ITIL Advanced Guide: Specialist, Strategist and Leader

Congratulations on achieving your ITIL 4 Foundation certification! Now that you’ve laid the groundwork in IT Service Management (ITSM), it’s time to take your expertise to the next level. ITIL 4 offers a clear path to expand your knowledge and skills, tailored to your career goals and interests. The ITIL Specialist, Strategist and Leader qualifications are the next stage in the ITIL certification scheme, offering you the opportunity to deepen your understanding and expertise in IT Service Management.

ITIL 4 Certification Structure

Here’s how the ITIL 4 certification structure looks:

1. ITIL Foundation: This is still the entry-level certification that provides a broad introduction to IT Service Management based on the ITIL 4 framework.
2. ITIL Specialist, Strategist, and Leader Modules: After the Foundation level, there are several streams you can follow, depending on your career goals. These include:
   • ITIL 4 Specialist: Includes modules like ‘Create, Deliver and Support’, ‘Drive Stakeholder Value’, and ‘High-Velocity IT’.
   • ITIL 4 Strategist: Includes ‘Direct, Plan and Improve’.
   • ITIL 4 Leader: Focuses on ‘Digital and IT Strategy’, aimed at senior IT managers.
3. ITIL Managing Professional (MP): This designation is achieved by completing the ITIL Specialist and ITIL Strategist modules, which are more focused on managing IT projects and teams.
4. ITIL Strategic Leader (SL): This designation is earned by completing the ‘ITIL 4 Strategist’ module and the ‘ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy’ module, which focus on the strategic side of IT and business alignment.
5. ITIL Master: This is the highest level of certification and requires a deep, practical understanding of ITIL and its application in real-world scenarios.

Please note, the ‘ITIL Intermediate’ certifications were part of the ITIL v3 certification path and have been replaced by the new ITIL 4 designations like Specialist, Strategist, and Leader.

What’s Next? Exploring ITIL 4’s Advanced Certifications

ITIL 4’s certification path is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of ITSM and its application in today’s digital world. After completing the Foundation level, you can choose from a variety of advanced modules, each focused on different aspects of IT and digital strategy.

ITIL 4 Specialist Modules

These modules are perfect for professionals looking to deepen their technical skills and improve their ability to deliver IT services:

• Create, Deliver, and Support: Focuses on the integration of IT services into the business and delivering high-quality services.
• Drive Stakeholder Value: Helps you understand and manage customer expectations and relationships.
• High-Velocity IT: Tailored for those involved in digital transformation projects, focusing on fast-paced IT environments.

ITIL 4 Strategist Modules

For those in management roles, the ITIL 4 Strategist modules provide strategic insights and tools:

• Direct, Plan, and Improve: Offers guidance on creating a roadmap for IT and digital strategy, ensuring continuous improvement.

ITIL 4 Leader Modules

Aimed at senior IT managers and executives, these modules help align IT with business strategy:

• Digital and IT Strategy: Equips leaders with the knowledge to drive business success in the digital age, focusing on the intersection of IT and business strategy.

Achieving Advanced ITIL Certifications

By combining these modules, you can earn higher-level designations:

• ITIL Managing Professional (MP): This designation is achieved by completing the ITIL Specialist and Strategist modules, making you an expert in managing IT services and teams.
• ITIL Strategic Leader (SL): This designation is earned by completing the ITIL Strategist and Leader modules, positioning you as a leader in IT and digital strategy.

Why Continue Your ITIL Journey?

Advancing your ITIL certification can significantly enhance your career prospects and the value you bring to your organisation. Whether you aim to specialise in a specific area or aspire to take on a leadership role, ITIL 4’s advanced modules provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your ITIL Journey?

Explore our ITIL 4 advanced courses and take your IT Service Management skills to the next level. Contact us today to find out how Pink Elephant can help you achieve your ITIL goals.

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