subject: ITIL V3 Qualification - Structure and Certification Accreditation [print this page] ITIL V3 Qualification - Structure and Certification Accreditation
The third version of ITIL offers a modular approach to certification. It consists of a series of certifications that are focused on different aspects of ITIL, to varying levels of detail. The following structure provides students with flexibility, and also makes ITIL certification achievable and accessible. The certification levels are:
Foundation Certificate - Provides the student with knowledge about the key concepts, terms, structure and processes of ITIL.
Intermediate Level - Offers two major streams of education known as Lifecycle and Capability. Each stream has its own series of qualifications. A rationalization module, known as Managing Across the Lifecycle, is also a part of this certification.
Expert Certificate - Aimed at those people interested in obtaining superior skills in ITIL v3. This certification level will provide a huge boost to the individual's career.
Master Certificate - There is a rising need for knowledge and skills in IT Service Management. This qualification helps to satisfy those demands, and focuses on experienced people like senior executives and service managers.
ITIL Accreditation Scheme
The APM Group is the official Accreditor, and as such, it has the authority to assess and license Examination Institutes to provide ITIL accreditation and qualification activities. If the organization is approved by the APM Group, it is granted permission to implement the ITIL training program, and will be able to operate under the guidelines of the ITIL scheme. In addition, it will also have a position on the Qualifications Board.
Examination Institutes
The APM Group authorizes an Examination Institute to offer professional qualifications in ITIL. Through an extensive network of accredited training institutes, trainers and course material, Examination Institutes are permitted to carry out an ITIL examination.
All Examination Institutes have a representative in the ITIL Qualifications Board. This body sets the standards of the ITIL scheme. A few accredited Examination Institutes which offer these training programs are:
APMG International - Grants global accreditation for training providers.
BCS-ISEB - Offers industry-recognized qualifications which measure performance and ability in several areas of IT.
CSME - Maintains and enhances the integrity of the exam processes.
Accredited Training Organizations
These entities are accredited by the Licensed Examination Institutes to impart training in ITIL. This accreditation procedure includes a strict assessment of the company's materials, trainers and management systems, and ensures that the quality of the courses is high. The ATO's and its authorized affiliates, alone, have licenses to teach these courses. All these courses include the official OGC trademarks, course material and brands.
ITIL has been implemented by several organizations all over the world, such as Disney, the UK National Health Service and NASA. Service providers, such as examination institutes and consultancies, also use ITIL. Implementing ITIL can bring in several benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Better IT services offered
- Reduction in costs
- Greater customer satisfaction, as a result of implementing a professional methodology to service delivery
