Day: 31 March 2023

  • What Is ITIL®?

    What Is ITIL®?

    For business owners, it is important to hire skilled professionals to protect their IT investments. As a result, many organisations will be looking for someone who has ITIL® certification, and it can offer an exciting and lucrative career path. If you’re a business owner, you might even be considering training members of your team so you have an in-house professional at hand. Whichever of these apply, you can find out all you need to know right here.

    What does itil stand for?

    Since the latter half of the 80s, ITIL® has been the framework standard regarding IT delivery and service management. However, what does itil stand for? It stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library.
    This is a set of the best IT practices put together to help businesses align IT services with the needs of customers and businesses. Some of these practices include accessibility, IT-related assets and resources offering benefits and value to customers.
    During the very early days, information technology departments were seen to be the cost centre of the business. However, when IT was first implemented, collaboration and communication between the business and those in the IT department were poor. Thanks to firms lacking formalised processes, the perception was that IT didn’t add value and wasn’t effective in serving the goals and needs of the business.
    However, things have drastically changed with maturity as businesses recognised the need to show off value when they catered to the specific needs of the organisation. This saw the emergence of IT Service Management.
    Today the ITIL® framework has become the most widely accepted and has become the standard in the management of the lifecycle of IT services along with the delivery.

    The origins of ITIL®

    The CCTA, Central Computing and Telecommunications Agency in Great Britain, were the first to develop the ITIL® framework in 1986 when the government realised its IT was becoming increasingly costly. They recognised the need to create a methodology for IT service management to enable cost savings and ensure resources were used more efficiently.
    Compared with later versions of itil, the first ever version was unrefined and was released in 40 different volumes giving guidance on such as:

    • Service level management;
    • Change management;
    • Help desk management;
    • Problem management;
    • Cost management;
    • Contingency planning;
    • Configuration management;
    • And more.

     

    The first and most significant itil evolution and the way forward

    The first biggest evolution of ITIL® came in 2001 when v2 was released, and in 2005 the ITIL® V2 glossary was released to clarify terms within the framework that had previously been poorly defined.
    In 2007 ITIL® V3 was released by way of five publications. These were:

    • Service strategy;
    • Service design;
    • Service operation;
    • Service transition;
    • Continual service improvement.

    This set went on to become known as ITIL® 2007 and described the processes and functions that were comprehensive and supported various aspects of IT service delivery. In addition, it covered all of the required steps of IT service management.
    In 2014 AXELOS took over the ownership of the ITIL® framework; this was a joint venture of Capita PLC professional services firm, and the UK government. The framework continued to be updated and refined, along with them overseeing the accreditation of ITIL® certification and training institutions worldwide.
    In 2019 ITIL® 4 was released and saw changes to how IT organisations did ITSM. It is also the most significant update to the framework since 2007. This was thanks to the new four dimensions model identifying four factors critical to a successful value delivery with ITIL®. These were organisations, people, information and technology, partners and suppliers, and value streams and processes.
    With the release of ITIL® 4 came a new certification scheme, and the very first certification, ITIL® Foundation, was released in 2019/2020. AXELOS identified four certification levels for ITIL® 4, which were:

    • ITIL® Foundation;
    • ITIL® 4 Managing Professional;
    • ITIL® 4 Strategic Leader;
    • ITIL® Master.

     

    What are ITIL® courses and service management training?

    Taking an itil course is an option for anyone who works in the IT services industry or within a project management role. Courses provide individuals with further knowledge of IT, which helps them progress through their IT careers.
    Service management courses are greatly sought after by businesses as they show knowledge of IT services and show a solid understanding.

    ITIL® training options

    There are many choices of ITIL courses and IT service management training to choose from, with courses being available for all skill levels.

    The ITIL® V4 Foundation Course

    The ITIL® V4 Foundation course is the starting point for anyone who wants to gain accreditation. This course is an introduction and allows candidates to take a look at IT service management via an end-to-end operating model for the creation, delivery and continual improvement of tech-related products and services.
    The course takes the candidate through numerous aspects and key points for three days. After that, you can take the exam (included within the course with TSG Training) to test your understanding and to achieve your qualification. Find out more about the ITIL® V4 Foundation course with TSG Training.

    The ITIL® Specialist High-Velocity IT Course

    The ITIL® Specialist High-Velocity IT Course is at the middle of the spectrum of courses, and before taking this course, you must have passed the Foundation examination.
    The HVIT qualification, as the course is called, gives an understanding of ways in which digital organisation and digital operating models function in high-velocity environments. The course focuses on the rapid delivery of services and products to get maximum value. It gives the candidate an understanding of working practices, including Lean, Agile and technical practices, along with technologies, including The Cloud, Automation and Automatic Testing.

