What is ITIL Certification in The UK?
Wondering what the ITIL certification is?
Businesses rely heavily on IT services to stay competitive and deliver value to their customers. However, managing IT services effectively can be a complex task. This is where ITIL certification comes into play.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What ITIL certification is
- The benefits of ITIL
- The different ITIL levels
- Who the certification is for
- How to prepare for the exam
- FAQs
So, let’s dive in.
Key Highlights
- ITIL certification is a globally recognised framework for IT service that helps businesses improve customer experience, manage risk, and establish cost-effective practices.
- ITIL 4, the latest version of the framework, emphasises agility, flexibility, and innovation in ITSM while supporting legacy networks and systems.
- The ITIL certification scheme offers three main designation paths: Managing Professional (MP), Strategic Leader (SL), and Practice Manager (PM), with the option to complete all three and earn the ITIL Master designation.
- The ITIL Foundation is the entry-level certification that covers the basics of ITIL 4 and provides a solid foundation for further specialisation.
- IT professionals seeking career growth and organisations aiming to improve IT service management should consider ITIL certification for its numerous benefits.
- Preparing for ITIL certification involves recommended training courses and resources, as well as tips for successfully passing the exams.
- The investment in ITIL certification includes exam costs and training fees, but the potential return on investment (ROI) makes it worthwhile for many professionals and organisations.
What is ITIL Certification?
ITIL certification is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the ITIL framework. ITIL, which stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a set of best practices for IT service management (ITSM).
It provides guidance on how to plan, design, deliver, and improve IT services to meet the needs of businesses and their customers. The ITIL trademark has been owned by PeopleCert since 2001.
At Seven Learning, we provide a range of online ITIL training courses. Browse our courses or get in touch to chat with our support team.
The Benefits of ITIL Certification
Here are some of the benefits of the ITIL certification:
Standardised Best Practices
- Provides a standardised framework for IT service management
- Helps organisations adopt best practices and processes
- Enables consistent and efficient service delivery
Improved Service Quality
- Focuses on aligning IT services with business needs
- Facilitates better communication between IT and business stakeholders
- Enhances customer satisfaction and service quality
Increased Productivity and Efficiency
- Streamlines IT processes and reduces redundancies
- Promotes automation and integration of IT services
- Optimises resource utilisation and cost-effectiveness
Better Risk Management
- Establishes a structured approach to identifying and mitigating risks
- Promotes proactive problem management and incident resolution
- Enhances business continuity and disaster recovery planning
Career Advancement Opportunities
- Demonstrates proficiency in IT service management best practices
- Increases employability and career prospects
- Provides a career path for IT professionals
Competitive Advantage
- Aligns IT services with industry standards and best practices
- Enhances an organisation’s credibility and reputation
- Improves customer retention and attracts new clients
Continuous Improvement
- Emphasises ongoing service improvement and optimisation
- Promotes a culture of continuous learning and adaptation
- Enables organisations to stay ahead of evolving technology and business needs
ITIL Certification Levels
ITIL offers several levels of certification, allowing individuals to progressively enhance their knowledge and skills in IT service management.
The different ITIL certifications are:
- ITIL Foundation
- Entry-level certification that provides an overview of the ITIL framework and its key concepts.
- ITIL Managing Professional (MP)
- Consists of three certifications:
- ITIL Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support
- ITIL Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value
- ITIL Specialist: High Velocity IT
- Consists of three certifications:
- ITIL Strategic Leader (SL)
- Consists of two certifications:
- ITIL Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve
- ITIL Leader: Digital and IT Strategy
- Consists of two certifications:
- ITIL Master
- The highest level of ITIL certification, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and its application in real-world scenarios.
Let’s explore each level of the ITIL scheme in more depth.
We provide a range of ITIL training courses for each level. Browse our online courses or get in touch to chat with our support team.
ITIL 4 Foundation
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is the entry-level certification in the ITIL certification scheme. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, principles, and terminology of ITIL.
The ITIL Foundation course covers the basics of ITIL 4, including the four dimensions of service management, best practices, and key concepts of Lean, Agile, and DevOps. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to IT service management.
To earn the ITIL 4 Foundation certification, individuals must pass the Foundation exam, which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam is typically one hour long, and a score of 26 or more correct answers is required to pass.
ITIL 4 Foundation training courses are offered by accredited training organisations. These courses provide comprehensive coverage of the ITIL 4 Foundation syllabus and prepare individuals for the certification exam. Training courses can be taken in a classroom setting or online, depending on individual preferences and availability.
ITIL 4 Managing Professional (ITIL MP)
The ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) certification is designed for IT practitioners who want to specialise in ITIL practices and techniques. It provides a deep understanding of ITIL concepts and enables professionals to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
To achieve the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification, individuals must complete four modules: Create, Deliver and Support; Drive Stakeholder Value; High-velocity IT; and Direct, Plan and Improve.
The Create, Deliver and Support module focuses on the creation and delivery of IT services and covers topics such as service design, service transition, and service operation.
The Drive Stakeholder Value module emphasises the importance of customer satisfaction and focuses on building strong relationships with stakeholders.
