ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve — exam format, cost and sunset date
ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI) is a PeopleCert ITIL 4 module examined in 40 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, closed book, with a pass mark of 70%. It can still be booked, but PeopleCert plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027; its Version 5 successor path is ITIL Strategy plus ITIL Transformation.
- Certification
- ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve — part of ITIL 4 Strategic LeaderPeopleCert DPI and Strategic Leader pages, checked 8 October 2026
- Questions and format
- 40 multiple-choice questions, closed bookPeopleCert DPI page, checked 8 October 2026
- Duration
- 90 minutesPeopleCert DPI page, checked 8 October 2026
- Passing score
- 70%PeopleCert states a minimum required score of 70%, checked 8 October 2026
- Prerequisites
- Any ITIL v3 certification, ITIL 4 Foundation or the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Certificate, plus accredited training or ITIL Official eLearningPeopleCert DPI page, checked 8 October 2026
- Price
- Shown as US$1,338.00 (eLearning) and US$1,647.00 (eLearning+) incl. VAT; US$865.00 exam bundle for retakes onlyPeopleCert DPI page, currency shown may vary by region, checked 8 October 2026
- Languages
- English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), SpanishPeopleCert DPI page, checked 8 October 2026
- Renewal
- Every 3 years — 60 CPD points, or pass another exam in the same product suitePeopleCert DPI and renewal pages, checked 8 October 2026
- Sunset
- PeopleCert plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027PeopleCert ITIL FAQ, checked 8 October 2026
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Why you can trust these ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve questions
What is ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve?
ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve — usually shortened to DPI — is an ITIL 4 module examined by PeopleCert. As the name says, it is about directing, planning and improving IT services and the organisation that runs them, rather than about operating a single process.
In the ITIL 4 scheme DPI is a shared module. PeopleCert states that the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation consists of two modules, DPI and ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy, and that holders of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation only need to complete the Leader module to reach Strategic Leader.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategic Leader. Checked 8 October 2026.
Is ITIL 4 Strategist being retired?
Yes, on a published plan. PeopleCert states that the current plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027, and that exam voucher validity dates for ITIL 4 will be announced in due course. Until then ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) run in parallel; as checked on 8 October 2026, DPI was still offered for sale.
For DPI holders PeopleCert names the route into the new scheme: take the ITIL Strategy (Version 5) and ITIL Transformation (Version 5) modules to achieve the ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation.
If you are deciding now, the timeline is the deciding factor. DPI can still be booked, but anything you start should be finished — exam included — before the end of 2027. PeopleCert has not yet announced ITIL 4 voucher validity dates, so check the expiry of any voucher when you buy it.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL FAQ. Checked 8 October 2026.
How much does ITIL 4 Strategist cost?
PeopleCert sells DPI in bundles. As checked, its shop displayed US$1,338.00 incl. VAT for the eLearning bundle (official eBook, exam voucher, Learning Resource Kit, interactive eLearning and auto-marked sample papers) and US$1,647.00 incl. VAT for eLearning+, which adds a free exam re-take and the Official Mock Exam.
A US$865.00 exam bundle is also listed, but PeopleCert marks it “for exam retake only” and states that training through an accredited partner or ITIL Official eLearning is required. So for a first attempt, the price is a training bundle, not an exam alone.
PeopleCert displays prices by region and currency, so the figure you see may differ; the amount at checkout is binding.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve. Checked 8 October 2026.
What is the ITIL 4 Strategist exam format and passing score?
The DPI exam is 40 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, closed book. That is more than two minutes per question, which leaves room to read each question carefully — and with no book to consult, the guidance has to be in your head.
The exam is offered in English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish. The DPI page does not state the delivery mode, so check online and exam-centre options with PeopleCert or your training organisation when you book.
PeopleCert states a minimum required score of 70%. On 40 questions that means 28 correct answers. Unlike the scaled scores of many IT vendors, this is a straight percentage, so practice results translate directly — if you are consistently below 28 out of 40 on realistic practice questions, you are below the bar.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve. Checked 8 October 2026.
What is on the ITIL 4 Strategist exam?
PeopleCert’s DPI page lists learning objectives but no percentage weightings, so plan your time across all of them rather than by a split. The objectives on PeopleCert’s DPI page, summarised:
Read together, they describe management work: measuring with KPIs, governing, managing risk and change, and running continual improvement with value stream mapping. Learn them as things you can apply to a situation, not as a list to recite.
- Key concepts of Direct, Plan and Improve, including value, outcomes, costs and risks
- Governance and compliance structures and regulatory alignment
- Defining and using KPIs to measure service and process performance
- Continual improvement using feedback and data
- IT service risk management
- Value stream mapping to find improvement areas
- Communication and collaboration across departments and stakeholders
- Assessing what needs planning and applying planning methods
- Organisational change management in service management and continual improvement
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve. Checked 8 October 2026.
ITIL 4 Strategist prerequisites
PeopleCert states that the module requires any ITIL v3 certification, ITIL 4 Foundation or the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Certificate, and training through an Accredited Training Organization or ITIL Official eLearning.
The training requirement is enforced: PeopleCert states that exam results will not be released without proof of completion. Self-study alone is not a route to the certificate.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve. Checked 8 October 2026.
How long is ITIL 4 Strategist valid?
