ITIL Certification Cost & Benefit Analysis
Most if not all industries today are governed by a set of best practices. These practices are arrived at when industry players including associations, experts, and other stakeholders together, come up with a framework of tried and tested guidelines that will address specific situations effectively and perhaps economically. They also form the standards of operation in which businesses adapt to keep up with what the industry considers high quality, acceptable, and superior.
Some best practices like ITIL are accompanied by ITIL certification, a mechanism that puts professionals up to par with the expected quality and standards of operation. Adopting best practices would also mean that a business is committed to complying with regulations that have been set to shape the industry and create a level playing field for all businesses. ITIL refers to Information Technology Infrastructure Library. This is a set of guidelines that govern service delivery in the IT industry.
What is ITIL?
ITIL is a framework comprising of the best practices used in IT service management (ITSM) and operations. ITIL is a registered trademark and is accepted globally as a set of guidelines that help manage IT service operations to bring about quality results economically. ITIL provides guidelines in areas like risk management, customer relations, cost planning and management, as well as service planning and delivery among others. This framework provides a holistic approach to effectively manage the people, processes, and technology, all of which are part of the IT service life cycle.
ITIL has evolved
The ITIL framework is known the world over. However, this framework dates back to the 80s when the quality of IT services was what the industry needed. At this time, ITIL was a government-initiated project known as GITIM, which refers to Government Information Technology Infrastructure Management. Then, it was a physical library with around 30 books of recommended IT practices.
Version 2 of ITIL was released in 2001. It brought in a more defined structure with 7 clear-cut areas of focus on IT processes including:
- Planning to implement service management
- Business relationship management
- Service support
- Service delivery
- ICT infrastructure management
- Application management
- Security management
Version 3 ITIL was released in 2007 and it sought to address the entire service lifecycle rather than just the IT processes which ITIL V2 focused on. ITIL V3 is centered around 5 best practices including:
- Service strategy
- Service design
- Service transition
- Service operation
- Continuous service improvement
ITIL 2011 came as a revised edition of the ITIL V3.
ITIL V4 is the latest version and is currently being used. It was upgraded in 2019. It brings in value to the customer rather than just streamlining the service lifecycle. However, ITIL V3 has not been phased out completely as ITIL V4 is still in the process of being released. ITIL V3 will be available up to June 2020.
One key aspect for professionals in the IT field is the ITIL certification. Certification demonstrates that an IT individual is familiar with the ITIL framework and can implement it or refer to it in their businesses or places of employment.
ITIL Certification Matters
While ITIL is a framework of best service management services in IT, it also includes a certification mechanism that qualifies professionals working in the industry.
The ITIL certification equips individuals with in-depth knowledge to enable them to tackle various IT service management situations ultimately improving the IT service function. Because efficiency, productivity, quality, and value to customers matter to businesses, the ITIL framework and ITIL certified professionals do too. For this reason, more and more employers have included ITIL certifications as one of the requirements for professionals seeking employment in their organizations.
What’s more, with ITIL being a common model adopted by many businesses, a professional will remain relevant even when changing jobs and/or employers.
The ITIL Certifications
We shall look at both ITIL V3 and ITIL V4 certification paths since they are both still in use.
First Things First
The first step towards getting an ITIL certification is taking the ITIL foundation training and getting the foundation certification. The foundation level equips professionals with a basic knowledge of the ITIL framework and covers:
- ITIL terminology
- Fundamentals of IT service value creation
- ITIL Principles and key concepts
- Service management dimensions
The foundation certification is also the first step for those who wish to attain higher level ITIL certifications.
While the ITIL V3 foundation certification lays the foundation on the principles, concepts, and ITIL terminology, the newest ITIL V4 is slightly different. It focuses more on improvement and value for the entire IT service cycle.
The Examination
ITIL Foundation certification exams consist of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam should be taken within 60 minutes. However, because the examination is available in other languages, those taking the examination in other languages are allowed to take it within 75 minutes to cater to the time it takes to refer to the dictionary for translation.
The pass rate for ITIL foundation examination is 26 out of 40 questions which translates to 65%.
ITIL Foundation Exam Study Guide And Resources
Whether you opt to enroll for an ITIL foundation course with a training provider or self-study, you will still need to go the extra mile and make use of the study guide. In addition to the guide, you can also revise using the free or paid practice tests available online.
Cost of ITIL Foundation Certification
The cost of the ITIL Foundation certification consists of two elements.
- The exam cost
- The training cost
The exam cost varies depending on:
- Whether you register with a training provider or directly through peoplecert.org
- Whether you are taking an online exam, computer-based exam at Pearson Vue Center, or written exam with your training provider
- The country in which you will take the exam
For instance, if you are in the US and have opted to register on PeopleCert’s site, the exam will cost you $314.
ITIL Foundation Training
To qualify to sit for the examination, you need to have gone through at least 16.25 instruction with an accredited training organization (ATO) or an accredited institution. However, if you have opted for ITIL V4 Foundation certification, training is not necessary although it is recommended.
Something to think about, it could be way economical for you engaging a training provider as this will possibly bring down the cost of the certification.
Considering a training provider, here is what you need to check before registration
- The trend of their pass rates in the past examinations
- Student support
- Are they accredited?
- The instructors’ qualifications
- Available training modes
Are you ready to make a difference in your IT career? You need to enroll in the ITIL Foundation training course. It is a fact that there is a huge demand for ITIL certified professionals as more businesses see the need to adopt the ITIL framework. If an exhaustive curriculum, flexible learning options, simulation exams, and a supportive learning environment appeal to you, then go for an ITIL online course.
