needed to pass the ITIL Foundation exam. Claire Agutter, an experienced ITIL trainer, distills the vast amount of information available on ITIL into a focused, easy-to-use resource. The book is particularly useful for last-minute revisions, providing quick reference points and highlighting key areas frequently tested in the exam. It's a practical tool for anyone looking to reinforce their knowledge in the days leading up to the exam.

5. ITIL® 4 Essentials: Your Essential Guide for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam and Beyond, Second Edition

Author: Agutter Claire
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This guide goes beyond preparing readers for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It offers practical advice on how to apply ITIL 4 principles in real-world IT service management scenarios. The second edition includes updated content reflecting the latest ITIL 4 framework. It offers insights into how ITIL 4 can help organizations adapt to new challenges, such as digital transformation and the integration of Agile and DevOps practices. It's a valuable resource for exam candidates and IT professionals looking to enhance their service management knowledge.

6. ITIL Foundation Handbook

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2012
Overview: It is a concise guide designed to help individuals prepare for the ITIL Foundation certification. It summarizes essential ITIL concepts, processes, and principles, aligning with the Foundation syllabus. Published by AXELOS, this handbook serves as an exam preparation tool and a quick reference for IT professionals, offering key definitions, diagrams, and summaries of ITIL's core material.

7. ITIL Foundation Essentials ITIL 4 Edition - the Ultimate Revision Guide, Second Edition

Author: Agutter Claire
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This ultimate revision guide is tailored for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It provides a comprehensive overview of all the key topics, with an emphasis on revision and exam preparation. The second edition includes updates aligned with the latest ITIL 4 framework. It's designed for quick reference and last-minute studying, making it an essential tool for anyone serious about passing the ITIL Foundation exam on their first attempt.

8. ITIL for Beginners: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to ITIL

Author: ClydeBank Technology
Published Year: 2016
Overview: Aimed at beginners, this guide simplifies the complex concepts of ITIL and IT service management. It breaks down the ITIL framework into easy-to-understand language, making it accessible for those with little or no background in ITIL. The book covers the basics of ITIL, including key processes, roles, and functions, and provides practical examples to help readers understand how ITIL can be applied in real-world situations. It's an excellent starting point for anyone new to ITIL or considering ITIL certification.

9. ITIL Exam Prep Questions, Answers, and Explanations: 800+ ITIL Foundation Questions with Detailed Solutions

Author: Christopher Scordo
Published Year: 2014
Overview: This exam prep book offers over 800 practice questions with detailed answers and explanations to help candidates prepare for the ITIL Foundation exam. The questions are designed to mimic the style and difficulty of the actual exam, giving readers a realistic sense of what to expect. The explanations help clarify complex concepts and ensure readers understand why certain answers are correct. It's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to practice extensively before taking the exam.

10. ITIL Foundation All-in-One Exam Guide

Author: Steven Haines
Published Year: 2018
Overview: This all-in-one guide covers everything a candidate needs to know to pass the ITIL Foundation exam. It includes comprehensive coverage of the ITIL framework, practice questions, exam tips, and detailed explanations of key concepts. The book is structured to facilitate learning and revision, with chapters that build on each other to ensure a deep understanding of ITIL. It's a great resource for candidates seeking a single, all-encompassing study guide.

11. ITIL 4 Direct, Plan and Improve: The Practice Guides (PDF) + ITIL 4 Direct, Plan and Improve (PDF)

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: These practice guides focus on the 'Direct, Plan and Improve' module of the ITIL 4 framework. They provide detailed guidance on directing, planning, and improving IT services within an organization. The content includes practical advice, tools, and techniques for implementing the principles of continual improvement, governance, and risk management. These guides are essential for IT professionals planning and improving IT services in their organizations, particularly those aiming to obtain th

12. Introduction to the ITIL Service Lifecycle

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2007
Overview: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the ITIL service lifecycle, covering the five stages: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. It explains how these stages interconnect and how they can be used to manage the entire lifecycle of IT services. The book is ideal for those new to ITIL who need a broad understanding of how ITIL supports the delivery and management of IT services in an organization.

13. Passing Your ITIL Foundation Exam

Author: Christian F. Nissen
Published Year: 2009
Overview: Designed to help candidates pass the ITIL Foundation exam, this book offers practical tips, sample questions, and revision strategies. It breaks down the exam content into manageable sections, making it easier for readers to focus on key areas. The author, an experienced ITIL practitioner, provides insights into what to expect in the exam and how to approach different questions. It's a must-have for anyone serious about passing the ITIL Foundation exam.

