[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the technology is continually advancing, so it makes difficult for IT professionals and industries to stay with the current trend. The set of practices or standard framework forces them on taking the ITIL training program.
What is ITIL?
ITIL means the Information Technology Infrastructure Library is a foundation course to deliver better IT practice. The ITIL program focuses on certain key elements, concept, and terminology associated with the lifecycle management of ITIL service.
ITIL was developed in the year 1980 by the Central Computer and Telecommunication Agency of British Government. It was in response to the growing dependence of IT in Central Government department of the UK. The current form of ITIL is published as ITIL 2011 edition. It comes in four key volumes in which each covers the lifecycle stages of IT service; Strategy Service, Design Service, Transition Service, Operations and Continuous Service Improvement.
Different Levels of ITIL Certification
The ITIL provides a different scheduled approach that comprised of qualification series. They focus on various aspects of the ITIL framework and multiple degrees in detail. Here are the five qualification levels of ITIL:
1. Foundation Level
The basics of ITIL are covered in the foundation certification, and the beginners start learning the process of ITIL here and become certified. This certification does not need any prerequisites, so those who have an interest in ITIL framework can appear for this exam.
This level covers all the ITIL five practice areas including the different lifecycle stages which are linked to each other. Any IT professional who completes this ITIL foundation course can go to the next level Practitioner or Intermediate before qualifies for service management position.
2. Practitioner Level
Once you complete the foundation level and get a specified credit makes you eligible for the next level of ITIL. This practitioner level is a new entry in ITIL certification. It came into form from 2016. It explains how the ITIL framework can be used to support the objectives of the business and give focus on organizational change management, measurement and metrics, and communication.
The next step towards ITIL progression is a practitioner. It emphasizes the ability to adapt, adopt and apply the ITIL concept into an organization. Even it is not necessary for ITIL credential upper level but, it provides you three credits for ITIL Expert Certification.
3. Intermediate Level
Intermediate level of ITIL qualification has a modular structure in which each module focuses on different areas of IT service management. The relevant modules include and are categorized as Service Capability or Lifecycle.
In Service Lifecycles includes:
- SS or Service Strategy
- SD or Service Design
- ST or Service Transition
- SO or Service Operation
- CSI or Continual Service Improvement
In Service Capability includes:
- OSA or Operational Support and Analysis
- PPO or Planning, Protection and Optimization
- RCV or Release, Control and Validation
- SOA or Service Offerings and Agreements
4. Expert Level
Once you have completed the above-said qualification, you now reach the ITIL certification most crucial level. The Expert level aims at those who want to demonstrate knowledge entirely of the ITIL framework. It is an advanced stage that encompasses the depth and breadth of its processes and the practices included in ITIL discipline. This expert level is a prerequisite to doing the Master ITIL certification.
To qualify for the ITIL Expert level, you have to get a minimum of 17 credits from the above levels and pass the MALC or Managing Across the Lifecycle exam and earn 22 total credits.
6. Master Level
The ITIL Master Certification level demonstrates the ability to apply for the ITIL framework in a real situation. This Master level encompasses of all the principles and processes of ITIL covered from Foundation to Expert level certification. A Master in ITIL should demonstrate the complete mastery of the ITIL framework, it includes:
- Achieve the Expert certification
- Should prove a minimum of five years’ experience in ITIL leadership or management role
- Give a proposal for the improvement of IT service
- Submit the work package which reflects your capability to apply ITIL in a business case and its impact on that service
- Attend an interview with the ITIL assessment panel successfully
Importance of ITIL Certification
Below are the reasons why you should take up ITIL certification:
1. Proficiency
ITIL framework has become a benchmark to set up and implement the right tools and procedures that drive business productivity. With ITIL certification the skill of an IT professional is showcased for implementing ITIL practices and delivers business, document the goals and ITSM processes faster, efficiently and offer better results.
2. Organizational Benefits
IT organization can benefit from ITIL, includes:
- Maximum and efficient use of the resources which results in improved productivity and reduced costs
- Improved customer satisfaction
- Better alignment between the IT service and business
- Greater visibility of asset and IT cost
- Better management of risk, service disruption and failure of business
3. Better ITSM
Most of the top industries and senior roles in the IT service field require professionals who have ITIL training and important validation earned. An ITIL certified it is open to handle broader work opportunities along with high earnings.
4. Globally Accepted
The certification of ITIL is accepted internationally. Lots of companies available worldwide have adopted ITIL framework.
How to get ITIL Certified?
Currently, two global bodies are providing ITIL certification. EXIM or Examination Institute for Information Science in the Netherlands is one of the global providers for more than 40 years in IT certification. ISEB or Information System Examination Board is another one who provides ITIL Certification.
Now there are various ITIL certification courses available to choose from. You can either choose traditional classroom training or an online ITIL course
- Classroom Training
If you are comfortable with a conventional instructor and classroom to discuss and debate about various topics, then you should choose a classroom ITIL course.
- Online ITIL course
It is a virtual online training mode to learn the ITIL from recorded sessions. This too has all the advantages of a classroom session except the part it is virtual. The sessions will be for a specific period to complete the course. Some provide you downloadable material like a study guide, handouts, and practice tests. The main advantage is you can access this course at any time from anywhere by connecting to the internet.
Getting trained and acquiring ITIL certification can bring a notable boost to your IT career and salary; so, go ahead and opt for it.
