Why Every IT Professional Needs ITIL4 Certification

Innovations in technology have revolutionised business operations for the better. Technology manages to boost efficiency, simplify workload, and reduce risk; but only if it’s implemented and controlled properly. This is why IT Service Management (ITSM) is developed, to be a guide in optimising IT operations to run efficiently and stay aligned with the goals of an organisation.

Among numerous ITSM frameworks in the industry, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is recognised as the best solution by many organisations. Therefore, mastering the ITIL Framework and obtaining certification will be beneficial for any IT professionals who aspire to be industry experts while benefiting from a more rewarding, contributing, and challenging career.

Table of Contents

1) What is IT Service Management?

2) What is ITIL?

3) ITIL is The Most Popular ITSM

4) Advantages of ITIL4 Certification for IT Professionals

5) ITIL Will Be the Long-Lasting Relevant ITSM Framework

6) How to Take ITIL4 Certification

7) Where to Take ITIL4 Certification

What is IT Service Management?

Whether it’s to contact suppliers, respond to customers, record sales, or anything else; many organisations integrate IT as a part of their daily operations. IT Service Management (ITSM) refers to the activities of designing, building, operating, and maintaining IT within an organisation and to its customers.

ITSM is founded on the principle of delivering IT as a service. Back in the early era of digitisation, IT departments were merely considered as support. However, over time, experts recognise that IT is not only about maintaining hardware and systems. IT has a more essential role with its abilities to add value to customers and enhance deliverability.

Due to this realisation, ITSM has been developed into the form of frameworks. Several notable ITSM frameworks in the industry are ITIL, COBIT, FitSM, ISO/IEC 20000, and many others. As IT continues to be an integral part of modern business, approximately 73% of organisations implement ITSM frameworks in 2024, namely ITIL or DevOps.

Among many frameworks, ITIL is often called the handbook of ITSM. This is because the ITIL Framework is acknowledged and applied in many multinational companies because of its comprehensive approach and flexible alignment for various complex organisational levels and needs.

What is ITIL?

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is the most globally adopted ITSM framework. Established in the late 1980s by the British government to standardise national IT practices, the ITIL Framework is recognised as the most thorough and practical guideline for managing IT services and ensuring long-lasting adequate service delivery.

ITIL emphasises prioritising value for customers. Within ITIL, every aspect of IT services must meet customer needs and expectations while mitigating risks and costs that may be following. Additionally, the framework also suggests a commitment to continuous improvement so an organisation can remain agile and adaptive in providing relevant IT services.

What sets ITIL apart is the framework breaks down the entire IT into cycles, from the early designing stage to the implementation and improvement stages. Each cycle comprises multiple factors to consider and think about so every aspect of IT in an organisation can be optimised.

ITIL is The Most Popular ITSM

Approximately 90% of FTSE 500 companies have utilised the ITIL Framework over the years. The significant length and number show the relevance of ITIL as the absolute ITSM framework choice for many companies across different sectors. This widespread usage eventually makes ITIL the golden standard among IT professionals, executives, and regulators.

Since ITIL is a globally recognised and utilised framework, ITIL-certified professionals, especially ones who obtain the latest version which is ITIL4, are highly valued and preferred by employers in the job market. This demand can open new career prospects and bigger working potential, both in terms of income and responsibilities.

Advantages of ITIL4 Certification for IT Professionals

• Higher Salary Benefits

ITIL4 certification is known to earn 40% higher than non-certified peers. The average salary for ITIL4-certified professionals is around $102,000 per year, and a more advanced level of certifications may even lead to higher salary potential.

• Better Career Path

Obtaining ITIL4 certification is viewed to be a big start to securing promising career opportunities in IT because many multinational corporations and startups prefer certified experts. More advanced ITIL4 certification also opens up chances to land managerial IT roles such as Chief Information Officers, IT directors, and managers.

• Developing Reputation & Credentials

ITIL4 certification serves as proof of expertise and further knowledge in ITSM that is highly esteemed by employers and experts. Obtaining not less than the ITIL4 Foundation Certification can add honour to the resume to be standout in the competitive job market.

• Increasing Self Confidence

Certification can add up the arsenal to secure a job or a desired position. This can boost self-esteem and morale, as it provides a competitive advantage over peers who lack such credentials.

• Up to Date with Industry Changes

Certifications have expirations. In the case of ITIL4 Certification, it is necessary to undertake a re-examination every 3 years, to ensure the knowledge and awareness regarding the ITSM and IT as a whole is updated to the latest trends and developments in the industry.

• Networking Opportunities

Taking part in the ITIL4 certification training and examination allows professionals to connect with peers and industry leaders, potentially leading to new collaboration or career leaps.

• Proof of Commitment to Growth

In general, obtaining certification shows a willingness for career development by putting effort into further training and education. This action can be viewed as a positive character trait by employers.

