What is Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI?
The ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI) is an advanced certification in the ITIL 4 framework. It focuses on building the skills required to align IT strategy with organizational goals, set up effective planning processes, and drive continuous improvement across digital and IT services.
Unlike foundation-level exams, DPI emphasizes leadership, governance, measurement, and improvement methods. It’s not just about service management practices but about making organizations more adaptive, resilient, and future-ready.
Who should take the Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI exam?
The DPI exam is designed for:
- IT Managers and Leaders – who need to translate strategy into practical action.
- Process Owners and Practitioners – managing ITIL practices, governance, or improvement initiatives.
- Consultants and Change Managers – driving transformation in digital service delivery.
- Program and Project Managers – ensuring IT initiatives are well-planned and strategically aligned.
- Aspiring IT Leaders – who want to move beyond operational roles into strategy and improvement.
Experience level:
Typical candidates have 3–5 years of ITSM or digital services experience, often at mid-to-senior levels, with responsibilities for planning, governance, or improvement.
Prerequisites and recommendations
Official prerequisites (PeopleCert):
- ITIL 4 Foundation Certificate is mandatory.
- Completion of accredited training is strongly recommended (self-study alone is not enough).
Practical recommendations:
- Previous management or leadership exposure makes the concepts easier to apply.
- At least 2–3 years of hands-on ITSM experience in roles involving planning, improvement, or governance.
- Familiarity with Agile, Lean, and DevOps concepts (since DPI integrates them).
Exam objectives and domains of Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI Exam
- The DPI exam evaluates whether you can apply ITIL 4 principles to strategy, planning, and continuous improvement.
Objective details by domain
1. Key Concepts of Direction, Planning, and Improvement
- Understand governance, compliance, and management practices.
- Define and communicate strategic intent.
- Balance control and flexibility in planning.
2. Principles and Methods for Direction and Planning
- Develop effective governance structures.
- Apply key planning activities at different organizational levels.
- Prioritize work and manage dependencies.
3. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
- Integrate GRC principles into IT and business planning.
- Identify and assess risks.
- Ensure compliance through measurement and reporting.
4. Continual Improvement
- Build a culture of continual improvement.
- Use improvement models and methods (e.g., PDCA cycle).
- Measure and demonstrate progress.
5. Organizational Change Management (OCM)
- Drive cultural change across teams.
- Lead transformation initiatives effectively.
- Engage and motivate stakeholders.
6. Measurement and Reporting
- Define KPIs, CSFs, and metrics for performance tracking.
- Align reporting with business outcomes.
- Use measurement to guide decisions.
7. Agile and Lean Ways of Working
- Encourage collaboration and speed of value delivery.
- Integrate Agile and Lean principles into ITIL practices.
- Apply lightweight planning and adaptive governance.
What changed in this version of Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI?
Compared to ITIL v3 Intermediate courses:
- Practical, holistic approach – less about theory, more about how to implement change effectively.
- Broader scope – DPI covers strategy, planning, continual improvement, and organizational change, whereas older modules separated these.
- Integration of Agile, Lean, and DevOps – not present in v3.
- Greater focus on governance and compliance – previously treated lightly.
Registration and scheduling
- Register through PeopleCert’s official website or authorized training providers.
- Options: Online proctored exam (take from home) or test center exam.
- Schedule available 24/7 via PeopleCert’s exam portal.
Pricing and vouchers
- Typical cost: USD $500–$600 (varies by country).
- Regional pricing: lower in emerging markets, higher in North America/Europe.
- Discounts: students, military, corporate groups may receive reduced pricing.
- Vouchers: often included if you purchase training from accredited providers.
Policies you should know
- One attempt included with the exam fee.
- Reschedule policy: free reschedule up to 48 hours before the exam.
- Cancellation policy: refunds may not be available; check with your provider.
- ID verification required at exam start.
- Exam rules enforced strictly in proctored mode.
Scoring and results
- Format: 40 multiple-choice questions.
- Time: 90 minutes (non-native English speakers get 113 minutes).
- Passing score: 70% (28 out of 40).
- Scoring scale: No partial credit; one correct answer per question.
- Results: Delivered immediately after the exam.
- Digital certificate: Issued within 48 hours via PeopleCert portal.
