Master the ITIL Certification Path for Career Advancement

Master the ITIL Certification Path for Career Advancement

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is the backbone of IT Service Management (ITSM). With over five million ITIL certifications issued, it is the most widely used ITSM framework in the world. This widespread adoption of ITIL demonstrates how effective its structured approach to managing IT services is, helping organizations streamline operations and align IT services with business goals.

For IT professionals, obtaining an ITIL certification is key for career progression and provides a structured path for learning the best practices in ITSM. Those starting their ITSM journey will first pursue the ITIL Foundation certification, which offers a broad overview of the ITIL framework and service management principles. From there, professionals can advance to specialized tracks such as the Managing Professional (MP) and Strategic Leader (SL), each designed to hone expertise in specific areas of ITSM and leadership.

Starting with ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation is every IT professional’s introduction to the ITIL framework. It’s designed for beginners in ITSM and professionals looking to understand ITIL basics, introducing key skills and knowledge such as:

• IT service management principles (incident management, change enablement, problem management, and service request management),
• How to reduce your organization's IT costs,
• Better define and formalize operational processes,
• Learn the "common language" for business and IT, and
• Improve overall customer satisfaction.

This entry-level certification is the key starting point for those in or interested in roles like service desk technicians, IT project coordinators, and other entry-level IT staff. It is also valuable for business managers and individuals looking to understand how IT aligns with broader organizational strategies.

Because the ITIL framework is so ubiquitous, the “Foundations” certification is often a prerequisite for employment with an IT organization, making it a worthwhile investment in your career and livelihood.

The ITIL Foundations Examination

Because ITIL Foundations is designed to be an entry-level certification, there are no prerequisites to take the test and earn the certificate. For those interested in gaining their ITIL certification, there are two options to prepare:

1. Complete a training course with an accredited organization, such as New Horizons, which includes a voucher for taking the exam. There are no prerequisites for taking the ITIL Foundation course, which means you can enroll anytime.
2. Self-study using the core manual, ITIL Foundation: ITIL 4 Edition" by AXELOS and take the practice exams that are available through PeopleCert.

The ITIL Foundations exam is 60 minutes long, closed book, and is comprised of 40 multiple-choice examination questions. Test-takers must earn 25 marks (65%) to pass and earn the certification.

Advancing to ITIL Managing Professional (MP)

The ITIL Managing Professional (MP) certification is next, focusing on the practical and technical knowledge necessary for managing IT projects, services, and teams. Unlike the ITIL Foundations certification, which has no preqruiesites, you must complete four specialized modules to obtain the ITIL Managing Professional certification.

We recommend completing them in the following order:

1. ITIL Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support (CDS): Focuses on core service management activities and how to create end-to-end services. This module provides a solid understanding of service delivery and support mechanisms.
2. ITIL 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV): Learn how to manage relationships with stakeholders and manage the customer journey so your services meet the needs of the business.
3. ITIL Specialist: High-Velocity IT (HVIT): How to operate in fast-paced digital environments and adopt modern methodologies like Lean, Agile, and DevOps.
4. ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI): Finish with DPI to build a strategic, governance-oriented approach to service management.

Because ITIL MP is for IT professionals already established in the field, it’s essential to adopt a structured approach to learning that allows you to balance full-time work with certification prep. These modules are moderately difficult and require plenty of focused time to study and internalize the concepts in these modules.

Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Set clear, manageable goals and deadlines, focusing your study on one module at a time.
• Leverage eLearning platforms like PeopleCert, Udemy, and New Horizons that allow you to fit exam prep around work commitments.
• Familiarize yourself with the exam format by taking practice tests.
• Integrate what you learn from the modules into your day-to-day work to reinforce your practical understanding of the ITIL MP concepts.

Choosing ITIL Strategic Leader (SL) Path

The ITIL Strategic Leader (SL) track is meant for IT Directors, CIOs, and senior managers who are responsible for aligning IT strategies with broader business goals and leading digital transformation initiatives. Although the SL path is challenging, you will gain new leadership skills and be better equipped to innovate and position organizations for future growth.

To achieve the ITIL Strategic Leader certification, candidates must complete two core modules:

ITIL Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (shared with MP)

This module, shared with the Managing Professional track, focuses on governance, strategic planning, and continual improvement. DPI equips professionals with the skills to drive operational efficiency while aligning IT services with long-term business objectives. You will learn to:

 

• Define, select, and use Key Performance Indicators to assess IT performance,
• Manage organizational change and continual improvement,
• Establish governance structures to ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and policies.

Completing this module requires passing a 90-minute, closed-book exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions. Test-takers need a minimum score of 70% to pass. 

ITIL Leader: Digital & IT Strategy

The DITS module is designed to help leaders understand how to craft and implement digital strategies that support organizational growth. It covers the impact of digital disruption, how to lead digital transformation, and how to integrate IT into business strategy. You will learn to:

• Identify strategic goals and develop tactical and operational plans,
• Operational support and analysis skills for ITSM activities,
• Transforming IT systems to support a digital model,
• Collaborating with stakeholders,
• Managing and leading plans.

