020 3130 4909
United Kingdom
Student login
£595 Finance available
Enquire Enrol Now
£595 Enquire Enrol Now →
Save £100

ITIL® 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy

The most senior ITIL 4 module — part of the Strategic Leader stream. DITS is about building and executing a digital and IT strategy that aligns technology with business success in a disrupted, fast-changing world. For senior IT and digital leaders.

Enrol Now — £595
Level
SL module
Format
100% online
Pass mark
70% required
Access
12 months

About this qualification

What Is ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy?

The most senior ITIL 4 module — for the leaders who set digital direction and align IT with business strategy.

The qualification explained

ITIL® 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) is an ITIL 4 Strategic Leader module from PeopleCert. It moves beyond service management into the boardroom — covering how to craft and execute a digital strategy: responding to digital disruption, operating effectively in VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) conditions, shaping operating models, and aligning IT strategy with overall business strategy.

The module goes deep on the leadership realities of digital change — managing strategic risk and finances, building the right operating and governance structures, evaluating emerging technology, and sustaining a strategy once it is in motion. The emphasis is on direction-setting and execution, not day-to-day operations.

The prerequisite is ITIL 4 Foundation. Together with ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI), DITS leads to the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation. This module is aimed at experienced IT and digital leaders — it is not an entry-level course for beginners.

30
multiple-choice questions in the official DITS exam
SL
an ITIL 4 Strategic Leader stream module
70%
pass mark — 21 out of 30 marks required
PeopleCert
official accreditation body for ITIL 4

Is this for me?

This Course Is for You If…

DITS is a senior-level module for experienced professionals shaping digital direction — not an entry-level qualification for beginners.

IT Directors & CIOs

Setting digital direction at board level and accountable for aligning IT investment with business strategy.

Senior IT & Digital Managers

Leading teams through digital change and ready to think strategically about disruption and operating models.

Heads of IT & Service

Owning the IT or service function and wanting a recognised framework for digital and IT strategy.

Digital Transformation Leaders

Driving transformation programmes and responsible for turning digital ambition into executable strategy.

Strategy & PMO Leads

Shaping strategic planning and portfolio decisions where IT and business strategy must come together.

Experienced ITSM Professionals

Pursuing the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation. Note: DITS is a senior module — it is not for beginners.

Course structure & curriculum

What You’ll Learn — Module by Module

The course is structured across 7 modules, building progressively — from digital strategy fundamentals through execution, leadership, and exam preparation.

Introduction & Digital Strategy
Digital vs IT strategy · Digital transformation · Business and operating models · Strategy tiers · Where DITS fits in ITIL 4
~4 hrs
Digital Disruption & the VUCA World
Sources of digital disruption · Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity · Strategic positioning · Building a digital vision
~4 hrs
Aligning Business & Digital Strategy
Current-state assessment · Environmental and opportunity analysis · Digital readiness · Aligning IT strategy with business strategy
~5 hrs
Operating Models & Strategic Approaches
Shaping the operating model · Governance and organisational structure · Innovation and emerging technology · Strategic approaches
~5 hrs
Managing Strategic Risk & Finance
Risk identification, analysis and treatment · Risk posture · Strategic financial management · Funding and investment decisions
~4 hrs
Executing & Sustaining the Strategy
Strategy execution · Digital leadership and mindset · Leading transformation and change · Measurement · Sustaining viability
~5 hrs
Exam Preparation & Practice Papers
Exam technique · Sample papers · Weak-area review · Final revision checklist
~3 hrs

All learning outcomes covered

Distinguish digital strategy from IT strategy

Respond to digital disruption

Operate in VUCA conditions

Build a digital vision and strategic position

Assess digital readiness and current state

Align IT strategy with business strategy

Shape the digital operating model

Design governance and organisational structure

Evaluate and adopt emerging technology

Identify, analyse and treat strategic risk

Set the organisation’s risk posture

Manage strategic finances and investment

Execute and operationalise the strategy

Apply a digital leadership mindset

Lead transformation and digital change

Measure and evaluate strategic performance

Sustain organisational viability

Cultivate innovation and agile techniques

What’s included

Everything You Need to Succeed

Each course includes the materials, practice, and support you need to learn the method properly and walk into the exam ready.

12 Months Course Access

Full access to all accredited course materials for 12 months. Study on any device, online 24/7. Never lose your progress.

Official PeopleCert Exam Included

Your official ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy exam is included in the price — there’s nothing extra to buy. We arrange it when you’re ready to sit it.

