There are multiple possible ITIL certifications available. The most basic certification is the Foundation certification. Foundation certification can be achieved by passing one simple 40 question exam. The coursework for Foundation certification is worth 2 credits in the certification hierarchy. Foundation certification is great start for anyone seeking a career in IT service management, but it is not sufficient education for most IT roles.
The next level of ITIL certifications are the practitioner certifications. These certifications represent direct application and specialization within one of three areas of ITIL service.
Release and Control
This ITIL specialization deals primarily with release and configuration (CRC) management processes as they relate to the IT needs of the business. This practitioner will develop CRC strategies for the business and oversee their implementation. They are also quality control assessors and information providers. They would be an integral part of training IT personnel for the business and giving instructional overview about IT infrastructure. Practitioners specialized in release and control are also continually on the lookout for ways to improve the IT infrastructure and processes. This is the most supervisory, and processes analyst related specialization.
Support and Restore
Those practitioners with this ITIL specialization are the primary customer service agent managers for the IT department of a business. They will manage the service desk and look for solutions that optimize problem management. They will also be responsible for IT support, stability, and reliability. They will be continually looking for ways to improve customer relationships. This is the most hands-on, problem solving, direct IT application specialization.
Agree and Define
This ITIL specialization represents the service management and financial management components of the IT department. They will write, negotiate, and execute service level agreements and various financial contracts. They will manage fiscal practices and relate them to quality of service. They will calculate the estimated cost of IT services and will perform the accounting for the IT department. They will create, manage and present budgets for the IT department. They have a major role in customer service and customer negotiations. They will be expected to build and maintain long-lasting, high-level customer relationships. This specialization blends IT knowledge with financial and legal ability.
The end of the ITIL certifications pathway is manager certification. While any practicioner can attempt manager certification, it is highly recommended that all three practitioner certifications be gained before the manager certificate is attempted.