WHAT IS ITIL CERTIFICATION: Cost, Course, V4 & Foundation

Do you work in information technology and want to improve your marketability to employers? Or perhaps you’re a business owner looking to safeguard your IT assets by staffing up with knowledgeable IT experts. The solution to your problems may lie in earning an ITIL credential. Read on to learn about IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), its certification, its course, the foundation for ITIL v4, and why businesses should adopt it.

What Is ITIL Certification

The acronym ITIL refers to the IT Infrastructure Library, a system for delivering IT services that are widely useful. To help standardize different procedures and phases of the IT lifecycle, the ITIL suggests best practices for IT service management (ITSM). When the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) of the United Kingdom saw the need to provide uniform rules to prevent inconsistencies among the increasingly varied IT architectures in the 1980s, the ITIL was born.

Although the framework’s initial iteration was released in 1989, Axelos continues to oversee its revisions. The most recent version, ITIL 4, has been developed to fulfill the needs of IT administrators while incorporating more modern methods of IT administration. Hence, it addresses cloud computing, automation, AI, DevOps, Agile, and more in addition to offering best practices for incident management and ongoing improvement.

Benefits of ITIL Certification

ITIL certification has advantages for both the individual and the IT environment. Think about these important benefits.

#1. Higher Earning Potential

ITIL-certified individuals can make more money. You’ll be given a designation that shows you understand how ITSM may help you achieve more important business goals. Also, as ITIL emphasizes the value and streamlines ITSM operations, firms will pay more for workers who can lower operational costs and help them save money.

#2. Improved Efficacy and Efficiency

IT managers may increase customer satisfaction and service timeliness by using the ITIL framework. You learn best practices for enhancing the flexibility and visibility of the IT infrastructure through certification as well.

#3. Improved Risk Management

Customer input is emphasized as being important in ITIL 4. Risks can be anticipated by understanding how the general public views the supply of IT services. The ITIL framework also aims to incorporate ITSM into corporate culture. Silos can be broken down through increasing team collaboration, which also helps to lower business risks.

#4. Ability to Create an IT Infrastructure that is Agile

The ITIL methodology applies best practices to streamline operations while concentrating on increasing productivity. Yet, ITIL 4 marks a redesign that aims to make ITSM more adaptable. The certification promotes teamwork and communication, combines Agile and DevOps methods, and automates procedures to enhance the delivery of results.

#5. Acknowledgment of your Knowledge

Another advantage of ITIL certification is getting recognition for your abilities and experience. By investing the time to obtain the certification, you demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to tackle ITSM in a methodical and expert manner. You may already be aware of ways to save IT expenses or enhance IT services, but now that you have the certification, you can demonstrate that you follow tried-and-true best practices.

ITIL Certification Foundation

The entry-level certification, ITIL Foundation (also referred to as ITIL 4 Foundation edition), provides end-learners with general awareness and knowledge of the important components, concepts, and terminology used in ITIL.

Entry-level IT workers who need a fundamental grasp of ITIL or who want to advance to higher levels within the ITIL 4 certification system are the target audience for the ITIL Foundation course and certification.

This certification aims to familiarize applicants with contemporary IT-enabled service management. After finishing the related ITIL course, candidates for ITIL Foundation certification must pass the ITIL Foundation test (Foundation level).

Whatever route you take, you must first pass the ITIL Foundation exam, a foundational credential that covers ITIL 4. Applicants for the ITIL 4 Foundation test should have a fundamental understanding of developing products and services that are valuable for customers and stakeholders, as well as a working knowledge of Lean, agile, and DevOps ideas and the four service management aspects.

During the course of two and a half days, a classroom will host the ITIL Foundation training. You’ll take a one-hour exam at the end of the course that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you’ll need to select the 26 correct answers. The Axelos website lists the certified training organizations that provide the courses. Axelos or other third-party suppliers’ practice tests and other study materials are also available for self-study.

