How Long Does It Take to Get ITIL Certification?

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certification is a globally recognized credential that focuses on IT service management best practices. It can help IT professionals advance their careers and open doors to various job roles, such as IT service manager, IT project manager, and IT operations manager.

If you’re considering pursuing ITIL® certification, you’re likely wondering how much time it will take to prepare for the exam and achieve your certification. The preparation time depends on your prior knowledge, the certification level you’re aiming for, and your study approach.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different levels of ITIL® certification and provide an estimate of the time it typically takes to prepare for each level.

ITIL® Foundation Level

Estimated Time: 20-30 hours of study

The ITIL® Foundation level is the entry-level certification that introduces you to the fundamental concepts of ITIL®. It provides a solid understanding of ITIL® principles, the four dimensions of service management, terminology, and key processes in Lean, Agile and DevOps. 

For most individuals with little or no prior ITIL® knowledge, dedicating 20-30 hours of focused study is typically sufficient to prepare for and pass the ITIL® Foundation exam. 

The ITIL® Foundation exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass, you need to score at least 65% (26 out of 40 questions). 

Many candidates opt for self-paced online courses or study guides to achieve this. Many candidates opt for self-paced online courses or study guides to pass this level.

ITIL® Intermediate Level

Estimated Time: 3-6 months per module

The ITIL® Intermediate level offers a deeper dive into ITIL® processes and practices. It consists of multiple modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of ITIL®. 

The ITIL Intermediate Certification Levels include:

• ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition
• ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support
• ITIL 4 Specialist: High-Velocity IT
• ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve
• ITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value

The time required to complete an Intermediate module can vary depending on your prior knowledge and the complexity of the module. On average, candidates spend 3-6 months per module, including study and exam preparation. 

Each module exam consists of multiple-choice, scenario-based questions. You need to score at least 70% to pass. If you’re pursuing multiple Intermediate certifications, plan your schedule accordingly.

ITIL® Expert Level

Estimated Time: 18-24 months (including Intermediate and Managing Professional)

The ITIL® Expert certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of ITIL® processes and practices. It is ideal for IT professionals looking to advance their careers and take on senior roles in IT service management.

To achieve ITIL® Expert status, you’ll need to accumulate credits from both the Intermediate and Managing Professional levels. This typically involves completing a combination of modules and achieving the required credits. 

Since this is an advanced level of certification, it can take around 18-24 months or longer to attain ITIL® Expert status. The exact time depends on your pace, commitment, and the number of modules you choose to complete.

The exams for the ITIL® Expert level typically involve multiple-choice, scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply ITIL® concepts in real-world situations. Each module exam requires a passing score of at least 70%.

ITIL® Master Level

Estimated Time: Highly variable

The ITIL® Master level is the highest level of ITIL® certification and is achieved through a practical assessment. It validates your ability to apply ITIL principles in real-world situations and demonstrates comprehensive mastery of the ITIL framework.

The time it takes to become an ITIL® Master varies widely among candidates. It’s highly dependent on your experience, your ability to apply ITIL® principles in real-world scenarios, and the preparation required for the assessment.

To become an ITIL® Master, you must meet several criteria:

• You must have completed the ITIL Expert level certification.
• You need at least five years of experience in IT Service Management (ITSM) in a leadership, management, or advisory role.
• Develop and submit a proposal for improving service within your organization by applying ITIL principles effectively.
• Provide a detailed work profile that showcases your application of ITIL practices to a real-world business case, including positive impacts on the service and business outcomes.
• Successfully complete an extensive interview with an ITIL assessment panel.

This level is not about classroom study but rather practical application of ITIL® concepts in your professional role.

How to Pass the ITIL Certification Exam

As you progress through the ITIL certification levels, each exam becomes more challenging and requires a deeper understanding of ITIL principles and more practical experience. Here are some tips to help you succeed through each level:

• Understand the Exam Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the exam objectives for your specific ITIL certification level. This will give you a clear understanding of the topics you need to study and the skills you need to demonstrate.
• Use Official Study Materials: Invest in official ITIL study guides, books, and online courses. These resources are specifically designed to cover the exam content and provide detailed explanations of ITIL concepts.
• Focus on Key Concepts: Pay special attention to key ITIL concepts and processes, such as the service lifecycle, the four dimensions of service management, and the various ITIL practices. Ensure you understand how these concepts are applied in real-world scenarios.

• Enroll in Training Courses: Consider enrolling in an ITIL training course with ONLC. Our course provides structured learning and access to experienced instructors who can clarify complex topics.
• Take Practice Exams: Practice exams help to improve your understanding of the format of the ITIL exam. It also helps you identify areas where you need further study.
• Gain Practical Experience: It is extremely important to gain hands-on experience with ITIL practices in a professional setting. Apply what you learn in real-world situations to prepare for performance-based exam questions.

Follow these tips and dedicate enough time to prepare for each level to pass the ITIL certification exams and advance your career in IT service management.

Conclusion

The time it takes to study for ITIL® certification depends on your starting point, certification goals, and dedication to the process. Whether you’re aiming for the Foundation, Intermediate, Expert, or Master level, setting a clear study plan, seeking appropriate training resources, and staying committed to your learning journey are key factors in your success. 

Remember that ITIL® is not just about passing exams but also about improving IT service management practices in your organization, which can bring long-term benefits to your career and your company.

If you’re looking to become certified in ITIL® you can count ONLC Training Centers to help you with your preparation. Our expert-led courses and comprehensive study materials will guide you through every step of the certification process, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. 

Contact ONLC today to learn more about our ITIL® training classes and get started on your path to certification.