ITIL certification
Learn about ITIL certification, the different levels and versions, requirements, the exam and the certification process. Find out how ITIL certification works and explore the available preparation options.
ITIL certification validates knowledge of the ITIL framework and its application to the management of products, services and practices. The ITIL certification system includes different modules and designations, from ITIL Foundation to more advanced qualifications.
What is ITIL certification?
What does ITIL certification mean?
An ITIL certification demonstrates that a professional has acquired knowledge of the ITIL framework and understands how its principles, concepts and practices can be applied to service management.
What is ITIL certification for?
ITIL certification can support professional development and demonstrate knowledge of internationally recognised service management practices. It can be relevant for professionals working in IT service management, digital services, service delivery and related areas.
ITIL certification vs ITIL training
ITIL training and ITIL certification are different. Training provides the knowledge and preparation needed to develop skills and prepare for an examination, while certification is the formal credential obtained after meeting the applicable requirements and passing the relevant examination.
Who can obtain an ITIL certification?
ITIL certifications are available to professionals with different levels of experience and professional backgrounds. Requirements depend on the specific certification or module.
What ITIL certifications are available?
The ITIL certification system has evolved with the introduction of ITIL (Version 5). It includes Foundation, modules and designations that support different professional development paths.
ITIL certifications (Version 5)
The current ITIL (Version 5) system includes several qualifications and designations.
ITIL Foundation (Version 5)
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the entry point to the ITIL certification system. It introduces the key concepts, principles and elements of ITIL and provides the foundation for progressing to other qualifications.
ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5)
The ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) designation is focused on the practical application and management of ITIL practices. It requires specific modules and prerequisites.
ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5)
The ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) designation covers the management of products, services, customer experience and transformation.
ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5)
The ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation focuses on strategy and transformation and addresses the application of ITIL at a strategic level.
ITIL Master (Version 5)
ITIL Master (Version 5) represents the highest designation in the ITIL certification system and requires the relevant Practice Manager, Managing Professional and Strategic Leader designations.
Other ITIL (Version 5) modules
The ITIL system also includes additional modules that address specific areas of service management and emerging topics, such as ITIL AI Governance.
ITIL 4 certifications
ITIL 4 certifications continue to be valid and can remain relevant for professionals progressing through the ITIL certification system.
The transition from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5) depends on the qualifications already obtained. Different transition routes are available depending on the professional’s existing ITIL certifications.
For professionals who already hold advanced ITIL 4 qualifications, there are specific transition options. For example, the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) is available to professionals who meet the requirements for this route and provides a transition path into the corresponding designations in the new system.
Are you interested in the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5)? Contact XPM Consulting for information about this option and the applicable conditions.
What are the requirements for ITIL certification?
Requirements depend on the certification or module.
Eligibility requirements
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the entry-level certification and does not require previous ITIL qualifications.
More advanced ITIL qualifications may have specific prerequisites, which must be met before taking the relevant examination.
Training requirements
Training requirements depend on the certification. Some advanced ITIL modules require candidates to complete the appropriate training before taking the examination.
How do you obtain an ITIL certification?
The process depends on the certification you want to obtain, but generally involves:
- Choosing the appropriate ITIL certification or module
- Checking the applicable requirements
- Completing the required training, where applicable
- Obtaining an examination voucher or booking the examination
- Taking the examination
- Receiving the certification after passing the examination
How does the ITIL exam work?
The examination format depends on the certification or module.
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) examination consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes. The pass mark is 65%. The examination is closed book.
Advanced ITIL examinations
Advanced ITIL modules have different examination requirements, including examination format, duration and pass mark. Candidates should check the specific requirements for the certification or module they are taking.
How much does ITIL certification cost?
The cost of ITIL certification depends on the certification or module and the examination and preparation options selected.
Costs may include:
- Examination or examination voucher
- Training and preparation
- Study materials
- Additional examination options, where applicable
- Renewal or maintenance costs, where applicable
The cost of the certification itself should be distinguished from the cost of training and preparation.