    ITIL® 4 Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve Course

    The ITIL® 4 Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve Course is offered by TSG Training, and to be able to sit the exam, the candidate needs to have passed the Foundation exam.
    The course gives practical skills that are needed to create learning and improving IT organisation which has a strong, effective strategic direction. The course teaches a practical and strategic way to plan and deliver continuously with the necessary agility. It is split into 12 modules, and it is an intensive course taken over three days.
    ITIL® can be a fantastic certification for both your individual career and to benefit the wider organisation. However, with many courses available, it can be hard to know which is the right option for you. If you’re unsure, please contact the TSG Training team for a free consultation. Our friendly advisors will talk you through the different options and find the right choice for you depending on your expertise, career and business needs.

  • How To Get ITIL® Certified

    How To Get ITIL® Certified

    Skilled IT professionals help business owners to protect their businesses, and when considering hiring such a professional, many employers will check that candidates have ITIL® certification. Itil qualifications prove that the person has undergone training, passed the exam, and has a vast knowledge of the subject.

    What is an itil certification?

    ITIL® is short for Information Technology Infrastructure Library and has been around since the 1980s, being continually updated. It reveals the best standard practices for IT and has been adopted by industries both big and small.
    So, what is an ITIL® certification? Well, there are various itil qualifications available for candidates ranging from the introduction course, which is the ITIL® v4 Foundation course, to more specialist courses for extended learning.
    The Foundation course is an introduction to ITIL® v4, with the candidate taking the course over three days. The candidate goes through several modules, and at the end, an exam is taken, and ITIL® certification is gained if the course is passed. This shows that the candidate has excellent knowledge in the field.
    So, in short, if an IT professional has ITIL® certification, it means they are trained to that particular level and can provide the services associated with that certificate.

    Itil qualifications levels

    There are four different levels of ITIL® certification, and these are:

    • ITIL® 4 Foundation;
    • ITIL® 4 Managing Professional;
    • ITIL® 4 Strategic Leader;
    • ITIL® 4 Extension Modules.

     

    What is ITIL® Foundation certification?

    The ITIL® V4 Foundation Course is the starting place for certification. The course is designed to provide IT professionals with an introduction to ITIL® 4 and is taken over three days.
    It provides the candidate with a look at IT service management by way of an end-to-end operating model for the creation, delivery and improvement of tech-enabled products and services. Through the course, the candidate goes through a service value system getting the candidate ready to become a responsible and qualified ITIL® professional.

    What is ITIL® 4 Managing Professional certification?

    Next on the agenda of anyone wanting to get Itil qualifications under their belt is the ITIL® 4 Managing Professional certification level.
    This comprises four modules that provide candidates with the technical and practical skills to take them from specialist to strategist. The four modules are:

    • Create, deliver and support;
    • Drive stakeholder value;
    • High-velocity IT;
    • Direct, plan and improve.

    Candidates need to take all modules before receiving the ITIL® 4 Managing Professional certification.

    What is ITIL® Strategic Leader certification?

    The ITIL® Strategic Leader certification is made up of two modules. These are direct, plan and improve strategist modules and digital & IT strategy leader modules.

    What is ITIL® 4 Extension certification?

    The ITIL® 4 Extension modules provide candidates with the skills, tools and strategies that are required to work with new technologies in the field of IT. The course is split into two modules. These are sustainability in digital & IT and acquiring & managing cloud services.
    This course is suitable for any candidate who wishes to gain more understanding of the ITIL® framework in general.

    How much does itil cert cost?

    If you are considering getting an Itil cert, one thing on your mind will be itil certification cost.
    TSG Training offers a large number of ITIL® certification courses, and itil certification cost will depend on your chosen course. If you check out the Itil certification page on the website, you will see that courses start from under £1,000 and go up to just a little over £2,000.

    Why get itil qualifications?

    Businesses, both big and small, have adopted the ITIL® framework because it is consistent and provide well-defined processes for all projects and services. When looking to hire professionals companies do expect candidates to have the necessary certification. This can only be obtained by taking and passing courses.
    The courses teach candidates the best practices, and upon receiving certification, businesses know you have a solid knowledge of IT service management. Additionally, with certification behind you, new career opportunities are opened up as you will be able to work to high standards after following and gaining experience with the best practices and processes needed to ensure you can complete the job.
    With more and more businesses beginning to implement ITIL® practices into operations, there is more demand for individuals who have undergone and passed IT service management courses.
    Jobs you could apply for after gaining ITIL® cert include:

    • IT project manager;
    • IT system administrator;
    • IT consultant;
    • Mid-level and senior-level professionals within the IT sector;
    • IT service management role;
    • Professional serving clients and customers in IT and technology services.

