What Is The ITIL 4 Certification Path?
The ITIL 4 certification path is a structured program designed to help IT professionals and organizations improve their IT service management (ITSM) capabilities. It provides a clear route for individuals looking to advance their careers and deepen their knowledge of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), which is the world's most widely used framework for ITSM. ITIL 4 focuses on guiding organizations to achieve better alignment between IT services and business goals, while also fostering agility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
ITIL 4 Foundation
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is an entry-level qualification, providing a basic understanding of the ITIL 4 framework. It introduces the key concepts of IT service management, the ITIL guiding principles, and the four dimensions of service management. It also explains the Service Value System (SVS) and how ITSM practices can be applied in modern-day IT operations.
Key Focus Areas:
- Basic ITIL 4 concepts and terminology
- Introduction to the ITIL Service Value Chain (SVC)
- Understanding of ITSM practices like incident management, problem management, and service desk
Who Should Take It:
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is ideal for individuals new to ITIL, IT professionals looking to gain a broad understanding of the framework, and those in non-technical roles who need to understand ITSM concepts.
Exam Details:
- Prerequisites: None
- Exam Duration: 60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: 65% (26 out of 40 questions)
Once you complete the ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you’ll be able to progress to the more advanced levels within the certification path.
ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) Stream
The ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) stream is designed for IT practitioners and professionals who work within technology and digital teams. The MP stream focuses on the practical and technical aspects of running successful IT services, with a strong emphasis on how IT operations should align with business objectives.
The MP stream consists of four modules:
1) ITIL Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support (CDS)
This module covers the essential activities in the service management lifecycle, focusing on delivering quality services and ensuring efficient operations. It looks at ITSM practices such as service design, service-level management, and continuous improvement.
2) ITIL Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV)
This module focuses on managing customer journeys, improving relationships, and fostering stakeholder engagement. It covers practices like service level management, service desk, and customer satisfaction monitoring.
3) ITIL Specialist: High-Velocity IT (HVIT)
HVIT explores the ways modern technology can accelerate IT services. It focuses on applying Agile, Lean, and DevOps principles to service management, helping organizations increase speed and efficiency.
4) ITIL Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve (DPI)
This module is common to both the MP and Strategic Leader (SL) streams. It focuses on planning, governance, and continuous improvement across IT and the organization as a whole. DPI helps professionals align strategy with daily operations, ensuring sustained improvement and value creation.
Who Should Take It:
The Managing Professional stream is ideal for IT professionals with practical experience managing and delivering IT services. It's suited for those in mid-level roles such as IT service managers, IT operations managers, and those responsible for ensuring service quality.
Exam Details:
- Prerequisites: ITIL 4 Foundation certification
- Exam Type: Each module has its own exam
- Passing Score: Varies by module
Once you've completed all four modules in the Managing Professional stream, you’ll receive the ITIL Managing Professional certification.
ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL) Stream
The ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL) stream is designed for professionals in leadership roles who are responsible for defining and implementing business strategies using IT services. This stream emphasizes how IT and business strategy are closely aligned and how IT can drive business success.
The SL stream consists of two modules:
1) ITIL Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve (DPI)
As mentioned, this module is shared between the Managing Professional and Strategic Leader streams, covering governance, continuous improvement, and aligning strategy with operations.
2) ITIL Leader: Digital and IT Strategy (DITS)
This module focuses on how organizations can leverage digital transformation and IT strategies to drive business success. It provides insights into building effective digital strategies and aligning them with business goals.
Who Should Take It:
The Strategic Leader stream is aimed at IT professionals in leadership roles, such as CIOs, CTOs, IT directors, and senior managers responsible for shaping and executing business and IT strategies.
Exam Details:
- Prerequisites: ITIL 4 Foundation certification
- Exam Type: Each module has its own exam
- Passing Score: Varies by module
Upon completing both modules in the Strategic Leader stream, you’ll receive the ITIL Strategic Leader certification.
ITIL Master
The ITIL Master certification is the highest level of ITIL certification, intended for experienced professionals who have already achieved the Managing Professional or Strategic Leader certifications. ITIL Masters demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the ITIL framework and can apply the principles and practices in real-world scenarios.
Key Focus Areas:
To earn the ITIL Master certification, candidates must provide evidence of their practical experience in applying ITIL in complex service management situations. This includes a project submission and an interview with ITIL assessors.
Who Should Take It:
The ITIL Master certification is suited for highly experienced ITSM professionals who have already achieved the Managing Professional or Strategic Leader certifications and are looking to demonstrate their expertise at an advanced level.
Exam Details:
- Prerequisites: ITIL Managing Professional or ITIL Strategic Leader certifications
- Exam Type: No exam; instead, candidates must submit a project proposal and pass an interview.
Conclusion
The ITIL 4 certification path is a comprehensive and flexible way for IT professionals to gain expertise in IT service management. Whether you are just starting your journey with ITIL 4 Foundation or you are a seasoned professional aiming to become an ITIL Master, the certification path provides structured learning that aligns with your career aspirations. ITIL 4 certifications open up new opportunities for career advancement and help you contribute to your organization’s IT and business success.