Completing this module requires passing a 60-minute, closed-book exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions. Test-takers need a minimum score of 70% to pass. 

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ITIL Master: The Final Goal

The ITIL Master certification is the end of the ITIL certification path and the pinnacle of ITIL expertise. According to AXELOS, “By combining the PM, MP, and SL designations, the ITIL 4 Master demonstrates the capability to apply the principles, concepts, methods and techniques from ITIL in the workplace at strategic, tactical and operational levels.”

To become an ITIL Master, you must first complete either the Managing Professional or Strategic Leader track. You also need to have extensive experience in ITSM, and you will be required to complete multiple assessments during which you will explain how you implemented a range of ITIL techniques and concepts in real-world situations.

This certification sets you apart in the IT industry by validating you have the highest level of competency in designing and implementing IT service management strategies.

Timeframe and Study Strategies

The time it takes to work your way through the ITIL certification path depends on a few things, like your current knowledge and skill level and how quickly you can complete the first three certifications. If you’re coming in completely new to the IT industry, the good news is you can get your first certification fairly quickly. On the flip side, even if you have experience in IT but no ITIL certifications, it will still take you several years to become an ITIL Master.

ITIL Foundation: 2-4 weeks

This entry-level certification is relatively straightforward, often requiring a few weeks of study. Beginners or those new to IT Service Management may take longer to fully absorb the concepts, while experienced IT professionals may move through it more quickly.

ITIL Managing Professional (MP): 6-12 months

This path includes four modules, each of which can take around 6-8 weeks to complete, depending on your familiarity with ITIL practices.

ITIL Strategic Leader (SL): 6-12 months

Similar to the Managing Professional path, the Strategic Leader track includes two modules, each of which requires in-depth study and understanding of IT strategy and leadership principles. Professionals in senior roles may find this easier to navigate, as the material closely aligns with their work experience.

ITIL Master: 12-18 months

Achieving ITIL Master depends heavily on completing a substantial real-life project and successfully defending it before assessors. Candidates should plan for a longer commitment, including preparing their project proposal, gathering documentation, and preparing for the final interview.

ITIL Study Resources

Books:

• "ITIL Foundation: ITIL 4 Edition" by AXELOS
• "ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module"

Practice Exams:

• PeopleCert offers official practice exams that mirror the actual exam format.
• Quiz-based platforms like Whizlabs and Simplilearn offer mock exams and practice questions.

It can be challenging to maintain momentum and balance your career demands with your progress in ITIL certifications. We recommend doing a few things to make sure you don’t wear yourself out before reaching the end of the path:

• Break your study into smaller, manageable goals with deadlines.
• Do brief but regular study sessions during breaks or downtime.
• Apply the concepts you learn to your daily work to reinforce your understanding (and show your employer the immediate value of your training).
• Find a study group or a peer who is also pursuing the certification.
• Allow flexibility in your plan and try to adjust without discouragement.
• Make time for rest, exercise, and hobbies.

Career Opportunities Along the Path

ITIL certifications open doors to a range of job roles that align with specific levels of certification. Below, we break down the career opportunities associated with each ITIL certification level, including expected salary ranges. It’s important to remember that salaries can fluctuate depending on your location, company, and experience level.

Job Roles for Each Certification Level

ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation-certified professionals are typically involved in entry-level roles within IT service management. Their work focuses on basic service management tasks such as managing incidents and service requests. Professionals with an ITIL Foundation certification typically earn between $50,000 to $65,000

• Service Desk Analyst
• IT Support Technician
• Junior ITSM Specialist

ITIL Managing Professional (MP)

ITIL Managing Professional-certified professionals are often responsible for managing teams, coordinating IT service delivery, and ensuring service improvements align with business objectives. Salaries for individuals holding the MP certification range from $75,000 to $110,000.

• Service Desk Manager
• IT Project Manager
• Service Delivery Manager
• Team Lead

ITIL Strategic Leader (SL)

ITIL Strategic Leader-certified professionals are well-positioned for senior leadership roles, where they can influence business strategy through IT initiatives. They can expect salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000.

 

• IT Director
• Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• Senior IT Manager

ITIL Master

Professionals who achieve the ITIL Master are typically in the highest levels of IT leadership and can earn upwards of $150,000 to $200,000 per year. They are often responsible for large-scale IT projects, leading cross-functional teams, and consulting organizations on IT strategy and implementation.

• Head of IT Operations
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• ITSM Consultant

Crafting Your ITIL Certification Journey

The ITIL certification path offers a structured roadmap to mastering IT Service Management, from gaining foundational knowledge to becoming an expert leader in the field. Consider your career goals as you get started on this path. Remember, every journey begins with a single step. Starting with the New Horizons ITIL 4 Foundation course is your gateway to understanding the core practices of IT Service Management.

Why New Horizons?

• Our top-rated instructors have an average instructor rating of 4.8 out of 5 across thousands of reviews.
• We maintain more than 35 Authorized Training Partnerships with the top players in tech, ensuring your course materials contain the most relevant and up-to date information.
• Our virtual training includes live lectures, demonstrations and virtual labs that allow you to participate in discussions with your instructor and fellow classmates to get real-time feedback.

 

 

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