The ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support (CDS) course is the essential operational module within the ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) stream. Designed for IT teams and leaders who are responsible for building, running, and supporting digital products and services, this course dives deep into how modern IT organisations operate end-to-end — from design and development to release, support, and continual improvement.
In this programme, learners explore the full service delivery lifecycle, gaining the knowledge and capability to optimise workflows, improve team structures, enhance collaboration, and deliver high-quality customer experiences. CDS moves beyond theory and focuses on real-world execution — equipping you with the tools to manage work effectively, strengthen service performance, and integrate technical practices such as agile, DevOps, automation, and cloud-native operations.
Whether you work in IT operations, service management, support, engineering, DevOps, or digital product delivery, this course provides the practical blueprint for how modern teams should collaborate and operate. The training takes the ITIL 4 concepts and translates them into clear operational models that improve efficiency, resilience, and service reliability.
After completing the course, you’ll be well prepared for the ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support (CDS) exam, enabling you to progress toward the full ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) qualification.
What’s Included
- Official ITIL® 4 Specialist: CDS accredited training
- Fully updated course materials aligned with the latest ITIL 4 guidance
- Instructor-led sessions or eLearning modules (depending on option selected)
- Exam voucher for ITIL® 4 CDS
- Practice exam questions and mock tests
- Course workbook and downloadable study resources
- Access to an online learner portal
- Expert tutor support
- Certificate of completion
- Up to 18 CPD hours (based on delivery format)
Delivery Options & Pricing
Live Virtual Classroom – Delivered by ILX Tutors
Real-time online training with interactive discussion, practical exercises, and exam preparation delivered by accredited ITIL experts. Instructor-led real-time course, 2 days / 14–16 hours total. Price: £1,995 + VAT
Self-Paced eLearning
Flexible online learning with interactive modules, multimedia content, and full exam preparation included. Self-paced online training, 12 months’ access, approx. 12 hours study.Price: £795 + VAT
In-Person Classroom – ILX Accredited
Face-to-face, 2 days / 14–16 hours (or on-site schedule as agreed). Price: £2885+ VAT
Apply the principles of service design, development, and delivery within ITIL 4
-
Build high-performing, cross-functional IT teams
-
Integrate agile, DevOps, and lean practices into service operations
-
Understand end-to-end value streams and how services are created and supported
-
Use modern tools and automation to streamline workflows and reduce waste
-
Improve service reliability, efficiency, and user satisfaction
-
Manage work effectively across the entire service lifecycle
-
Align operational practices with business and digital strategy
-
Enhance collaboration between development, operations, and support teams
-
Prepare for and pass the ITIL® 4 CDS exam
Key Facts
- Course Level: ITIL 4 Specialist (Managing Professional stream)
- Exam Format: 40 questions, multiple choice
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Pass Mark: 70%
- Delivery: Virtual classroom, self-paced eLearning, In-Person Classroom – ILX
- Accredited: Fully accredited by PeopleCert
Estimated Training Hours: Virtual Classroom: 18 hours
- eLearning: 20–25 hours (self-paced)
Who It’s For
This course is ideal for:
- IT service managers
- IT operations managers
- Service desk leads and support specialists
- DevOps and digital product teams
- IT project managers and delivery managers
- Process owners and technical professionals
- Anyone pursuing the ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) designation
- Professionals responsible for designing, delivering, or supporting Digital & IT Services
Exam Information
- Format: Closed-book, online
- Type: Multiple-choice, scenario-basedQuestions: 40
- Passing Score: 70%
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Prerequisite: ITIL 4 Foundation
- An exam voucher is included with all training options.
Pre-Course Requirements
- Mandatory: ITIL® 4 Foundation certificate
- Recommended reading: ITIL 4 Create, Deliver & Support publication
- For classroom learners: pre-reading materials will be provided
- For eLearning: no specific technical prerequisites required
FAQ
1. What is the ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support (CDS) module?
It is the key operational module in ITIL 4 that focuses on how to design, build, deliver, and support IT-enabled services across their full lifecycle.
2. Do I need the ITIL 4 Foundation certificate to enrol?
Yes. ITIL 4 Foundation is a strict prerequisite for sitting the CDS exam.
3. How long does the CDS course take to complete?
Virtual classroom takes around 18 hours of instructor-led learning. eLearning typically takes 20–25 hours depending on your study pace.
4. Is the CDS exam included in the course price?
Yes. All ILX training options include the official PeopleCert exam voucher.
5. What exam format should I expect?
The exam has 40 multiple-choice questions, lasts 90 minutes, and requires a 70% score to pass.
6. Is the exam taken online?
Yes. Exams are delivered online with remote proctoring, so you can take them from home or the office.
7. Are mock exams provided to help me prepare?
Yes. Practice questions and mock tests are included with both the eLearning and virtual classroom options.
8. Is there a self-paced online learning option?
Yes. The eLearning package is fully flexible, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere.
9. Does the course cover practical operational activities?
Absolutely. CDS is a highly practical module covering team structures, workflows, automation, DevOps, agile, and real-world operational models.
10. Does this module count toward ITIL Managing Professional (MP)?
Yes. CDS is one of the four modules required for earning the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation.
11. What type of professionals typically take CDS?
IT service managers, DevOps engineers, service desk leads, IT operations teams, product owners, delivery managers, and digital service professionals.
12. Are the materials accredited by PeopleCert?
Yes. All ILX materials meet official PeopleCert accreditation requirements.
13. How long is the exam voucher valid for?
Normally 12 months from the date of issue.
14. Does the course include tutor support?
Yes. Virtual classroom includes live tutor interaction; eLearning includes support through the online learning portal.
15. Is there pre-reading before starting the course?
A pre-course study guide is provided; completing it is recommended but not mandatory.
16. Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. You can add the PeopleCert “Take2” resit option at additional cost.
17. Can I combine CDS training with other ITIL 4 modules for a faster Managing Professional path?
Yes. Many learners choose to schedule multiple ITIL 4 Specialist modules (CDS, DPI, HDA, and HVIT) in sequence or combined formats to efficiently progress toward the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification, balancing study pace with practical application.
18. Do I need technical experience to take CDS?
No, but general IT service management knowledge is helpful.
19. Does the eLearning option include video content?
Yes. It includes instructor-led videos, interactive modules, assessments, and downloadable resources.
20. Is this qualification recognised internationally?
Yes. ITIL qualifications, including CDS, are globally recognised and widely adopted across industries.