The High-velocity IT module explores the integration of ITIL with Agile, DevOps, and other approaches to enable rapid delivery of IT services.
The Direct, Plan and Improve module covers strategic planning, governance, and continual improvement of IT service management practices.
By completing all four modules, individuals earn the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification and gain specialised knowledge in ITIL practices and techniques.
ITIL Strategic Leader
The ITIL Strategic Leader certification is designed for IT professionals who play a role in shaping IT and business strategies. It focuses on the strategic aspects of ITIL and provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to align IT services with business goals and drive organisational success.
To earn the ITIL Strategic Leader certification, individuals must complete two modules: Direct, Plan and Improve; and Digital and IT Strategy.
The Direct, Plan and Improve module covers strategic planning, governance, and continual improvement of IT service management practices. It equips individuals with the skills to create a learning and improving IT organisation.
The Digital and IT Strategy module focuses on aligning IT and business strategies, handling disruptive technologies, and building successful IT and digital strategies.
By completing both modules, individuals earn the ITIL Strategic Leader certification and gain the expertise to lead IT and digital initiatives within their organisations.
ITIL Master
The ITIL Master certification is the highest level of certification in the ITIL certification scheme. It is designed for professionals with extensive ITIL knowledge and experience and recognises their ability to apply ITIL principles and techniques in real-life scenarios.
To achieve the ITIL Master designation, candidates must demonstrate their expertise in ITIL by completing a series of requirements. These include at least five years of experience working in IT service management in a leadership, management, or advisory role.
Candidates must also submit a relevant proposal and work package that showcases their knowledge and skills in applying ITIL practices. They are then required to participate in an interview with an ITIL assessment panel to assess their understanding and application of ITIL concepts.
The ITIL Master certification recognises professionals who have achieved mastery in ITIL and have the technical knowledge and expertise to implement ITIL practices in the IT industry.
Who Should Consider ITIL Certification?
ITIL certification is valuable for a wide range of individuals and organisations. It is particularly beneficial for IT professionals seeking career growth and organisations aiming to improve their IT service management practices.
IT professionals who want to enhance their skills and advance their careers in IT service management should consider ITIL certification. It provides a comprehensive understanding of ITIL concepts and principles, enabling professionals to effectively manage IT services and align them with business goals.
Similarly, organisations that want to improve their IT service management practices and deliver high-quality IT services should consider ITIL certification. It offers best practices for ITSM, helping organisations establish cost-effective practices, improve customer relations, and drive continual improvement.
Preparing for ITIL Certification
Preparing for ITIL certification requires a combination of training and self-study. It is important to choose the right training courses and resources to ensure success in the certification exams.
Recommended training courses are offered by accredited training organisations and cover the key concepts and practices of ITIL. These courses provide comprehensive coverage of the ITIL syllabus and prepare individuals for the certification exams.
In addition to training courses, individuals can also access study materials and practice exams provided by Axelos, the organisation responsible for ITIL. These resources help individuals test their knowledge and familiarise themselves with the format of the certification exams.
To maximise success in the certification exams, it is important to develop effective study strategies and techniques. This includes setting a study schedule, using flashcards and other study aids, and practising with sample questions.
ITIL Online Training Courses With Seven Learning
The ITIL certification offers a structured approach to IT service management, for both professionals looking to advance in their career and organisations aiming to enhance their ITSM practices. While there is a financial commitment involved, the return on investment in terms of career growth and organisational efficiency makes it worthwhile for many.
Get started with an ITIL certification training course from Seven Learning and take your IT career to the next level. Why wait? Start your journey toward success now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between ITIL V3 and ITIL 4?
ITIL V3 and ITIL 4 are two versions of the ITIL framework. ITIL 4 is the latest version and has several updates and additions compared to ITIL V3. The syllabus and certification scheme have been updated to reflect the changes in IT service management practices and emerging technologies.
How Much Does ITIL Certification Cost?
The cost of ITIL certification can range from around £450 to £850 for the Foundation level, £2,700 to £4,200 for the Managing Professional stream, £2,700 to £3,900 for the Strategic Leader stream, and £5,000 to £7,500 for the ITIL Master certification in the UK. The exact cost varies based on the training provider, exam fees, and any additional materials required.
What is IT Service Management (ITSM)?
ITSM focuses on aligning IT services with business needs through incident management, change management, and IT asset management processes. It ensures effective IT operations, service desk support, and delivery of valuable, digitally enabled services while promoting sustainability and integration with IT infrastructure.
What is ITIL?
The IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a widely adopted ITSM framework offering best practices for managing IT services. It guides IT leaders and practitioners on service delivery, incident management, change management, and asset management, enabling organisations to provide high-quality, sustainable IT services aligned with business objectives.
Is becoming ITIL Foundation certified worth it?
For IT professionals seeking a solid ITSM foundation, the ITIL Foundation certification is valuable. It validates understanding of ITIL concepts, preparing learners for advanced ITIL training courses and certifications like ITIL Specialist. This entry-level credential demonstrates commitment to best practices and can enhance career prospects in IT service management.
