ITIL V3 Qualification Scheme

The ITIL Qualification Scheme uses a system that enables an individual to gain credits for each exam they take. For a full, definitive explanation of the Version 3 qualification scheme and credit system, please download the ITIL V3 Qualification Scheme (pdf).

Once candidates have accumulated a sufficient number of credits they can be awarded the ITIL Expert in IT Service Management.

There are four levels within the scheme:

• Foundation Level
• Intermediate Level (Lifecycle Stream & Capability Stream)
• ITIL Expert
• ITIL Master.

The diagram to the right shows the structure of qualifications within the Version 3 scheme. Click the image to enlarge.

Please click on the relevant links below to view the various V3 syllabuses.

Foundation Level

The Foundation Level focuses on knowledge and comprehension to provide a good grounding in the key concept, terminology and processes of ITIL.

View the Interim Foundation Course Syllabus.
View the Foundation Bridging Course Syllabus.

Foundation Examination Languages

The ITIL V3 Foundation and Foundation Bridge examinations are now available in the following languages:

• English
• French 
• German
• Danish
• European Spanish
• Japanese
• Latin American Spanish.

For information regarding their availability, please contact your Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) or one of the Examination Institutes.

Translation and piloting of the Foundation and the Foundation Bridge examination is also underway in the following languages: 

• Brazilian Portuguese
• Italian
• Dutch
• Swedish
• Korean
• Hungarian. 

Intermediate Level

There are two streams in the Intermediate level. Both assess an individual's ability to analyse and apply the concepts of ITIL. Candidates are able to take units from either of the Intermediate streams, to gain credits towards the Expert Level.

Intermediate Lifecycle Stream - this stream includes 5 individual certificates built around the five core OGC titles, as follows:

• Service Strategy
• Service Design
• Service Transition
• Service Operation, and
• Continual Service Improvement.

The focus of these modules is on the introduction and implementation of the specific Lifecycle phase, and coverage of the principles, processes and related activities.

Intermediate Capability Stream - this stream includes 4 individual certificates loosely based on the current V2 Clustered Practitioner qualifications, but broader in scope in line with the updated V3 content, focussing on detailed process implementation and management within cluster groupings:

• Operational Support and Analysis (OS&A). Subjects covered inc. Event, Incident, Request, Problem, Access, Service Desk, Technical, IT Ops and Application Management
• Service Offerings and Agreements (SO&A). Subjects covered inc. Portfolio, Service Level, Catalogue. Demand, Supplier and Financial Management
• Release, Control and Validation (RC&V). Subjects covered inc. Change, Release &   Deployment, Validation & Testing, Service Asset & Configuration, Knowledge, Request Management and Service Evaluation
• Planning, Protection and Optimization (PP&O). Subjects covered inc. Capacity, Availability, Continuity, Security, Demand and Risk Management.

ITIL Expert

To achieve the ITIL Expert in IT Service Management, candidates must successfully complete a number of Intermediate units in addition to the mandatory Foundation Level and the Managing Across the Lifecycle capstone course. This course brings together the full essence of a Lifecycle approach to Service Management, and consolidates the knowledge gained across the qualification scheme.

ITIL Master

This level of the qualification will assess an individual's ability to apply and analyse the ITIL concepts in new areas. This higher level qualification is currently under development. 

In May 2008 the ITIL Qualifications Board released a statement on the V3 scheme, confirming release dates for the exams.

Managers Bridge

The ITIL Managers Bridge certification is aimed at individuals who already hold the Manager's Certificate in IT Service Management at an earlier ITIL version, who wish to obtain the ITIL Expert in IT Service Management, thereby demonstrating their knowledge of ITIL V3.

Translation and piloting of the ITIL V3 Managers Bridge examination is underway in the following languages:

• French
• German.

View the ITIL V3 Managers Bridge Syllabus.

Translated Glossaries

For more information or copies of the latest translated V3 glossaries, please visit the Best Management Practice website.

The ITIL V3 Credit System and The Relationship Between V3 and V2

Find out more about the ITIL V3 Credit System and The Relationship Between V3 & V2.

Find out more about the ITIL V2 Qualification Scheme.