ITIL Certifications

ITIL 4 Foundation Certification

Launched in February 2019, the ITIL certification ladder begins with the ITIL 4 Foundation certification. An entry level credential, the Foundation certification targets IT pros who are working in organizations that have adopted ITIL or who need to understand the ITIL framework and how ITIL is applied to ITSM. The ITIL Foundation validates a candidates understating of ITIL 4 principles, Service Management dimensions, the business value of DevOps, Lean and Agile, and how to create synergy between stakeholders and customers throughout the ITSM lifecycle.

ITIL Foundation serves as a prerequisite to the more advanced ITIL certifications. While there are no formal prerequisites, it’s recommended that candidates attend a 2.5-day training session to prepare for the exam which is usually offered at the end of the course. Training cost varies depending on the training provided but candidates can expect to pay about $750 for a 2.5-day online bootcamp, plus exam. The exam fee is $363. All ITIL certification exams are administered through PeopleCert.

ITIL 4 Managing Professional Certification (ITIL MP)

One of two intermediate level credentials, the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Certification (ITIL MP) is geared to candidates who work with digital teams and other technologies in their organizations. The ITIL MP credential validates that a candidate possesses the technical skill and knowledge necessary to run IT enabled workflows, services, and teams.

To become an ITIL 4 Managing Professional, candidates must first obtain the ITIL Foundation credential then complete all four ITIL MP modules:

• ITIL 4 Specialist Create, Deliver and Support - Geared to ITSM professionals who manage end-to-end delivery and operation of digital or IT-enabled products and services, this module covers core service management tasks and creation of new services, value stream integration, along with service quality and improvement.
• ITIL 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value - This module covers engagement between service providers and their stakeholders with an emphasis on converting demand into solutions and value.
• ITIL 4 Specialist High-velocity IT - This module targets how digital operating models and organizations function in high velocity environments. The module also covers technical practices and technologies (Automation, Automation Testing, and Cloud) and working practices (Agile and Lean).
• ITIL 4 Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve - The Direct, Plan and Improve module is geared to managers who develop organizational strategies with a view toward continuous improvement. The module dives into leveraging Agile and Lean methodologies, along with practical methods for planning for continuous improvement and delivering solutions. This module is also one of the required modules for the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader certification.

The cost for each module exam is $488. To fully understand the ITIL MP modules, formal training is required. Candidates may download a syllabus for the respective module web page. A fee-based course guide is also available.

ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (ITIL SL) Certification

A relative newcomer to the ITIL 4 certification ladder, the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (ITIL SL) was launched in September 2020. ITIL SL is the second professional-level certification in the ITIL certification ladder. While the ITIL MP targets digital teams, workflows and services, ITIL SL is focused on how IT directs and influences organizational strategies for both digitally-enabled services and digital IT operations.

To earn the ITIL SL credential candidates must first obtain the ITIL Foundation certification or complete the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition module. At least three years of IT managerial experience is also required. In addition, candidates must also complete two modules: ITIL 4 Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve and ITIL 4 Leader Digital and IT Strategy.

• ITIL 4 Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve - The Direct, Plan and Improve module is also part of the ITIL MP certification stream. Candidates who have already completed this module as part of the ITIL MP certification only need to complete the ITIL 4 Leader Digital and IT Strategy module.
• ITIL 4 Leader Digital and IT Strategy - This module focuses on ways IT leaders can align IT and business strategy, manage and respond to disruptions caused by the new and emerging technologies, and build and implement IT and digital plans and solutions. The exam fee for this module is $622.

ITIL Master Certification

The ITIL Master credential is the pinnacle certification on the ITIL career ladder. It is geared to experienced practitioners who are able to apply ITIL principles and methods within their organization. Earning the Master credential is not easy and there are numerous requirements. To qualify for the ITIL Master certification, candidates must:

• Possess at least five years of direct experience in a managerial, leadership, or management advisory role.
• Earn the ITIL Expert Certificate. The ITIL Expert certificate is geared to IT professionals working in service management who need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the ITIL schema. Candidates who earned the Expert certification under ITIL 3 may transition to the ITIL MP credential by completing the ITIL Managing Professional Transition Module. Earning the Expert certificate requires completion of the Foundation v3 or v4 certification, earning at least 17 credits from the Foundation and intermediate modules and completion of the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module.
• Demonstrate practical implementation of ITIL practices through presentation of an approved project.

Applications for the Master credential may be obtained from PeopleCert. The assessment process consists of the following:

• Proposal submission
• An interview with an assessment panel to defend your project.
• Demonstrate practical implementation of ITIL practices through presentation of an approved project.

The ITIL Master credential is awarded upon successful completion of the prerequisites, project approval and successful interview.