Is ITIL Certification Still Valuable in 2023? Insights and Guidance
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The Relevance of ITIL Certification Today
In 2023, the question arises: Is pursuing an ITIL certification still a worthwhile investment? With costs nearing £1000, it's essential to consider its value. ITIL, which stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, has evolved over its 30-year history into a widely recognized framework for managing IT services.
What is ITIL?
ITIL serves as a globally accepted set of guidelines tailored for IT Service Management (ITSM). This includes areas such as incident management, system changes, and ongoing improvements. Companies adopt ITIL to demonstrate adherence to industry standards in IT governance and service management—an increasingly vital requirement given our heavy reliance on digital systems today.
Understanding ITIL Certification Levels
Currently, ITILv4 adopts a modular structure, featuring several certification pathways:
- ITIL Foundation: Focuses on fundamental concepts
- ITIL Managing Professional: Comprises specialist modules
- ITIL Strategic Leader: Includes strategist and leadership modules
- ITIL Master: Awarded upon completion of all modules
Additionally, two extension modules emphasize sustainability in IT and cloud service management. For more details, the AXELOS website provides helpful graphics illustrating these paths.
Core Concepts of the Foundation Level
The Foundation certification equips you with a solid understanding of IT Service Management. The syllabus encompasses five key areas:
- Fundamental IT Service Management concepts
- ITIL Guiding Principles for adapting its recommendations
- ITIL's Four Dimensions of Service Management, including organizational aspects and processes
- The purpose of the ITIL Service Value System
- Activities involved in the ITIL Service Value Chain and their interconnections
Pursuing Certification
Achieving the Foundation certification signifies your grasp of core ITIL theories and principles. It's an impressive addition to your CV, with many employers listing it as a desirable qualification.
While the course materials may not be the most captivating, perseverance is key. Some content may seem obvious, but reinforcing your knowledge is beneficial. It's reassuring to know that ITIL is utilized by approximately 85% of Fortune 500 companies, underscoring its global recognition.
Numerous options exist for Foundation-level courses, both in-person and online. I personally recommend Dion Training, where you can learn at your own pace through videos and practice exams. Jason Dion excels at making complex concepts comprehensible through practical examples.
When you're prepared for the exam, you can schedule it via PeopleCert, either at a testing center or online. I've successfully completed both the Foundation and CDS exams online, and while the process is generally smooth, be cautious of potential technical difficulties when downloading the proctoring software. A quiet, private space is essential, as you’ll need to show your workspace to the proctor.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Despite the high cost of the ITIL Foundation course and exam, it’s worth considering. Many tech roles, including Service Managers, Project Managers, Support teams, and Scrum teams, frequently engage with ITIL concepts. With over 2,000,000 certified professionals worldwide, you'll be joining a vast community.
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