How To Take ITIL 4 Foundation Exam?

by Sneha Naskar

The ITIL 4 Foundation exam is an essential certification for professionals working in IT service management. It provides a fundamental understanding of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) principles and prepares individuals for higher-level certifications in IT service management. Whether you are new to ITIL or upgrading your knowledge from a previous version, this exam is your first step in mastering IT service management best practices.

How To Take ITIL 4 Foundation Exam?

Choose A Study Method

Before you can take the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, it’s crucial to decide how you want to prepare. There are two main options for exam preparation:

  • Accredited Training Provider: Many people opt to study through an Accredited Training Organization (ATO). These providers offer official ITIL 4 courses, often with instructor-led classes, materials, and guidance. Courses may be delivered online or in a classroom, depending on the provider. Most ATOs also include the exam fee in the course package, making it easier to register.
  • Self-study: If you are confident in your ability to study independently, you can opt for self-study. The official ITIL 4 Foundation book, ITIL Foundation: ITIL 4 Edition, is an excellent resource, covering all the content you need to pass the exam. Self-study allows flexibility but requires more self-discipline. After preparing, you can directly register for the exam through PeopleCert, the official exam provider for ITIL certifications.

Study The ITIL 4 Material

The next step is to study the ITIL 4 material thoroughly. ITIL 4 is designed around a comprehensive framework that focuses on aligning IT services with business needs. It introduces concepts like:

  • The ITIL Service Value System (SVS): A flexible, value-driven approach to managing and delivering IT services.
  • The Four Dimensions of Service Management: Ensuring all services are well-rounded by focusing on four critical areas: organizations and people, information and technology, partners and suppliers, and value streams and processes.
  • ITIL Practices: The exam focuses on 15 practices, such as incident management, change control, and service request management.

Whether you're taking a training course or self-studying, ensure you understand these core concepts. Online courses often come with resources such as study guides, sample questions, and video lessons to enhance your learning experience.

Register For The ITIL 4 Foundation Exam

Once you feel prepared, the next step is to register for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. Here’s how you can register:

  • Through a Training Provider: If you’ve completed your preparation through an ATO, they will usually handle your exam registration for you. You will be given instructions on how to schedule your exam at a convenient time.
  • Directly with PeopleCert: If you’ve opted for self-study, you can register for the exam through PeopleCert’s website. They offer both in-person exams at test centers and online exams that you can take from home via remote proctoring. This flexibility makes it easier to choose a time and location that suits your schedule.
ITIL® 4 Foundation (online with exam)

Prepare With Mock Exams And Practice Questions

Before sitting for the actual exam, it’s essential to practice. Most ATOs provide mock exams or practice tests, which simulate the format of the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. These practice tests help you become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter and the format of the exam.

The ITIL 4 Foundation exam is a 40-question multiple-choice test. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete it, and the questions will test your knowledge of key ITIL concepts and practices. A score of 65% is required to pass, which means you must answer at least 26 questions correctly. Practicing with mock exams will not only help you gauge your readiness but will also reduce anxiety by preparing you for the test environment.

Schedule And Take The Exam

The ITIL 4 Foundation exam can be taken either online or in a test center, depending on your preference.

  • Online Exam: If you prefer flexibility, you can choose the online exam option. You’ll take the exam from the comfort of your home or office using a computer with a webcam. A remote proctor will monitor you during the exam to ensure fairness. Make sure your internet connection is stable and that you meet the technical requirements for the online exam.
  • Test Center Exam: If you prefer a more traditional exam setting, you can take the ITIL 4 Foundation exam at an authorized test center. PeopleCert has numerous testing locations worldwide, and you can choose one based on your proximity.

On the exam day, ensure that you arrive early (or log in early for the online version) and have all necessary identification documents ready. For the online exam, you will need to set up a secure testing environment by following the guidelines provided by PeopleCert.

Receive Your Certification

Once you have completed the exam, your results will be available within a few days. If you pass, you’ll receive an official ITIL 4 Foundation certification, which is a valuable credential for IT professionals. This certification demonstrates your understanding of ITIL concepts and your ability to apply IT service management best practices.

Many individuals use the ITIL 4 Foundation certification as a stepping stone for higher-level ITIL certifications, such as ITIL Managing Professional or ITIL Strategic Leader. Both build upon the foundational knowledge gained through the ITIL 4 Foundation.

Conclusion

To take the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, prepare thoroughly by studying the core concepts, practicing with mock tests, and enrolling in a recognized training program. Ensure you're familiar with exam procedures and time management techniques. This preparation will enhance your understanding of ITIL and improve your chances of passing the exam.

ITIL® 4 Foundation (online with exam)