So, how long does the certification actually take?
The total duration is dependent upon how much time you can allocate to study. The exact timeline will vary based on your background, familiarity with IT concepts, and the study method you choose.
While it is possible to complete all the required study in a weekend, for most learners, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks of focused study to feel confident and prepared.
In this blog, we will explore the following aspects of the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification:
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Exam difficulty
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Exam length
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Study time
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Top tips and tricks
Keep reading to learn more.
We're here to support your journey to professional growth. If you have questions about the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification, our team is here to help - contact us today.
What Is the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification?
ITIL 4 Foundation is a prerequisite for all ITIL 4 Managing Professionals, Strategic Leaders and Practice Manager certifications. This entry-level certification will provide you with the foundation of the ITIL 4 framework and all best practices for IT service management.
Our full range of expert support materials and training options is available for you to really get familiar with the course.
How Hard Is the ITIL 4 Exam?
Before we get into the difficulty, you need to know what to expect. Find below some key aspects of the exam:
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Format: Multiple-choice
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Number of questions: 40 questions
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Passing score: 65% (26 marks out of 40)
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Duration: 1 hour
The ITIL 4 Foundation exam is not especially difficult, but some students make it so by thinking they can pass without studying. So, whilst it may seem obvious, our top tip is not to assume you can pass without studying.
To learn more about ITIL 4 Foundation exam preparation and discover our useful study resource, read our recent blog: How to Prepare for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam?
One of the main things test-takers struggle with during the ITIL4 Foundation Exam is time management. Most successful candidates complete the exam in between 20 and 40 minutes. If you’re taking fewer than 20 minutes to complete the exam, you’re increasing the chance that you will misread the questions and therefore reducing your chances of passing. It’s obviously okay to use all the available time, but do make sure that, when you are completing mock exams, you are finishing within the one-hour time limit.
Zindiak can help you get ahead with helpful videos, mock exams, and other beneficial resources created by our expert teams. Or, should the worst come to pass, discover our resit exam voucher.
How Long Should I Study for the ITIL 4 Exam?
Study time is highly dependent on experience and prior knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended to read through the content and filter out the aspects that you are aware of already before planning your study. Be sure to still review all content briefly to ensure nothing is missed.
Find below some recommended outlines of study for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam:
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Recommended study time: 1 to 2 weeks, depending on prior knowledge.
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Suggested study hours: A minimum of 7 continuous hours, more if spread over several days
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Study formats: self-paced, online training, practice exams - Find useful materials here.
Read our expert guide on common mistakes to avoid while studying for the ITIL4 Foundation Exam for more tips and tricks.
Tips to Prepare Efficiently
This section contains our top tips on how you can make the most out of your course with Zindiak. Read on for some expert advice:
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Focus on the syllabus. You don’t need to read the whole of the ITIL 4 Foundation eBook cover-to-cover, and realistically, it would be very hard to remember all of that. Therefore, we highly recommend reviewing the syllabus and focusing your study on the key topics.
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Don’t just study for a pass. You should aim to be able to score 80% in both sample papers before you take the certification exam. If you’re scoring less than 80%, you need to study more because the pressure of the exam is likely to result in you getting a few questions wrong, so you need to be above the threshold.
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Memorise key terms and definitions as they are relatively easy marks that you don’t want to miss in the exam. These include:
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The purpose of the 15 ITIL Practices listed in the syllabus
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The purpose of the 7 ITIL Principles
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Make sure you understand. Before you can think about answering questions on specifics, you need to ensure you understand the module as a whole. It is far easier to recall information that is understood, rather than simply memorised.
The Zindiak-accredited eLearning training course is a great place to start your study.
So, How Long Does It Really Take?
Overall, with complete focus and productivity, you can expect to gain your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification in just two weeks. Furthermore, with the plethora of helpful resources we can offer here at Zindiak, you can storm ahead of the crowd and pass on your first try.
Start your ITIL 4 Foundation Certification journey today with Zindiak!
Want to keep reading? Discover our expert blogs covering all topics from exam prep to re-testing.