How long is ITIL training?

IT Infrastructure Library, in short ITIL, provides best practices for IT service management (ITSM). The ITIL certification is near the top of almost every list of essential IT certifications, and for a good reason. ITIL is a framework for managed IT services that can help companies manage risk, improve customer relations, establish cost-effective practices, and create a stable IT environment that allows growth, scale, and change.

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According to Axelos, the ITIL 4 was revised in February 2019 to emphasize ITSM agility, flexibility, and innovation while maintaining support for legacy networks and systems. Axelos has announced plans to discontinue ITIL 3 by the start of 2022, once ITIL 4 has been fully rolled out by 2021. 

Everyone has doubts about how long training should last. You can learn more about ITIL certification and training options here.

Let's take a look at the certification benefits and levels first.

ITIL certification – Benefits to know

• All over the world, ITIL certification is respected and accepted.
• Companies that employ ITIL-certified employees are considered leaders in IT service management (ITSM).
• The ITIL course offered by the Council/Consulting-Portal shortens the time required to become certified using your prior knowledge and training.
• After studying ITIL processes and practical case studies, each ITIL certification candidate is better prepared to implement ITIL in their organizations.
• A recognized ITIL certification exam is administered after the course.
• In addition to ITIL training, Consulting-ITSM Portal's professionals bring real-world ITSM implementation experience to the classroom.
• ITIL Foundation training is required before taking either the ITIL Practitioner or Service Management courses.
• ITIL training is about focusing your IT staff on their many roles in delivering those services.

Overview of the ITIL certification program

Axelos took over ITIL in July 2013. Accreditation of training and examination facilities is now a part of its responsibilities, as well as the upkeep of the ITIL framework. In addition to hundreds of ITIL Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs), many of which work directly with the ATOs, ITIL certification exams can be administered at the end of a training course or by an Examination Institute (EI).

There are five levels of ITIL certification available:

1. Foundation: On February 28, 2019, Axelos launched the ITIL 4 Foundation course. The ITIL V3 foundation course is no longer required for certification in ITIL. ITIL-specific information, such as the seven guiding principles of ITIL-based service management and the four dimensions, is also covered in a newly revised course. By developing customer-focused IT products and services, candidates learn how to facilitate value creation.
2. Managing Professional: When ITIL 4 was released earlier this year, AXELOS introduced the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification. It was released late in 2019 with the certification modules. Four modules must be completed by IT professionals who are new to ITIL. The ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module can be completed by ITIL experts who already hold an ITIL expert certification.
3. Strategic leader: All digitally-enabled services can benefit from ITIL, not just IT operations. This certification validates that you have a firm grasp of how information technology (IT) affects and directs corporate strategy. Candidates must pass the following two exams to receive their ITIL certification:
4. Master: The highest level of ITIL® certification is the ITIL®4 Master. You'll be able to apply best practices from ITIL® to your situation and apply them effectively.

A credit system determines the number of certificates earned for the Foundation through Expert levels of ITIL. The ITIL Expert certification requires a total of 22 credits. (There are specific requirements for becoming an ITIL Master).

How long does it take to complete ITIL training?

Formal ITIL training is available in various formats, including instructor-led classroom classes, self-paced online courses, and distance learning with an instructor. Anyone interested in learning about ITIL or earning an ITIL certification will find a training option that suits their learning preferences, thanks to the wide range of ITIL courses available and the large number of certified companies that provide ITIL training.

Despite the availability of non-accredited ITIL training, you can only use an ITIL ATO after completing ITIL training. Some people study ITIL on their own for six months or complete it within 2 to 7 days.

It's important to double-check the content's credibility by comparing it to that of other reputable sources. Some of the most interactive ways to prepare for the exam are the online classes and the instructor-led ITIL 4 Foundation training.

Each module does not have a predetermined length of time between them. A lot will depend on your current experience and goals in IT service management. It all depends on how well you can apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world of work. Three to four days are required to complete each intermediate module training. A minimum of 22 credits is required to achieve expert certification. There are three levels of credit for each life cycle module and four for each capability module in the Foundations to Practitioners course. 

ITIL course formats

Educators offer numerous learning modalities. They offer classroom, online, public, and private options to meet your needs.

1. Virtual training
   
   This instructor-led online "virtual" training gives students personal attention from their computers. Attend an online class to gain insights/anecdotes, ask questions, and get exam prep.
   
   
2. eLearning
   
   Students can prepare for certification most efficiently and affordably through eLearning. Students can self-learn the course materials and take the exam when ready. 
   
   
3. Classroom
   
   Engaging instructor-led training connects students with peers and experts in a classroom setting. It provides top-notch professional development.
   
   
4. In-company
   
   Many training providers create programs for organizations with specific goals—private and professional team development at your location.

The bottom line

ITIL certificates might land you a job or advance your career. ITIL is an extensively implemented, internationally recognized, and generally adopted framework; hence trained ITIL practitioners with IT experience are respected worldwide.

ITIL courses cost a few hundred dollars, but the appropriate person may leverage that certification into a six-figure corporate post. ITIL Foundation certification leads to ITSM jobs. Simplilearn online courses will boost your profession.