The ITIL® v3 Qualification Scheme

The launch of the third ITIL® version has not only brought about changes to the qualification scheme, but also to content, compared with the second version. Although all version 2 certificates retain their validity, those wishing to become ITIL® v3 certified must complete different follow-on courses, to acquire and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of ITIL® v3. The Manager’s Certificate in IT Service Management is no longer the highest level of training, which is now the new ITIL® Expert.

We would like to clarify the new structures and show you exactly how to follow up your current certificates with the third version of ITIL® version.

The most important amendment to the new scheme is the introduction of a credit point system. Participants earn points for each certification that they receive, which leads to the ITIL® Expert Certificate once a minimum of 22 points have been attained. The current ITIL® v2 certification can also count towards this total. The new structure is made up of 4 different parts: the Foundation level, two Intermediate levels and the Advanced level, (the framework of the latter is, however, not yet available).

The Foundation level provides the basis for the ITIL® v3 training structure. During the ITIL® v3 Foundation course, we will present the terminology, concept and the most important version 3 ITIL® processes.

Participants can continue their training with a choice of different modules from the ITIL® Service Lifecycle and/or ITIL® Service Capability streams.

The main focus of the Service Lifecycle stream is the five ITIL® v3 books: Service Strategy; Service Design; Service Transition; Service Operation; and Continual Service Improvement. The rather process-oriented Service Capability stream is composed of 4 modules: Planning, Protection & Optimization; Operational Support & Analysis; Release, Control & Validation; and Service Offerings & Agreement. Participants can choose between modules from both streams to earn the corresponding credits.

Participants of the Managing Across the Lifecycle course receive a comprehensive overview of the whole Service Lifecycle approach and examine its importance for IT Service Management in detail.

A specific number of credits will be awarded for each certification. Once you have earned at least 17 credits, you are eligible to attend the Managing Across the Lifecycle course. When you pass this examination, the 5 credits that you earn will make up the 22 credits that are needed to receive the ITIL® Expert status without having to sit any further exams.

Taking your ITIL® v2 Certificates to ITIL® Expert

If you hold an ITIL® v2 certificate, you are eligible to attend different extension courses, or so-called “Bridge Courses“, to bring your knowledge to the ITIL® v3 level and receive your certification.

In order to continue your training to reach ITIL® v3, the following information explains which courses you need to attend based on your particular certification.

If you hold...

… an ITIL® Foundation certificate (ITIL® v2):

The ITIL® v3 Foundation Bridge course provides you with the certificate required to attend modules from both the Service Lifecycle and Service Capability Streams.

Further info: ITIL® v3 Foundation Bridge

… or several ITIL® Practitioner certificates (ITIL® v2):

You earn a specific number of credits for each ITIL® Practitioner Certificate (v2) that you hold, which count towards the ITIL® Expert Certificate. You can either complete the Practitioner v2 training first, before making up your credits with the Managing Across the Lifecycle course, or you can follow modules in the Lifecycle and Capability streams straight away and make up your credits this way.

Further info: ITIL® v3 Service Lifecycle Stream and ITIL® v3 Service Capability Stream

… a Manager’s certificate in IT Service Management:

The 5-day ITIL® v3 Manager Bridge seminars will allow you to make up the credits required to receive the ITIL® Expert certificate. Passing the certification examination for this course is the final step in your ITIL® v3 training.

Further info: ITIL® v3 Manager Bridge