Certifications play a crucial role in the IT and project management fields, validating professionals’ expertise and opening doors to career growth and opportunities. Axelos, a global leader in best practice methodologies, offers a range of certifications that are highly regarded in the industry. In this blog, we will explore the recent updates to Axelos certification exams and their significance for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Axelos certifications, including ITIL®, PRINCE2®, and MSP®, are renowned for their focus on best practices and their alignment with industry standards. These certifications provide professionals with a solid foundation and practical guidance in their respective domains, enabling them to excel in their roles and contribute to organizational success.
In this blog post, we will delve into the recent updates made to Axelos certification exams. We will discuss why these updates are necessary, the specific changes implemented, and how they enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the certification programs. Furthermore, we will provide valuable insights and strategies to help candidates prepare for the updated exams and make the most of the resources and support provided by Axelos.
Axelos Certification – December 2024 Exam Updates
As the IT and project management landscapes continue to evolve, it is crucial for professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest frameworks, methodologies, and industry trends. The recent updates to Axelos certification exams reflect these changes and ensure that certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle contemporary challenges in their fields.
Whether you are a current Axelos certification holder looking to recertify or a professional considering pursuing an Axelos certification, this blog will provide you with the necessary information and guidance to navigate the updated certification exams successfully. Let’s explore the recent updates to Axelos certification exams and discover how they can propel your career to new heights in the ever-changing IT and project management landscape.
| Certification Exam | Course Outline |
| ITIL 4 FOUNDATION | Understand the key concepts of service management Understand how the ITIL guiding principles can help an organization adopt and adapt service management Understand the four dimensions of service management Understand the purpose and components of the ITIL service value system Understand the activities of the service value chain, and how they interconnect Know the purpose and key terms of 15 ITIL practices Understand 7 ITIL practices |
| ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support Certification | Understand how to plan and build a service value stream to create, deliver and support services Know how relevant ITIL practices contribute to creation, delivery and support across the SVS and value streams Know how to create, deliver and support services |
| ITIL® 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value Certification | Understand how customer journeys are designed Know how to target markets and stakeholders Know how to foster stakeholder relationships Know how to shape demand and define service offerings Know how to align expectations and agree details of services Know how to onboard and offboard customers and users Know how to act together to ensure continual value co-creation (service consumption / provisioning) Know how to realize and validate service value |
| ITIL® 4 Specialist: High-velocity IT Certification | Understand concepts regarding the high-velocity nature of the digital enterprise, including the demand it places on IT Understand the digital product lifecycle in terms of the ITIL ‘operating model’ Understand the importance of the ITIL guiding principles and other fundamental concepts for delivering highvelocity IT Know how to contribute to achieving value with digital products |
| ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve Certification | Understand the key concepts of Direct, Plan & Improve Understand the scope of what is to be directed and/or planned, and know how to use key principles and methods of direction and planning in that context Understand the role of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) and know how to integrate the principles and methods into the service value system Understand and know how to use the key principles and methods of continual improvement for all types of improvements Understand and know how to use the keyprinciples and methods of communication and organizational change management to direction, planning and improvement Understand and know how to use the key principles and methods of measurement and reporting in direction, planning and improvement Understand and know how to direct, plan and improve value streams and practices |
| ITIL® 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy Certification | Demonstrate the use of the ITIL guiding principles in Digital and IT Strategy decisions and activities Understand how to leverage digital strategy to react to digital disruption Understand the relationship between the concepts of Digital and IT Strategy, the service value system and the service value chain, and explain how to utilize them to create value Understand how an organization uses Digital and IT Strategy to remain viable in environments disrupted by digital technology Understand strategic approaches made possible by digital and information technology to achieve customer/market relevance and operational excellence Understand the risks and opportunities of Digital and IT Strategy Understand the steps and techniques involved in defining and advocating for a Digital and IT Strategy Understand how to implement a Digital and IT Strategy |
| PRINCE2® 7 Foundation | Understand key concepts relating to projects and PRINCE2 Understand how the PRINCE2 principles underpin the PRINCE2 method Understand the importance of people in successful projects Understand the PRINCE2 practices and how they are applied throughout the project Understand the PRINCE2 processes and how they are carried out throughout the project |