     

    Book your ITIL® certification today

    If you have decided to go ahead and you want to get Itil qualifications to broaden your horizons and your career you might want to consider taking a course with TSG Training.
    We offer various Itil cert and training courses on our Itil certification page to suit every level of learning. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner and want to become certified or you wish to further your skills as an IT professional, there is a course suitable for you.
    When weighing up Itil certification cost against what you can get out of your career after having been certified, the outlay is well worth it. Start your career with the ITIL® 4 Foundation Course then move on and take more specialist courses to further your career. Contact us or give us a call on 08000 199337.

  • What Career Options Are Available For ITIL®?

    What Career Options Are Available For ITIL®?

    As an IT professional, you might be interested in going down the route of obtaining an ITIL® certification to boost your career. More and more businesses are looking for protection for their IT investments and as ITIL® is the standard framework having a certificate in your resume can help greatly. But what ITIL®-related jobs and careers are out there waiting for you after you obtain certification?
    Well, there are a lot of opportunities waiting for you depending on the type of itil course you choose to take and how far you wish to go on the ladder. ITIL®-related jobs and careers you might go for include:

    1. Information Technology Project Manager;
    2. Service Delivery Manager;
    3. Information Technology Director;
    4. Senior Project Manager.

    While the salaries for positions vary depending on the position you go for and your expertise and certification, the average salary for ITIL® jobs is £42,500 per annum.

    Information Technology Manager Position

    The average entry-level salary for an Information Technology Manager is $59,000 or around £48,486. So, what would you be doing if you went into this position?
    The information technology manager has the job of supervising the IT infrastructure of a company. This includes network technology, data storage, software platforms and IT security.
    The candidate will be responsible for designing the procedures required for IT management along with overseeing the daily implementation of the procedures. The information technology manager will also be responsible for the maintenance and efficiency of online communications channels. Other duties undertaken as part of the job include having the responsibility for the hiring, supervising and training of IT employees.

    1. Service Delivery Manager

    If you have got certification and are looking for ITIL®-related jobs and careers, you might want to consider a Service Delivery Manager position. The average entry-level salary begins at $60,000, which is around £49,676. However, if you have ITIL® certification, the average salary jumps to $96,132 or around £79,430.
    The job of the service delivery manager is to create strategies to meet the expectations of stakeholders and customers. The strategies are set out as Service-Level Agreements, which break down the objectives of the company into day-to-day operations and projects. As the service delivery manager, you are the link between clients, projects and business resources, and you have to monitor and provide reports on the efficiency and productivity of service.

    1. Information Technology Director

    Information technology director is another of the ITIL®-related jobs and careers available once you have been certified. Being certified also means that the average salary for someone with certification in itil will be around $118,000, about £97,646 per annum.
    The information technology director position is a good choice for those with a vast amount of experience in ITIL® with certifications. The director’s job is to undertake duties in line with the goals of the company they are working for and work with information technology and project managers.

    1. Senior Project Manager

    The average entry-level salary for a senior project manager is $93,000, which comes in at around £76,946. By gaining ITIL® certification and having lots of experience within the sector, candidates can travel further up the ladder as senior project managers. The senior project manager will be in communication with key stakeholders, and it will be your job to update stakeholders on the project’s progression.

    Grow your ITIL® career with TSG

    Before being able to apply for any of the ITIL®-related jobs and careers, you may wish to take a look at the many courses available. Courses help you to gain deeper knowledge about ITIL® so you can progress in your career. There are plenty of choices of courses whether you are just starting out or you already have basic certification, and you want to further enhance your knowledge to go for a higher-paid position within a company.

    ITIL® v4 Foundation Course – the starting point

    The ITIL® v4 Foundation Course is the entry-level for certification in itil. The course lasts three days and gives an introduction to itil 4. It provides a look at IT service management where candidates learn the following:

    • Key concepts of service management;
    • Key concepts of ITIL®;
    • Service value chain plan;
    • Introduction to ITIL® practices.

    The above topics are split into various categories and the exam is multiple choices with 40 questions per paper. To pass the ITIL® 4 Foundation exam candidates need at least 26 marks out of the 40 available. The exam lasts 60 minutes.

