Global Accreditation Bodies for ITSM Certifications

Accreditation bodies are essential in Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) as it provides a standardized framework that ensures quality and competency in IT service delivery. These bodies establish and uphold best practices across industries, promoting consistency and efficiency in ITSM. They offer quality assurance by certifying professionals and organizations, indicating that certified entities possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective IT services. Certifications from reputable accreditation bodies enhance the credibility and recognition of individuals and organizations in the IT industry. This can lead to increased business opportunities, improved customer confidence, and greater competitive advantage.

This blog will explore accreditation bodies crucial in maintaining the integrity and value of ITSM certifications, driving individual professional growth, and supporting organizations in achieving excellence in IT service management.

Major 3 ITSM Accredited Bodies

The world of ITSM certification is vast, with numerous accredited bodies offering various certifications. Among them, three key organizations stand out for their significant impact and global recognition. These major ITSM-accredited bodies - AXELOS, PeopleCert, and EXIN - play crucial roles in shaping ITSM practices by developing comprehensive frameworks, certifying professionals, and ensuring adherence to best practices. Understanding their contributions helps clarify their influence on IT service management and the benefits their certifications bring to both individuals and organizations.

However, three organizations stand out as the most prominent and widely recognized:

1. AXELOS
2. PeopleCert
3. EXIN

Let's explore each governing body in detail:

1. AXELOS

AXELOS is the organization behind some of the world’s most respected best practice frameworks and certifications, including ITIL® 4, PRINCE2®, and MSP®. These frameworks are globally recognized for their effectiveness in helping organizations optimize their operations, manage projects, and drive successful outcomes.

Operating in over 200 countries and available in 23 languages, AXELOS’s methodologies are trusted across industries of all sizes. Their certifications are highly valued, equipping professionals with the skills needed to excel in IT service management, project management, and more. AXELOS’s guidance has a proven track record of unlocking potential and enabling organizations to achieve exceptional results.

AXELOS offers a range of certifications, including:

1. ITIL 4 Certifications

ITIL 4 certifications offer a comprehensive pathway to mastering IT service management in today's evolving technological landscape. From foundational knowledge to advanced strategic leadership, ITIL 4 equips professionals with the tools to optimize IT services and align them with business goals. These certifications cater to various levels, whether you're new to ITSM or seeking to enhance your expertise and drive strategic IT initiatives.

Some of the certifications are:

1. ITIL 4 Foundation: ITIL 4 Foundation certification is an entry-level certification that introduces the key concepts, principles, and practices of IT service management within the ITIL 4 framework. It provides a solid foundation for those beginning their ITIL journey.
2. ITIL 4 Managing Professional: Aimed at IT professionals working within technology and digital teams, this certification equips individuals with the practical and technical skills needed to run successful IT-enabled services, teams, and workflows.
3. ITIL 4 Strategic Leader: This certification is designed for leadership roles, focusing on how IT influences and directs business strategy. It helps professionals integrate IT strategy with overall business strategy.
4. ITIL 4 Extension Modules: These modules expand the ITIL framework, offering specialized knowledge in areas like sustainability, high-velocity IT, and digital and IT strategy.
5. ITIL 4 Practice Manager: This certification provides advanced insights into managing and improving IT practices, aligning them with the organization's overall strategy and goals.
6. ITIL 4 Master: The pinnacle of ITIL certification, ITIL 4 Master, is for professionals who demonstrate a deep understanding of ITIL principles and can apply them across complex, real-world scenarios.

2. PRINCE2 Certifications

PRINCE2 certifications provide a robust framework for effective project management, combining structured methodology with practical application. These credentials are designed for professionals who wish to understand project management principles or advance their skills in managing complex projects. PRINCE2 certifications help ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget, whether you are new to project management or integrating Agile practices.

Some of the certifications are:

1. PRINCE2 Foundation: This certification introduces the basics of the PRINCE2 project management methodology, focusing on key concepts, principles, and terminology, making it ideal for beginners.
2. PRINCE2 Practitioner: Building on the Foundation level, this certification enables professionals to apply PRINCE2 principles in managing projects, tailoring the methodology to the specific context of each project.
3. PRINCE2 Agile: A unique blend of PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies, this certification is ideal for professionals who want to manage projects with a flexible, Agile approach while adhering to PRINCE2's structured framework.

