ITIL eLearning vs Live Online Training: Which Format Is Best?

ITIL is an internationally recognised qualification in IT service management. The training is undertaken by professionals early in their careers or as CPD for more experienced individuals. 

ITIL Version 5, the most recent iteration of the qualification, is available as eLearning or live online training, but which is best for you? 

At Zindiak, we’ve created this handy guide to give you everything you need to know to make the best decision for you, your colleagues or a whole team of employees. 

So, ITIL eLearning vs live online training - which format is really best? 

What Is ITIL eLearning? 

eLearning refers to self-paced training. This means the learning can be paced in a way to suit the individual and their work and home commitments. It’s ideal for anyone undertaking the qualification while already in full-time employment. 

You will have access to all materials with no time limit, even after the qualification has been attained. The total duration of the training should take 5 hours, but this is flexible depending on each person’s learning style and speed, with training videos totalling 81 minutes. 

Though the learning is independent, tutor support is still available through a Q&A forum, for easy access to advice, assistance and guidance. 

ITIL Version 5 eLearning Course Details

What Is ITIL Live Online Training?

ITIL Live Online Training is conducted over Zoom as a two-day course. This course is delivered live with an ITIL tutor, replicating a virtual classroom environment. Available dates can be found when purchasing your training, with new dates added regularly.  

In the live training, you will have the learning materials presented to you by the tutor, talking through the core concepts and answering questions as they arise. 

Tutors will often also utilise interactive elements, prompting discussions and activities to strengthen the learning, leading to effective training and good chances of passing the exam. 

Live training students have access to the eLearning course after the live training for reference.

ITIL Version 5 Live Online Training Course Details

What Are The Benefits of ITIL eLearning? 

ITIL Version 5 eLearning has numerous benefits, both for the person taking the qualification and any workplaces financing this training. 

Work At Your Own Speed

There are no time limitations as to how long you can learn and train for before taking the test. This means learning can be personalised not only to your schedule, but to your learning style and pace. 

No Out-Of-Office Time

Because the training can be done so flexibly, employees undertaking an ITIL Version 5 qualification do not need to take time out of their working hours, reducing costs for employers needing to cover this absence. 

Employers may choose to allow employees to use some work hours to complete ITIL Version 5 eLearning, but this is at their discretion. 

Fits Around Home Life

Not only can the learning work around full-time work commitments, but it can also be done around your personal and family life. Because you are not relying on scheduled sessions, you can work during evenings and weekends at your leisure. This may mean that any questions you ask tutors may not be responded to until the next working day, however. 

Lower Costs

eLearning options are cheaper than live online training sessions, due to their reduced costs. This is great for anyone paying for the training themselves or organisations paying for multiple employees at once. 

What Are The Benefits Of ITIL Live Online Training? 

Live online training for the ITIL V5 qualification provides a more engaging and fast-paced learning environment. There are several key benefits to this format. 

Provides Accountability 

Because the training takes place on two specific days with a live tutor asking questions, there is a certain amount of accountability to attend and engage with the course. This can be utilised by individuals who struggle with self-motivation, or for employers needing assurance that the studying is, in fact, happening. 

Engaging Learning 

Because the materials are delivered by a live tutor with extensive experience in both course leading and IT service management, attendees benefit from hearing about the ITIL Version 5 framework with additional context. Attendees can also enjoy interactive activities and discussions, hearing about the industry from varying points of view. 

Quick Learning 

The live online training lasts for two days, after which the examination can be taken. This means that as long as the training is attended and followed, the qualification should come soon after enrolment. 

Speedy Tutor Engagement

Rather than relying on forums with tutors and other ITIL V5 learners, attendees of live online training sessions can utilise live Q&A sessions, and may be prompted to ask questions as and when they arise, but this is at the tutor's discretion. This gets fast answers and assistance, while the knowledge is still fresh. 

What Are The Similarities Between ITIL eLearning And Live Online Training?

