ITIL certification, formerly known as the ‘Information Technology Infrastructure Library,’ has long been recognized as a global standard in IT service management (ITSM). It is a best-practice framework designed to assist organizations in maximizing the value of their IT-enabled services; and products by ensuring their development, maintenance, and alignment with critical business goals. At the same time, the framework is non-descriptive, allowing practitioners to adapt it to their specific needs without having to adhere to any rigid rules.
Let us learn about the ITIL certification and the latest learning resources and preparation guide!
About ITIL Certification
The ITIL framework was created in the late 1980s by the UK Government’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) as a set of best practices; for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IT service management within government organizations. Since its initial publication, the framework has gone through several rounds of iteration, most notably the release of ITIL V3 in 2007 and the recent release of ITIL 4 in the first quarter of 2019.
ITIL 4 Certification
The ITIL 4 certification scheme is divided into four levels:
1. ITIL 4 Foundation
On February 28, 2019, the ITIL 4 Foundation course was released. The ITIL certification program replaces the ITIL V3 foundation course. The newly revised course covers Lean, Agile, and DevOps concepts, as well as ITIL-specific information such as the seven guiding principles and four dimensions of ITIL-Based Service Management. Candidates will also learn how to facilitate value co-creation by developing customer-focused IT products and services.
2. ITIL 4 Managing Professional
Following the release of ITIL 4, AXELOS introduced the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification. This certification’s modules were released in late 2019. ITIL experts who have previously obtained ITIL expert certification can obtain this designation by completing the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module. To obtain this certification, IT professionals who are new to ITIL must complete four modules:
- ITIL 4 Specialist: Design, Implementation, and Support
- Also, ITIL 4 Expert: Increase Stakeholder Value
- Furthermore, ITIL 4 Expert: High Velocity IT
- ITIL 4 Strategist: Plan, Direct, and Improve
3. ITIL 4 Strategic Leader
The ITIL 4 Strategic Leader certification will be available in the first half of 2020. A certified IT professional will have demonstrated their understanding of how IT impacts and influences business strategy. Candidates must complete two mandatory modules to earn this ITIL certification:
- ITIL 4 Strategist Direct Plan and Improve
- ITIL 4 Leader Digital and IT Strategy.
4. ITIL 4 Master
The highest level of ITIL® certification is the ITIL®4 Master certification. This certification indicates that you have mastered not only the theory of ITIL® principles, methods, and techniques but that you can also apply these Best Practices in your situation.
Now let us have a look at the future prospects & salary that these professionals are expected to get-
Future Prospects
ITIL Foundation is seventh on the Global Knowledge 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report’s list of top-paying IT certifications; with certified professionals earning an average salary of $120,556. However, IT professionals should be aware that certification alone may not result in the desired salary increase. While obtaining an ITIL certification shows a dedication to excellence in your field and a willingness to invest in yourself, the certification may not directly correlate with career success.
Benefits of ITIL certification
ITIL has been widely adopted as the leading framework for ITSM since its inception. As a result, millions of IT professionals have invested time and money in ITIL certification programs in the hopes of improving their career prospects by learning more about how to drive business value through best practices in IT.
The ITIL framework conforms to several international quality standards, including the ISO/IEC 20000 global standard for IT service management systems. Because of the ITIL framework’s global reach and alignment with other leading standards, certified ITIL professionals can apply their skills to a diverse range of businesses and industries, including those in foreign countries. Thousands of organizations worldwide have implemented the ITIL framework and invested in ITIL software tools to support their processes.
The ITIL framework and processes were created to be a collection of best practices for IT service management. ITIL 4 shifts ITIL’s focus away from service management as an end in itself and toward the concept of value co-creation and the transformation of demand into value via effective ITSM practices. IT professionals who complete ITIL’s certification program gain a thorough understanding of these practices; which is in use to drive business excellence in enterprise IT environments.
So, Is an ITIL certification really worthy?
When it comes down to it, ITIL certifications can help you land a job or advance your career. Because of ITIL’s widespread implementation and status as an internationally recognized and widely adopted framework, certified ITIL practitioners with relevant IT experience are in high demand and valued all over the world.
Simultaneously, it is the individual’s responsibility to maximize the value of their IT certification program by acquiring the necessary skills and experience that complement their certification. An ITIL certificate is worthless unless you can manage ITSM effectively in real-world enterprise IT environments.
ITIL courses can cost a few hundred dollars, but the right person can leverage that certification into a prestigious corporate role with a six-figure salary. Based on the cost of the training and the average salary of someone with ITIL 4 Foundations—the most basic certification level—we believe ITIL training is worthwhile.
To get through the certification exam, below mentioned are some resources –
Online Training
ITIL Foundation Training typically lasts two and a half days, with the examination taking place at the end; depending on the training provider. Interested candidates may also choose to self-study for the Foundation exam; and receive training in a different format, such as distance learning. AXELOS Accredited Training Organizations deliver training at their rates.
Online Forums
Even after going through your books, you may still have some serious reservations. In such cases, make sure to join a community or an online forum where you can clear up any exam-related questions. With so many candidates on the same path as you, you’ll have no trouble connecting with them. Joining online forums will also add nothing to your knowledge but will lead to improvements in your abilities.
Practice Tests
Practising is essential for passing any certification exam, and ITIL is no exception. So, make an effort to practice as much as possible. You should take practise tests if you want to improve your preparation and boost your confidence. Remember to go over your incorrect answers as well. This allows you to consider where you are lacking and begin working on your weak points. To stay ahead of the competition, begin with the ITIL Foundation Practice Test!
Conclusion
Understanding ITIL Foundation ExamConcepts is critical, but it’s also critical to understand the ITIL Exam pattern so you can feel completely confident. This includes going over each topic and its sub-topics. Don’t forget to do your homework before starting your preparation, as it will help you stay on track with the ITIL exam.
Fortunately, AXELOS has created a comprehensive transition plan to assist ITIL V3 practitioners; In updating their qualifications within the newly revised framework. So hurry up and begin planning right away!
