How to Manage the Transition from ITIL® 3 to ITIL® 4

What’s New in ITIL 4?

Up until now, and even though the last time there was a significant overhaul was in 2007, the framework has not only stayed relevant in the industry, it’s continued to gain traction in the ITSM world. This alone speaks volumes to the high quality of it. So, what’s new in ITIL 4?

From a mile-high view, what’s new is a greater focus on best practices like, increasing collaboration, improving organization-wide communication, more customization, increased flexibility, and the integration of DevOps and Agile software delivery. While many of the core elements between ITIL 3 and ITIL 4 remain the same, the new version provides a more unified, holistic approach to IT services management. 

Going deeper, ITIL 4 retains many of the key elements available in previous versions. The latest changes from ITIL 3 to ITIL 4 help to optimize IT service management in a world that is moving from a CapEx model to OpEx one.  It gives businesses the ability to be more flexible, enabling them to adapt to rapidly changing technology while staying aligned with—and even driving—business requirements and goals.  

On the surface, the changes in ITIL 4 appear to be major, as the core focus moves from the service lifecycle defined in ITIL 3 to the service value system in ITIL4.  While many of the core tenants of the concept of service lifecycle remain, some earlier definitions have been tweaked to represent new service models in the latest version.  

Let’s look at the idea of “Co-creation of value” as an example—which means that both service providers and the consumers of those services collaborate to create value for both the business and customers alike—aka, collaboration. It’s the way of a service-oriented, cloud, and mobile economy, after all.

• Scenario: Patrons of a restaurant perceive value through taste, smell, hygiene, ambiance—i.e., the consumer experience. The restaurateur needs to understand her customers’ expectations and experiences through interaction with her patrons to make any necessary adjustments to improve service quality. 
• In the realm of ITSM, this translates into new best practices put forward with ITIL 4. Updates to these standards, the service value chain in a new economy, and the four dimensions and consideration of PESTLE—relate to the same customer-oriented situation a restaurant owner should also be considering.

In either case, continuous service improvement is the ultimate goal in a world run by consumers— whether they are your colleagues or customers.

The ITIL 3 to ITIL 4 Bridge Timeline

Axelos, which oversees the development and maintenance of the ITIL framework, announced ITIL 4 earlier this year and released the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module in October. Here’s a breakdown of upcoming releases of ITIL 4, according to Axelos:

• October 2019 – ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module
• November 2019 – ITIL 4 Managing Professional Modules

• ITIL 4 Specialist – Create, Deliver, and Support
• ITIL 4 Strategist – Direct, Plan, and Improve 

• Q1 2020 – ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transitional Modules 

• ITIL 4 Specialist – Drive Stakeholder Value
• ITIL 4 Specialist – High Velocity IT

• Q1-Q2 2020 – ITIL 4 Strategic Leader Module

How Can I Transition from ITIL 3 to ITIL 4?

The main question on the minds of those currently certified in ITIL 3 is whether or not the new version invalidates their current certification and credentials. The short answer is no. All existing ITIL 3 certifications will remain valid and will continue to hold professional value. However, it’s advisable to for any IT professional to upgrade their current certification to ITIL 4

Considering the difference in the foundational elements between ITIL 3 and ITIL 4, professionals with deep experience in the industry might be wondering if it’s worth the time investment to update their certification. The answer to this is yes, and in fact, ITIL 4 certification can provide an even greater benefit to seasoned IT professionals. Taking a course to get up to speed is the most straightforward way to achieve this.

ITSM professionals will undoubtedly benefit in their respective careers by upgrading, too. Seasoned practitioners understand career growth isn’t just about adapting to changes in technology, but also shifting their philosophical approach to IT management and what it means for businesses. The longer you spend in an industry, the more “set” your philosophical approach can become. An ITIL 4 certification course can help you overcome this common professional obstacle. 

Ready to take the next step toward staying relevant and further building your career in the world of IT management? Here’s what you can expect to learn from taking a course that will help you transition from ITIL 3 to ITIL 4.

Why, Who, What?

An ITIL 4 certification course helps IT professionals better understand how to apply ITIL to service management and improve the client experience. A comprehensive course will provide professionals with a foundational understanding of ITIL 4 best practices and how to best employ them. 

With certification training that enables you to transition for ITIL 3 to ITIL 4, you’ll learn critical concepts, principles, and process modules that will prepare you to take and meet the competency requirements of the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. 

A wide range of professionals, including IT executives, systems architects, operations engineers, consultants, database administrators, and service delivery professionals. In other words, almost anyone who works in the IT industry or is trying to build a new career. 

Earning a certification can significantly boost an IT professional’s earning power, too. ITIL-certified professionals can earn up to $120,000 a year.

Start Working Toward ITIL 4 Certification Today

Now that the release of the newest version is going live (with more updates on the way), now is the time to jump on board and work toward the ITIL 4 certification you need to excel in your career as an IT services professional. There are several course options available to earn your certification—and, Simplilearn is raising the bar by providing the most comprehensive training available. 

If you’re starting with ITIL, Simplilearn’s ITIL 4 Foundation is exactly the step you need to take. If you already hold an ITIL 3 certification, you can qualify to update to ITIL 4 through our ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module Training if you meet other specific requirements.  Contact Simplilearn today to learn more about how you can boost your ITSM career today.