How Useful Is an ITIL Certification? Is It Worth Your Time?

In the 1980s, the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) of the UK developed the original ITIL framework. It involved the best practices to be implemented in governmental organizations for cost-effective and efficient IT service management. Since then, a plethora of changes have been done to the framework for making it relevant with upcoming IT advancements. A lot of people remain in doubt whether to pursue an ITIL certification or not. Let’s dive into the details of an ITIL certification and whether it is relevant in today’s time.

What Is An ITIL Certification?

As discussed above, ITIL certification makes service management efficient and effective in a government setup. However, in the modern world, it is being used in all IT companies for using a common language for communication across all the departments. The certification covers all the aspects of an ITIL service lifecycle. The ITIL framework is now maintained by an international business process outsourcing company, AXELOS. To obtain the credential, an individual needs to undergo requisite training and pass the examination. The certification level offered by AXELOS ranges from basic to advanced. The higher the difficulty level, the higher the understanding of ITIL practices. Hence, candidates who are looking to take on challenging IT roles within an organization must have ITIL certifications.

What Are The Key Factors Of An ITIL Certification?

One should be clear about how the certification and learning path works before diving into the process. Here are three key things that you must be aware of before getting started with the ITIL certification.

Availability: The ITIL certification is available only for individuals as of now. There are no official ITIL certifications for organizations. The idea behind this is that the ITIL framework is not prescriptive. Instead, it is a guide that can be flexibly adapted as per organizational needs. It is easier for employers to employ best practices with the help of skilled IT professionals in specific areas.

Accreditation: ITIL certification is an internationally recognized credential. To maintain the relevance of the ITIL framework globally, AXELOS follows a three-tier structure. It involves accreditation from AXELOS, examination institutes (EIs), and accredited training organizations (ATOs).

Undergoing Transition: Currently, the ITIL framework has undergone major changes to keep pace with best practices applicable in today’s high-tech organizations. Therefore, you need to be thoroughly aware of the relevant certifications.

How Many ITIL Certifications Are There?

There are two certifications in the ITIL framework known as ITIL V3 and ITIL 4 with multiple levels under them. Let’s get to know them in the following brief:

ITIL V3

ITIL V3 certification has five levels as follows:

1) Foundation

2) Practitioner

3) Intermediate

4) Expert

5) Master

The foundation level has been replaced by the ITIL 4 foundation in February 2019. All the levels are progressive and cover the basics to the master-level understanding of the ITIL framework. 

ITIL 4

ITIL V4 credential consists of four levels:

1) Foundation

2) Managing professional

3) Strategic leader

4) Master

All the levels under ITIL 4 have commenced from February 2019. These transitions have been introduced to create more feasible and technologically advanced levels.

What Are The Advantages Of ITIL Certification?

ITIL certification is globally recognized since its inception for ITSM. Hence, many IT professionals invest in undergoing the training and examination. It opens up challenging and lucrative opportunities all around the world.

Learning The ITIL Framework

As we know, the ITIL framework came into existence for effective service management through best practices. Additionally, with current transitions, the framework’s focus is shifting from service management to value co-creation and driving demand through worthy ITSM practices. Individuals who undergo ITIL training become proficient in driving business excellence in an organization’s IT environment.

Global ITSM Standards

ITIL certified professionals can use their skills in a diverse range of organizations around the world. This is due to the alignment of ITIL certification’s quality with global standards. Many big corporations and IT companies have integrated the ITIL framework into their business environment, opening up opportunities for professionals having an ITIL certification.

Always In Demand

Employers from all over the world are on the lookout for professionals that can help implement the best ITSM practices in their organization. An ITIL certification is proof of an individual’s expertise in the quality practices for demand transformation and service management. More than 70% of employers require relevant certifications for job openings.

Conclusion

Getting an ITIL certification is worth it even in today’s world, as organizations require individuals with expertise in best practices. And when there is a gold standard for the same in the form of the ITIL certification, then it becomes easier to track down the professionals the company needs. Therefore, if you are looking forward to making a career in ITSM practices for business, you must take the ITIL course online