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So, you’ve got your ITIL certification, which is great!
But other than now knowing what ITIL is about – have you been wondering, do these things actually expire?
And if they do, what’s the deal with keeping them current?
It seems like a lot of people are asking about this, especially with the newer ITIL 4 framework.
I wanted to clear things up for myself and for anyone else who might be in the same boat. Let’s figure out if ITIL certifications expire and how we can keep them valid.
Key Takeaways
- Your ITIL certification needs to be renewed every three years to stay current. This is a change from older versions of ITIL.
- You can renew your ITIL certification by retaking an exam, earning credits through related courses, or by participating in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.
- If you don’t renew your ITIL certification, it will still be listed, but it will show as not aligned with current requirements, which could affect how employers see your qualifications.
Understanding ITIL Certification Expiry
So, as the buzz around ITIL certification continues, one does have to think if it does expire eventually? It turns out, the answer is a bit nuanced, especially with the shift to ITIL 4.
For a long time, ITIL certifications were pretty much a lifetime achievement. You passed the exam, and that was it.
But things have changed.
Does ITIL 4 Certification Expire?
Yes, ITIL 4 certifications do have an expiry date. They need to be renewed every three years.
This is a pretty significant change from the older ITIL v3 certifications, which didn’t require renewal.
If you’re an ITIL 4 Foundation certified professional, or you’re planning to get certified, you’ll need to keep this three-year cycle in mind.
You can check your specific expiry date by logging into your PeopleCert account.
This new policy started applying from January 1, 2023, and it covers certifications obtained before that date too.
Why Renewal is Important for ITIL Certifications
Keeping your ITIL certification current is more than just a formality; it’s about staying relevant in a field that’s always moving.
The ITIL framework itself evolves to keep pace with new technologies and how businesses operate.
Renewing means you’re actively keeping your knowledge up-to-date with the latest best practices and strategies in IT service management.
It helps maintain your competitive edge in the job market and ensures your skills align with what organizations need right now.
Think of it as a way to continuously prove you’re on top of your game in IT service management.
Without renewal, while your certification remains on the record, it will be marked as ‘not aligned with current requirements’. This could make potential employers pause.
Methods for Renewing Your ITIL Certification
Like most things in the fast-paced world of IT, it doesn’t stay current forever. You need to keep it fresh.
Luckily, there are a few ways to do that, and they’re not as complicated as you might think.
Retake The Certification Exam
This is probably the most straightforward method.
If your ITIL 4 Foundation certification is nearing its expiration date, you can simply retake the exam. Passing it again will reset your certification cycle, giving you another three years of validity.
It’s a good way to make sure you’re still on top of your game and haven’t missed any major shifts in the framework. Think of it as a refresher course that also renews your credential.
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Pursue Additional Certifications Within The Same Suite
This is a pretty smart move if you’re looking to expand your ITIL knowledge anyway. By taking and passing another exam within the ITIL 4 suite, like one of the specialist modules, your Foundation certification gets renewed automatically.
It’s a win-win: you get a new certification to add to your resume, and your existing one stays valid.
Just remember, this only works for certifications within the same product suite.
Grabbing a PRINCE2 certification, for example, won’t renew your ITIL one.
Engage With The Continuing Professional Development Program
PeopleCert offers a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.
To keep your certification current through this route, you need to earn a certain number of CPD points each year.
Typically, this means accumulating 20 CPD points annually for three consecutive years. These points can be earned through various professional development activities like attending workshops, completing relevant courses, or participating in industry events.
It’s a way to show you’re actively engaged in learning and staying updated in the field. I’ve found that keeping track of these activities is key, so using a tool to log your progress is a good idea.
You can find more details on how to track your CPD activities on the PeopleCert website.
Staying current with ITIL practices is important for your career growth as well. Choosing a renewal method that fits your learning style and career goals makes the process much smoother. Don’t wait until the last minute; plan your renewal ahead of time to avoid any lapse in your certification status.
Consequences of Not Renewing ITIL Certification
So, what actually happens if I let my ITIL certification lapse? It’s not like your driver’s license where you just can’t drive.
But, there are definitely some downsides I’ve learned about.
Impact on Certification Status
If I don’t renew my ITIL certification, it doesn’t just vanish into thin air. It stays on my record in the Successful Candidates Register.
However, PeopleCert will add a little note next to it. This note basically says my certification isn’t up-to-date with the latest requirements.
It’s like having a “best by” date on something that’s still technically usable, but not quite what it used to be. This can make employers or clients question the current relevance of my skills.
It’s a subtle signal that I might not be up-to-speed with the newest IT service management practices.
Maintaining Prerequisite Eligibility
This is a big one for me.
Some of the more advanced ITIL certifications, or even certifications in related fields, might require me to hold a current ITIL Foundation certification, or a specific level, as a prerequisite.
If my Foundation certification is marked as “not aligned,” I might lose eligibility for those next steps. It’s like not having the basic building block to construct anything more complex.
I’ve seen job postings that specifically ask for current ITIL certifications, not just ones I earned years ago.
So, letting it expire could close doors to new opportunities or career advancement within the ITSM space. It’s important to keep that pathway open, and renewal is the key to doing that.
It’s easy to think that once you have the certificate, you’re set. But the ITIL framework itself changes, and keeping up is part of the deal.
Not renewing means you’re essentially saying you’re okay with being a bit behind the curve, and that might not fly in a fast-moving industry like IT.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. My ITIL certification isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of thing anymore, at least not with ITIL 4.
I need to keep it current, which means either earning those CPD points or taking another exam. It’s a bit of a change, for sure, and it means staying on top of things.
I guess the good news is that it keeps my skills fresh and relevant in this fast-moving IT world. It’s not the end of the world, just something I need to plan for.
I’ll probably look into getting another certification in the same suite; that seems like the most straightforward way to handle it for me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, my ITIL 4 certification needs to be renewed every three years. It’s important to keep it current so my knowledge stays up-to-date with the latest ways of managing IT services.
I have a few choices to keep my ITIL certification valid. I can take the certification test again, or I can earn more points through continuing education activities. Another way is to get another certification within the same ITIL family.
If I don’t renew my certification, it will still show that I earned it, but it will have a note saying it’s not up-to-date with the latest requirements. This might make me seem less current to potential employers.