14. ITIL 4 Create, Deliver and Support: The Practice Guides (PDF) + ITIL 4 Create, Deliver and Support (PDF)

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: These practice guides are focused on the 'Create, Deliver, and Support' module of ITIL 4, providing detailed advice on how to create and deliver IT services effectively. The content includes guidance on service design, transition, and operation, with a focus on ensuring that services meet the needs of the business. These guides are particularly useful for IT professionals involved in IT services' day-to-day operation and support and those preparing for the ITIL Managing Professional certification

15. ITIL 4 Managing Professional: Drive Stakeholder Value

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This book is part of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional stream, focusing on the 'Drive Stakeholder Value' module. It provides in-depth guidance on engaging stakeholders, managing customer journeys, and ensuring that IT services deliver real value to the business. The content covers key practices such as service level management, customer relationship management, and supplier management. It's an essential resource for IT professionals looking to enhance their ability to manage and drive stakeholder value within their organizations.

16. ITIL Foundation Essentials - ITIL

Author: Agutter Claire
Published Year: 2012
Overview: This essential guide concisely summarizes the key concepts and practices covered in the ITIL Foundation syllabus. It's designed to be a quick reference guide for candidates preparing for the exam, with a focus on the most important facts and concepts. The book is ideal for last-minute revision and for reinforcing knowledge before taking the exam.

17. ITIL 4 Foundation Exam Study Guide: 2018 Update

Author: Liz Gallacher, Helen Morris
Published Year: 2018
Overview: This updated study guide is tailored to the 2018 ITIL Foundation exam syllabus. It provides a comprehensive overview of all the topics covered in the exam, with detailed explanations, practical insights, and exam tips. The authors are experienced ITIL trainers, and they include real-world examples to help readers understand how to apply ITIL concepts in practice. The guide also includes practice questions and revision tips to help candidates prepare effectively for the exam.

18. Continual Service Improvement

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book is part of the ITIL 2011 lifecycle series and focuses on the Continual Service Improvement (CSI) stage. It guides how to identify and implement improvements to IT services that align with business goals. The content includes best practices for measuring service performance, analyzing data, and making informed decisions about where improvements are needed. It's an essential resource for IT professionals responsible for ensuring their organization's IT services evolve to meet changing business needs.

19. ITIL Service Strategy

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book covers the Service Strategy stage of the ITIL lifecycle, focusing on how to develop and implement IT service strategies that align with business objectives. It guides service portfolio, financial, and demand management. The content is designed to help IT leaders and managers develop a strategic approach to IT service management that delivers value to the business. It's a key resource for anyone involved in IT strategy or looking to understand the strategic aspects of ITIL.

20. Foundations of IT Service Management with ITIL 2011

Author: Jan Van Bon, Arjen de Jong, Axel Kolthof
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book offers a comprehensive introduction to IT service management based on the ITIL 2011 framework. It covers all ITIL's core concepts, processes, and functions, providing a solid foundation for anyone looking to understand or implement ITIL in their organization. The authors include practical examples and case studies to help readers apply the concepts in real-world situations. It's an ideal resource for both beginners and experienced IT professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of ITIL.

21. ITIL® 4 High-Velocity IT (HVIT): Your Companion to the ITIL 4 Managing Professional HVIT Certification

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This book is part of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional stream, focusing on the 'High-Velocity IT' (HVIT) module. It provides detailed guidance on how to apply ITIL principles in fast-paced, digital environments where speed and agility are critical. The content covers Agile, DevOps, and Lean practices and how they can be integrated with ITIL to deliver high-velocity IT services. It's an essential resource for IT professionals working in digital or rapidly changing environments and those preparing for the HVIT certification.

22. ITIL Service Transition

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book covers the Service Transition stage of the ITIL lifecycle, focusing on the processes and practices required to move new or changed IT services into production environments. It guides change management, release and deployment management, and service validation and testing. The content is designed to help IT professionals manage the risks and challenges associated with service transitions, ensuring that services are delivered smoothly and meet business needs. It's a key resource for anyone involved in service transition or looking to understand this critical stage of the ITIL lifecycle.

23. ITIL Service Design

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book focuses on the Service Design stage of the ITIL lifecycle, providing guidance on designing IT services that meet business requirements and are cost-effective. The content covers key processes such as service level management, availability management, capacity management, and IT service continuity management. It also includes best practices for designing service architectures, processes, and metrics. It's an essential resource for IT professionals involved in the design and development of IT services.

24. ITIL® 4 Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV): Your Companion to the ITIL 4 Managing Professional DSV Certification

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This book is part of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional stream, focusing on the 'Drive Stakeholder Value' (DSV) module. It provides in-depth guidance on engaging stakeholders, managing customer journeys, and ensuring that IT services deliver real value to the business. The content covers key practices such as service level management, customer relationship management, and supplier management. It's an essential resource for IT professionals looking to enhance their ability to manage and drive stakeholder value within their organizations and those preparing for the DSV certification.

