ITIL 4: What is the purpose of this IT certification? How do I pass?

ITIL is a globally recognised standard for IT service management. Achieving ITIL 4 Foundation certification is a prerequisite for mastering the fundamentals. How do you pass the exam? Discover our experts' tips: understanding the SVS and the 4 dimensions, practising mock exams, managing your time efficiently, avoiding pitfalls...

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is now the global benchmark for good practice in the IT Service Management (ITSM). Originally developed in the 1980s by the UK government, ITIL is now used in thousands of organisations around the world to effectively align technology services with business objectives.

The latest version, ITIL 4launched by AXELOS in 2019This marks a significant move towards a modern, integrated approach. ITIL 4 places particular emphasis onagility, there collaboration as well as the integration of other approaches such as DevOps, lean and agile.

At the heart of ITIL 4 is the Service Value System (SVS)It is designed as a complete operational model, covering all the stages involved in the creation, delivery and continuous improvement of IT services.

Why ITIL 4 certification?

Achieving ITIL 4 certification has significant benefits for both individuals and companies.

For professionals, ITIL 4 certification is a major asset on the job market. Recognized worldwide, it is a a vector of credibility and attractiveness to recruitersThis makes career development and international mobility easier. Holders of this certification are often offered greater responsibilities and higher levels of remuneration than their non-certified counterparts. What's more, a certified professional considerably increases his or her prospects of international employment.

For companies, The adoption of ITIL 4 is synonymous with an improvement in the overall management of their IT services. By adopting ITIL 4, they often see a reduced operating costsa better risk management and a increased customer satisfaction. ITIL also makes it possible to functional silos, speed up time-to-market and improve the quality of our products. resilience organisational in the face of technological and economic disruption.

According to data published by AXELOS in 2022, around 85 % of organisations that have adopted ITIL 4 have seen a marked improvement in the alignment between IT teams and business needs.

How to pass your ITIL 4 certification?

Examination ITIL 4 Foundation is the main entry point to this repository. It assesses the general understanding of ITIL concepts.

The official exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questionsto be carried out in 60 minutesand requires a success rate of 65 % minimum, i.e. 26 correct answers.

The examination takes place online, in English or French, depending on the candidate's choice, in "closed book" modeNo external resources may be consulted during the test.

The test assesses understanding of key concepts, such as the Service Value System (SVS) or the Value Chain. It also tests the ability to apply the principles in realistic scenarios.

Effective preparation: keys and essential stages

Serious preparation is essential. Start by choosing a formal accredited training delivered by an organisation recognised by PeopleCert (owner of AXELOS), as is the case with ORSYS.

These courses are taught by experienced trainers who can guide candidates through the most complex concepts. According to PeopleCert data, the success rate of candidates who have undergone accredited training exceeds 90 %This compares with around 65 % for self-training.

Then rely on official resources: revision guides, manuals, online training courses and, above all, the most up-to-date information available. mock exams.

These allow you to familiarise yourself with the question format, quickly identify any weaknesses and get used to the pace of the official exam. According to Simplilearn, around 80 % candidates pass the exam on the first attempt practised intensively with practical tests.

Our tips and tricks for successful ITIL 4 certification

Plan a regular, methodical review

Most candidates who fail the exam say that they underestimated the amount of revision required. So adopt a rigorous timetable, with regular sessions spread over several weeks. It is advisable to plan 2 to 4 weeks of regular preparationfor one or two hours a day, rather than intensive revision over just a few days.

Focus on key concepts and specific keywords

The specific vocabulary of ITIL can be complex to understand. Create your own customised glossary bringing together key concepts such as "Value Chain", "Incident Management", "Change Management", and the ITIL guiding principles. such as "Optimise and automate" or "Collaborate and promote visibility". This will make it much easier to remember.

To maximise your chances of success, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the exam requirements. Candidates must master the central concepts such as the Service Value System (SVS), the Service Value Chain, management practices such as incident management or change management, as well as the guiding principles of ITIL.

Manage your time effectively during the exam

During the official exam, you have approximately one and a half minutes per question..

So don't waste too much time on difficult questions Go through the simple questions first and then come back to the ones that are causing you problems. This method will enable you to maximise your performance and minimise stress.

Eliminate unlikely answers Use the elimination process to discard obviously incorrect answers, which will increase your chances of choosing the correct answer from the remaining options.

Don't leave any questions unanswered As there is no penalty for wrong answers, it's best to try and answer all the questions, even if you're not sure of the answer.

If you're stuck on a questionGo on to the next question and come back to it later if you have time. If you finish the exam before the time runs out, take a few minutes to reread your questions and check your answers. Obviously, only change an answer if you are absolutely certain of your initial error.

Respond according to ITIL, not your business habits

A common mistake in the exam is to answer the questions based on the internal practices of your current organization. The exam does not test your specific organizational practices, only your understanding of ITIL 4 best practice. Always think ITIL when answering, regardless of your own experiences.

After certification: the importance of practice

Achieving certification ITIL 4 Foundation is just the first step towards an enriched career in IT service management. The real value of this certification is revealed through the daily application of its principles and methods. Take an active part in concrete projectsYou'll also be able to exchange ideas with other certified professionals and keep up to date with the latest technology thanks to webinars, ITIL communities and other online resources.

Explore advanced certifications If you want to deepen your knowledge and progress in the ITIL 4 certification scheme, explore more advanced certification options such as ITIL® 4 Specialist, Create, Deliver and Support or ITIL® 4 Leader, Digital & IT Strategy.

According to PeopleCert, 70 % ITIL 4 certified personnel see a significant improvement in their skills in crisis management and decision-making in their day-to-day professional lives. Take advantage of this dynamic to become a major player in the digital transformation within your organisation.

Conclusion: ITIL 4, an investment in your future

ITIL 4 certification is more than just a certificate to add to your CV. It represents a genuine strategic investment in your career and your company. At a time when the technology sector is marked by intense competition and constant change, mastery of internationally recognised best practices such as ITIL is a decisive advantage.

ITIL 4 certification means choosing to position yourself as a leader capable of creating value and managing innovation, while ensuring stability and operational excellence. With methodical preparation, good time management and active involvement in the day-to-day application of the concepts, your ITIL 4 certification will be a powerful lever for personal and collective success.