ITIL is a collection of practices for IT service management that aims at correlating IT services with the requirements of a business. ITIL is comprised of five volumes that cover the different lifecycle stages. It provides a baseline for an organization to plan, implement and measure. It is also used to clearly depict compliance and measure improvement of an organization. EXIN is a Dutch company that has certified IT professionals worldwide and is involved in the training and examining of ICT personnel.

ITIL Certification Description

It is an entry-level certification exam on the general understanding of ITIL elements, concepts, and terminologies used in its service lifecycle. It also involves the understanding of relations between life stages, processes used and their benefaction to service management. This certification is majorly aimed at IT professionals, for instance, IT architects, IT planners, IT consultants and anyone intending to add to their IT service management.

How to be certified

• Complete training and take and pass the necessary exam
• Get 65% on the exam or score 26 out of the possible 40
• Earn two ITIL credits on completion of the exam

Certification levels

Foundation level is the entry-level certification which offers you a broad understanding of the concepts, key elements, and terminologies used in ITIL service lifecycles.

Practitioner level- this level focuses on the knowledge on adopting ITIL in an organization. The professional covers three distinct areas in this certification.

• Change and organizational management
• Measurement as well as performance metrics
• Communication skills

Intermediate level is comprised of a module from where each module provides a unique focus on IT service management. The two modules are service capability and service lifecycle. Much more detailed than the above two and is industry recognized.

Expert level is intended for professionals striving to understand the ITIL scheme in its entirety. Attained on achieving a higher level of knowledge and skills of ITIL best practices.

Master level. To attain this level you have to be able to evidently show a personal application of the knowledge, method, and technology of ITIL to attain the desired business outcome.

There are two possible ways of attaining ITIL certification:

• By taking the exam with Accredited Training Organization (ATO)
• Privately studying without training via PeopleCERT

The ITIL certification exam has the following features:

• Delivery format: online web proctored available 24/7
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Format: closed book, multiple choice questions (40)
• Pass score; 65%, 26/40
• Value: two ITIL credits when you pass

Exam codes

• ITIL-F if you book through PV
• EX0-117 if you book through Promeric
• Pearson VUE ITIL-F (2011)

Job opportunities

A large number of organizations have adopted this framework. Sectors such as healthcare, higher education, and aviation. Jobs available include:

• Finance Manager
• Project Manager
• IT Consultant
• TIL Certified instructor

Conclusion

ITIL certification opens up new doors for better opportunities. If you are looking to be enhanced in productivity, management and effectiveness then this is the step you need to take. It will teach you the best practices and improve your employment prospects.