PeopleCert states that certifications need to be renewed every three years from their original certification date, and lists ITIL 4 among the certifications subject to renewal. The DPI page states 60 CPD points for renewal; PeopleCert Plus members do this by logging 20 CPD points per year over three consecutive years.
There are two exam-based alternatives: pass another exam in the same product suite before your renewal date, or pass the same certification exam again. PeopleCert also states that ITIL 4 certifications are renewed by passing any ITIL (Version 5) certification — with the 2027 sunset ahead, that is the renewal route that also moves you into the new scheme.
Source: PeopleCert — Keep your certifications current. Checked 8 October 2026.
ITIL 4 Strategist study materials and training
Because accredited training is mandatory, your study material comes with the course: PeopleCert’s bundles include the official eBook and a Learning Resource Kit, and the eLearning bundles add auto-marked sample papers. The eLearning+ bundle includes PeopleCert’s Official Mock Exam.
PeopleCert also points to classroom training with an instructor at accredited training organisations. Whichever route you take, the learning objectives on PeopleCert’s DPI page are the scope of the exam.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve. Checked 8 October 2026.
ITIL 4 Strategist vs ITIL Strategy (Version 5)
ITIL Strategy (Version 5) is the module PeopleCert names as the next step for DPI holders. Its exam looks similar on paper — 40 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass — but it is open book, while DPI is closed book.
The entry requirement also differs: ITIL Strategy (Version 5) accepts any ITIL 4 certification, ITIL Foundation (Version 5) or ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5), plus accredited training. As checked, PeopleCert listed the same three bundle prices for it as for DPI.
The practical choice: DPI if you are completing an ITIL 4 designation before the 2027 sunset; ITIL Strategy (Version 5) if you are building towards the new scheme.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL Strategy (Version 5). Checked 8 October 2026.
ITIL 4 Strategist practice questions
Certsqill’s ITIL 4 Strategist practice questions are expert-developed scenario questions with an explanation for every option, organised by PeopleCert’s published learning objectives.
ITIL 4 DPI questions people ask
How many questions are on the ITIL 4 Strategist exam?
40 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, closed book. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
What is the ITIL 4 Strategist passing score?
70% — 28 of 40 questions. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
How much does ITIL 4 Strategist cost?
PeopleCert’s shop showed US$1,338.00 (eLearning) and US$1,647.00 (eLearning+) incl. VAT; the US$865.00 exam bundle is for retakes only. Prices vary by region. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
Is ITIL 4 Strategist being discontinued?
PeopleCert plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027; voucher validity dates will be announced later. Source: PeopleCert ITIL FAQ, checked 8 October 2026.
What replaces ITIL 4 Strategist?
For DPI holders PeopleCert recommends ITIL Strategy (Version 5) plus ITIL Transformation (Version 5), leading to ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5). Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
What are the prerequisites for ITIL 4 Strategist?
Any ITIL v3 certification, ITIL 4 Foundation or the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Certificate, plus accredited training or ITIL Official eLearning. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
Is the ITIL 4 Strategist exam open book?
No, it is closed book. ITIL Strategy (Version 5) is open book. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
Does ITIL 4 Strategist expire?
It must be renewed every three years — 60 CPD points, or another exam in the same product suite. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
Is DPI part of Managing Professional or Strategic Leader?
PeopleCert states that ITIL 4 Strategic Leader consists of DPI and ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy, and that Managing Professional holders only need the Leader module. Checked 8 October 2026.
ITIL 4 Strategist training: the required step
For DPI, training is not optional. PeopleCert requires training through an Accredited Training Organization or ITIL Official eLearning, and states that exam results will not be released without proof of completion. So choosing your ITIL 4 Strategist training is really choosing how you will meet that requirement.
There are two official routes. PeopleCert’s eLearning bundles combine the training with the official eBook, a Learning Resource Kit, auto-marked sample papers and the exam voucher; the eLearning+ bundle adds a free exam re-take and the Official Mock Exam. Alternatively, accredited training organisations run instructor-led classes. Before booking with an organisation, confirm that it is accredited for this module, because only accredited training satisfies the requirement.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve. Checked 8 October 2026.
Timing your training before the 2027 sunset
PeopleCert plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027 and says exam voucher validity dates will be announced in due course. If you start DPI training now, plan to finish the exam well before that date, and check the expiry of any voucher included with your course.
If you are only beginning to plan, compare the timeline with PeopleCert’s recommended Version 5 route for this area, ITIL Strategy plus ITIL Transformation, described above.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL FAQ. Checked 8 October 2026.
Is DPI an ITIL specialist certification?
Searches for an ITIL specialist certification usually mean one of the ITIL 4 modules above Foundation. DPI is one of them: a Strategist module, shared between designations, that requires prior ITIL certification and accredited training. The sunset plan applies here as well — PeopleCert’s 31 December 2027 date covers all ITIL 4 modules, not only DPI.
Source: PeopleCert — ITIL FAQ. Checked 8 October 2026.
More ITIL 4 DPI questions
Can I self-study for ITIL 4 Strategist instead of taking training?
No. PeopleCert requires accredited training or ITIL Official eLearning and will not release exam results without proof of completion. Source: PeopleCert, checked 8 October 2026.
Does ITIL 4 Strategist training include the exam?
PeopleCert’s eLearning and eLearning+ bundles include an exam voucher; eLearning+ adds a free re-take. Check what an accredited training organisation includes before booking.
