A Complete Guide to ITIL Certification Levels for IT Professionals

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certificates are among the most valuable IT credentials in the world. ITIL provides an organizational framework of best practices for IT service management (ITSM), teaching technology professionals how to align IT services with business needs. PeopleCert, a global leader in exam and certification services, is the official accrediting body for ITIL certifications. It makes sure that the exams and training programs adhere to the standards set by AXELOS, the organization that owns ITIL.

Obtaining ITIL certifications will teach you to help businesses manage risk, improve customer relations, establish cost-effective practices, and create an IT environment that enables businesses to grow, scale, and change. They are one of the first steps in landing a job in IT or getting a promotion if you are already working in the field.

If you don’t have any ITIL credentials yet, or if you are looking to level up in IT, this article will teach you how to choose the appropriate certification for your career progression.

What is ITIL 4?

ITIL 4 Foundation is the latest revision of the ITIL guidelines. As the name suggests, ITIL 4 is designed to help IT workers and their organizations navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution being driven by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, big data, blockchain, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, all of which are blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Launched in 2019, ITIL 4 was designed to address the increasing complexity of modern digital environments, which demand flexibility, agility, and a customer-centric approach. ITIL 4 helps organizations integrate emerging technologies into IT service management (ITSM) frameworks.

Professionals who passed the ITIL V3 Foundation exam can seamlessly transition to the ITIL 4 Foundation to keep their skills up-to-date. The main difference between ITIL 4 and previous ITIL versions is the shift to a more holistic approach and focus on value-driven service management. ITIL V3 emphasized the concept of IT as a service that helps businesses achieve their goals by introducing the service lifecycle approach. ITIL 4 introduces a new concept called the Service Value System (SVS), which replaces the service lifecycle approach.

ITIL 4 reflects the changes in today’s digital environment and focuses on creating value through collaborition between service providers and customers. It builds upon the foundations of ITIL v3 to ensure that IT services meet the demands of today's dynamic business landscape.

ITIL Certification Levels Explained

There are five core certification levels within ITIL 4. From beginner to most advanced, these levels are Foundation, Practitioner, Intermediate (covering both the Service Lifecycle and Service Capability categories), Expert, and Master. As you progress through the levels, the material gets more difficult and complex and focuses more closely on the real-world application of the ITIL framework.

1. ITIL 4 Foundation Level

ITIL 4 Foundation is the first certification IT professionals will need within the framework. With ITIL 4 Foundation, you learn commonly used service management terms and concepts and how to examine operations in modern IT and digital service organizations. ITIL 4 Foundation teaches candidates how to reduce their organization's IT costs, better define and formalize operational processes, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

The key topics covered in ITIL 4 Foundation are:

• The Service Value System
• The Service Value Chain
• The Seven Guiding Principles
• The Four Dimensions of Service Management
• Fundamental concepts of Lean, Agile, and DevOps.

ITIL 4 Foundations is ideal for beginners in ITSM and IT professionals looking to boost foundational knowledge. This certification is relatively easy to get as there are no prerequisites. It covers basic ITSM concepts, and the course is mainly focused on memorization of key concepts and terms.

2. ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP)

The ITIL Intermediate certification is module-based, in which each module focuses on a distinctive aspect of IT service management. The ITIL 4 MP levels aim to teach IT practitioners working in technology and digital teams across businesses how to run successful IT-enabled products and services.

ITIL's four Intermediate Certification Levels are:

• ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support (CDS): Focuses on core service management activities and how to create end-to-end services.
• ITIL 4 Specialist: High-Velocity IT (HVIT): How to operate in fast-paced digital environments.
• ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI): Covers strategic and operational alignment and continual improvement.
• ITIL 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV): How to foster stakeholder relationships and manage the customer journey.

These modules are moderately difficult and require an understanding of practical and strategic applications of ITIL concepts. As such, this certification level is ideal for IT professionals in managerial roles or those overseeing digital and IT projects. It is recommended (but not mandatory) that interested students take the modules in sequence.

3. ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL)

The goal of the Strategic Leader track is to help those leading digital and IT transformations align these initiatives with business strategies.

ITIL 4 Strategic Leader modules are:

• • Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI): This covers requirements in both the ITIL Managing Professional and ITIL Strategic Leader designations and teaches the practical skills needed to establish a “learning and improving” IT organization that possess a strong and targeted strategic direction.
  • Strategic Leader: Digital & IT Strategy (DITS): Helps professionals develop IT and digital strategies that align with the business.

ITIL 4 SL is ideal for IT leaders, C-suite executives, those responsible for high-level strategy formulation, and others involved in digital transformations, service delivery, and strategic delivery. The certification is more difficult than the MP certification as it requires deeper understanding of ITIL practices and their integration into business strategy.

To earn your ITIL 4 Managing Professional or ITIL 4 Strategic Leader, you must complete all modules in each stream, with ITIL Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve is a universal module for both streams.

