ITIL training underpins the world's most successful framework for IT Service Management. Pulling together the best practice methods from public and private sectors ITIL is pivotal in ensuring efficient service delivery and in meeting IT Governance objectives.
Re-launched in 2007 in the form of Version 3, ITIL now includes a host of new training courses and qualifications, including various bridging courses which are now available. For those with existing ITIL certifications a bridging course will allow you to upgrade your knowledge and fast track your Version 3 qualifications. This article explains who these courses will benefit and how they work.
1. ITIL Version 3 - What Makes it Different?
The latest version of ITIL builds on its existing well established approaches but interprets them in the context of service lifecycle. It recognizes the shift that has occurred over the last few years as IT and IS operations have become integral to all modern organisations, rather than existing as a bolt on function.
The earlier editions of ITIL were defined by a number of key processes and for the most part, these remain important within the new structure. The new aspects of ITIL V3 reflect a change in the role of IT within modern organisations:
Service strategy as the central driver
Emphasis on service rather than process
Dynamic service portfolio rather than linear service catalogue
Integration (not just alignment) of IT with the rest of the organisation
The cycle of 'Continuous Service Improvement'
2. The ITIL Qualification Structure
There are four levels within the new ITIL scheme comprising:
Foundation
Intermediate (Service Lifecycle & Service Capability)
ITIL Expert
Advanced Service Management Professional
The improved ITIL qualifications scheme introduces a new credit system. For example, to achieve the ITIL Expert qualification, candidates must achieve at least 22 credits, two of which can be gained at Foundation level. Credits are awarded for both ITIL V2 and V3 training courses.
Those people with an existing ITIL certification can undertake a bridging course which brings you up to date with the new aspects of ITIL.
3. ITIL Foundation Bridge
The ITIL Foundation Bridge course is for anyone who holds an earlier version ITIL Foundation certificate and who wants to obtain Version 3 certification. It provides an intensive overview of the new and modified topics in ITIL Version 3. Firstly, the Service Management Lifestyle is introduced (Strategy, Design, Transition, Operation and Continual Improvement), followed by the contribution of ITIL processes to each of the 5 elements.
The course assumes a level of knowledge of the basic ITIL concepts and processes. If this is not the case then a 3 day ITIL Foundation V3 course should be selected.
Acquiring the Version 3 Foundation via this route (or by taking the full Foundation exam again) is mandatory for those seeking the new Intermediate and ITIL Expert qualifications. It is not necessary for those eligible to bridge via the Practitioner or Manager Bridge routes (as explained below).
The exam is a 20 question, closed book multiple choice paper which takes 30 minutes to complete. The pass mark is 65% and successful candidates are awarded 0.5 credits under the ITIL qualification scheme bringing their foundation credits to 2.0 (1.5 credits are given for the Version 1 or 2 certificate).
4. ITIL Manager's Bridge
The ITIL Manager's Bridge training course is for those who hold an earlier version ITIL Manager's certificate and who wish to pursue the Version 3 ITIL Expert certificate.
This course also covers the new and modified topics in ITIL Version 3 and explores the new elements under the following headings:
Service Management as a Practice
The Service Lifecycle
Generic Concepts & Definitions
Key principles and Models
Processes
Functions
Roles & Organisation
Technology & Architecture
Implementation Considerations
Complementary Industry Guidance (other frameworks)
The course lasts between 4 and 5 days with the exam taken on the final day. The exam itself comprises a 20 question closed book, scenario based, complex multiple choice paper. It takes 90 minutes and the pass mark is 80%.
It isn't necessary to upgrade your Foundation certificate before following this route. Successful candidates achieve ITIL Expert certification without the need for further study under the Version 3 scheme.
5. ITIL Practitioner Bridge
If you already have substantial certification under the ITIL Practitioner certificate level there is a third bridging route. The pre-requisite is that you hold a minimum of 12 credits from Version 1 or 2 certificates in non duplicated areas (3.5 credits for 'clustered' practitioner certificates and 2 credits for 'single' practitioner certificates).
Candidates following this route first complete the Manager's Bridge course through an accredited training provider then undertake the new 'Managing through the Lifecycle' course.
Focus on Training specializes in the provision of best practice training for the Project Management and IT Service Management sectors. Focus is an active member of the IT Service Management Forum which plays a central role in updating and disseminating the ITIL framework through its international network of 6000 organisations and 70,000 IT professionals.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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