The IT Infrastructure Library® (ITIL) is the most widely accepted approach to IT Service Management in the world.ITIL is a best practice framework that has been drawn from both public and private sectors internationally. It describes how IT resources should be organised to deliver business value documenting the processes, functions and roles of IT Service Management (ITSM).

ITIL Version 2 (V2) has undergone a major makeover, which is Version 3 (V3). ITIL Version 3 (V3) represents an important evolutionary step in its life. The makeover has transformed the guide from providing a great service, to being the most innovative and the best in its class. At the same time, the interface between old and new approaches is seamless, so that users do not have to reinvent the wheel during uptake. V3 allows users to build on the successes of V2 but take IT service management even further. 

The new edition, ITIL 2011 edition, is an update version of the ITIL version 3 (V3), the first significant update since 2007, and addresses a broad range of issues raised in the Change Control Log and resolves errors and inconsistencies in the text and diagrams across the whole Suite.  ITIL 2011 is an update, not a new version.

ITIL BENEFITS

ITIL provides a systematic and professional approach to the management of IT service provision. Adopting its guidance offers users a huge range of benefits that include:

• Reduced costs
• Improved IT services through the use of proven Best Practice processes
• Improved customer satisfaction through a more professional approach to service delivery
• Standards and guidance
• Improved productivity
• Improved use of skills and experience
• Improved delivery of third party services through the specification of ITIL or ISO 20000 as the standard for service delivery in services procurements.

ITIL KEY FACTS 

• Over one million certified IT professionals worldwide
• Exams available in more than 20 languages
• ITIL is the most widely accepted approach to IT service management in the world
• ITIL is  supported by quality services from a wide range of providers including examination institutes, accredited training providers and consultancies, software and tool vendors

ITIL QUALIFICATION SCHEME

The ITIL2011 Edition Qualifications Scheme provides a modular approach to ITIL certification, and is comprised of a series of certifications focused on different aspects of ITIL Best Practice, to various degrees of depth and detail.

 There are four levels of certification within the 2011 Scheme:

• ITIL Foundation Level
• ITIL Intermediate Level- Service Lifecycle & Service Capability Streams
• ITIL Expert Level
• ITIL Master Qualification

The modular, tiered approach to certification not only offers increased flexibility to candidates relating to the disciplines or areas of ITIL that they are able to study, but generally makes ITIL certification more accessible and achievable.

• The Foundation level focuses on providing knowledge and comprehension of the key concepts, structure, terminology and processes of ITIL. This entry-level certification offers candidates a general awareness of the key elements of the ITIL 2011 edition Service Lifecycle, including the linkages between lifecycle stages, the processes used, and their contribution to Service Management practices.
• The Intermediate level offers two principle streams of education; Lifecycle and Capability - each with their own series of certifications - and a final rationalization module, Managing Across the Lifecycle. Each of the Intermediate certifications provides candidates with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to apply or manage the application of specific areas of ITIL Best Practice, in a Service Management environment.
• The Expert level is awarded to candidates in recognition of their achievement of ITIL 2011 Edition  certifications. The ITIL Expert level of certification is aimed at those individuals who are interested in demonstrating a superior level of knowledge of ITIL 2011 Edition in its entirety.
• The Master Qualification level of is the highest qualification available within the 2011 Edition program. This particular qualification is reserved for those individuals who can demonstrate and provide evidence of their ability to implement defined ITIL disciplines and IT Service Management Best Practices within the real world working environment.  This level of the scheme is currently in pilot phase.