Cost of ITIL Certification

The ITIL® framework is generally familiar to IT professionals. Many others in the industry may have likewise considered going after the coveted ITIL. Everyone pursuing these ITILs has one thought in mind: Is the return on the investment acceptable? It is crucial to evaluate both the costs associated with obtaining these ITIL® Assessments across multiple levels and the potential rewards. This cost-benefit analysis is required to assist in determining whether these investments are suitable and advantageous for people and their businesses. Let’s first take a quick look at what ITIL® is before learning more about the costs associated with earning the ITIL® certification.

A candidate pursuing ITIL® options has a variety of approved and unaccredited providers to choose from. The latter may be less expensive, but AXELOS, specifically, does not vouch for their learning materials or accreditations. Moreover, prices vary according to the decision that is taken. Depending on the nation the candidate resides in, the price also varies. Additional factors that affect the cost include whether the course is taken in person, online, or internally by the business the applicant is employed. The ITIL® Master level assessment, the last of the five levels of candidacy, will cost $4,000 to complete.

Components included in ITIL Certification Exam Cost

The applicant taking the ITIL certification Foundation test must take into account a number of expenses. To receive the ITIL® certificate, the candidate must pay the cost of the ITIL certification Foundation exam. The cost of ITIL Certification Foundation must include the ITIL® resource pack if the candidate intends to use it to study for the test. Depending on their preferences, certain additional expenses might also be borne by the candidate.

The following are some of the other cost factors for an ITIL certification:

#1. ITIL® Study Guide

Applicants who desire to pursue the route of independent study using a study guide may not have taken into account the cost of an ITIL course. Attending ITIL® learning sessions is not required for people pursuing ITIL® V4 Foundation certification. In that situation, the candidate must take into account the expense of self-study, which may involve the purchase of a study book edition, which may run about $30 if purchased as a paperback or less if purchased as a digital download online.

#2. ITIL® Practice Test

Applicants require a study plan if they want to assure their preparation for the ITIL® test. Such candidates must incorporate ITIL® practice exams in their preparation strategies. There are numerous reputable ITIL® exam websites that offer practice tests online for $25–$50. Yet, there are free online practice exams for the ITIL® V4 exam. Candidates will lower the overall cost by using these full-length, free practice exams that mimic the real exam. As was already said, in this case, they can give the applicants access to entire practice exams.

ITIL® Certification Re-attempt Cost

As was already indicated, the ITIL® certification Foundation is the first exam in a series and is rather simple to pass. The ITIL® exams would be easily passed by a candidate who has taken the time to study. In the unlikely event that the candidate does fail, they have two options: purchase a new exam voucher and retake the test or request a reevaluation of their answers from the ATO for a small cost. The candidate is reimbursed for the cost of the re-evaluation, which is now between $100 and $150 in the US if the results are favorable. If the decision is unfavorable, the candidate will forfeit the appeal cost and be required to purchase a new exam voucher.

ITIL Certification Course

You will have a solid understanding of the ITIL 4 framework, key ideas, and terminologies related to the ITIL 4 service lifecycle after completing this ITIL 4 foundation course. By the time you complete this ITIL certification, you’ll know how ITIL 4 changed to incorporate contemporary operational procedures and technological advancements, as well as the key ideas in a service management framework.

An end-to-end operating model for the development, provision, and ongoing improvement of technology-enabled goods and services is introduced by ITIL 4 Foundation. Everyone who needs to comprehend the fundamentals of IT and digital service delivery and is interested in assisting their firm in adopting the new service management culture should take the ITIL 4 Foundation course. It is intended for professionals just beginning their ITIL 4 journey or those wishing to refresh their ITIL expertise.

The course will assist you in understanding:

How contemporary IT and digital service companies function
How to value streams boost efficiency and speed
How work that is beneficial to the entire organization is guided by cultural or behavioral norms.
How to use language and concepts used in service management

ITIL 4 Foundation Training

Accredited training providers offer a range of formats for ITIL training courses. To locate a training provider, use our training search.

