Validates foundational knowledge of ITIL concepts, the four dimensions, guiding principles, management practices and continual improvement.
690EntryNo prerequisites
Best IT Service Management Certifications in 2026
IT service management covers how technology services are planned, delivered, supported and improved. ITIL Foundation is the starting point here. It teaches the service management framework; platform certifications such as ServiceNow CSA cover running a specific tool.
How to choose a certification
Which certification fits your goal?
- Service management foundations: ITIL Foundation. PeopleCert's entry-level ITIL exam on the shared language of digital product and service management. There are no prerequisites, and the 40-question exam is taken online.
What to know before choosing
- ITIL and ServiceNow cover different skills. ITIL covers service management practice; ServiceNow CSA covers administering the ServiceNow platform. Choose CSA if you will configure the platform.
- Study for ITIL version 5. Version 5 is the current Foundation exam. ITIL 4 Foundation is still sold until PeopleCert retires it, planned for December 31, 2027, so check which version your course prepares you for.
- Apply the concepts to a service you know. Connect the material to how a service supports its users: incidents, requests, responsibilities and improvements.