subject: ITIL Training Courses for Employees and Organizations [print this page] Background and Objectives: Background and Objectives:
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is rapidly growing in practical use for individuals and organizations for a basic reason: Information Technology (IT) is pervasive and is or soon will be part of nearly every product, process, and service that can be found. As a result, organizations need trained professionals to implement new service delivery mechanisms and optimize IT processes. ITIL certification supports the continuing growth of ITIL as the most widely adopted IT framework in the world.
The objective of ITIL training courses at the foundation level is to provide an understanding of the basics of the ITIL framework. There are no prerequisites but foundation level is required for achievement of higher level ITIL certifications. Foundation level certification and training is generic and is appropriate for IT managers, IT staff, IT service providers, process owners, project managers, and business analysts who want to advance their careers and skills by building some knowledge in IT service management.
What the ITIL Training Courses Should Cover:
Foundation level ITIL training courses do not have prerequisites, but some experience in the IT field is very helpful to provide a frame of reference. They should cover the best practices basics of the service lifecycle phases: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Management. At the foundation level, ITIL training courses must cover the prescribed Foundation Level syllabus and be taught by an Accredited Training Organization (ATO). ATO requirements include 16.25 hours of instruction and exam preparation time (28 hours of personal study is recommended). The Study plan should include exam simulations as a complement to instruction.
ITIL Foundation exam simulations should allow several unique variations of a complete exam, which consists of 40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes. Each student must know the material well; the exam is closed book (no reference materials allowed). The one correct multiple choice answer needs to be selected, and a minimum score of 65% correct answers is required to pass the exam, but achieving 80% on simulations is recommended to build a high level of confidence.
Methods of Delivery for ITIL Training Courses:
There are several typical methods of delivery for ITIL training courses, and these methods typically fall under classroom training, online instructor led training, and online independent training. A student should choose based on personal considerations - not necessarily tradeoffs of cost, quality, and time. The point is that this is a very individualized decision, with the following considerations:
1. Classroom training is centered on the instructor, individual attention is high, and undistracted focus is provided by dedicated classroom time. The tradeoff is that classroom training typically has a high price, it must be scheduled in advance, it requires time off work, and students must sit though all topics regardless of possible prior knowledge.
2. Online instructor-led training is similar to classroom training, but trades the in-person experience for virtual interaction with both instructors and students, plus recorded classes are available for reuse, travel is eliminated, and the cost is lower. On the flip side, the student may be subject to distraction, some of the in-person interaction is lost, it must be scheduled in advance, it usually still requires time off work , and students must still sit through all topics regardless of prior knowledge.
3. Online independent training lacks the direct instructor interaction, but some online independent courses also bridge that gap by providing access to a certified mentor. Student interaction is also missing, but that also can be offset by participation in online forums and groups set up for that purpose. Additionally, some clear advantages include significantly lower pricing, 24x7 availability, immediate access without having to schedule, and ability to optimize time by skipping topics if desired.
Getting Motivated for ITIL Training and Certification
Regardless of which ITIL training courses are chosen, motivation is among the most essential contributors to eventual success. The other key factor is discipline, but discipline becomes a secondary concern when motivation is high! The highest level of motivation emerges when the professional thinks through their goals and aspirations, and gets clear on how earning the ITIL foundation certification might help them advance their career.
ITIL Training Courses for Employees and Organizations