| PRINCE2® 7 Practitioner | Understand how to apply the PRINCE2 principles in context Understand how to apply effective people management in successful projects Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of PRINCE2 practices in context Understand how to apply (and tailor) relevant aspects of PRINCE2 processes in context |
| PRINCE2 Agile Foundation | Understand key concepts relating to projects and PRINCE2 Understand key concepts relating to projects and PRINCE2 Agile Understand how PRINCE2 principles, themes, processes and management products are tailored and/or applied in an agile context Understand the agile ways of working, key terms and techniques. Understand the focus areas in an agile context |
| PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner | Explain the differences between projects and BAU (Business as usual) Describe the complementary strengths of PRINCE2 and the agile way of working Explain the purpose and use of the Agilometer throughout a project Describe how to use the ‘hexagon’ in relation to the six aspects of project performance Describe in detail the five PRINCE2 Agile behaviours (Transparency, Collaboration, Rich Communication, Self-Organization, Exploration) |
| MSP Foundation | Understand key concepts relating to programmes and MSP Understand how the MSP principles underpin the MSP framework Understand the MSP themes and how they are applied throughout the programme Understand the MSP processes and how they are carried out throughout the programme |
| MSP Practitioner | Understand how to apply the MSP principles in context Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP themes in context Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP processes in context |
| M_o_R® Foundation | Introduction & Glossary Principles Approach Process Embedding & Review Perspectives Common Techniques Risk Specialisms |
| M_o_R® Practitioner | Introduction & Glossary Principles Approach Process Embedding & Review Perspectives Common Techniques Risk Specialisms |
| M_o_R® 4 Practitioner | Understand the purpose & principles of risk management Understand how risk management applies within and across the 5 perspectives Understand how people and culture influence effective risk management Understand how to apply the 8 processes of risk management to create and protect value |
| P3O® Foundation | Overview Why Have a P3O? Models and Tailoring Implement and Re-energize How to Operate a P3O (including Tools and Techniques) Roles |
| P3O® Practitioner | Overview Why Have a P3O? Models and Tailoring Implement and Re-energize How to Operate a P3O (including Tools and Techniques) Roles |
| MoP® Foundation | Overview Implement, sustain and measure Strategic and organizational context Portfolio management principles Portfolio definition cycle Portfolio delivery cycle Roles and documentation |
| MoP® Practitioner | Overview Implement, sustain and measure Strategic and organizational context Portfolio management principles Portfolio definition cycle Portfolio delivery cycle Roles and documentation |
| MoV® Foundation | Introduction Principles Processes MoV Techniques Commonly used Techniques Approach to implementation Environment and Embedding Appendices A-D |
| MoV® Practitioner | Introduction Principles Processes MoV Techniques Commonly used Techniques Approach to implementation Environment and Embedding Appendices A-D |
| AgileSHIFT® Enterprise Agility Certification | Understand why organizations need to create a culture of enterprise agility in response to a changing context Understand the key concepts of the AgileSHIFT framework Understand the AgileSHIFT delivery approach |
| RESILIA® Foundation | Understand the purpose, benefits and key terms of cyber resilience Understand the purpose of risk management and the key activities needed to address risks and opportunities Understand the purpose of a management system and how best practices and standards can contribute Understand the purpose of cyber resilience strategy, the associated control objectives and their interactions with ITSM activities Understand the purpose of cyber resilience design, the associated control objectives and their interactions with ITSM activities Understand the purpose of cyber resilience transition, the associated control objectives and their interactions with ITSM activities Understand the purpose of cyber resilience operation, the associated control objectives and their interactions with ITSM activities Understand the purpose of cyber resilience continual improvement, the associated control objectives and their interactions with ITSM activities Understand the purpose and benefits of segregation of duties and dual controls |
| RESILIA® Practitioner | Be able to carry out risk management Be able to manage the controls relevant to cyber resilience strategy and align these with IT service management Be able to manage the controls relevant to cyber resilience design and align these with IT service management Be able to manage the controls relevant to cyber resilience transition and align these with IT service management Be able to manage the controls relevant to cyber resilience operation and align these with IT service management Be able to manage the controls relevant to cyber resilience continual improvement and align these with IT service management Be able to evaluate need for segregation of duties and dual controls |
Importance of Exam Updates
Certification exams serve as a benchmark for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and proficiency in a particular field. In the fast-paced and constantly evolving industries of IT and project management, it is crucial for certification programs, such as those offered by Axelos, to undergo regular updates. Here are some key reasons why exam updates are important:
- Reflecting Industry Best Practices: The landscape of IT and project management is constantly evolving, driven by emerging technologies, industry trends, and evolving methodologies. Exam updates ensure that the certification exams remain aligned with the current best practices in the industry. This ensures that certified professionals possess the latest knowledge and skills required to excel in their roles.
