ITIL is a popular service management framework that has been applied in various industries that use IT systems to run their day-to-day operations and projects. ITIL4 Foundation is the 4th iteration of the ITIL Foundation certification and serves as a stepping stone for professionals looking to establish their career in any type of IT service management role or job.
ITIL certifications apply to developers, IT operations team members, testers, Project Managers, IT managers, Process owners and a broad range of individuals serving in various capacities in a company. The reality is that an ITIL certification can virtually be obtained by any individual in an organization, and it helps them deliver better products and services to their internal and external customers.Â
To be able to achieve this certification, you'll need to pass the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam, which requires purchasing an exam voucher.
However, I've realized that many people lack the proper knowledge on how to obtain their ITIL certification, including choosing the right course and purchasing an exam voucher to take the test. This has also led to people making bad purchasing decisions and wasting lots of money on expensive courses with different training providers.
In this post, I want to give you a detailed explanation of how you can purchase the ITIL 4 Foundation certification exam voucher, and the same logic would apply to buying any other ITIL exam that you plan to take.Â
Axelos is the official ITIL certifying body while PeopleCert manages the exam
In the ITIL world, Axelos is the official certifying body for all ITIL exams. Axelos is also the certifying body for another popular certification called PRINCE2, widely accepted in the UK.
PeopleCert is a Greek company that manages and renders the ITIL exams. In 2021, PeopleCert also bought out Axelos, so in a way, you're indirectly getting certified by PeopleCert, too, since they now own Axelos (if that makes sense).
ITIL4 Foundation Exam Voucher cost
ITIL4 Foundation exam vouchers can be bought in 2 different ways- Directly from the Peoplecert website and also through training companies (Peoplecert supplies vouchers to training companies who offer ITIL courses).
The way Peoplecert sells these vouchers depends on the country or the region in which you live. There are primarily 3 regions, and each region comprises a list of countries. If the country that you live in falls in a specific region, the pricing for that region will apply. So, essentially, there are 3 tiers of pricing, one for each region.Â
Region 1 (highest cost) includes countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand, and the UAE, etc.
Region 2 (moderate cost) covers countries like the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and many European nations.
Region 3 (lowest cost) encompasses countries in Asia and South America, including India, Mexico, Brazil, and more.
Please review the list below to see which region your country falls under:
Peoplecert will charge you 30-50% more for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam voucher compared to training organizations.
Note: You must buy the voucher for the region you are physically present in since Peoplecert tracks from where the voucher is being used, i.e. where the student is located and will charge you more if you take the exam outside of the zone.Â
Here's the pricing for the ITIL4 online exam voucher in the UK and US when bought directly from Peoplecert.
Peoplecert will include the Official ITIL Foundation Exam core guidance e-book that includes explanations of the key concepts tested in the exam.
ITIL Foundation Training with Exams from Training Companies
Training providers usually sell the exam voucher along with an official ITIL® foundation course, which is much better value than buying the exam voucher directly from Peoplecert.
Accredited Training Organizations (ATO) get handsome discounts on buying ITIL Foundation exams from Peoplecert which they may bundle with elearning or classroom courses.
Therefore, it is advisable to purchase the exam voucher from training organizations.Â
Registering for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam
Here's a step-by-step guide to redeem the voucher and take the exam:
Receive Your Voucher Code: After purchasing, you will receive an email with instructions for registering for the exam using the exam voucher.
2. Register for the Exam: Visit the Peoplecert website and log in to your account.
3. Enter Your Voucher Code: When prompted, enter your voucher code to redeem it.
4. Choose Your Exam Date: Select a suitable date and time for sitting the exam. Make sure you’re fully prepared before scheduling it.
5. Confirm Your Registration: Once you've scheduled your exam, you’ll receive a confirmation email with further instructions.
Peoplecert exam vouchers have a 1-year validity for redemption.
About ITIL® 4 Foundation Exam
The goal of the ITIL 4 Foundation certification is to introduce candidates to managing modern IT services, helping them understand key concepts, practices and common language used in the IT service management domain. Using the ITIL framework, practitioners can bring about continual improvement in their organizations and improve their work.
Topics covered in the ITIL Foundation Exam
The ITIL Foundation exam covers various topics that drive a fundamental understanding of the ITIL operating model. The exam covers basic ITIL definitions, 7 ITIL guiding principles, the dimensions of service management, the ITIL service value system and 15 of the 34 ITIL practices. In the previous ITILV3 version, these practices were referred to as processes. You can refer to the ITIL exam syllabus on the Axelos site.
 ITIL® 4 Foundation Exam Format
The ITIL 4 Foundation exam format includes:
40 questions, each worth 1 mark.
The exam duration is 60 minutes.
A passing score requires 26 out of 40, which is 65%.
