Can We Take ITIL Foundation Exam Without Training

The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework is one of the most widely recognized and adopted approaches to IT service management (ITSM) around the globe. 

ITIL helps organizations improve the way they design, manage, and deliver IT services, ensuring efficiency, customer satisfaction, and service quality. To validate knowledge in IT change management, issue resolution, and reporting, professionals often pursue ITIL certifications.

The ITIL Foundation certification is the entry-level qualification for individuals seeking to demonstrate their understanding of the ITIL framework. If you or your team are interested in taking a course, check out QuickStart’s ITIL 4 Foundations Certification Course.

This article explores what the ITIL Foundation certification covers and addresses a common question: Can you take the ITIL Foundation exam without undergoing formal training?

What is ITIL?

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a globally recognized framework for managing and delivering IT services. It provides a set of best practices that help organizations align their IT services with the needs of the business, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement. By following the ITIL framework, businesses can streamline their IT processes, enhance service quality, and ensure a seamless experience for end-users.

ITIL Certification Levels

To validate expertise in ITIL practices, IT professionals can pursue ITIL certifications, which demonstrate their ability to implement and manage IT services based on ITIL principles. The certification path is divided into several levels, allowing learners to progress from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise.

Here’s how those certifications are broken down:

• ITIL Foundation (entry-level): The ITIL Foundation certification is the entry-level qualification and provides a basic understanding of ITIL concepts, terminology, and the ITIL Service Lifecycle. It covers essential ITIL processes, such as incident management, change management, and service design.

• ITIL Practitioner: The ITIL Practitioner certification builds on the Foundation level by providing more practical guidance on how to implement ITIL processes in a real-world environment.

• ITIL Intermediate: The ITIL Intermediate certification consists of several modules, each focusing on different areas of IT service management. Candidates can choose between two paths: Service Lifecycle (focusing on the five stages of the ITIL lifecycle) or Service Capability (focusing on specific process-based modules).

• ITIL Expert: The ITIL Expert certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework. To achieve this level, candidates must accumulate at least 22 credits from the previous ITIL certifications, including passing the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module.

• ITIL Master (advanced level): The ITIL Master certification is the highest level in the ITIL certification path and demonstrates an individual's ability to apply ITIL principles in complex, real-world scenarios. Candidates for this certification must demonstrate practical experience in managing and leading ITIL-based projects and services.

ITIL Certification Credit System

The ITIL certification path follows a credit-based system that allows candidates to accumulate points as they progress through the various certification levels. Each certification earns a certain number of credits, and a total of 22 credits is required to achieve the ITIL Expert certification.

• ITIL Foundation: 2 credits.

• ITIL Practitioner: 3 credits.

• ITIL Intermediate: Each module earns between 3 to 4 credits, depending on the chosen path.

• Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC): 5 credits.

As candidates complete each certification, they earn credits that count toward their progression to higher-level certifications. Once a candidate has accumulated 22 credits, they are eligible to apply for the ITIL Expert certification. 

The credit system provides flexibility, allowing candidates to choose the modules that best align with their career goals while still earning points toward advanced certifications.

What is ITIL Foundation Certification?

The ITIL Foundation Certification is the entry-level qualification within the ITIL certification scheme. It provides candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework, the most widely accepted approach to IT Service Management (ITSM). 

The certification introduces the key concepts, terminology, and processes that are essential for managing IT services effectively and aligning them with business needs.

The ITIL Foundation certification is designed specifically for:

• Beginners: No prior ITIL experience or formal training is required, making it accessible to anyone starting out in the IT service management field or looking to formalize their understanding of ITSM best practices.

• Professionals seeking career growth: For individuals already working in IT or service management roles, ITIL Foundation provides a structured approach to improving IT processes and service delivery. It also serves as a gateway to more advanced ITIL certifications, which allow candidates to specialize further and gain deeper knowledge of ITSM.

Exam Structure

The ITIL Foundation exam is structured to assess a candidate’s understanding of the core ITIL concepts and their ability to apply those concepts to real-world scenarios. It is a multiple-choice exam designed to evaluate basic knowledge rather than deep technical expertise.

Here’s a breakdown of the exam structure:

1. Number of Questions: The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible answers, with only one correct option. The questions are designed to test your understanding of key ITIL concepts and the ability to apply ITSM principles in practical situations.

2. Time Limit: Candidates have 1 hour (60 minutes) to complete the exam. This means that on average, you’ll have about 1.5 minutes to answer each question, so time management is crucial.

3. Passing Score: To pass the ITIL Foundation exam, candidates need to achieve a score of at least 65%, which means correctly answering 26 out of 40 questions.

4. Closed-Book Exam: The ITIL Foundation exam is closed book, meaning you cannot refer to any notes, study materials, or reference guides during the test. Candidates must rely entirely on their understanding of ITIL concepts.

The questions are generally straightforward but may include scenarios where candidates must apply their knowledge to practical situations, such as identifying the correct ITIL process to manage a specific incident or service request. 

Many training programs, like QuickStart, provide practice exams that closely resemble the format of the official exam, allowing candidates to become familiar with the question style and structure. See our ITIL Foundations Course here.