- Adapting to Technological Advancements: Technology plays a significant role in IT and project management. As new technologies emerge and existing ones evolve, certification exams must incorporate relevant concepts and practices. By updating the exams, professionals are tested on their ability to apply these technologies effectively, ensuring they remain competent and up-to-date with the latest tools and approaches.
- Meeting Industry Standards and Regulations: Certification programs often align with industry standards and regulations to ensure that professionals are equipped to meet compliance requirements. Updates to certification exams help incorporate changes in standards and regulations, ensuring that certified professionals are well-versed in the latest requirements and can apply them effectively in their work.
- Addressing Feedback and Improvements: Feedback from professionals, employers, and industry experts plays a vital role in shaping certification programs. Exam updates allow certification bodies like Axelos to address feedback and make improvements based on real-world experiences. This ensures that the exams accurately reflect the skills and knowledge needed by professionals in their day-to-day work.
- Enhancing Relevance and Credibility: Regular exam updates enhance the relevance and credibility of the certification programs. By incorporating the latest industry practices, methodologies, and frameworks, the certifications maintain their value in the market and demonstrate the proficiency of certified professionals. This increases the trust and confidence placed in certified individuals by employers, clients, and peers.
- Stimulating Continuous Learning: Exam updates promote a culture of continuous learning among professionals. As certification exams evolve, professionals are encouraged to stay informed about the latest industry trends, participate in ongoing training, and engage in continuous professional development. This helps professionals remain competitive, adaptable, and relevant in their respective fields.
Exam Preparation Strategies for Updated Axelos Exams
Preparing for a certification exam, especially after updates have been made, requires a structured and focused approach. To help you effectively prepare for updated Axelos exams, here are some strategies and tips:
- Understand the Exam Changes: Start by familiarizing yourself with the specific updates made to the exam. Review the exam syllabus, objectives, and any official announcements or documentation provided by Axelos. Understand the new topics, frameworks, or methodologies that have been introduced and the weightage given to each area.
- Take Advantage of Official Training: Axelos offers official training programs and courses designed to prepare candidates for their exams. Consider enrolling in these training programs, as they provide comprehensive coverage of the exam content and offer valuable insights from experienced instructors. These programs may also include practice exams or simulated scenarios to enhance your understanding and readiness.
- Leverage Practice Exams: Practice exams are invaluable in preparing for any certification exam. They help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, time constraints, and the types of questions you are likely to encounter. Look for practice exams specifically tailored to the updated Axelos exams. Analyze your performance on practice exams to identify areas of weakness and focus your study efforts accordingly.
- Engage in Peer Discussions and Study Groups: Join online forums or study groups dedicated to the specific Axelos certification you are pursuing. Engaging in discussions with peers can provide additional perspectives, clarify doubts, and help reinforce your understanding of the exam topics. Collaborating with others who are also preparing for the updated exams can create a supportive and motivating study environment.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that outlines the topics to be covered, study materials to be utilized, and a timeline leading up to the exam date. Set realistic goals and allocate dedicated study time each day or week. Breaking down the content into manageable chunks and following a structured study plan will help you stay organized and make steady progress towards exam readiness.
- Utilize Additional Resources: Explore additional resources beyond the official study materials. Look for online tutorials, video lectures, or blogs that cover the updated exam content. These resources can provide alternative explanations or examples that complement your understanding and reinforce key concepts.
- Review Real-World Case Studies: Axelos certifications often incorporate real-world scenarios and case studies to assess practical application of knowledge. Review case studies related to the updated exam topics, and practice analyzing and solving problems based on these scenarios. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of how the concepts are applied in real-world situations.
Final Words
Embrace the updates made to the certification exams, invest time in focused preparation, and approach the exam with confidence. The knowledge and expertise gained through the preparation process will not only benefit you during the exam but also in your professional journey.
Remember, certification is not just about passing an exam; it is a continuous commitment to learning, growth, and staying updated with industry best practices. By continuously investing in your professional development and maintaining your certification, you can stay at the forefront of your field and contribute to the success of your organization.
So, embark on your journey of exam preparation with determination and dedication. The updated Axelos certification exams provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in IT service management, project management, or other relevant areas. Good luck in your pursuit of Axelos certification success!