How long is an ITIL certification valid?
ITIL certifications currently follow a three-year renewal cycle.
Certification holders can maintain their certification through the renewal options available from PeopleCert, subject to the applicable requirements.
ITIL certification vs ITIL training
ITIL certification
Certification is a formal professional credential obtained after meeting the applicable requirements and passing the relevant examination.
ITIL training
Training provides structured learning and preparation for the certification examination. It can help professionals understand the ITIL concepts and apply them in practical contexts.
Certificate of attendance vs professional certification
A certificate of attendance confirms participation in a training course. An ITIL certification is a professional credential awarded following the applicable certification process and examination.
How to prepare for ITIL certification?
Individual study
Individual study can be part of the preparation for an ITIL certification. It can be used to review key concepts, consult official content, explore specific topics and practise with questions similar to those used in the examination.
Preparation materials may include official content, the eBook and other supporting materials, together with practice questions.
A structured preparation approach helps consolidate knowledge and identify the areas that require greater attention before the examination.
ITIL certification training
Training provides a structured approach to learning the ITIL framework and preparing for the examination. Depending on the certification, training may also be part of the examination requirements.
Exam preparation and practice questions
Practice questions can help candidates become familiar with the type of questions used in the examination and identify areas where further study is needed.
ITIL certification training
XPM Consulting provides training and preparation for ITIL certifications in different formats.
ITIL Foundation
Training and preparation for the ITIL Foundation certification.
Explore the ITIL Foundation course → https://xpmconsulting.com/curso/itil-foundation/
ITIL 4 Specialist: Monitor, Support and Fulfil
Training for professionals preparing for the ITIL 4 Specialist: Monitor, Support and Fulfil certification.
Explore the ITIL Specialist: Monitor, Support and Fulfil → https://xpmconsulting.com/curso/itil-4-specialist-monitor-support-and-fulfil/
ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support
Training for professionals preparing for the ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support certification.
Explore the ITIL Specialist: Monitor, Support and Fulfil → https://xpmconsulting.com/curso/itil-4-specialist-create-deliver-and-support/
Frequently asked questions about ITIL certification
What is ITIL certification?
ITIL certification validates knowledge of the ITIL framework and its application to service management. The certification system includes different certifications, modules and professional designations.
What is ITIL Foundation?
ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the entry-level certification in the ITIL certification system. It introduces the key concepts, principles and elements of ITIL.
Is ITIL training required to obtain a certification?
Training requirements depend on the certification or module. Some advanced ITIL qualifications require candidates to complete the appropriate training before taking the examination.
Is professional experience required?
Requirements depend on the certification. ITIL Foundation (Version 5) does not require previous professional experience, while some advanced qualifications have specific prerequisites.
How does the ITIL exam work?
The examination format depends on the certification. The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam has 40 multiple-choice questions, lasts 60 minutes and requires a score of 65% to pass.
How much does certification cost?
The cost depends on the certification, examination and preparation options selected. Training, examination vouchers and other applicable costs may be charged separately.
How long is an ITIL certificate valid?
ITIL certifications currently follow a three-year renewal cycle. Certification holders can renew their certification through the options available from PeopleCert.
Are ITIL 4 certifications still valid?
Yes. ITIL 4 certifications remain valid. There are also transition routes for professionals who want to progress from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5).
How can I move from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5)?
The transition route depends on the ITIL qualifications already held. Eligible ITIL 4 certification holders may use the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5), while professionals with specific advanced qualifications may be eligible for the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5).
Can I take ITIL (Version 5) if I already have an ITIL 4 certification?
Yes, depending on the ITIL 4 certification you hold and the requirements of the Version 5 qualification you want to obtain. Different transition routes apply to different ITIL 4 qualifications.
Can ITIL certificate be obtained online?
Yes. ITIL examinations can be taken online through the examination options provided by PeopleCert, subject to the applicable requirements and conditions.