Exam details →

Built-In AI Tutor

An AI-powered tutor built right into your course — ask it anything, any time, and get clear, instant explanations of tricky topics 24/7.

Meet your AI tutor →

Account Manager Support

A dedicated account manager to help you plan your study, arrange your exam, and keep your certification on track.

Certificate & Digital Badge

On completion, receive a verifiable digital badge and official PeopleCert certificate to share directly on LinkedIn and your CV.

Shareable & verifiable →

14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Enrol with confidence. If the course isn’t right for you, you’re covered by our 14-day money-back guarantee.

In practice

Digital & IT Strategy in the Real World

DITS is built for senior decisions. See how its thinking applies when organisations face digital disruption.

Responding to Digital Disruption

A high-street retailer rebuilding around a digital-first strategy

Facing falling footfall and aggressive online competitors, a national retailer’s CIO used DITS thinking to reframe the situation: not as an IT problem, but as a strategic positioning question in a VUCA market. A clear digital vision was set, a current-state assessment exposed the gaps in capability, and IT strategy was deliberately aligned to the new business strategy rather than bolted on afterwards.

DITS in action Instead of chasing every new channel, leadership prioritised the few digital capabilities that genuinely differentiated the brand — funding them properly and retiring legacy investments that no longer fit the strategy.

Shaping the Operating Model

Restructuring a financial services IT function for digital delivery

A bank’s IT leadership recognised that its traditional, project-based operating model could not keep pace with digital demand. Using DITS approaches to operating models and governance, they moved toward product-aligned teams, clarified decision rights, and built the structures needed to evaluate and adopt emerging technology without losing control.

DITS in action Governance was redesigned so strategic technology decisions sat with accountable digital leaders — shortening approval cycles while keeping investment aligned to the agreed strategy.

Strategic Risk & Finance

Funding a multi-year transformation under uncertainty

A healthcare provider’s digital leadership faced a major platform investment with an uncertain return. DITS techniques for strategic risk and financial management helped them set an explicit risk posture, model investment scenarios, and stage funding against measurable milestones rather than committing the full budget up front.

DITS in action Risks were identified, analysed and treated as a continuous discipline — so when a key supplier’s roadmap shifted, the strategy was adjusted early rather than after the money was spent.

Exam details

About the ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy Exam

Your official exam is included in the course price and is sat online through PeopleCert. The prerequisite is ITIL 4 Foundation. To achieve the full ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation you also need ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI). When you’re ready, simply contact your account manager — we’ll arrange the booking for you.

Questions
30
Format
Multiple choice
Pass mark
21 / 30(70%)
Duration
60 minutes
Type
Closed book
Prerequisite
ITIL 4 Foundation

What to Expect on Exam Day

You sit the exam online through PeopleCert’s remote proctoring platform. Here’s the full process, from booking to results.

Booking

When you feel ready, contact your account manager. We handle the booking with PeopleCert and confirm your exam date, time, and joining instructions — usually within 5–10 working days.

Equipment required

You need a laptop or desktop computer (not a mobile or tablet), a working webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection.

On the day

Log in 15 minutes before your scheduled start. The invigilator will verify your identity using photo ID and ask you to scan your room. The 60-minute timer then begins. No notes or materials are permitted — the exam is closed book.

Results

You get a provisional pass or fail result as soon as you finish. Your official PeopleCert certificate follows within a few working days and is added to PeopleCert’s register of successful candidates.

Rescheduling

If you need to reschedule, contact us at least 48 hours before your exam time. We will arrange a new date at no additional charge.

Student reviews

What Our Students Say

4.8

318 verified reviews

The majority of students pass first time, based on an internal student survey conducted in May 2026.

5★
80%
4★
15%
3★
5%
2★
0%
1★
0%
Review from Trustpilot
Taylor Kane sheeran
I was very unsure about what i was doing and didnt have any understanding of the course i was enrolling. Sandy has been very helpful in talking me through the process and putting at ease.
Review from Trustpilot
Rj
Sandy has been extremely helpful, even before purchasing the course. She answered all my questions and helped me make a decidion and even after the purchase, she has continued to help me.
She is speedy with response and a pleasure to speak with.
Review from Trustpilot
Kira
Lanie has been amazing. She talked me through all the different courses that can help me get into the IT world and now I’m doing my second course with Career Smarter I would highly recommend them if you want to get into IT they always get back to you on the same day when you make your enquiries and they are very helpful.

