There are five levels of qualification within the ITIL structure. These levels are:
- ITIL Foundation
- ITIL Intermediate
- ITIL MALC
- ITIL Expert
- ITIL Master
ITIL Foundation
This is the entry level qualification which gives you knowledge of ITIL terminology, structure, and basic concepts of IT Service Management. Successfully completing the ITIL Foundation exam is a prerequisite to progressing on to the Intermediate ITIL qualifications.
Exam format:
- 40 multiple choice questions.
- Pass mark: 65% (26/40).
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Closed book
- Credits awarded: 2
ITIL Intermediate
An individual who has completed ITIL Foundation and wishes to progress can choose one of two paths through the materials for ITIL Intermediate. These are as follows:
The Service Lifecycle Path – for managers
This consists of separate exams with certificates worth 3 credits each for:
- Service Strategy (SS)
- Service Design (SD)
- Service Transition (ST)
- Service Operation (SO)
- Continual Service Improvement (CSI)
The Service Capability Path – for execution roles
This consists of separate exams with certificates worth 4 credits each for:
- Operational Support and Analysis (OSA)
- Planning, Protection and Optimization (PPO)
- Release, Control and Validation (RCV)
- Service Offerings and Agreements (SOA)
“Mixing and matching” from the two streams
As long as you acquire a total of 17 credits across both streams, you can pick courses from either of the two streams to build up your ITIL Intermediate accreditation, and be ready to go for the Expert level qualifications.
Eligibility for the ITIL exams
In order to be eligible for the ITIL exams, you need to complete mandatory accredited training for each module.
Exam format:
- 8 multiple choice scenario-based gradient scored questions.
- Pass mark: 70% (28/40).
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Closed book
- Credits awarded: 3 or 4 depending on streams
ITIL Expert
In order to become certified as an ITIL Expert, you must, in addition to the 17 credits gained to become an ITIL Intermediate, pass another module titled ‘Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC).
Exam format:
- 10 multiple choice scenario-based gradient scored questions.
- Pass mark: 70% (28/40).
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Closed book
- Credits awarded: 5
ITIL Master
There are two eligibility criteria for the ITIL Master level:
- You must be certified as an ITIL Expert
- You must have 5 years of experience in a leadership role within ITSM
