What is the fastest way to earn your ITIL Certification?

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library® (ITIL®) is a globally recognised framework for IT service management. It provides a set of best practices and guidelines to efficiently plan, implement and manage IT services to meet business needs.

If you want to earn an ITIL certification, we share tips on the most efficient ways.

How to get an ITIL Certification

To achieve ITIL certification, individuals typically go through training programs and exams offered by accredited training organisations. As of 2023, there are 5 ITIL designations from ITIL Foundation, Practice Manager, Managing Professional, Strategic Leader (which have several modules) and ITIL Master. Each level requires a specific exam and, in some cases, prerequisite certifications.

Be aware that as part of PeopleCert’s Continuing Professional Development Programme, from January 2023, ALL ITIL certifications will be non-current after three (3) years and come with a renewal requirement to maintain one’s credentials. You can read about it here.

Why pursue an ITIL Certification?

There are many reasons to get an ITIL certification, especially if your role involves delivering IT services.

1. Career advancement: ITIL certification enhances career opportunities, making individuals more marketable in the IT service management field.

2. Improved skills: It equips professionals with a standardised set of practices, improving their skills in managing IT services efficiently and effectively and offering continual service improvement to their organisations.

3. Business alignment: ITIL aligns IT services with business needs, ensuring that IT service strategy supports overall business objectives. Read our case study on how SparkNZ ensured that their service teams are trained and achieve ITIL Foundation certifications to deliver the best possible customer outcomes.

4. Increased efficiency: ITIL helps organisations optimise their processes, leading to improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.

5. Global recognition: ITIL is recognised worldwide, providing a common language and framework for IT service management professionals across the globe.
   

Why accelerate your ITIL certification?

For some of our students, accelerating their ITIL certification is important as they prepare for a new role or project within a period of time. Accelerating certification can be desirable for several reasons:

• Increased earning potential: Obtaining certifications often leads to higher-paying job opportunities. Accelerating the certification process allows individuals to qualify for these higher-paying positions more quickly, leading to increased income in a shorter timeframe.

• Quick career transitions: For individuals looking for healthier work environments or industries with increased growth prospects, acquiring certifications swiftly can enable a faster transition to a new job or career path. It provides a tangible qualification that opens doors to a wider range of opportunities.

• Access to specialised roles: Certain specialised roles within industries require specific certifications. These roles can be focused on change management, continuity management or asset management as it impacts the ITIL service lifecycle. Accelerating certification can fast-track entry into these roles, allowing professionals to pursue their interests and passions sooner rather than later.

• Competitive advantage: In competitive job markets, having certifications sets candidates apart. By accelerating certification, individuals can gain a competitive edge over others applying for the same positions, increasing their chances of securing desirable jobs.

• Career advancement: Certifications are often prerequisites for promotions and career advancement within organisations. Acquiring certifications quickly can expedite the process of climbing the corporate ladder and accessing higher-level positions with more responsibilities and better benefits.

• Job security: In rapidly changing industries, staying updated with the latest certifications and skills is crucial for job security. Accelerating certification ensures that professionals remain relevant and valuable, reducing the risk of job loss due to technological or industry shifts.

• Personal fulfilment: Achieving certifications often brings a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. Accelerating this process allows individuals to experience this satisfaction sooner, motivating them to pursue further educational and career goals.

How to get an ITIL certification in NZ

There are several concrete strategies individuals can employ to speed up their ITIL training and certification process. We share suggestions on how to prepare for an ITIL certification.

1. Focus on specific levels: Instead of aiming for the highest ITIL certification level immediately, focus on the designation that aligns with your current skills and experience. For many, starting with ITIL Foundation and gradually advancing to higher levels can be more manageable and time-effective. Learn about how senior leaders can benefit from ITIL training and different levels (from the ITIL Foundation Certification through to ITIL Master) and roles.

2. Accelerated training programs: Look for ITIL certification programs offering accelerated learning options. These programs are designed to cover the material more quickly, allowing you to complete your certification in a shorter period. Those with previous experience in IT Service Management and those renewing their certifications can explore ITIL Foundation fast-track courses and ITIL Foundation exam preparation courses.

3. Intensive boot camps: Consider enrolling in intensive ITIL certification boot camps. These immersive, short-duration programs (often a few days to a week) provide concentrated, focused training, allowing you to absorb the necessary knowledge rapidly. Check out the 3-month IT Service Management Professional boot camp on Lumify Learn.

4. Self-Study with exam guides: If you have a strong background in IT service management, you can opt for self-study through training like the ITIL® 4 Foundation - Exam Preparation course. Utilise official ITIL study guides and practice tests. Additionally, you can find exam dumps online to familiarise yourself with the exam format and types of questions asked. Busy professionals can learn the fundamentals in their own time through options like ITIL Foundation - Evening Course and ITIL Foundation - Self-paced.

5. Online learning platforms: Explore online learning platforms that offer ITIL certification courses. These platforms provide flexible schedules and often allow you to learn at your own pace. Look for platforms that provide accelerated ITIL certification paths or condensed courses.

6. Prioritise studying: Allocate dedicated and focused time for exploring the service management practices covered in each course and certification. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Immersing yourself in the material consistently over a shorter period can enhance retention and understanding.

7. Utilise exam study guides: Invest in reputable ITIL exam study guides and resources. These guides often summarise key concepts and provide ITIL exam-specific tips. Utilising these resources can help you focus on the most important topics and increase your efficiency in studying. Lumify Plus (formerly DDLS Plus) is your online learning pathway to extend knowledge beyond ITIL certification courses. Lumify Plus is free for eligible students - individuals or teams - who have sat for eligible ITIL courses.

8. Practice time management: During the exam, time management is crucial. Practice answering sample questions within the allocated time to improve your speed and accuracy. This preparation can significantly impact your performance on the actual exam.

9. Engage with communities: Join online forums, discussion groups, or social media communities related to ITIL certification online in NZ. Engaging with peers and experts can provide valuable insights, study tips, and resources to enhance your preparation.
   

Remember, while speeding up the certification process is advantageous, ensuring you have a solid understanding of the concepts is equally important. Balancing speed with depth of knowledge is vital to successfully passing the ITIL certification exams.

Accelerate your ITIL certification with Lumify Work

Gaining an ITIL certification fast depends on your background, time allotted for studying and more. The ITIL certification is an accessible path towards advancing your IT career.

Lumify Work is an Accredited Training Organisation for ITIL courses by PeopleCert and an IT Service Management Forum (itSMF) member. Our eBook on ITIL and IT Service Management introduces the frameworks, access it here.

With the Lumify Anywhere platform, students can access training from the comfort of their homes, from one of our campuses in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch – or wherever suits them best.