Career Growth Path

Where This Qualification Takes You

DITS is a senior-leadership module. See the digital leadership roles it supports — and the qualifications that complete your ITIL 4 Strategic Leader journey.

Where You Are Now

ITIL 4 Foundation / experienced

ITIL 4 Leader: DITS

£70k–£95k avg.

You are here

Head of IT / ITSM

£85k–£110k avg.

IT Director

£100k–£130k avg.

CIO / CTO

£120k–£160k avg.

DITS develops the digital leadership skills needed to set and execute strategy at board level
With DPI, DITS leads to the full ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation

Recommended next certifications

→ Complete Strategic Leader

ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve

Pair DPI with DITS to achieve the full ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation.

£70k–£95kLearn more →
 → Create & deliver

ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support

Master the creation and delivery of services across the value stream.

£55k–£80kLearn more →
 → Go high-velocity

ITIL® 4 Specialist: High Velocity IT

Lead digital teams that deliver at pace using Lean, Agile, and DevOps thinking.

£60k–£85kLearn more →
 → Start here if you haven’t

ITIL® 4 Foundation

The prerequisite for every ITIL 4 module — the essential foundation before DITS.

£35k–£55kLearn more →

Pricing

Simple, Transparent Pricing

One course. Everything included. No hidden extras.

DITS on its own — right for you if…

You are an experienced IT or digital leader who wants the most senior ITIL 4 module to sharpen how you set and execute digital and IT strategy. Prerequisite: ITIL 4 Foundation.

Toward Strategic Leader — right for you if…

You want the full ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation. Pair DITS with ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI) to complete the Strategic Leader stream.

ITIL 4 Leader: Digital & IT Strategy — Sale Price

£695 £595 inc. VAT Save £100

Everything you need to gain your ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy certificate — official PeopleCert exam included, no extras to buy.

Official PeopleCert Exam Included
We arrange the booking when you’re ready
12 Months Course Access
Study anytime, on any device, 24/7
Built-In AI Tutor
24/7 AI help while you study
Account Manager Support
A dedicated contact to keep you on track
Certificate & Digital Badge
Share on LinkedIn immediately on completion
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Enrol with complete confidence

Finance available at checkout · 14-day money-back guarantee

Pay Monthly

From £37.82/month

CAREER SMARTER LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Social Money Limited t/a Payl8r who is authorised by the FCA under Ref. Number 675283. Credit is subject to creditworthiness and affordability assessments. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees. Representative Example: £440.00 over 12 months at 2.50% fixed per month. Rep APR 65.5%. Monthly: £47.67. Total repayable: £572.04. 0% interest rate applies only where the loan is repaid in full within 3 months.

Team & Corporate

Bulk discounts available

Training 3 or more employees? Get volume pricing, a dedicated account manager, and custom reporting.

Talk to Our Team

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you enrol.

Do I need ITIL 4 Foundation first?

Yes. ITIL 4 Foundation is the prerequisite for ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy. To achieve the full ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation, you also need ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI) alongside DITS.

Is the exam included?

Yes. Your official ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy exam is included in the course price — there's nothing extra to buy. The exam is delivered by PeopleCert and we arrange the booking for you when you're ready to sit it.

Is this for beginners?

No. DITS is the most senior ITIL 4 module and is aimed at experienced IT and digital leaders — CIOs, IT directors, heads of IT, and digital transformation leads. If you are new to ITIL, start with ITIL 4 Foundation first.

How long does it take and what's the format?

The course is 100% online and self-paced across seven modules. Most learners complete it over a few weeks of focused study, and you have 12 months' access. The exam is 30 multiple-choice questions, closed book, with a 70% pass mark (21 out of 30) and a 60-minute duration.

What is ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy?

DITS is an ITIL 4 Strategic Leader module from PeopleCert. It covers crafting and executing a digital and IT strategy — responding to digital disruption, operating in VUCA conditions, shaping operating models, aligning IT and business strategy, managing strategic risk and finances, and leading digital change.

How does finance at checkout work?

At checkout you can choose flexible finance options to spread the cost. You'll gain immediate full access to all course materials as soon as your first payment is confirmed.

Start Today

Lead digital &
IT strategy today.

Join the senior IT and digital leaders who chose Career Smarter. Flexible, self-paced, and fully accredited by PeopleCert.

£595inc. VAT

Finance available at checkout · 14-day money-back guarantee

Enrol Now — £595 Request Information
PeopleCert Accredited
Exam included
12 months access
14-day guarantee

The ITIL courses are provided by ITonlinelearning, an ATO of PeopleCert.