3. MSP Certifications

MSP certifications focus on the principles and practices of managing successful programs. They are designed for professionals who need to oversee multiple interrelated projects and align them with organizational strategy. These certifications provide essential skills for managing complex programs, ensuring they deliver strategic benefits and achieve organizational goals. Whether new to program management or seeking to refine your expertise, MSP offers a structured approach to driving program success.

Some of the certifications are:

1. MSP Foundation: This certification introduces the basics of Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), focusing on the principles and governance themes needed to manage programs effectively.
2. MSP Practitioner: Building on the Foundation level, this certification equips professionals with the skills to tailor and apply MSP in a real-world environment, ensuring that programs deliver strategic objectives and benefits.

2. PeopleCert

PeopleCert is a leading international examination and certification body that provides globally recognized certifications across various industries. Their vision is to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential through professional development and certification.

PeopleCert offers certifications in various fields, including ITIL, PRINCE2, and DevOps. Their certifications are designed to validate individuals' knowledge, skills, and capabilities in their respective areas of expertise. PeopleCert's certifications are widely recognized and accepted by employers worldwide, making them valuable assets for career advancement.

Key certifications from the PeopleCert include:

1. DevOps Certifications

PeopleCert, in collaboration with the DevOps Institute, provides certifications that validate expertise in DevOps practices. These include foundational and advanced levels, such as DevOps Foundation and DevOps Practitioner. These certifications aim to equip professionals with the skills to implement and manage DevOps practices effectively.

Some of the certifications are:

1. AIOps Foundation: Focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into IT operations. It covers the basics of AIOps, including its role in enhancing decision-making and automating complex processes.

2. ITIL Certifications

PeopleCert is the exclusive ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certification examination provider. ITIL is a globally recognized framework for IT service management (ITSM) that focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of businesses. PeopleCert offers various ITIL certifications, including ITIL Foundation, which is the entry-level certification, and intermediate and advanced levels that cater to different stages of career development in IT service management. Some of the courses offered are:

1. ITIL 4 Foundation: ITIL 4 Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that introduces the ITIL framework, focusing on key concepts, principles, and the ITIL service value system. It’s suitable for those new to ITIL or ITSM.
2. ITIL 4 Practice: Focuses on specific ITIL practices, such as incident management, problem management, and service request management. This certification is for professionals looking to specialize in particular ITSM processes.
3. ITIL 4 Management: Designed for professionals in management roles, this certification covers managing IT services and teams, focusing on the ITIL guiding principles and service management best practices.
4. ITIL 4 Strategy: Emphasizes the strategic aspects of IT service management, including aligning IT services with business strategies, innovation, and digital transformation. It’s ideal for senior professionals involved in IT strategy.
5. ITIL 4 Extension: Offers additional modules that extend the core ITIL practices, allowing professionals to explore areas like IT governance, risk management, and compliance in more detail.
6. ITIL 4 How to Implement: Provides practical guidance on implementing ITIL practices in real-world environments, helping organizations adopt ITIL effectively.
7. ITIL 4 Sales Professional: This certification is tailored for sales professionals in IT service management. It focuses on understanding ITIL from a sales perspective, including how to position ITIL services and solutions to clients.
8. ITIL Cyber Resilience: Focuses on the intersection of IT service management and cybersecurity, teaching how to manage and protect IT services from cyber threats and ensure resilience.