Though the formats differ in their delivery, there are core elements that stay the same no matter which option is chosen. With ITIL Version 5 training from Zindiak, you’ll get:

• The same qualification - ITIL Foundation Version 5

• A PeopleCert Exam Voucher

• A PeopleCert Official eBook

• PeopleCert OTM (official training materials)

• Optional Take2 Automatic Resit 

• The same exam length, content and pass mark 

So you can be assured that no matter which learning format you choose, the qualification and materials are the same. 

ITIL eLearning vs Live Online Training - Direct Comparison

If you’re still a little unsure as to whether the eLearning or live online training is best for you, take a look at our handy comparison chart. 

Simply choose the criteria most important to you, and find which option most suits your needs. 

If you need any help or advice when it comes to choosing your ITIL course format, contact Zindiak today to speak to one of our expert team. We’ll talk through your needs and preferences and find a solution perfect for you. 

ITIL V5 eLearning vs Live Online Training: The Final Verdict

There is no single best way to study ITIL V5. The right choice depends on your learning style, schedule, budget, and the level of support you require.

ITIL V5 eLearning is likely the best option if you:

• Need maximum flexibility around work or personal commitments

• Prefer to study independently and revisit materials multiple times

• Are paying for your own training and want a lower-cost option

• Need to train multiple employees consistently across an organisation

ITIL V5 Live Online Training may be the better choice if you:

• Learn best through discussion and direct tutor interaction

• Prefer a structured timetable to keep you motivated

• Want to complete your training within a set timeframe

• Benefit from hearing real-world examples and asking questions as they arise

Both options lead to the same ITIL V5 qualification, so the best decision is the one that gives you the highest chance of successfully completing the course and applying your knowledge in the workplace.

ITIL eLearning vs Live Online Training - FAQs 

Are The Prerequisites The Same For eLearning And Live Online Training? 

Yes, the prerequisites for ITIL V5 eLearning and live online training are the same. Whether you choose self-paced eLearning or a live online training experience, you will need to meet the same entry requirements for your chosen ITIL V5 course.

For ITIL Foundation V5, there are no prerequisites. 

Can I Do eLearning With Colleagues? 

Although eLearning is designed to be completed individually and at your own pace, organisations can purchase eLearning courses for multiple employees and encourage team-based learning. 

You can schedule regular study sessions with your colleagues to discuss key concepts and support each other throughout the course while still benefiting from the flexibility of online learning.

For employers, eLearning can be a cost-effective way to provide consistent ITIL V5 training across departments, locations, or larger teams.

What Other Courses Does Zindiak Offer? 

At Zindiak, we specialise in project management training. As well as providing training solutions for ITIL V5, you can also attain the ITIL Foundation Bridge V5 certification, bridging the gap between existing ITIL 4 qualifications and the newer framework. 

For more general project management training, we facilitate PRINCE2 training courses. PRINCE2 is a leading project management methodology, recognised worldwide in a similar way to ITIL. 

With Zindiak, you can study: 

• PRINCE2 Project Management

• PRINCE2 Agile

• PRINCE2 Programme Management (MSP)

• PRINCE2 Portfolio Management (MoP) 

• PRINCE2 Risk Management (M_o_R)

• PRINCE2 Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management (P3O)

Contact Zindiak today to learn more about our full course provisions, including more eLearning and live online content. 

What Happens If I Fail The ITIL V5 Exam? 

If you fail the exam, you can re-take it at a cost. This would mean you’d have to purchase a new exam voucher for yourself. 

Alternatively, you can choose to add Take2 Automatic Resit to your original purchase. This means you’ll automatically have another chance to take the exam. Take2 is cheaper than an exam voucher, but it cannot be refunded if you don’t use it. 

Do I Need My Camera On During Live Online Training?

While there may be some specific instances when you are unable to have your camera on during the training, the tutor will ask you to keep your camera on when possible during the live training. This helps to keep the training interactive.

If you don’t want to switch your camera on, the eLearning option may be a better option for you.

Can I Upgrade My eLearning To Live Online Training?

Yes, you can. If you purchase the eLearning and decide you would like to upgrade to the LIVE training, you can do so by simply paying the difference in cost. To learn more about how to do this, contact Zindiak today, and our team will be happy to help.