ITIL is the global framework for IT service management best practices. Over 2 million people have ITIL certification, making it the world's most widely accepted IT Service Management (ITSM) framework. Its goals are improving customer relations, reducing risk, and supporting the IT environment. An ITIL certification can help IT professionals demonstrate their detailed IT service management lifecycle knowledge.

ITIL Certification streamlines and enhances your IT service management capabilities. Learn how this globally recognized qualification can elevate your organization's processes and service delivery.

What Is ITIL Certification?

ITIL is an internationally accepted delivery framework. It recommends best practices for ITSM (IT Service Management) to support the standardization of multiple stages and processes in the IT lifecycle. It was established by the British government's Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency in the 1980s to create standardized guidelines for avoiding inconsistencies among diversified IT architectures.

Importance of ITIL Certification

ITIL is a requirement for future and present individuals, so it offers several benefits. Even though individuals can learn a lot during their jobs, the foundations, lifecycle stages, and tactics help them grab the best job position in some well-recognized organizations. Some of the other key importance of ITIL certification include:

Global Presence: When you obtain an ITIL certification, you get a better-paying job and add multiple benefits to your CV, presenting you as a highly competitive individual among the other competitors available.

Flexibility: The ITIL certification allows individuals to apply in many different industries. The most desirable and knowledgeable applicant can choose from several locations, industries, customizable salaries, and other perks.

Highly Demanded Skills: The ITIL certificate allows individuals to widen their skill sets and gain a detailed understanding of the execution and management of ITIL, which is required in several IT systems. With an in-depth knowledge of ITIL best practices, individuals can represent themselves as valuable assets to the organization.

Types of ITIL Certifications

Now that you know what is ITIL certification, let’s learn about the five different ITIL certifications, including:

1. ITIL 4 Foundation Certification Training

The ITIL 4 Foundation Certification Training provides a foundational understanding of the ITIL 4 framework, essential for effectively managing IT-enabled services. This course is designed for IT professionals at any stage of their careers who want to understand IT service management's core concepts and terminology as prescribed by ITIL standards.

The ITIL 4 Foundation certification introduces participants to the management of modern IT-enabled services, including the key concepts of service management, the ITIL service value system, and the four dimensions of service management. The training includes various learning modules such as the service value chain, the principles of ITIL practices for service management, and common ITIL management practices like incident and problem management.

To earn the certification, participants must complete the training and pass the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. The exam format typically includes 40 multiple-choice questions, with a passing mark of 65% (26 correct answers), and must be completed in 60 minutes. The certification training also offers practice tests to help candidates prepare for the exam effectively.

This certification is highly beneficial for anyone involved in IT service management. It provides a robust foundation for further ITIL certifications and career advancement in ITSM roles. The credentials obtained are globally recognized, demonstrating a solid understanding of the best practices in IT service management.

2. ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support

The ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support certification focuses on integrating various value streams and activities to create, deliver, and support IT-enabled products and services. This module is part of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional stream. It aims to improve candidates' abilities in service management, including core service management activities and integrating different aspects of digital service management. The course also covers service performance and quality areas, emphasizing practical and technical knowledge necessary to manage IT-enabled services, teams, and workflows. Candidates should have passed the ITIL 4 Foundation examination and attended an accredited training course to be eligible. The certification exam requires a 70% pass mark.

3. ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve

The ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve certification provides guidance on aligning strategies with a comprehensive governance system. It aims at continuous improvement, which forms a part of the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL) stream but is also key for ITIL Managing Professionals. This module emphasizes the practical skills needed to create a 'learning and improving' IT organization with a strong and effective strategic direction. It involves learning how to use agile and lean techniques and focusing on how change initiatives can impact operations. The module suits IT leaders and managers who shape IT direction and strategy​​.

4. ITIL® 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value Course

The ITIL® 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value course focuses on the engagement and interaction between service providers and their customers, users, suppliers, and partners. This certification aims to convert demand into value through IT-enabled services. It teaches practitioners how to build relationships, shape customer demand, and ensure high customer satisfaction through practical and strategic methods. The course is designed to help professionals manage and integrate stakeholders' expectations and needs within the service value system, ensuring value co-creation through services​​.

5. ITIL® 4 Specialist: High Velocity IT Course

The ITIL® 4 Specialist: High Velocity IT module explores how digital organizations and operating models function in high-velocity environments. It offers insights into working practices such as Agile, Scrum, and Lean, as well as technical practices and technologies such as Cloud, Automation, and Automatic Testing. The course is designed for IT managers and practitioners involved in digital services or transformation projects, focusing on rapidly delivering products and services to obtain maximum value. This training helps understand the importance of ITIL practices in creating, delivering, and supporting services in high-velocity environments​​.

Eligibility Criteria for ITIL Certification

No specific eligibility criteria or prerequisites exist for an individual to appear for the ITIL foundation-level examination. However, it is beneficial if applicants hold certain experience in the IT sector. As you begin the certification course, you can avail of ITIL credits by clearing each exam level. These credits help you unlock the next ITIL certification course level you are willing to pursue.

ITIL Certification Process

The ITIL 4 Foundation Certification process managed by PeopleCert involves several steps to ensure that candidates are well-prepared to adopt and implement ITIL practices effectively. Here's a general outline of the process:

  1. Training: Formal training should be conducted through an accredited training organization. This training usually covers the ITIL 4 framework's key concepts, practices, and terminology essential for managing modern IT-enabled services.
  2. Exam Preparation: Alongside training, candidates typically receive resources such as study guides, practice exams, and access to eLearning materials. These resources are designed to help candidates understand the ITIL 4 framework thoroughly and prepare for the exam effectively.
  3. Registration for the Exam: After completing your training and feeling prepared to take the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, you can register through PeopleCert. The exam is available online, allowing flexible scheduling and remote completion.
  4. Taking the Exam: The ITIL 4 Foundation is a closed-book test with 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates need to score at least 65% (26 out of 40) to pass. The exam typically lasts 60 minutes, and additional time may be provided for non-native English speakers.
  5. Certification: Upon passing the exam, you will receive an ITIL Foundation certificate from PeopleCert. This certification is globally recognized and validates your understanding of the ITIL framework.