Exam day and test experience
- On-site: Arrive 30 minutes early, bring valid ID.
- Online proctored: System check required, webcam and microphone mandatory.
- Check-in: Room scan, ID verification, rules explained.
- Allowed items: No books, notes, or devices.
- Breaks: No scheduled breaks during the exam.
- Interface tips: Mark questions for review, use flag feature.
- Time management: Aim for one question every 2 minutes, reserve last 10 minutes for review.
Study plan and resources for Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI
Beginner (6–8 weeks)
- Week 1–2: Study ITIL 4 Foundation content again, refresh key concepts.
- Week 3–4: Attend accredited DPI training or self-study official materials.
- Week 5–6: Dive into practice exams, identify weak areas.
- Week 7: Focused review on Governance, Continual Improvement, Agile integration.
- Week 8: Final practice tests + relaxation before exam.
Experienced Candidate (3–4 weeks)
- Week 1: Review DPI syllabus and official study guide.
- Week 2: Take practice exams, revisit weak topics.
- Week 3: Concentrate on governance, OCM, and measurement.
- Week 4: Simulate full exam conditions and polish exam strategy.
Recommended resources:
- ITIL 4 publications: Direct, Plan and Improve.
- PeopleCert Official Courseware.
- Accredited training partner materials.
- Practice exams (authorized providers).
Certification validity and renewal
- Validity: 3 years from date of certification.
- Renewal options:
- Complete a higher-level ITIL 4 certification.
- Retake the DPI exam.
- Earn CPD points via MyAxelos subscription.
Career outcomes after Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI
Common job roles:
- Change or Transformation Manager
- IT Service Manager
- IT Operations Manager
- Process Owner / ITSM Consultant
- Governance and Compliance Specialist
| Job Role | Typical Responsibilities | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Service Manager | Oversee IT service delivery, manage SLAs, ensure service quality and business alignment. | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| IT Operations Manager | Manage daily IT operations, coordinate teams, ensure compliance, and optimize performance. | $85,000 – $105,000 |
| ITSM Consultant | Advise organizations on ITIL adoption, process improvement, and governance strategies. | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Process Owner | Define, monitor, and improve ITIL processes like Change, Incident, or Problem Management. | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Governance & Compliance Lead | Ensure IT services meet regulatory requirements, manage risk, and implement governance. | $85,000 – $105,000 |
| Change/Transformation Manager | Lead organizational change initiatives, align IT with business strategy, and manage adoption. | $90,000 – $115,000 |
Related or next-step certifications
- ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) – advanced strategy focus.
- ITIL 4 Managing Professional modules – Create, Deliver & Support (CDS), Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV), High-Velocity IT (HVIT).
- Beyond ITIL: TOGAF, COBIT, or Agile certifications (Scrum Master, SAFe).
How this exam compares to similar certifications
- COBIT 2019 Foundation vs ITIL 4 DPI: COBIT is broader governance-focused, while DPI is more practical and ITSM-aligned.
- PMI-PMP vs ITIL 4 DPI: PMP focuses on project management, while DPI emphasizes continuous service improvement and governance.
- Agile/Scrum certs vs ITIL 4 DPI: Agile is team-level, DPI is organizational-level.
Preparing for the PeopleCert ITIL 4 DPI exam doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right study materials, you can focus on what truly matters and walk into the exam with confidence. Cert Empire provides reliable resources to help you succeed, including a full set of PDF exam questions and free practice tests designed to mirror the real exam format. These resources give you the edge you need, whether you’re brushing up on key concepts or testing your readiness before exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI difficult?
Yes, it is more challenging than Foundation because it tests applied knowledge in strategy, planning, and improvement. With proper preparation, most candidates succeed.
Can I self-study for Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI?
Official training is strongly recommended, but if you are highly experienced and disciplined, self-study using official materials and practice tests is possible.
How soon can I take Peoplecert ITIL 4 DPI after Foundation?
There’s no waiting period. However, gaining some real-world ITIL application experience before attempting DPI is highly beneficial.
Does DPI count toward ITIL Managing Professional or Strategic Leader?
Yes. DPI is a required module for both Managing Professional (MP) and Strategic Leader (SL) designations.
