Getting your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification marks a significant milestone in your professional journey toward mastering IT Service Management (ITSM). You now understand the core concepts of the Service Value System (SVS), the four dimensions of service management, and the guiding principles that help organizations deliver value.
However, the Foundation level is just the entrance to a much larger world. The ITIL 4 framework offers a modular approach that allows you to tailor your learning path based on your career goals, whether you want to manage teams, design digital products, or lead organizational strategies.
Choosing Your Path: The ITIL 4 Certification Scheme
The ITIL 4 certification scheme is structured to help professionals specialize in specific areas of service management. After Foundation, you generally choose between two primary streams: ITIL Managing Professional (MP) and ITIL Strategic Leader (SL).
The ITIL Managing Professional (MP) Stream
This stream targets IT practitioners who work within technology and digital teams. It provides practical and technical knowledge about how to run successful IT projects, teams, and workflows. To earn the Managing Professional designation, you must complete four modules:
- Create, Deliver and Support (CDS): This is the logical next step for most. It focuses on the “engine room” of IT, teaching you how to integrate different value streams and activities to create, deliver, and support IT-enabled products.
- Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV): This module focuses on the engagement between service providers and their customers, users, suppliers, and partners. It covers the entire “customer journey.”
- High-Velocity IT (HVIT): If you work in a fast-paced environment using Agile, Lean, or DevOps, this module is for you. It explores how IT functions in highly automated and digital environments.
- Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI): This is a “universal” module that applies to both the MP and SL streams. It focuses on creating a direction and a culture of continuous improvement.
The ITIL Strategic Leader (SL) Stream
This stream is for those who look at the bigger picture. It recognizes that ITIL is valuable not just for IT operations, but for all digitally enabled services. To become an ITIL Strategic Leader, you need to complete:
- Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI): As mentioned above, this module bridges the gap between operations and strategy.
- Digital and IT Strategy (DITS): This module explores how to align business strategy with IT strategy. It focuses on how disruptive technologies impact organizations and how leaders can respond.
Comparison Table: MP vs. SL
| Feature | ITIL Managing Professional (MP) | ITIL Strategic Leader (SL) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Audience | IT Practitioners and Operations Managers | Aspiring and Current Leaders/Executives |
| Focus Area | Practical application and technical workflows | Business alignment and digital transformation |
| Key Benefit | Improves service delivery and team efficiency | Drives organizational change and strategy |
| Number of Modules | 4 Modules | 2 Modules |
Specialized Extension Modules
In addition to the main streams, PeopleCert has introduced specialized extension modules. These do not require you to follow the MP or SL paths and can be taken right after your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification.
- Sustainability in Digital & IT: This helps you understand how to manage the environmental impact of your digital services.
- Acquiring & Managing Cloud Services: This focuses on the procurement and integration of cloud technology within the ITIL framework.
- Business Relationship Management (BRM): This dives deep into the roles and responsibilities of managing the bond between IT and business units.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Deciding what to do next depends entirely on your current role and where you see yourself in five years.
For Service Desk Managers and Analysts
If you work on the front lines, the Create, Deliver and Support (CDS) module offers the most immediate value. It helps you understand how to improve ticket resolution times, manage handovers between teams, and optimize the tools your team uses daily.
For Project Managers and DevOps Engineers
The High-Velocity IT (HVIT) module is your best bet. It bridges the gap between traditional ITIL practices and modern ways of working. You will learn how to maintain stability while increasing the speed of deployments.
For Aspiring CIOs and CTOs
Focus on the Strategic Leader path. The Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) module is unique because it requires a certain level of managerial experience and involves practical assignments. It positions you as a business leader who understands technology, rather than just a technical manager.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now
Beyond getting more certifications, you should focus on applying your knowledge to your current job. Employers value experience just as much as digital badges.
- Identify a Value Stream: Look at one process in your office, such as onboarding a new employee or deploying a software update. Map out every step and identify where delays happen.
- Adopt a Guiding Principle: Start using ITIL language in meetings. For example, instead of making a massive change all at once, suggest that the team “Progress Iteratively with Feedback.”
- Join the Community: Engage with groups like the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF). Networking with other ITIL professionals provides insights into how different companies solve similar problems.
- Update Your Resume: Don’t just list the certification. Describe how you applied ITIL 4 concepts to improve a specific metric, like reducing downtime or increasing customer satisfaction scores.
The Ultimate Goal: ITIL Master
Once you have achieved both the Managing Professional and Strategic Leader designations, you are eligible to become an ITIL Master. This is the highest level of achievement in the ITIL 4 scheme. It demonstrates your ability to apply the principles, methods, and techniques from ITIL in real-world situations.
Conclusion
The journey after your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification is about specialization and leadership. By choosing a path that aligns with your passions, you ensure that your career remains relevant in an increasingly digital world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do ITIL 4 certifications expire?
No, ITIL 4 certifications do not technically expire. However, PeopleCert recommends renewing your “certification requirement” every three years by taking another course, earning CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points, or moving up to the next level in the scheme.
Can I skip modules in the Managing Professional stream?
No, if you want the Managing Professional designation, you must pass all four required exams. You can take them in any order, although many professionals prefer starting with “Create, Deliver and Support.”
Is the ITIL 4 Foundation enough to get a job?
The Foundation certification is an excellent entry-level credential that qualifies you for roles like Junior Service Desk Analyst or Junior Process Coordinator. For senior management or specialist roles, employers usually look for higher-level modules.
How hard are the Specialist exams compared to Foundation?
The Specialist exams are significantly more difficult. While Foundation focuses on “what” and “why,” the higher-level modules focus on “how.” They require more critical thinking and the ability to apply concepts to complex scenarios.
