ITIL 4 Foundations Certification: Why It's Valuable For IT Professionals

In a world where more than 377,000 IT positions emerge each year, more people than ever are looking for meaningful IT roles (BLS). One of the most popular forms of tech education — the IT bootcamp — is a preferred path for many aspiring IT professionals.

Unfortunately, not every IT certification is created equal. While some are made for new IT professionals, others are reserved for people with years of technology experience. Fortunately, the ITIL 4 Foundations Certificate is one of several programs made for new learners.

Test your IT knowledge with QuickStart's free ITIL practice exam, and learn from expert training through our on-demand or virtual online courses. Continue reading to learn more about ITIL 4 and how it helps aspiring IT professionals meet changing business needs.

Is an ITIL 4 Foundations Certificate Worth It?

Unlike some certifications that require extensive experience, ITIL 4 Foundations is designed to accommodate learners at any stage of their career journey. ITIL 4, first formed in 2019, represents the latest version of the best practice framework for IT service management. Even if you don’t have a demonstrated history of IT work, this certification demonstrates your commitment to understanding, and implementing, IT practices. It introduces basic information behind the ITIL 4 framework, a management structure that identifies where automation and IT belong within a business environment (CIO).

Understanding the Value of ITIL 4 Foundations Certification

Modern businesses rely heavily on efficient IT service management to stay competitive and meet customer demands. At the forefront of this approach is ITIL 4 Foundations, the latest iteration of the globally renowned ITIL framework. ITIL provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices for managing IT services effectively.

The ITIL 4 Foundations certification serves as a gateway for anyone looking to build a career in IT service management. By obtaining this certification, you gain a solid understanding of foundational concepts and terminology essential for navigating modern IT environments. An ITIL 4 Foundations certification also validates your commitment to continuous learning, making it a valuable asset for both entry-level and experienced professionals alike.

An ITIL 4 certification also provides you with any necessary updates if you previously adhered to ITIL 3 standards. Key changes in ITIL 4 include a shift towards a more customer-centric and value-driven mindset, integration with Agile, DevOps, and Lean methodologies, and a renewed focus on digital transformation and emerging technologies. While ITIL v3 laid the foundation for IT service management practices, ITIL 4 introduces a more holistic and flexible approach to addressing the dynamic needs of modern businesses.

Meeting the Growing Demand for ITIL 4-Certified Professionals

The demand for skilled professionals who can effectively manage IT services has never been higher. As businesses increasingly rely on technology to drive innovation and remain competitive, the need for people with IT service management expertise also grows more urgent.

Recent industry reports clearly indicate a noticeable surge in the demand for ITIL 4-certified professionals. One popular IT role that often requires an ITIL 4 certification, computer and information systems managers, should see a steady 15% growth rate through 2032 (BLS). That means an estimated 46,900 new IT managers each year with the need for updated ITIL training.

Computer and information research scientist positions, another renowned career that often requires ITIL 4 knowledge, will grow 23% over the next eight years (BLS). Entry-level developers, programmers, and data engineers also commonly require ITIL 4 knowledge.

ITIL 4 is a globally-recognized set of standards. Whether in finance, healthcare, telecommunications, or government sectors, IT departments worldwide recognize the value of ITIL 4 in optimizing IT service delivery, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction. 

As businesses strive to maintain competitiveness and meet evolving customer expectations, ITIL 4-certified professionals are increasingly viewed as valuable assets capable of driving organizational success.

Elevate Your Career with ITIL Foundations Certification

Particularly in information technology, staying ahead of the curve is important. With constantly-changing technologies, best practices, and cybersecurity standards, staying up-to-date on IT standards is less of a luxury and more of a requirement. That’s where an ITIL 4 certification can help.

Many employers place a premium on candidates with ITIL 4 Foundations certification. By showcasing your proficiency in IT service management principles and methodologies, you make yourself more attractive to hiring managers seeking professionals capable of driving internal IT success.

Here are a few roles that commonly require, or benefit from, an ITIL 4 certification:

• IT service manager: Responsible for overseeing the delivery of IT services to meet the needs of the organization and its customers.
• Service desk analyst: Provides frontline support to end-users, troubleshoots technical issues, and ensures timely resolution of service requests.
• IT project manager: Leads and manages IT projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and adherence to ITIL best practices.
• IT consultant: Advises organizations on IT service management strategies, process improvements, and implementation of ITIL frameworks.

Beyond job security, an ITIL 4 Foundations certification opens doors to career growth and advancement. With this certification prominently featured on your resume, you demonstrate to employers your dedication to professional development and your readiness to take on new IT challenges. 

Whether you're aiming for promotions within your current organization or seeking opportunities with top-tier employers, an ITIL 4 certification can set you on the path to success by equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in any cornerstone IT field.

Developing Crucial IT Service Management Skills with ITIL 4

Completing an ITIL 4 Foundations certification isn’t just about obtaining a credential; it's about acquiring the skills that today’s leading IT employers value highly. Participants in an ITIL 4 certification learn skills associated with all five stages of the IT service lifecycle (Lucid Chart):

• Service strategy: Define a strategic approach to IT service management. It involves understanding the organization's objectives, assessing customer needs, and identifying opportunities to create value through IT services.
• Service design: Create IT services that meet the requirements outlined in the service strategy. This stage encompasses designing service architectures, processes, policies, and documentation to ensure that services are reliable, scalable, and cost-effective.
• Service transition: Learn the production environment. It involves planning, testing, and implementing changes while minimizing disruption to existing services.
• Service operation: Deliver and support IT processes on a day-to-day basis. This stage includes activities like incident management, problem management, access management, and service desk operations to ensure that services meet agreed-upon service levels and deliver value to customers.
• Continual service improvement: Enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of IT services and processes. This stage involves analyzing performance data, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing initiatives to address gaps and opportunities.

In essence, ITIL 4 certification empowers learners to become proficient IT service management professionals, capable of driving organizational success in an ever-changing landscape.

What Do You Need To Know for an ITIL 4 Foundations Exam?

The ITIL 4 Foundations exam is a multiple-choice, closed-book examination consisting of 40 questions. You'll have 60 minutes to complete the exam, and you'll need to score at least 65% (26 out of 40) to pass. The exam is administered by accredited training organizations and can be taken either online or in person at an authorized testing center.

Here are a few strategies to consider when preparing for this exam:

• Understand the exam’s content: Familiarize yourself with the ITIL 4 Foundation syllabus, which covers key concepts such as the service value system, guiding principles, and ITIL practices.
• Use study resources: Utilize a variety of study resources, including official ITIL 4 Foundation textbooks and supportive bootcamp programs. These resources will help reinforce your understanding of the exam material and identify areas for further study.
• Complete practice exams: Take advantage of practice exams to simulate the exam experience and assess your readiness. QuickStart offers a free ITIL practice exam that allows you to test your knowledge and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Study consistently: Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time each day to review the exam material. Break down the content into manageable chunks and focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing information.
• Engage in active learning: Actively engage with the material by taking notes, asking questions, and discussing concepts with peers or instructors. This will help reinforce your understanding and retention of the exam content.

Ready to pursue the ITIL 4 certification? Start by testing your knowledge with QuickStart's free practice exam. Then, enroll in QuickStart's on-demand or Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) course to receive expert instruction and guidance from certified trainers. With QuickStart's comprehensive training solutions, you'll be well-equipped to pass the ITIL 4 Foundations exam and embark on a rewarding career in IT service management.

Don't miss this opportunity to take your career to new heights through the ITIL 4 Foundations certification. Connect with QuickStart to take your first step toward the IT career you deserve today.