The ITIL® 4 Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI) course is designed for professionals who shape strategy, lead teams, and drive measurable improvement across IT and digital services. This certification goes beyond operational tasks — it empowers leaders to connect long-term strategic direction with day-to-day delivery, enabling organisations to stay agile, resilient, and continuously improving.
This programme equips you with the principles, tools, and governance frameworks needed to build high-performing teams, enhance value streams, embed continual improvement, and optimise decision-making. You will learn how to direct work at strategic and tactical levels, plan with clarity, integrate governance and compliance, and ensure improvements deliver real outcomes.
DPI strengthens your ability to manage change, influence organisational culture, and implement improvements that support innovation and operational excellence. Whether you lead service teams, manage transformation programmes, or oversee risk and governance, this course provides the strategic mindset and practical toolkit required to drive lasting value across your organisation.
What’s Included
- Accredited ITIL® 4 Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI) training
- ITIL® 4 Direct, Plan & Improve certification exam
- Official ITIL® 4 DPI manual
- Tutor support
- 12-month access for eLearning learners
- Mandatory online pre-course for Virtual Classroom / Classroom learners
- Optional Take2 exam insurance available
Delivery Options & Pricing (with hours & duration)
eLearning – Delivered by ILX- DrTutor support
Self-paced, accredited online training
- Price: £773.50 + VAT
- Access Duration: 12-month licence
- Study Time Required: Approx. 12–14 hours
- Includes Exam: Yes
- Monthly Instalment Option: £64.46 + VAT/month
Live Virtual Classroom – Delivered by ILX Tutors
Real-time instructor-led learning with group activities, case studies, and exam preparation.
- Price: £2,006.25 + VAT
- Format: Live interactive training
- Includes: Tutor-led sessions, exercises, pre-course, exam
Classroom – Delivered by ILX Accredited Instructors
In-person learning with collaborative workshops and intensive exam preparation.
- Price: £2,885.00 + VAT
- Format: Face-to-face training
- Includes: Printed materials, expert instruction, pre-course, exam
Direct and govern digital and IT operations effectively
-
Integrate governance, risk, and compliance into the service value system
-
Apply organisational change management to drive successful improvements
-
Use measurement and reporting to support strategic planning
-
Enhance value streams and optimise workflows
-
Lead high-performing teams focused on continuous improvement
-
Align IT strategy with business outcomes
-
Implement structured planning and improvement frameworks
Key Facts
- Certification: ITIL® 4 Direct, Plan & Improve
- Study Time: 12–14 hours (eLearning)
- Delivery Modes: eLearning, Virtual Classroom, Classroom
- Level: Intermediate / Strategic
- Exam Included: Yes
- Accredited: Yes
Who It’s For
Ideal for professionals responsible for shaping strategy, leading teams, or managing improvements. Suitable roles include:
- Change Manager
- Service Designer
- Service Portfolio Manager
- IT Operations Manager
- Risk Manager
- Continuous Improvement Lead
- Transformation Manager
- Team Leaders or Senior Analysts moving into strategic roles
Prerequisites
You must hold one of the following:
- ITIL® 4 Foundation
- ITIL® v3 Foundation
- ITIL® 4 Managing Professional Transition Certificate
Training must be taken via an accredited training organisation.
Exam Information
- Format: Multiple choice
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Pass Mark: 70%
- Closed Book: Yes
- Delivery: Online exam with remote proctor
FAQ
1. Is ITIL® 4 Direct, Plan & Improve globally recognised?
Yes. It is an internationally respected qualification used by organisations worldwide to improve governance, planning, and continual improvement capability.
2. Does the DPI certification expire?
ITIL certificates typically remain valid, but AXELOS recommends renewing every 3 years to stay current with best practice.
3. How long does the eLearning course take to complete?
Approximately 12–14 hours, depending on your study pace.
4. What does the Virtual Classroom option include?
Live tutor-led sessions, discussions, exercises, pre-course learning, and the exam.
5. Are the training materials accredited?
Yes — all DPI content delivered by DrTutor and ILX is fully accredited.
6. Do I need ITIL® 4 Foundation to take this course?
Yes. A valid ITIL® 4 or ITIL® v3 Foundation certificate is required.
7. Is the exam included in all delivery methods?
Yes — all study options include the DPI exam.
8. Can I study at my own pace?
Yes — the eLearning option gives 12 months of flexible access.
9. Is tutor support available in eLearning?
Yes. You receive access to tutor assistance when needed.
10. What topics are covered in DPI?
Governance, continual improvement, organisational change management, GRC, planning, measurement, reporting, and strategic direction.
11. Can I take the exam online from home?
Yes — exams are delivered via secure online proctoring.
12. Is pre-course work required?
Mandatory pre-course applies for Virtual Classroom and Classroom options.
13. Do I receive the official ITIL® DPI manual?
Yes — the manual is included.
14. Can I add Take2 exam insurance?
Yes — it can be selected as an optional extra.
15. Who should take DPI?
Anyone responsible for directing work, improving processes, managing change, or aligning strategy with operations.