ITIL Prep Course and Exam in August 08

[PlanoITIL]

I just located this forum site about 30 mins ago and found it very informative (best yet). I actually just learned about ITIL v3 about 15 days ago and it paralleled my IT and Business beliefs. So you can say it was a “calling” when I read up on this certification.

I’ve been in IT for about 13 years, so the connection between IT and Business Leaders is and always has been a focus. It’s the first thing I preach when I mentor Junior Project Managers.

Anyway, I’ve decided to fork out the $1,600 for the 2.5 day course and exam (ITIL v3 Foundation), out of my own pocket (tax deduction). But, since I don’t have a money tree in my backyard, I need to pass the exam on the first try.

I’ve talked to the school and a couple of instructors. They say there would be no prep work for the course and by the time I finish the course, I’ll be well prepared for the exam. They recommend 1 hour of studying each day after the class to ensure passing. That seems too easy.

Now, I’ve seen conflicting postings (not from this forum) stating the exam was some what easy, while here, I see some postings saying it’s not as easy as advertised. I’m looking and hoping the exam will be difficult. Difficult enough that “Bob” off the street just can’t show up and pass the exam, but not as difficult as the CCNA (Cisco) exam.

You now know my background, below are the areas I need help with.

1. What do I need or can I do before the class starts to ensure I’m ahead of the game?
2. Will the class actually prepare me for the exam as much as they say?
3. What area(s) do I need to focus on right away for the course and exam?
4. Are ITIL job responsibilities a huge focus on the exam?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to find out if the ITIL v3 Foundation certificate had a huge ROI? I’ve heard people only needing the foundation certificate and it paid back well there. I’ve also heard the significant payback doesn’t happen till you get to the Practioner and/or Manager level. Any feed back here?

Sorry about the long posting. I’ve missed any question and would like to fill them in, please do so to help not only myself, but others getting ready to take the course and/or exam.

[UKVIKING]

Wrong forum to start ... but thats ok.

First off. Welcome.
Second. Taking the exam w/o reading the 5 yes five books will probably be harder than reading the books prior to the course.

Third. ITIL is merely the applciation of best practice in the workings of IT for a business. This means for me - good documentation

ROI ? for ITIL. Dont know if any of the ITIL Certification has a ROI. Same that goes for any of the certification paths

I know of system and network engineers who can configure / support large systems and networks yet = they dont take the time to get the certifications -

I also know of certified CCNA, MCSE etc who have passed every exam in the world and got every little certification but have no real world experience

So the ROI on ITIL depends on you and how you apply ITIL in your world. The certification is merely the icing on the cake
_________________
John Hardesty
ITSM Manager's Certificate (Red Badge)

Change Management is POWER & CONTROL. /....evil laughter

[PlanoITIL]

I appreciate the feedback. I originally posted my questions under the certification forum, but received an email stating it was under the incorrect forum and it was moved here.

I have the 5 books now and will start to read them. Can I just be familiar with the material or do I need to study them hard and pretty much know the material like the back of my hand?

Thanks again for the quick response.