Evolution from COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019

Evolution from COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019: Complete Guide

Why This Topic Is Important

Understanding the evolution from COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019 is critical for IT governance professionals and exam candidates because it demonstrates how governance frameworks adapt to modern business challenges. This topic appears frequently in COBIT 2019 Foundation exams because it contextualizes the current framework, showing why specific changes were made and how they address contemporary organizational needs. Employers value professionals who understand not just what COBIT 2019 is, but why it evolved the way it did.

What Is the Evolution from COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019?

The evolution from COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019 represents a fundamental redesign and modernization of the COBIT framework. Rather than a simple update, COBIT 2019 introduced significant structural, philosophical, and practical changes to address emerging business realities:

Key Changes at a Glance

• New Governance System Model: COBIT 2019 introduced a complete redesign with the Governance System model at its core, replacing COBIT 5's simpler approach
• Expanded Process Framework: Growth from 37 processes in COBIT 5 to 40 governance and management processes in COBIT 2019
• Enhanced Integration: Better integration with other frameworks and standards (ISO/IEC 38500, ISO/IEC 27001, ITIL, etc.)
• Focus on Digital Transformation: Explicit attention to cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies
• Simplified Governance Structure: Clearer distinction between governance and management processes
• Stakeholder Value Focus: Greater emphasis on stakeholder engagement and value creation

How It Works: The Evolution Process

COBIT 5 Foundation (Pre-2019)

COBIT 5 was organized around:

• Five Key Areas: Align, Plan and Organize (APO); Build, Acquire and Implement (BAI); Deliver, Service and Support (DSS); Monitor, Evaluate and Assess (MEA); and governance-specific processes
• 37 Processes: Detailed processes covering IT operations and governance
• Seven Enablers: Principles, Policies and Procedures, Processes, Organizational Structures, Culture Ethics and Behavior, Information, and Services Infrastructure and Applications
• Maturity Models: Capability maturity levels 0-5 for each process

COBIT 2019 Innovations

COBIT 2019 introduced several transformative changes:

1. The Governance System Model

COBIT 2019 centers on a comprehensive Governance System model that includes:

• Governance Objectives: What the enterprise wants to achieve (value creation, risk management, resource optimization)
• Stakeholder Needs: Requirements from board, executives, end users, regulators, and other stakeholders
• Governance System Components: How governance is actually structured and delivered through processes, organizational structures, culture, information, and services
• Governance System Outcomes: Measurable results demonstrating successful governance

This model provides a holistic view rather than treating governance as a collection of isolated processes.

2. Process Restructuring

COBIT 5 Structure:

• Separate grouping of governance and management processes
• 37 processes total
• Different focus areas with limited integration

COBIT 2019 Structure:

• 40 Processes Total: 6 governance processes + 34 management processes
• Governance Processes: Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM01-EDM06)
• Management Processes: Aligned to four domains: Align (APO), Build (BAI), Deliver (DSS), Monitor (MEA)
• Better Alignment: More streamlined mapping to business outcomes

3. Enhanced Integration Capability

COBIT 2019 provides explicit mappings and integration guidance with:

• ISO/IEC 38500: Corporate governance of IT
• ISO/IEC 27001/27002: Information security management
• ITIL 4: IT service management practices
• ISO/IEC 20000: IT service management requirements
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Cyber risk management

This allows organizations to implement multiple frameworks cohesively rather than in silos.

4. Digital-First Perspective

COBIT 2019 explicitly addresses:

• Digital Transformation: Processes for managing cloud adoption, digital innovation
• Emerging Technologies: AI, machine learning, blockchain considerations
• Cybersecurity Integration: More prominent focus on security as a governance concern
• Data and Analytics: Enhanced processes for data governance and analytics
• Agile and DevOps: Recognition of modern software development approaches

5. Clarity on Governance vs. Management

COBIT 2019 makes a clearer distinction:

• Governance (6 processes): Board-level oversight, strategic decision-making (Evaluate, Direct, Monitor)
• Management (34 processes): Day-to-day execution, tactical implementation

This separation helps organizations understand which processes are for board oversight versus operational management.

Detailed Comparison: COBIT 5 vs. COBIT 2019

Why Organizations Upgraded to COBIT 2019

Several compelling reasons drove adoption:

• Better Governance Clarity: The governance system model provides clearer strategic direction for boards
• Digital Alignment: Addresses modern technology challenges (cloud, cybersecurity, data)
• Framework Consolidation: Integration capabilities reduce training and implementation effort across multiple standards
• Stakeholder Engagement: Stronger focus on value creation appeals to business executives, not just IT
• Regulatory Alignment: Better positions organizations for compliance with evolving standards
• Competitive Advantage: Modern governance approaches provide strategic benefits

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Evolution from COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019

Tip 1: Understand the "Why" Behind Changes

Exam questions often ask why COBIT evolved rather than just what changed. Remember:

• COBIT 5 was insufficient for digital transformation demands
• Organizations needed clearer governance vs. management distinction
• Integration with modern frameworks became essential
• Business stakeholders needed better alignment with IT governance

Example: If asked "Why did COBIT 2019 introduce the Governance System Model?", answer: "To provide a holistic, integrated view of governance that connects stakeholder needs, governance objectives, system components, and outcomes—rather than treating governance as isolated processes."

Tip 2: Remember the Process Numbers

Memorize these key figures for quick recall:

• COBIT 5: 37 processes
• COBIT 2019: 40 processes (6 governance + 34 management)
• Governance Processes: EDM01-EDM06 (Evaluate, Direct, Monitor)

Exam questions frequently test whether you can distinguish between COBIT 5 and 2019 by process count and structure.