    More courses to consider before looking for ITIL®-related jobs and careers

    Once you have got the Foundation course you might want to get further qualifications to help you get a higher-paid position within the ITIL® industry. In this case, you might consider looking into the following courses.

    • ITIL® 4 Specialist Create, Deliver & Support – candidates can take the course to earn the CDS qualification, which is essential when considering a Managing Professional position. To take this course candidates need to have passed the ITIL® 4 Foundation examination;

     

    • ITIL® 4 Digital and IT Strategy – this course and exam are required by anyone wanting to take a Strategic Leader position within a company. To take this course candidates need to have the ITIL® 4 Foundation qualification and have a minimum of three years of experience of IT managerial experience;

     

     
    So, if you are considering which courses to take before venturing out and looking for ITIL®-related jobs and careers the above are just a few of the courses available at TSG Training.

  • A Comprehensive Guide to the ITIL® Framework: Revolutionise Your IT Service Management

    A Comprehensive Guide to the ITIL® Framework: Revolutionise Your IT Service Management

    The ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework has become a significant force in shaping how IT organisations manage and deliver their services. It is a globally recognised set of best practices that enables organisations to align their IT services with business needs. In this guide, we will explore what the ITIL® framework is, its benefits, and how it can transform your IT service management.
    What is the ITIL® Framework?
    The ITIL® framework is a comprehensive, process-oriented approach to IT service management that provides a systematic way of planning, delivering, and maintaining IT services. It was developed by the UK government’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) in the 1980s as a response to the growing dependence on IT and the need for a standardized approach to IT service management. Over the years, ITIL® has evolved into a robust framework that is now widely adopted by both public and private sector organisations worldwide.
    The ITIL® framework is based on five core volumes, each covering a different aspect of IT service management:

    1. Service Strategy
    2. Service Design
    3. Service Transition
    4. Service Operation
    5. Continual Service Improvement

    These core volumes provide a detailed understanding of the ITIL® environment and offer guidance on how to implement IT service management processes within an organisation effectively.
    ITIL® Service Management Framework: Key Components
    The ITIL® service management framework consists of several key components that are essential for effective IT service management. These components include:

    1. Processes

    Processes are structured sets of activities designed to achieve specific objectives. The ITIL® framework defines numerous processes across the five core volumes, such as incident management, change management, and problem management. These processes help organisations manage and control their IT services throughout their lifecycle.

    1. Functions

    Functions are organisational units responsible for carrying out specific tasks within the ITIL® environment. Examples of functions include the service desk, technical management, and application management. Functions provide the necessary resources, expertise, and support required to execute the various ITIL® processes.
    Benefits of Implementing the ITIL® Framework
    There are several advantages to implementing the ITIL® framework within your organisation. Some of the key benefits include:

    1. Improved Service Delivery: By following the ITIL® best practices, organisations can deliver higher quality IT services that meet business requirements more effectively.
    2. Increased Efficiency: The ITIL® framework helps organisations streamline their IT processes, reduce duplication of effort, and eliminate unnecessary tasks, resulting in cost savings and improved productivity.
    3. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: With a focus on delivering value to customers, ITIL® enables organisations to better understand and meet customer expectations, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
    4. Greater Agility: The ITIL® framework promotes a culture of continuous improvement, enabling organisations to adapt and respond more quickly to changing business needs and market conditions.

    How to Implement the ITIL® Environment in Your Organisation
    Implementing the ITIL® framework within your organisation can be a complex undertaking, but the following steps can help guide you through the process:

    1. Assess Your Current Situation: Begin by evaluating your organisation’s current IT service management practices and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
    2. Define Your Goals and Objectives: Establish the specific goals and objectives that you want to achieve by implementing the ITIL® framework, such as improving service quality or reducing costs.
    3. Develop a Roadmap: Create a detailed plan outlining the steps required to implement the ITIL® processes within your organisation, including timelines, resources, and responsibilities.
    4. Train Your Staff: Ensure that your team members are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and apply the ITIL® best practices effectively. View courses here
    5. Implement the ITIL® Processes: Begin implementing the ITIL® processes according to your roadmap, starting with the most critical areas and gradually expanding your ITIL® environment.

    In conclusion, the ITIL® framework is a powerful tool for transforming your organisation’s IT service management practices. By understanding what the ITIL® framework is and implementing it within your IT environment, you can improve service delivery, increase efficiency, and ultimately drive greater value for your business.