What You Need to Know About ITIL Qualifications and Certifications
ITIL practices are designed to help organizations identify areas that need improvement. These are vendor- and industry-neutral guidelines that help companies optimize and streamline their processes, maximize the efficiency and reduce costs. To understand what ITIL is about, it helps to know a little of its history.
Back in 1980s, the UK Government’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) developed a set of recommendations to respond to the growing dependence on the information technology. CCTA recognized that without standard practices, government agencies and private sector contracts were forced to come up with their own IT management practices.
As a result, IT Infrastructure Library came along as a collection of books, each covering a specific practice within IT service management. ITIL was built around a process-model based view of controlling and managing operations. The initial publication (ITIL v1) covered 7 years from 1989-1996 and included over 30 volumes.
In 2001, ITIL v2 was released. It consolidated the publications into nine logical sets, making the library more accessible (and affordable). The edition grouped related process guidelines to match different aspects of IT management, services and solutions. Although ITIL version 2 has been amended since 2001, it remains the current version today.
How can ITIL help organizations today? It includes valuable guidelines for streamlining the processes by maximizing the potential of technology, which leads to better efficiency and balanced workload. The relevance of ITIL is proven by the popularity of ITIL qualifications and certification exams. ITIL certifications validate their holders’ understanding of the best management practices, with this expertise being highly valuable to government organizations, non-profits and commercial enterprises alike.
ITIL Qualifications
ITIL’s Qualification Scheme is based on the modular approach when all ITIL and ITIL-related qualifications are assigned a specific credit value. There are 5 levels of qualifications in the ITIL qualification layout.
When a candidate completes a given level of the ITIL examination, he or she is given the certification and the attributed credits. Each level of certification has its own requirements, all of which include earning a specific number of credits.
The ITIL Credit System also recognizes ‘ITIL Complementary Qualifications’ by giving credits for some credentials the candidate has received from other vendors, relevant to the ITIL body of knowledge. These credentials include APMG-International qualifications: Problem Analyst, Lean IT, ISO/IEC 20000, Service Catalogue, Configuration Management Database, Change Analyst, Sourcing Governance Foundation (SGF), BiSL, ASL2. Other recognized certifications are IT Service Management Foundation (EXIN), Certified Process Design Engineer (LCS certification), and BCS Specialist Qualifications in IT Service Management.
While the ITIL website allows for convenient calculation of your credits, the most common question ITIL candidates and wannabes ask is ‘How high up do I have to go? Is ITIL Foundation enough? Do I need to have an Expert level certification? Experts agree that ITIL Foundation is way too basic to be taken as a serious career step in the long run, so we recommend that you aim for the Expert or Master qualification to maximize your career potential and validate your knowledge and understanding of current information technology management practices.
Interesting posts
3 Real-World Tasks You’ll Tackle in Google Data Analytics Certification
Introduction In today’s fast-paced digital world, certifications are essential for professionals aiming to showcase their expertise and progress in their careers. Google’s certifications, especially in data analytics, are highly regarded for their emphasis on practical, job-ready skills. The Google Data Analytics Certification, known for its broad skill development in data processing, analysis, and visualization, stands… Read More »
Introduction Cisco Networking Academy is a comprehensive e-learning program that provides students with the foundational information technology (IT) skills needed to design, build, and manage networks, along with career skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Launched in 1997 by Cisco Systems, the program has become a global education initiative that offers a wide… Read More »
Cisco Certification Trends in 2024
Introduction Cisco certifications are widely acknowledged as the gold standard in the IT industry, demonstrating a professional’s expertise across a diverse range of networking domains. These credentials span several levels of expertise: Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert, with each professional-level exam additionally conferring a Specialist certification. This structure allows professionals to demonstrate their knowledge progression,… Read More »
5 Jobs You Can Get with CompTIA Security+ Certification
Introduction Amid the digital revolution, IT professionals are leveraging CompTIA certifications as crucial instruments to highlight their skills and propel their careers forward. These credentials, highly esteemed in the IT industry, offer a structured pathway through five distinct levels: Core, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Data and Analytics, and Additional Professional certifications. Designed to furnish IT professionals with… Read More »
CompTIA Certifications Worth to Earn in 2024
Introduction In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and digital transformation, the importance of skilled IT professionals has never been greater. As businesses strive to adapt to evolving technologies and secure their digital assets, the demand for individuals with industry-recognized certifications continues to soar. Among the most respected and sought-after credentials in the IT… Read More »
The Admiral in Asheville, N.C. #1 Food Restaurant Review
The Admiral: A Global Culinary Adventure in Asheville, NC Nestled in Asheville’s vibrant core, The Admiral isn’t your average restaurant. Housed in a humble cinder-block building, it boasts a reputation for innovative global cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious tourist, The Admiral… Read More »