25. ITIL Continual Service Improvement

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book focuses on the Continual Service Improvement (CSI) stage of the ITIL lifecycle, providing guidance on how to identify and implement improvements to IT services. The content includes best practices for measuring service performance, analyzing data, and making informed decisions about where improvements are needed. It also covers the use of key metrics and reporting to drive continuous improvement. It's an essential resource for IT professionals responsible for ensuring their organization's IT services evolve to meet changing business needs.

26. ITIL® 4 Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI): Your Companion to the ITIL 4 Managing Professional and Strategic Leader DPI Certification

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This book is part of both the ITIL 4 Managing Professional and Strategic Leader streams, focusing on the 'Direct, Plan and Improve' (DPI) module. It provides detailed guidance on governance, risk management, and continual improvement, with a focus on directing and planning IT services to meet strategic objectives. The content includes practical advice on implementing and managing continual improvement initiatives and aligning IT services with business goals. It's an essential resource for IT professionals in leadership roles and those preparing for the DPI certification.

27. Become ITIL® 4 Foundation Certified in 7 Days: Understand and Prepare for the ITIL Foundation Exam with Real-life Examples

Author: Abhinav Krishna Kaiser
Published Year: 2019
Overview: This book is designed as a fast-track guide for candidates preparing for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It offers a structured, seven-day study plan that covers all the key topics required for the exam, with real-life examples to help readers understand how ITIL concepts are applied in practice. The author clearly and concisely explains the ITIL 4 framework, tips, and strategies for passing the exam. It's a practical resource for anyone looking to achieve ITIL Foundation certification quickly and efficiently.

28. Foundations of ITIL

Author: Jan Van Bon, Arjen de Jong, Axel Kolthof
Published Year: 2010
Overview: This book provides a solid foundation in IT service management principles based on ITIL. It covers all the ITIL framework's core concepts, processes, and functions, making it an ideal resource for beginners and experienced IT professionals. The authors include practical examples and case studies to help readers apply the concepts in real-world situations. It's an essential resource for anyone looking to understand or implement ITIL in their organization.

29. ITIL® 4 Managing Professional High-Velocity IT (PDF)

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2020
Overview: This book focuses on the High-Velocity IT (HVIT) module of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional stream. It provides detailed guidance on how to deliver IT services in fast-paced, digital environments where speed and agility are critical. The content covers Agile, DevOps, and Lean practices and how they can be integrated with ITIL to deliver high-velocity IT services. It's an essential resource for IT professionals working in digital or rapidly changing environments and those preparing for the HVIT certification.

30. Foundations of IT Service Management: Based on ITIL

Author: Jan Van Bon, Arjen de Jong, Axel Kolthof
Published Year: 2007
Overview: This book offers a comprehensive introduction to IT service management based on the ITIL framework. It covers all ITIL's core concepts, processes, and functions, providing a solid foundation for anyone looking to understand or implement ITIL in their organization. The authors include practical examples and case studies to help readers apply the concepts in real-world situations. It's an essential resource for beginners and experienced IT professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of ITIL.

31. Service Transition

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2011
Overview: This book covers the Service Transition stage of the ITIL lifecycle, focusing on the processes and practices required to move new or changed IT services into production environments. It guides change management, release and deployment management, and service validation and testing. The content is designed to help IT professionals manage the risks and challenges associated with service transitions, ensuring services are delivered smoothly and meet business needs. It's a key resource for anyone involved in service transition or looking to understand this critical stage of the ITIL lifecycle.

32. ITIL Intermediate Certification Companion Study Guide: Intermediate ITIL Service Capability Exams

Author: Helen Morris, Liz Gallacher
Published Year: 2012
Overview: This companion study guide is designed to help candidates prepare for the ITIL Intermediate Service Capability exams. The authors explain the key concepts and processes covered in the exams, practical examples and study tips. The guide includes practice questions and answers to help readers test their knowledge and assess their readiness for the exams. It's an essential resource for anyone pursuing ITIL Intermediate certification.

33. ITIL Practitioner Guidance (PDF)

Author: AXELOS
Published Year: 2016
Overview: This book offers practical guidance on how to apply ITIL principles in real-world situations. It focuses on continual improvement and provides tools, techniques, and templates for implementing ITIL practices. The content is designed to help IT professionals bridge the gap between theory and practice, making it easier to implement ITIL in their organizations. It's an essential resource for anyone looking to apply ITIL principles practically and effectively.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ITIL books is crucial for your success in achieving ITIL certification. By investing time in these resources, you can understand ITIL principles and best practices and prepare effectively for your certification exams. Remember to consider your learning style and preferences when selecting ITIL books. Some individuals prefer traditional textbooks, while others find online resources or interactive study guides more engaging. Additionally, look for books that are up-to-date with the latest ITIL standards and provide practical examples and case studies.

You've found the best resources for ITIL certification—now it's time to put that knowledge into action. Explore our ITSM Certification Courses designed to deepen your expertise, sharpen your skills, and prepare you for the real-world challenges of IT service management.