ITIL Qualifications Explained

Attainment of the ITIL "Expert" Diploma is achieved by amassing a minimum number (22) of examination credits. Most examinations are optional but the Foundation and “Managing Across the Lifecycle” modules are mandatory.

The main supporting modules are split into two groups : Lifecycle and Capability. Credits may be accumulated from either, or a combination of both, groups of examinations.

ITIL Lifecycle courses are intended for candidates with considerable management experience in a service management environment. The courses are intense and will draw upon real-life experience within the classroom. Some of the exam questions assume experience that is not taught on the course.

ITIL Capability courses explore topics at a more detailed "practitioner" level. They are ideal for candidates with more limited experience - for example those just moving into a new service management role who wish to gain new knowledge for their new job.

Lifecycle Modules

The Lifecycle group of examinations mirror the new ITIL books: Service Strategy; Service Design; Service Transition; Service Operations and Continual Service Improvement. The Lifecycle courses are intended for candidates with considerable management experience in a service management environment. The courses are intense and will draw upon real-life experience within the classroom.
 

Capability Modules
The Capability modules are designed to reflect how ITIL service management is implemented in practice by grouping the topics into logical functional areas: Planning, Protecting & Optimisation; Service Offerings & Agreements; Release, Control and Validation; and Operational Support and Analysis. The Capability courses explore topics at a more detailed "practitioner" level. They are ideal for candidates with more limited experience - for example those just moving into a new service management role who wish to gain new knowledge for their new job.

Managing Across the Lifecycle
This mandatory over-arching module is intended to bring emphasis to the true ITIL v3 purpose of managing services through the lifecycle of continual service improvement.

Using your v2 Qualifications 

You can also accumulate credits from any V1 or V2 certifications you already hold and can add to these with either V3 "Bridging" qualifications, or by successfully completing further V3 modules.

It is strongly recommended that the V3 certifications you choose are complementary to any existing certifications you hold. This will help you to achieve a balanced ITIL knowledge base and sufficient credits.

You can check your credit profile for the ITIL Expert Certification by clicking the link below and selecting the V2 and V3 modules you have successfully completed. Then click the "View Credit Profile" button to reveal your route options.

www.itil-officialsite.com/itilservices/v1/map.asp

The last major update of the ITIL core volumes was in 2007 and that gave rise to ITIL v3. However the books were further improved in 2011 and the controlling powers requested that we should in future only refer to ITIL and not use a version number. That said, some people call the current version ITIL 2011.