Examination Format

40 inquiries
Many options
Passing requires 26 out of 40 points (65%)
Sixty minutes
Unopened book.

ITIL V4 Certification

ITIL 4 provides three paths to certification as well as two additional modules. You may show that you understand how ITSM affects corporate strategy and service delivery by earning an ITIL certification.

ITIL 4 Certification Foundation

Key IT and digital service provision ideas are promoted by this first stage of ITIL certification. This grade:

Investigates the workings of contemporary IT and digital service organizations
Discusses ways to boost the speed and efficiency of the value stream.
Investigates the function of cultural or behavioral norms
Explains common phrases and ideas in service management

ITIL 4 Managing Professional (ITIL MP)

This stream expands on the fundamental certification by delving more deeply into the technical and practical knowledge to aid management professionals in:

Develop, provide, and maintain IT-enabled services
Stakeholder value creation
Support for high-speed IT
Manage, organize, and enhance productive IT-enabled teams

ITIL Strategic Leader

Building on the MP certification, this certification offers more of a strategic viewpoint. This certification consists of two parts that prepare the IT administrator to influence and direct strategy to a greater extent:

Direct, Plan, and Improve with ITIL 4
Digital and IT Strategy for ITIL 4

ITIL Extension Modules

Moreover, there are two specialist ITIL 4 certifications available. They have an emphasis on developing technologies and don’t require any prior knowledge, so you can utilize them to learn more about ITIL principles and perhaps discover new job paths:

Focuses on comprehending and managing the environmental impact of digital and IT services as an ITIL 4 specialist.
Examines the application of cloud technology in company strategy as an ITIL 4 Specialist: Purchasing and Managing Cloud Services.

Taking the Exams

To obtain your Foundation certification, you must pass a 40-question, 60-minute, closed-book exam using multiple-choice answers. A 26 out of 40 is regarded as passing. You can advance to the Management Professional certification after passing the Foundation certification. Each of the four modules’ tests, which last 90 minutes and are closed-book, must be passed by scoring 28 out of 40 multiple-choice questions correctly.

ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support You must successfully complete 28 out of 40 multiple-choice questions in the 90-minute exam for this module, which focuses on the creation of services.
ITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value: You may learn how to collaborate with stakeholders in this subject.
ITIL 4 Specialist: High-velocity IT: The abilities required to operate with digital goods and services or highly automated environments are the main topic of this session.
ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve This session teaches you the abilities required to strengthen teamwork and organizational tactics.

After completing the Foundation exam, you can also obtain the ITIL Strategic Leader credential. It entails passing both the ITIL 4 Leader Digital and IT Strategy program and the aforementioned ITIL 4 Strategist Direct, Plan, and Improve module. The latter is a 60-minute closing-book test that requires clearing 21 of 30 multiple-choice questions and teaches leaders how to create digital strategies across their firms.

What Is the ITIL Certification Good For?

Your knowledge of commonly-used concepts, words, and procedures will allow you to advance the development of the organization.

Is ITIL Certification Difficult?

According to an individual’s background and amount of experience in IT service management, the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam’s complexity might vary. Yet, the Test is generally thought to be of moderate complexity. There are 40 multiple-choice questions on the exam, and you have 60 minutes to find the answers.

Which Is Better ITIL or PMP?

Projects are covered by PMP (Project Management Professional), whereas services are covered by ITIL.

How Long Is ITIL Certification Valid?

The renewal date for all of your certificates, which is three years after the most recent exam you took, will be the same if you have more than one from the same product suite.

How Long Does It Take To Learn ITIL?

During the course of two and a half days, a classroom will host the ITIL Foundation training.

Can I Take Itil Exam without Training?

Applicants must attend training sessions prior to the exam if they want to sit for it. However, it is optional; you can take the exam and pass without additional preparation.