ITIL Will Be the Long-Lasting Relevant ITSM Framework

• Comprehensive Practical Practices

ITIL covers a holistic view and grounded practical concepts to run IT service management. The framework is easy to implement because it begins with existing resources, and its applications can be adjusted to any level of department and sector.

• Perfect for All Business Sizes

Not only ideal for any type or field of business, but ITIL also accommodates the different sizes of every organisation, from small startups to gigantic enterprises.

• Continuous Improvement

The framework encourages the importance of continual improvement. With this mindset, organisations are demanded to be adaptive against the dynamic market and technologies. The framework itself has evolved over the decades to remain up to date with the latest business practices.

• Integration with Other Frameworks

Acknowledging the existence of other frameworks in the industry, ITIL facilitates seamless integration with other frameworks such as Agile, DevOps, and Lean. This approach enables organisations to integrate multiple frameworks for robust IT service management.

As IT remains an integral part of modern businesses, ITSM will always co-exist, and this means ITIL will also remain the most suitable solution in the industry. Therefore, studying the framework and pursuing ITIL 4 certification examinations is not merely a trend or short-term success.

But more importantly, getting ITIL4 certification helps to be a solid foundation for a long-term, promising career filled with limitless potential in the IT field, as well as for becoming a valuable organisational member who is able to contribute further to making a difference.

How to Take ITIL4 Certification

As previously mentioned, the ITIL Framework adopts a broad and holistic approach to ITSM. That’s why the certification is divided into several sub-fields and levels. This structure allows IT professionals to learn ITIL according to their current knowledge, managerial position, or desired career path.

• ITIL4 Foundation

Entry-level certification that provides a basic understanding of the ITIL framework and its key concepts, principles, and terminology. ITIL4 Foundation serves as the fundamental for all further ITIL certifications.

The next phase in ITIL 4 certification spreads into multiple streams:

ITIL4 Managing Professional (MP)

ITIL4 Managing Professional (MP) is for IT practitioners who work within technology and digital teams. It focuses more on the practical and operational side of IT services management. This stream consists of 4 certification modules:

• ITIL4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve

Focuses on governance and continual improvement, as well as studying the impact of Agile and Lean ways of working. This module is also part of the ITIL4 Strategic Leader stream.

• ITIL4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support

Covers the integration of different service management practices into a cohesive delivery model. The program elaborates on the role of service providers and suppliers in managing services for customer operations.

• ITIL4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value

The module explores relationship building with stakeholders and customers to ensure that IT services meet their needs and have positive experiences with the service provider.

• ITIL4 Specialist: High-Velocity IT

Addresses the delivery of services in fast-paced environments. It is designed to familiarize working practices like Agile and Lean management, as well as technologies such as automation testing, cloud, and more.

ITIL4 Strategic Leader (SL)

ITIL4 Strategic Leader (SL) targets IT professionals involved in the arrangement of IT adoption and strategies for organisational goals, typically at the middle to top management levels. Along with the shared ITIL4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve module, this stream also consists of:

• ITIL4 Strategic Leader: Digital & IT Strategy

This program is designed for those in leadership roles who must be aware and prepared for the impacts of digital transformation on business goals and strategy, so the organisation remains competitive and provides value for the market.

Extension ITIL 4 Certifications

• ITIL4 Specialist: Monitor, Support, & Fulfill

Focuses on monitoring service performance and fulfilling service requests efficiently. This module is part of The ITIL 4 Practice Manager (ITIL PM) stream that’s designed for IT professionals who seek to validate abilities in specific ITIL practices.

• ITIL4 Specialist: Acquiring & Managing Cloud Services

Certification that concentrates on the unique challenges of managing cloud services within the ITSM framework. The module provides vendor-neutral and user-centric guidance on the practicality of how cloud procurement can support broader business functions.

Where to Take ITIL4 Certification?

To obtain the official ITIL4 certification examinations, you must take examinations that are held by accredited training institutions. Fortunately, Adding Value Consulting is one of the leading organisations in Europe, featuring a team of highly qualified trainers with 10-12 years of teaching experience.

At Adding Value Consulting (AVC), we offer you a chance to study anywhere, any time at your own pace through our e-learning method. You may begin with the ITIL4 Foundation certification as a starter or any certification module that aligns with your goals and levels.

For those who seek to learn further about the Managing Professional stream, AVC also offers the ITIL4 Managing Professional (MP) Master's Program. With more than 45 hours of high-quality e-learning content and simulation exams, the ITIL4 Managing Professional (MP) Master’s Program is the best option for extensively preparing to be a certified IT professional.

Conclusion

The ITIL framework stands as a cornerstone of effective IT Service Management, and as organisations increasingly rely on technology, mastering ITIL and pursuing certification becomes essential and beneficial for IT professionals. Hopefully, every detail and information in this blog is clear and helpful for you who aim to become an expert in IT and a valued organisational member.

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