Tip 3: Know the Governance System Model Components

When asked about COBIT 2019 innovations, reference the four components:

1. Stakeholder Needs: What stakeholders require (security, performance, etc.)
2. Governance Objectives: What enterprise wants to achieve
3. Governance System Components: How governance is delivered
4. Outcomes: Results demonstrating governance success

Example: "A key advancement in COBIT 2019 is the Governance System Model, which integrates stakeholder needs and enterprise objectives into a cohesive system that produces measurable outcomes."

Tip 4: Identify Integration and Modern Technology References

COBIT 2019 exam questions often highlight:

• Integration with ISO/IEC, ITIL, NIST frameworks
• Digital transformation and cloud computing considerations
• Cybersecurity as a governance concern
• Agile and DevOps methodology recognition

If asked about advantages of COBIT 2019, mention its ability to work alongside other frameworks rather than replacing them.

Tip 5: Distinguish Governance from Management Clearly

Questions often test your understanding of this distinction:

• COBIT 5: Governance and management processes mixed together
• COBIT 2019: Clear separation with governance (EDM processes) distinct from management (APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)

Example: "Which COBIT 2019 processes are specifically governance processes? Answer: EDM01-EDM06 (Evaluate, Direct, Monitor processes)."

Tip 6: Use the "Holistic" Language

COBIT 2019 emphasizes a holistic governance system approach. When answering comparative questions, use phrases like:

• "COBIT 2019 provides a more integrated view..."
• "The governance system model connects all components..."
• "COBIT 2019 aligns governance with business objectives..."

Tip 7: Practice Scenario Questions

Exams often present scenarios asking which framework version better addresses a situation. COBIT 2019 is the better answer when scenarios involve:

• Cloud or digital transformation initiatives
• Integration with multiple frameworks
• Board-level governance oversight
• Cybersecurity governance
• Stakeholder value alignment
• Modern technology (AI, analytics, DevOps)

COBIT 5 might be referenced for historical context or legacy system management.

Tip 8: Know the Seven Enablers Evolution

COBIT 5 had 7 generic enablers; COBIT 2019 evolved this to governance system components:

• Principles (values, beliefs, assumptions)
• Processes (governance activities)
• Organizational Structures (roles, responsibilities)
• Culture, Ethics, and Behavior
• Information (data and information flows)
• Services, Infrastructure, and Applications (IT services)
• People, Skills, and Competencies

The key difference: COBIT 2019 is more specific about how these enablers support governance outcomes.

Tip 9: Connect Evolution to Digital Age Challenges

When answering why COBIT evolved, reference modern challenges:

• Rapid digital transformation and cloud adoption
• Increased cybersecurity threats and regulations (GDPR, etc.)
• Need for agile governance (not just traditional waterfall)
• Stakeholder demand for IT-business alignment
• Data privacy and governance requirements

Tip 10: Review Actual Process Examples

Study how specific processes changed or were introduced:

• EDM01 (Evaluate Strategy and Governance): New in COBIT 2019, no direct COBIT 5 equivalent
• APO Processes: Largely evolved from COBIT 5 PO (Plan and Organize)
• BAI Processes: Evolved from COBIT 5 AI (Acquire and Implement)
• DSS Processes: Largely consistent with COBIT 5 DS (Deliver and Support)
• MEA Processes: Similar to COBIT 5 ME (Monitor and Evaluate)

Common Exam Question Patterns

Expect questions like:

• "What is the primary structural difference between COBIT 5 and COBIT 2019?"
  Answer: COBIT 2019 introduces the Governance System Model with clear governance (6 EDM processes) and management (34 processes) distinction, versus COBIT 5's integrated approach.


• "How many processes are in COBIT 2019?"
  Answer: 40 processes (6 governance + 34 management), compared to COBIT 5's 37.


• "Which COBIT version better addresses digital transformation?"
  Answer: COBIT 2019 explicitly addresses cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and modern technology governance.


• "What framework integration capability was enhanced in COBIT 2019?"
  Answer: COBIT 2019 provides explicit mappings to ISO/IEC standards, ITIL 4, and NIST frameworks.


• "Name the six COBIT 2019 governance processes."
  Answer: EDM01-EDM06 (Evaluate, Direct, Monitor—Evaluate Governance System, Direct Governance System, Monitor Governance System, plus three more governance processes).

Key Takeaways for Exam Success

1. COBIT 2019 is not just an update—it's a fundamental redesign with the Governance System Model
2. Remember: 40 processes (6 governance + 34 management) vs. COBIT 5's 37
3. The clear separation of governance from management is a defining advancement
4. Digital transformation, cybersecurity, and framework integration are core COBIT 2019 themes
5. COBIT 2019 emphasizes stakeholder value and holistic governance
6. Integration with ISO, ITIL, and NIST is a major improvement
7. Understand the "why" behind changes, not just "what" changed
8. Use scenario-based thinking: when would COBIT 2019 be preferred over COBIT 5?
9. Practice connecting framework evolution to real-world IT governance challenges
10. Review specific process mappings and the EDM (governance) process family

Final Exam Strategy

When you encounter evolution-related questions:

• Step 1: Identify whether the question asks about COBIT 5 or COBIT 2019
• Step 2: Reference the Governance System Model if the question is about COBIT 2019
• Step 3: Consider whether digital transformation, framework integration, or governance clarity is relevant
• Step 4: Use comparative language ("more integrated", "clearer distinction", "explicitly addresses")
• Step 5: Back up your answer with specific process counts or component names

By mastering the evolution narrative—understanding not just the changes but why they were made—you'll be well-prepared to answer any question about COBIT 5 to COBIT 2019 evolution on your exam.