3. PRINCE2 Certifications

PeopleCert also provides certifications for PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments), a widely used project management methodology. PRINCE2 certifications cover different levels, from Foundation to Practitioner, and are designed to help professionals manage projects efficiently and effectively. The methodology emphasizes the importance of structure, organization, and control in project management. Some of the certifications are:

1. PRINCE2 Project Management: Covers the fundamental principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2, providing a solid foundation for managing projects. It’s ideal for beginners and those new to project management.
2. PRINCE2 Agile Project Management: Combines the flexibility of Agile methodologies with the structured approach of PRINCE2. This certification is for professionals looking to manage projects in dynamic environments.
3. PRINCE2 Programme Management: Focuses on managing multiple related projects within a program, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and effective coordination of resources.
4. PRINCE2 Portfolio Management: Teaches how to manage a portfolio of projects and programs, prioritizing and balancing resources to achieve strategic goals.
5. PRINCE2 Risk Management: Emphasizes the importance of risk management in project management, covering techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in PRINCE2 projects.
6. PRINCE2 Scrum: Integrates Scrum practices into the PRINCE2 framework, offering a hybrid approach that combines the benefits of both methodologies.
7. PRINCE2 Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management: Focuses on managing the office that oversees projects, programs, and portfolios, ensuring that governance, standards, and support are in place for successful project delivery.
8. PRINCE2 Value Management: Teaches how to maximize value from projects by ensuring that all project activities align with strategic business objectives and deliver measurable benefits.

3. EXIN

EXIN is a globally recognized organization specializing in IT and management professionals certification. With over 38 years of experience in the certification industry, EXIN has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality certification programs. The organization is known for its rigorous standards and commitment to excellence, ensuring that its certifications meet the needs of both professionals and organizations worldwide.

EXIN has certified nearly 3 million individuals across various domains, reflecting its broad reach and impact in the professional certification landscape. Additionally, EXIN is ISO 27001 certified, demonstrating its adherence to stringent information security management standards. EXIN collaborates with over 450 partners globally, providing a wide range of certifications that cover various aspects of IT management, service management, and project management.

Here’s an overview of the key certifications offered by EXIN:

1. IT Service Management

ITSM certifications focus on the effective delivery and management of IT services. They cover topics such as incident management, problem management, change management, and service-level management.

1. ITIL Foundation: This entry-level certification introduces the ITIL framework, focusing on the basic concepts, principles, and terminology of IT service management (ITSM). It is designed for individuals new to ITIL or ITSM, providing a solid foundation for further study.
2. ITIL Intermediate: This level is divided into Service Lifecycle and Service Capability, allowing professionals to specialize in areas such as service design, operation, and transition. It builds on the foundational knowledge to provide deeper insights into ITIL practices.
3. ITIL Expert: Aimed at experienced IT service management professionals, this certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of ITIL and its application. It requires passing multiple Intermediate-level exams and is a step towards mastering ITIL principles and practices.
4. IT Service Management Professional: This advanced certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in IT service management beyond the ITIL Expert level. It focuses on advanced concepts and the strategic application of ITSM principles.
5. VeriSM Foundation: VeriSM Foundation certification focuses on a holistic approach to service management, integrating various frameworks and methodologies to provide flexible and scalable service management solutions.
6. SIAM Foundation: SIAM Foundation certification provides an understanding of Service Integration and Management (SIAM) principles, emphasizing the integration of multiple service providers and enhancing service delivery.
7. SIAM Professional: The SIAM Professional certification is designed for professionals seeking to advance their Service Integration and Management knowledge. It delves deeper into advanced SIAM concepts and practices.

2. DevOps

DevOps certifications validate your knowledge of DevOps principles, practices, and tools. They emphasize collaboration between development and operations teams to accelerate software delivery and improve quality.

1. DevOps Foundation: DevOps Foundation is an introductory certification that covers the core principles, practices, and benefits of DevOps. It is suitable for individuals new to DevOps who want to understand its basic concepts and how it can enhance IT operations.
2. DevOps Master: The DevOps Master Certification is aimed at experienced DevOps professionals. It focuses on advanced topics such as DevOps transformation, culture, and leadership and is designed for those who want to lead and drive DevOps initiatives within their organizations.
3. DevOps Professional: DevOps Professional certification provides in-depth knowledge of DevOps practices, tools, and techniques. It is intended for professionals who already have foundational knowledge and want to advance their skills in implementing and managing DevOps processes.

