How can I get ITIL® Certification?

ITIL® certification is available through two different administrators: ISEB and EXIN. Both offer certifications in all levels of ITIL®, along with preparation courses which ensure that test-takers will be ready to take the tests used for certification. Obtaining ITIL® certification can be important for people who intend to work in information technology in the United Kingdom, and it can be useful for people working in other areas of the world as well.

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library or IT Library (ITIL®) is a set of standards and practices adopted to help people manage information technology effectively. It concerns underlying infrastructure and development along with daily operations, and is overseen by the Office of Government and Commerce (OGC) in the United Kingdom. People who receive ITIL® certification have demonstrated competency in the field of information technology, and this can help them obtain employment, especially if they want to work for the British government.

The first level of ITIL® certification, Foundation, is concerned with basic knowledge of concepts in information technology. With this certification in hand, people can test in three different areas to obtain a Practitioner certificate. These areas are: agree and define; support and restore; and release and control. People can test in one or all three of these areas, and they must have knowledge of all three to take the Manager or Master exam, the highest level of ITIL® certification available.

People who want to obtain ITIL® certification can apply to take an exam with ISEB or EXIN. They can also register for preparation courses offered in advance of the exam to familiarize people with the contents and help them study. Additional study materials are also available for people who want to get ready for the ITIL® exams, including publications from the OGC which spell out the various practices recommended under ITIL&reg. Test guides are available through many bookstores, especially those which sell technical books.

ITIL® training is offered in intensive workshops all over the world. Students at these workshops study a range of topics which can come up on the ITIL® exams, and learn test-taking strategies and other skills which can help them to succeed. Some employers will help finance ITIL® training for their IT employees, in the interest of developing a more competent, skilled staff with demonstrated proficiency in areas of concern and interest. People may also be able to receive financial assistance through community organizations which promote job training.