ITIL 4 Foundation Certification: The Complete Guide for 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 15, 2023
Information technology (IT) is a rapidly growing field, and one of the most sought-after certifications in this industry is the ITIL 4 Foundation.
If you're looking to break into the IT industry or advance your current career, this certification is a great place to start.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about ITIL 4 Foundation certification, including what it is, the jobs you can get with it, the salary you can expect, the requirements for certification, the cost of certification, and how to maintain it.
About: What is the ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
ITIL 4 Foundation is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates your knowledge of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management.
The ITIL framework is a set of best practices for managing IT services, and it's widely used by organizations of all sizes to improve their IT operations.
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is the first level of ITIL certification, and it's designed for anyone who wants to learn about the basics of IT service management.
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with a ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
According to Credly, there are 3,927 job openings related to the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification in the US alone. The 5 job titles with the most openings are:
- Senior Associate Information Technology Portfolio Analysis: 114 job postings
- Senior Associate Developer: 85 job postings
- Information Technology Service Desk Analyst: 70 job postings
- Senior Development Associate: 67 job postings
- Information Technology Support Technician: 65 job postings
Salary: Which salary can you expect with a ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
As a certified ITIL 4 Foundation professional, you can expect a competitive salary that reflects your valuable skillset.
According to data from ZipRecruiter, as of January 8, 2023, the average annual pay for an ITIL 4 Foundation professional in the United States is $92,090 per year. This works out to be approximately $7,674 per month.
It's worth noting that the salary range for ITIL 4 Foundation professionals is quite broad. The lowest salary reported by ZipRecruiter is $23,500, while the highest is $172,000.
However, the majority of salaries for this profession fall between $48,500 and $137,000, with top earners making as much as $160,500 per year.
The average pay range for an ITIL 4 Foundation professional varies greatly (by as much as $88,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Requirements: What are the requirements for the ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification does not have any prerequisites, meaning that anyone can take the exam regardless of their prior knowledge or experience in IT service management.
However, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of IT operations and concepts before taking the exam.
Additionally, it is beneficial to have some working knowledge or experience in IT service management, as this can aid in understanding the concepts covered in the exam.
It is also recommended to use study materials or take a training course to prepare for the exam as it increases the chances of passing the exam.
Cost: How much does the ITIL 4 Foundation certification cost?
The cost of the ITIL 4 Foundation certification varies depending on the provider and the location. The exam fee itself can range from $300 to $500.
You also need to factor in the cost of study materials, which can range from $50 to $200.
Recertification: How can you maintain your ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
To maintain your ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you'll need to recertify every three years. To do this, you'll need to either retake the ITIL 4 Foundation exam or complete a higher level ITIL certification.
This ensures that your knowledge and skills are up-to-date and that you're able to apply the latest best practices to your work.
FAQs
Who is the ITIL 4 Foundation certification for?
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is designed for anyone who wants to learn about the basics of IT service management and how it can be used to improve IT operations.
It's suitable for IT professionals, IT managers, IT consultants, and anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in the IT industry.
Is the ITIL 4 Foundation certification worth it?
Yes, the ITIL 4 Foundation certification is worth it. It is a globally recognized standard for IT service management, which means it is accepted and valued by organizations across the world.
This makes it a valuable addition to your resume and it can open up many job opportunities for you.
How can you get the ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
To get the ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you'll need to pass an exam.
The exam is computer-based and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
There are no prerequisites for the ITIL 4 Foundation certification, so anyone can take the exam.
What are the benefits of obtaining the ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
The benefits of obtaining the ITIL 4 Foundation certification include:
- Improved job prospects in the IT industry
- Higher salary potential
- Access to a wide range of IT jobs
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices for IT service management
- Improved ability to apply the latest best practices to your work.
How difficult is it to obtain the ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is not particularly difficult to obtain. The exam is computer-based, consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions.
You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam, and you will need to achieve a minimum score of 65% to pass. With the right study materials and preparation, most people are able to pass the exam.
How long does it take to get the ITIL 4 Foundation certification?
The time it takes to get the ITIL 4 Foundation certification will depend on your level of preparation and how quickly you can schedule and take the exam.
On average, it takes around 4-8 weeks to prepare for the exam, and the exam itself takes around 60 minutes to complete.
What are the best ITIL 4 Foundation certification alternatives?
Some of the best alternatives to the ITIL 4 Foundation certification include:
- COBIT 5 Foundation
- ISO 20000 Foundation
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- ITIL v3 Foundation
- DevOps Foundation
- Lean IT Foundation
Note that each of these alternatives covers different aspects of IT service management and might be more suitable for certain individuals and organizations.
It's important to research and compare these certifications before making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, ITIL 4 Foundation certification is a valuable investment for anyone looking to break into the IT industry or advance their current career.
With its minimal requirements, reasonable cost, and globally recognized standard, it is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their skills and job prospects in IT service management.