In this two-part blog, we’ll take a look at defining the need for ITIL certification (part I) and then present a perspective on achieving a certain level of certification (part II).
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) certification is quickly becoming seen as a growing need around the globe. ITIL certification addresses the increased demand for IT departments to align with — and help achieve — their organizations' overarching business goals.
A successful ITIL implementation relies on the implementation team and stakeholders to effectively determine goals (the “to-be” state) of what the organization hopes to achieve as well as understand the benefits the ITIL implementation will yield. It is also important to foresee, or predict, what this means for the future needs of the organization.
Defining the ITIL Challenge
Certification is as important and vital as part of any ITIL implementation. But, realistically speaking, we have to be tactical in how we design training and the level we choose to reach with ITIL certifications. We cannot assume that by training everyone to become an ITIL expert, we would ensure a successful ITIL implementation.
On the other hand, we can also not expect to achieve a successful ITIL implementation without looking at the training needs of the individuals involved. The challenge is to balance the right mix of ITIL certification with the vision, available budget, resources and, above all, commitment of all the key stakeholders as part of the implementation.
Reaping the Benefits of ITIL Certification
It is also important that organizations understand the real benefit of ITIL certification: it ensures that staff members are prepared and capable of aligning IT with the needs of the business. However, many struggle with this part of the implementation process.
Since ITIL requires that service providers align their offerings with the changing business needs of their customers, it is imperative for individuals to learn best practice processes and be able to apply those practices to a variety of business needs and objectives.
This is why a true ITIL expert is born not only from certification alone, but also from a certain level of experience and dedication to the best practice. It is the combination of learning the best practice ITIL processes combined with real-life knowledge and experience that proves an organization has the skill sets to practice ITIL as a successful service provider.
First Steps to ITIL Certification
Let’s say, for example, that your project team has the needed real-world experience, but need to achieve a certain level of certification before initiating an ITIL implementation. They also know the importance of identifying the right training solution.
Part II of this blog will address where we should start to identify the right professional development path for stakeholders involved in the implementation.
Hitesh Patel is an instructor and course author for Learning Tree International.
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