4. ITIL 4 Practice Manager (PM)

This is a new designation that was introduced to bridge ITIL practices with specific roles in IT management.

Candidates can focus on individual areas such as:

• Incident Management
• Change Enablement
• Service Desk
• IT Asset Management
• Information Security Management
• Continual Improvement

The ITIL Practice Manager is ideal for professionals who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of specific ITIL management practices. This is another challenging certification as the material is highly specialized and focused, depending on the specific management track chosen.

5. ITIL 4 Master

The ITIL 4 Master is the highest level of ITIL certification. It demonstrates mastery over ITIL principles and advanced application across business, strategic, and operational areas. Candidates must achieve the Practice Manager (PM), Managing Professional (MP), and Strategic Leader (SL) designation to become an ITIL 4 Master.

There is no single exam for this certification, but it does include multiple assessments, such as case-based evaluations on Digital and IT Strategy, a detailed study of five management practices, and a comprehensive review of all Managing Professional modules.

The ITIL 4 Master is best suited for Senior ITSM professionals, consultants, and IT leaders seeking to prove mastery in ITIL and lead large-scale IT strategies. This is an extremely difficult certification to obtain. Earning this designation requires hands-on experience, the ability to develop and implement IT strategies, and leadership skills across IT management practices.

No separate application is needed. Certification is awarded automatically after achieving the required PM, MP, and SL certifications.

How to Choose the Right ITIL Certification Level

If you’re interested in pursuing an ITIL certification, you have to consider the reality of your current skills, experience, interest, and career trajectory. What is your current level of experience in IT service management (ITSM)? What are the specific skills you want to develop? Being able to answer these questions is important before you jump in, lest you find yourself in an ITIL course that’s above your understanding.

Here are the steps to help guide you in selecting the right ITIL certification level:

Assessing Your Career Goals:

Entry-level professionals should start with ITIL Foundation. Choosing the right ITIL certification level depends on your career goals, your current level of experience in IT service management (ITSM), and the specific skills you want to develop.

Mid-level managers and those with some ITSM experience who are looking to build on that foundational knowledge should consider the Managing Professional (MP) track.

Strategic leaders or executives should look into ITIL Strategic Leader.

Specialists wanting to focus on specific IT practices should explore the Practice Manager track.

Senior professionals or those seeking mastery should target the ITIL Master designation, but only after completing certifications from the Strategic Leader (SL) track, such as Direct, Plan, and Improve (DPI).

Time and Commitment:

• Outline the approximate study time and preparation needed for each level. ITIL certifications offer a progressive path.
• Think long-term, if you can. Even if you're currently in a junior role, completing the Foundation certification now can help you transition to more advanced certifications as you gain experience and move up in your career.
• Managing Professional, Strategic Leader and Master levels require significant preparation and deeper understanding.

Benefits of ITIL Certifications

For Individuals

• Sharper skills and ability to implement ITIL best practices
• Improved job prospects and potential to earn a higher salary.
• Better understanding of how IT services align with business goals.
• Gain more influence over strategic IT projects.

For Organizations

• Enhanced IT service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Streamlined processes, reduced costs, and improved efficiency.
• Improve your company’s reputation in the industry and to customers.
• ITIL-certified staff are proven to be more productive.
• Save money by utilizing resources more efficiently.

For the Industry

• Universal standards for ITSM, ensuring consistent and reliable service management practices.
• Help meet evolving legal and regulatory requirements related to data security.

How to Prepare for ITIL Certifications

Study Materials

Check out the official PeopleCert resources, online courses, and study guides. Familiarize yourself with the ITIL framework and review the official ITIL 4 Foundation study guide. Axelos' ITIL eBook: Future Proof Your Career with ITIL 4 and Axelos’ ITIL Job Hunting guide are other great resources.

Practice and Self-Assess

Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format. Complete a practice exam to determine which areas you need to focus your study before taking the official test.

Manage Your Time

Balance work, study, and personal commitments while preparing for ITIL exams.

Engage with Communities

Join online forums, study groups, or ITIL communities for extra support and insights.

Enroll in a New Horizons ITIL Course

New Horizons is an Axelos Accredited Training Provider. Our courses, which we update regularly, are developed by ITIL professionals.

Elevating Your IT Career with ITIL Certifications

ITIL certifications play a vital role in shaping successful careers in IT service management by offering a clear and structured path for career advancement. From improving service delivery and customer satisfaction to streamlining processes and aligning IT with business goals, you can use ITIL to gain the skills you need to make a tangible impact on your career and organization.

Consider your own professional goals, assess your current career stage and identify which ITIL certification level aligns with your ambitions. You can begin working through ITIL certifications by heading to the PeopleCert’s official website for the latest certification information and exam details.

If you know where you want to begin, New Horizons' ITIL certification courses. Visit our course page to learn more about enrolling in the right program for your career stage and preparing for certification with expert guidance.

 

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