ITIL Foundation mastered - and now? This is how your journey continues

With the ITIL Foundation, you have the most important basics in your pocket. However, your ITSM journey doesn't have to end here: You can build on this by completing further courses to deepen your knowledge and advance your career in IT service management. The options are varied: ITIL Practice Manager, ITIL Managing Professional or Strategic Leader? Here we present all three roles in detail - and reveal what tasks await you.

ITIL Practice Manager: The energetic implementer

ITIL Practice Managers are responsible for the successful implementation of ITIL practices, methods and processes in an organization. This role includes various tasks:

• The Practice Manager works to introduce ITIL methods and processes into companies. He also plans how they can be integrated into the existing workflow.
• A key aspect of the role is to drive continuous improvement. This means reviewing existing processes, identifying weaknesses and developing solutions to increase the efficiency and quality of IT services.
• The Practice Manager supports teams and employees in the application of ITIL practices. This can include training, coaching or consulting.
• The Practice Manager monitors the implementation of ITIL guidelines and ensures that the teams work according to the defined processes. They also evaluate the results and performance in order to achieve the desired objectives.
• This role often requires close collaboration with various departments, managers and other stakeholders to ensure that ITIL initiatives meet the needs and objectives of the organization.

ITIL Managing Professional: The experienced tactics expert

ITIL 4 Managing Professionals have practical and technical knowledge of the successful deployment of IT-enabled services, teams and workflows. They are key figures responsible for delivering IT service management at the highest level. The role of the Managing Professional is designed to provide an overall view of the tactical level of service management, and the certification covers technological and cultural aspects as well as general management practices:

• ITIL Managing Professionals have a deep understanding of the entire lifecycle of IT services according to the ITIL framework. They know the phases of the service lifecycle - from service strategy to design, transition, operation and continuous improvement.
• They are able to integrate ITIL methods and practices into the workflows and processes of an organization.
• ITIL Managing Professionals understand not only the technical aspects, but also the cultural, interpersonal and organizational challenges involved in implementing changes in IT service management.
• ITIL Managing Professionals strive to drive continuous improvement. They monitor and analyze processes to identify weaknesses and develop solutions - with the aim of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of services.
• This role often requires leadership skills as ITIL Managing Professionals often lead teams or work with different departments. They are able to motivate, lead and support teams to achieve common goals.

Strategic Leader: The smart decision-maker

With the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader certificate, you demonstrate the ability to develop and implement an effective IT and digital strategy. In other words, you focus on the strategic direction of IT service management. As a Strategic Leader, you understand the value of ITIL not just for IT, but for all digital services - and have a clear understanding of how ITIL influences and guides digital business strategies.

• An ITIL Strategic Leader knows the business goals and strategies of the organization and can align ITIL practices accordingly. They have the ability to plan and design IT services in line with the overall business objectives.
• They are able to initiate and manage changes within the organization in order to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IT services.
• ITIL Strategic Leaders can effectively manage and optimize resources. They ensure that IT services are delivered in a cost-efficient manner while meeting the strategic requirements of the organization.
• This role requires strong stakeholder management, as ITIL Strategic Leaders work closely with managers, departments and other stakeholders. In this way, they ensure that IT services meet business requirements.

Your path to certification

The differences between the three certifications therefore lie primarily in their content focus; different aspects of the ITIL framework are examined depending on the focus. Only you can decide which role suits you best.

We have summarized here which modules and courses you need for the ITIL Practice Manager, the Managing Professional and the Strategic Leader:

Your path to certification

All ITIL trainings