The ITIL Foundation test is a closed-book exam.Â
ITIL4 Exam Question Types
Following are the ITIL Question Types:
Classic or Standard: A question with 4 options, and you need to choose 1 correct answer.
Missing word question: You will encounter sentences with missing words, and your task is to choose the correct word from four options.
Negative questions: They are standard questions where the stem is phrased in a negative way.
Negative questions are only used as an exception, where part of the learning outcome is to know that something is not done or should not occur.
List questions: You'll be given four statements and need to choose the two correct ones from the list.
List-style questions are never negative. Instead, list-style questions focus on selecting correct or valid items from a given list.
Preparing for the ITIL® 4 Foundation Exam
You can prepare for the ITIL4 exam in a couple of different ways:
1. Take an ITIL4 Foundation E-learning course
You can take an ITIL4 Foundation elearning course through a training organization and self-study for the test. They will provide you with all the training materials for preparation such as videos, practice tests, visual aids, cheat sheets and the ITIL core guidance ebook.
Materials provided by your training provider will cover the exam syllabus in depth. This will be a cheaper option than an ITIL classroom programme.Â
CareerSprints.com offers a ITIL Blended learning option which includes unlimited support and guidance from a trainer during your ITIL4 exam preparation.Â
Using the e-learning method, you can prepare and pass the exam in 1-2 weeks.
2. Take 2 day ITIL classroom course
To speed up your preparation, you can take a 2-day 16-hour ITIL classroom course. This course will be intensive since you will need to spend 8 hours each day in class, and your instructor will take you over all the materials.
Some training companies will allow you to take the exam on the second day of training, or you can opt to take the PeopleCert online proctored exam from a location of your choice at a later date. This will be a more expensive option and can be utilized if your company is willing to fund the course.
ITIL Foundation exam Preparation Tips
Get a quality ITIL Foundation Training course
Choosing a good quality ITIL Foundation training course is crucial for your success in the certification exam. A quality training program will not only cover the core concepts but also provide real-world examples, enable interactive learning, provide ample practice tests and thoroughly prepare you for the exam. Look for accredited training providers that offer flexible learning options, whether online or in-person, and make sure the course includes comprehensive materials, practice exams, and help and support from experienced instructors.Â
Do Practice Tests
Practice tests are an excellent way to gauge your readiness for the actual exam. Aim to complete at least 4-5 practice tests and consistently score 80% or higher to feel fully prepared for the exam.
Time Management
Time management is crucial when taking the ITIL Foundation exam. With 40 questions to answer in just 60 minutes, time can run out quickly if you're not careful. It's important to pace yourself during the exam, ensuring that you allocate enough time to each question without getting stuck.
To improve your time management skills, practice timing yourself while answering practice tests. This will help you gauge how well you're managing your time and identify areas where you might need to speed up. Keeping track of your time ensures that you can complete the entire exam confidently.
Taking the ITIL® 4 Foundation Exam
Taking the ITIL® 4 Foundation exam requires you to take some steps to ensure you are properly set up such as exam logistics:Â
Online Proctoring Exam with PeopleCert: PeopleCert offers an online proctoring exam option so before taking the exam ensure your exam environment meets the technical and procedural requirements set by PeopleCert to avoid any issues on exam day.Â
Peoplecert advises you to review the minimum computer requirements you will need at least 72 hours before your exam and also run a software compatibility check on the computer you're planning to use to take the exam.Â
2. Webcam, Speaker and Microphone Requirements: Be prepared to use a webcam (embedded in your computer or external webcam). The webcam will be used for identity verification and to monitor you throughout the exam to ensure compliance with exam regulations.
Ensure that your webcam can rotate a full 360 degrees, as you will be required to do this on exam day. Mobile phones cannot be used as a substitute for webcams or to take exams.
3. Room Preparation for exam: For exam room preparation, ensure that you are alone in the room. Clear the walls and your desk or table of any unnecessary or unauthorized items, such as posters, post-it notes, papers, and books.
Additionally, make sure there is adequate lighting so that the proctor can see you clearly throughout the exam.
4. ID verification for exam: For identity verification on exam day, you will need to present the same ID that you used when booking your exam. This ID must be a government-issued national, state, or provincial identity card. Ensure that your mobile or cell phone number, including the country code, is updated in your Candidate Profile. This will allow us to contact you if any issues arise during the exam.
Conclusion
Purchasing an ITIL® 4 Foundation Exam Voucher is a crucial step towards achieving your ITIL certification and advancing your IT service management career. By understanding where to buy the voucher, how to redeem it, and how to prepare for the exam, you'll be well on your way to success. Whether you’re buying directly from PeopleCert or through a training organization, make sure you choose a course that meets your needs and prepares you thoroughly to maximize your chances of passing the exam.
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