3. Agile and Lean

Agile and Lean certifications focus on methodologies that promote flexibility, adaptability, and continuous improvement. They cover Scrum, Kanban, Lean principles, and value stream mapping topics.

1. Agile Scrum Foundation: Agile Scrum Foundation certification covers the fundamental principles and practices of Agile and Scrum methodologies. It is ideal for those new to Agile and Scrum who want to understand their core concepts and applications.
2. Agile Scrum Master: The Agile Scrum Master Course focuses on the role of the Scrum Master within Agile projects, covering responsibilities, practices, and techniques for facilitating Scrum processes and guiding teams.
3. Agile Scrum Practitioner: Builds on the foundation and master levels to provide advanced knowledge and practical skills for implementing Agile and Scrum practices in real-world scenarios.
4. Lean IT Foundation: Lean IT Foundation certification introduces the principles and practices of Lean IT, focusing on how to apply Lean principles to improve IT processes and operations. It is designed for individuals seeking to understand Lean concepts and their application in IT.
5. Lean IT Professional: This advanced certification builds on the Lean IT Foundation, offering deeper insights into Lean practices and how to apply them strategically within IT environments.

4. Information Security

Information Security certifications validate your understanding of security concepts, threats, and mitigation strategies. They cover risk management, access control, incident response, and compliance.

1. Information Security Foundation: Provides a fundamental understanding of information security principles, including risk management, security controls, and best practices. It is aimed at individuals new to information security.
2. Information Security Management Professional: Focuses on advanced topics in information security management, including the development and implementation of security policies, strategies, and risk management techniques.
3. Privacy and Data Protection Foundation: Covers the principles and practices related to privacy and data protection, focusing on managing and protecting personal data in compliance with regulations and standards.

5. Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing certifications focus on the knowledge and skills required to design, implement, and manage cloud-based solutions. They cover topics such as cloud infrastructure, cloud platforms, and cloud security.

1. Cloud Computing Foundation: Introduces the basic concepts of cloud computing, including cloud service models, deployment models, and key benefits. It is designed for those new to cloud computing who want to understand its fundamental aspects.

6. Business Analysis

Business Analysis certifications validate your ability to analyze business needs and requirements. They cover topics such as eliciting, documenting, and validating requirements.

1. Business Analysis Foundation: Provides foundational knowledge in business analysis, including techniques for gathering requirements, analyzing business needs, and developing solutions. It is aimed at individuals looking to start or advance their career in business analysis.

Conclusion

ITSM-accredited bodies play a pivotal role in shaping the standards and practices of IT service management across the globe. By establishing comprehensive frameworks and rigorous certification programs, these organizations ensure that IT services are delivered efficiently and effectively. The guidance and certifications these bodies provide help professionals enhance their skills and assist organizations in achieving operational excellence and strategic goals. As IT service management continues to evolve, the influence of these accredited bodies remains crucial in driving innovation and maintaining high standards in the industry.

Are you ready to take your ITSM career to the next level? Enroll in one of our top-rated ITSM certification courses today! Our expert instructors will guide you through the latest ITSM frameworks and best practices, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your role.

FAQs on ITSM Accredited Bodies

1. Why are ITSM-Accredited Bodies Important?

ITSM-accredited bodies are crucial because they establish standardized practices that promote consistency, quality, and efficiency in IT service management. Their certifications help organizations and professionals demonstrate their expertise and adherence to best practices.

2. How Can ITSM Certifications Benefit My Career?

ITSM certifications enhance your professional credibility, improve your knowledge and skills in IT service management, and can lead to better job opportunities and career advancement. They demonstrate your commitment to best practices and can make you a more valuable asset to employers.

3. How do I Choose the Right ITSM Certification?

Choosing the right ITSM certification depends on your career goals, current expertise, and the specific areas of ITSM you want to specialize in. Start with foundational certifications if you’re new to ITSM, and consider advanced certifications for deeper specialization or leadership roles.

4. Can ITSM Certifications be Used Internationally?

Yes, ITSM certifications from reputable accrediting bodies are recognized globally. They provide a standardized measure of expertise and are valued by employers and organizations worldwide, making them beneficial for international career opportunities.