Can You Take the ITIL Foundation Exam Without Training?

While formal training is not required to sit for the ITIL Foundation exam, it is highly suggested for candidates, particularly for those who are new to the ITIL framework. 

The ITIL Foundation certification covers a broad range of topics related to IT service management, including the ITIL service lifecycle, key ITIL concepts, and specific processes like incident management, problem management, and change management.

If you're already familiar with ITIL concepts, frameworks, and terminology — perhaps through on-the-job experience or previous exposure to IT service management practices — you may feel comfortable preparing for the ITIL Foundation exam on your own. 

However, if you're entirely new to ITIL, formal training provides a structured approach that helps you fully understand the concepts and processes before tackling the exam.

Study Strategies for the ITIL Foundation Exam

For those opting to self-study, there are a variety of free resources available online that can help you prepare for the exam. Self-study is an effective option for individuals who are comfortable with independent learning and have experience with IT concepts or IT service management practices.

However, you need to be cautious about outdated content, especially if it references ITIL v3 rather than the current ITIL v4 framework, so make sure when you approach studying by yourself, you research the correct and updated resources. 

ITIL v4 introduces new concepts such as the Service Value System (SVS) and Guiding Principles, which are not part of the older version, so ensuring your resources reflect the latest updates is crucial.

While self-study is a viable option, many candidates choose to enroll in training courses offered by accredited providers to ensure a comprehensive and structured preparation for the ITIL Foundation exam. Training courses can be delivered in a classroom setting or through online learning platforms, allowing flexibility based on your schedule and learning preferences.

Training courses are designed to cover the ITIL Foundation syllabus comprehensively, ensuring you understand all key concepts and processes required to pass the exam

Is the ITIL Exam Difficult? 

Although the ITIL Foundation exam isn't extremely difficult, it can pose challenges for those unfamiliar with ITIL concepts or those who don’t adequately prepare. The exam is designed to assess your understanding of core ITIL concepts such as the Service Value System (SVS), guiding principles, and the key ITSM processes, such as incident management, problem management, and change management. 

For candidates who invest time in structured study — whether through books, online resources, or formal training courses — the exam is typically very manageable.

One of the most effective strategies for passing the ITIL Foundation exam is to take practice exams. Practice tests serve several purposes:

• Familiarity with Exam Format: The ITIL Foundation exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, with four possible answers for each question. By completing practice exams, you’ll become familiar with the structure and style of questions you’ll encounter on the actual test.
• Gauge Your Readiness: Practice tests help you identify areas of strength and areas that require further study. This allows you to focus your preparation on weaker areas and ensure that you’re ready for all aspects of the exam.
• Time Management: The ITIL Foundation exam is timed, with 60 minutes to complete the 40 questions. Taking practice exams under timed conditions will help you manage your time effectively during the actual test, ensuring that you can answer all questions within the allotted time.

You’ll also have access to a variety of free and paid resources. Both options have their merits, but it's important to choose materials that align with the current ITIL v4 framework to ensure comprehensive preparation.

• Free Resources: There are many free resources available online, including study guides, sample questions, and community forums. These can be a good starting point for self-study, especially for candidates who are already familiar with IT service management.
• Paid Resources: While free resources can be helpful, paid resources offer more comprehensive coverage of the ITIL syllabus. These resources often include detailed explanations of concepts, case studies, and high-quality practice exams

QuickStart’s ITIL training program offers structured courses, expert guidance, and practice exams that align with ITIL v4, making them a solid investment for candidates who want a more focused and efficient path to certification.

Is ITIL Training Beneficial?

While ITIL Foundation training is not mandatory for taking the certification exam, enrolling in a formal training program can significantly improve your chances of success.

Many candidates, especially those new to the ITIL framework or unfamiliar with IT service management (ITSM), find that training provides a more structured learning environment and helps them grasp complex concepts more effectively.

Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs), which QuickStart is part of, employ certified ITIL trainers with years of experience in IT service management. These instructors have a deep understanding of the ITIL framework and are well-equipped to offer guidance on both the theoretical and practical aspects of ITIL.

Training with an ATO ensures that you receive up-to-date materials that align with the latest ITIL version. Expert trainers also provide valuable insights that go beyond the textbook material, offering tips for the exam, explaining potential pitfalls, and providing advice on how to approach scenario-based questions.

• Real-World Insights: Trainers often have extensive experience working in IT service management roles and can share their practical knowledge on how ITIL is implemented in various industries.
• Tailored Feedback: Instructors can assess your strengths and weaknesses through practice exams and quizzes, offering personalized feedback to help you focus on areas where improvement is needed.

Enhance Your IT Career with ITIL

The ITIL Foundation certification is more than just an entry-level qualification—it’s a gateway to advancing your career in IT service management (ITSM). 

Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, improve service delivery in your organization, or open new career opportunities, getting ITIL certified is a strategic step forward. It  equips you with the knowledge and best practices to streamline IT processes, improve efficiency, and align IT services with business goals.

Ready to get ITIL certified? Enroll in our ITIL Foundation certification training for comprehensive guidance and expert-led prep courses. Whether you prefer self-study or training, we offer the resources you need to succeed.