Continuing Professional Development: PeopleCert encourages certified professionals to engage in continuous learning and professional development to keep their skills relevant and updated. Here's where you can find more about the certification process and training options: PeopleCert ITIL 4 Foundation.

Benefits of ITIL Certification

ITIL is the best practice certification, helping IT projects and organizations offer advanced value to the complicated industry. Individuals holding ITIL certification are highly in demand. Hence, obtaining different certifications and qualification levels comes with different benefits. Some of the major benefits of ITIL certification include:

  1. Worldwide Recognized Qualification: The ITIL certification builds an international benchmark for your service management skills and qualifications. Some top service providers consider the ITIL certification mandatory for service management experts; hence, it helps enhance your career internationally.
  2. Acts As A Career Booster: Completing your ITIL course recognizes you globally as an expert, so you get better pay. You also achieve a broad landscape with increased progress opportunities besides your salary.
  3. Introduces Proactive Culture: Through ITIL training, individuals gain the confidence to implement different ways to boost customer satisfaction. The training helps individuals focus keenly on user experience and customer expectations. They are experts in implementing ITIL tools and frameworks that enhance service delivery quality by inheriting a new proactive culture.

What are the Training Options for ITIL Certification?

For ITIL certification, training options typically include a variety of formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules. Here are some common training options offered for ITIL certification:

  1. Self-Paced Online Learning: This option allows learners to review course materials at their own pace, typically through pre-recorded video lessons and readings. This is ideal for individuals with busy schedules who require flexibility.
  2. Virtual Classroom Training: This involves live, instructor-led training sessions conducted online. These sessions offer a structured learning environment and the opportunity to interact with instructors and peers in real time.
  3. Onsite Training: For organizations looking to train multiple staff members, onsite training can be arranged. This involves an instructor coming to the workplace to deliver training directly. This benefits teams and helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
  4. Blended Learning: This approach combines elements of online self-paced learning with live virtual or in-person classes. It provides a flexible yet structured approach to training, suitable for those who benefit from both independent and guided learning.
  5. Bootcamps: Intensive bootcamp programs are available for ITIL certification, which are short, concentrated training sessions. These are typically aimed at those looking to get certified quickly and are prepared for a more rigorous learning schedule.

What Is the ITIL Certification Cost?

Here are the certification costs of Simplilearn’s different ITIL certifications in the USA:

  1. ITIL® 4 Certification Training Course (Foundation): $649 (self-paced) and $799 (Online Bootcamp)
  2. ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support - $1,040
  3. ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve - $1,040
  4. ITIL® 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value - $1,040
  5. ITIL® 4 Specialist: High Velocity IT - $1,040

Some of the major emerging trends in ITIL certification in 2024 include:

Adapting AI Integrated ITIL Practices

Implementing ML and AI has revolutionized traditional ITIL practices, resulting in two major renovations in professional and business operations: utilizing data analysis to navigate future and present industry trends and automating routine tasks.

Enhanced Engagement and Customer Experience

In 2024, ITIL will play a major role in allowing businesses to customize their services and products along with assurance to align with the unique and specific expectations of the customers. By leveraging the seven-step continual improvement model of ITIL4, organizations can boost their capability to provide a better customer experience. This strategy has been beneficial for enterprises that serve both individuals and businesses. With the established effective boundaries and procedures, ITIL4 boosts transparency and enhances user experience, increasing the success of organizations.

Increased Employee Satisfaction

ITIL4 focuses on the importance of promoting workforce enablement with research-backed strategies. According to industry experts, organizations must adopt cloud-based services to allow employees to work remotely and innovate procedures that contribute to their well-being. Hence, promoting a positive working environment is important because engaged employees contribute well to overall customer satisfaction.

Develop skills for real career growth by experiencing the latest curriculum designed with the help of industry leaders. Enroll in our ITIL 4 Foundation Certification and strengthen your job-ready skills.

Combination of ITIL and DevOps

ITIL has focused on ensuring the smooth operation of ticketing systems. Whenever a ticket is raised, conflict resolution includes multiple steps, which are executed by different teams or individuals. DevOps focuses on automating the complete ITIL process concerning significant challenges within release, deployment, and configuration management processes. The collaboration of DevOps and ITIL will boost business solution delivery.

Conclusion

An individual can take the online professional ITIL certificate to explore and learn new skills, create a strong resume, and progress towards a good-paying job in almost 6 months. If you are willing to kickstart your career in IT, step ahead for the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification course on Simplilearn.

FAQs

1. What is the validity period of ITIL certification? 

ITIL, managing professional, intermediate and strategic leader certifications are valid for three years. After three years, you must renew your certification to demonstrate that you are updated with the changing ITIL practices.

2. Can I take ITIL exams online? 

Yes, you can conveniently take the ITIL examination online as it helps you earn a valuable certification from the comfort of your space in IT service management.

3. Is ITIL certification worth it?

By gaining an ITIL certification, individuals can boost their careers, from entry-level rules to top job positions, such as ITIL master. This certification displays a detailed knowledge of the candidate about the ITIL framework.

4. What is the full form of the ITIL exam?

The full form of ITIL is the Information Technology Infrastructure Library.

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