What is the difference between V2 and V3?

Amongst the key changes you’ll see in ITIL V3 is a wholesale shift towards a service-driven lifecycle approach and guidance which aims to be more prescriptive.
Where ITIL V2 outlined what should be done to improve processes, ITIL V3 explains clearly how you should go about doing it.
Another key ITIL V3 addition is demonstrating return on investment to the business. This was one of the most frequent requests from the industry consultations, carried out as part of the version three projects.

 

If I already hold an ITIL V2 qualification how do I upgrade to V3?

Anyone who holds an ITIL V2 certificate will have the option to take a short bridging course and exam to bring them in-line with the new ITIL V3 qualifications.

The ITIL V2-V3 Foundation bridging course has been developed and is running regularly.

The Manager and Practitioner bridging course syllabi are still under development by the examination board.

How do I know whether I should go for V2 or V3?

ITIL V3 is an updated version of ITIL and ITIL V2 qualifications and exams will be phased out over the coming months.

With this in mind anyone who is new to ITIL, contractors, consultants and those who are required to show they have the most up to date qualifications should undertake the ITIL V3 courses.

If your organization is operating under ITIL V2 guidelines, a more structured approach to the transition will be required and during this time it may be advisable to continue with the ITIL V2 courses.

Will V2 exams still be available?

ITIL V2 exams will continue to be available until late 2008 through prometric centers or via an accredited training provider.

How much does the ITIL V3 foundation bridging exam cost?

It is not possible to sit the ITIL V3 foundation bridging exam on its own.

You will only be able to sit it as part of an accredited training course.

Be sure to check with your ITIL training provider that the cost of the exam is included in your ITIL V3 foundation bridging course.

Will the Practitioners and Managers qualification remain the same?

No, the ITIL qualification structure has completely changed and ITIL managers and practitioners will be required to take a bridging course and exam in order to be eligible for the new ITIL Diploma certificate.

The courses and examinations for ITIL managers and practitioners to bridge to ITIL V3 are still under discussion by the examination board and are expected to be realsed over the coming few months.

Can I take the V3 exam in a prometric centre?

Prometric do not yet offer ITIL V3 exams, although they hope to have them available from early 2008.

In the mean time you can still sit an ITIL V3 foundation exam through an accredited training provider as part of an ITIL V3 foundation course.

What is an ITIL qualification?

The ITIL Certificates are designed as - IT Service Management - qualifications. They are aimed at all personnel who wish to become familiar with the best practices for IT Service Management, as defined in the OGC IT Infrastructure Library guidelines.

What does having ITIL Certification mean?

The holder of the Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management should be aware of the techniques, processes and functions in the core ITIL publications of Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation and Continual Service Improvement. He or she should be able to relate this knowledge to wider IT issues and to their own work environment.

How do I get recognized in ITIL?

To get recognized in ITIL as an individual you need to achieve certification by taking an ITIL examination through a recognized exam centre. There are several levels to ITIL certification and which one aim to reach will depend on your current career level and your aspirations for the future.

For companies wishing to adopt ITIL, the route tends to be slightly different. The biggest decision is deciding if ITIL is right for you, and that requires an investment of time, collecting and reviewing information from the marketplace.

Why do I need an ITIL Qualification?

The majority of people that consider ITIL as a qualification do so for career and personal development reasons. Often this is driven by a change of job or career, where you notice that to get to the top of the CV pile, you need to have an extra qualification like ITIL (even if you have been involved in service management successfully for many years without it). In many advertised positions ITIL has become a prerequisite.

The majority of companies that implement ITIL also encourage their employees to take the exams. If your staff has accredited ITIL qualifications, then you can present your company as using ITIL. This works particularly well where you tender for or supply to any large IT organizations or outsourcing companies.

Can I use the ITIL Manuals only to study?

For foundation level you can, as the ITIL manuals contain pretty much everything you need. However it is hard work, and often your own interpretation of ITIL may be different to that required. If you are working on a shoestring budget, then this may be the only option open to you, but with all the extra study involved, your time may be better spent learning using an accredited course.

For the intermediate or diploma levels in is compulsory to attend an accredited training course.

What languages are the ITIL examinations available in?

The Foundation examinations are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Russian. The Practitioner examinations are available in English only. The Service Manager examinations are available in English, German and Russian.

If I take ITIL Foundation in another language do I still have to learn the ITIL terms in English?

Yes, you do. In the examinations you will find both the English as well as the Spanish terms. The ITIL terms can be found in the exam requirements.

How long do I have to wait for the results of my multiple choice examinations?

For each multiple choice exam, every candidate receives the result paper and certificate within four weeks after the examination session.

How can I specify how my name should be printed on the certificate?

At the start of the examination session one fills in the Personal Data Form. On this form there is an item where you can specify exactly how your name should be printed on the certificate.

What happens if I fail an exam?

In the unfortunate case you failed an examination; you can take part in another examination session. This does not necessarily have to be at the same examination centre.

For the retake of a ITIL Foundation examination you could for example turn to one of the Prometric Testing Centers. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the examination.

Will I have to update my Foundation certification with the release of ITIL V3?

Yes, If you hold an ITIL foundation certificate from any of the previous versions of ITIL you need to attend a one day course with an examination in order to update it to an ITIL V3 qualification. This will be essential for anyone wishing to go onto the higher levels of ITIL.

What is Prometric and what is its role?

Thomson Prometric is a worldwide provider of computer based examinations. The - ITIL Foundation examination is one of the examinations available in the Prometric Authorized Testing Centers.

What is the difference between EXIN and ISEB?

"We were asked by one of our major clients if there was a difference - we took the short route and had the controlling body officially clear the issue, Seala said. "According to Richard Wills of the OGC, the only difference between the two is that their respective services are offered in different parts of the world."

What is ISEB?

The Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB) is a division of the British Computer Society. ISEB was created in 1990 from the Systems Analysis Examinations Board (which was set up in 1967). ISEB administrates examinations and issues certificates in a variety of subjects in the field of information systems engineering. A list of qualifications can be obtained from ISEB.