How to Become an ITIL® Managing Professional

ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) is an advanced certification within the ITIL 4 framework, a widely recognised set of best practices for IT service management (ITSM). The ITIL 4 MP certification is designed for IT professionals involved in managing IT-enabled services and who need to understand how to use ITIL practices to deliver value to their organisations.

What is ITIL 4 Managing Professional?

The ITIL 4 MP certification consists of modules and exams covering various aspects of IT service management. These modules include:

ITIL 4 Specialist Create, Deliver and Support (CDS)

This module focuses on integrating different value streams and activities to create, deliver, and support IT-enabled products and services.

ITIL 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV)

This module emphasises the engagement and interaction between a service provider and their customers, users, suppliers, and partners.

ITIL 4 Specialist High-velocity IT (HVIT)

This module explores the ways in which digital organisations and digital operating models function in high-velocity environments, focusing on the rapid delivery of products and services to obtain maximum value.

ITIL 4 Strategist Direct Plan and Improve (DPI)

This module provides the practical skills necessary to create a 'learning and improving' IT organisation with a strong and effective strategic direction.

To achieve the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation, an individual must complete all four modules. Additionally, they must have completed the ITIL 4 Foundation certification, a prerequisite for further ITIL 4 training.

The ITIL 4 MP certification is beneficial for IT professionals who are looking to advance their career in IT service management, improve their ITIL knowledge and skills, and understand how to apply ITIL framework in their organisation to enhance overall service management practices.

What Job Roles should Become a ITIL4 Managing Professional?

The ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification is particularly valuable for specific IT and service management fields. Professionals in these roles typically find that the ITIL 4 MP certification enhances their understanding of IT service management best practices, equips them with practical skills to implement these practices effectively, and broadens their career opportunities. Key job roles that should consider becoming an ITIL 4 Managing Professional include:

IT Managers and Directors

These roles often involve overseeing IT departments, making strategic decisions about IT service management, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. The ITIL 4 MP certification provides them with a comprehensive understanding of managing and optimising IT services.

Service Managers

Responsible for managing specific IT services, service managers can benefit from the ITIL 4 MP's focus on creating, delivering, and supporting services.

IT Project and Program Managers

These professionals are tasked with planning, executing, and closing IT projects or program portfolios. The ITIL 4 MP certification helps them align project management practices with service management principles.

Quality Managers

Those responsible for quality assurance in IT processes and services can use the ITIL 4 MP framework to implement effective quality control measures.

IT Service Support Engineers

Engineers and technicians providing frontline support for IT services can gain valuable insights from the ITIL 4 MP modules, particularly in areas like service delivery and stakeholder management.

IT Consultants

Professionals who advise organisations on IT service management can significantly enhance their consultancy practice with the comprehensive knowledge provided by the ITIL 4 MP certification.

Change Managers

Those involved in managing change within IT services will find the ITIL 4 MP's focus on continual improvement particularly relevant.

IT Operations Managers

These managers, responsible for the day-to-day operation of IT services, can benefit from ITIL 4 MP's comprehensive view of efficiently delivering and supporting services.

Risk and Compliance Officers

Professionals involved in assessing and managing risks and ensuring compliance in IT environments can apply ITIL 4 MP principles to enhance their effectiveness.

Business Relationship Managers

Those responsible for maintaining good relationships between IT and the business will find the stakeholder management aspects of ITIL 4 MP particularly useful.

These roles, among others, can greatly benefit from the strategic and operational insights provided by the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification. The certification helps professionals develop a more profound understanding of how to align IT services with business needs, improve service delivery, and contribute to the organisation's overall success.

Why Become an ITIL Certified Managing Professional?

Becoming an ITIL Managing Professional offers numerous benefits, particularly for those in IT service management and related fields. Here are some key reasons why professionals might choose to pursue this certification:

Enhanced Understanding of ITSM

ITIL is a globally recognised framework for IT service management, and the ITIL MP certification provides a deep understanding of its principles and practices. This knowledge is invaluable for effectively managing and delivering IT services.

Career Advancement

The ITIL MP certification is often seen as a mark of expertise and can open doors for career advancement. It is highly regarded in the IT industry, and certified professionals may find themselves eligible for more senior roles or promotions.

Improved Service Delivery

The skills and knowledge gained through the ITIL MP certification enable professionals to improve service delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness in their organisations. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and better business outcomes.

Alignment with Business Goals

ITIL MP training provides insights into aligning IT services with broader business goals. Professionals learn how to ensure that IT services support strategic objectives, which is crucial for the success of any organisation.

Global Language and Best Practices

ITIL provides a standardised language and best practices for IT service management. Becoming an ITIL MP means joining a global community of professionals who speak the same language and adhere to the same high standards.

Skills in Digital Transformation

The ITIL 4 framework, particularly at the Managing Professional level, strongly emphasises integrating IT into the broader business strategy, especially in the context of digital transformation.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities

The certification equips professionals with tools and methodologies to tackle IT service management challenges effectively, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.

Versatility in IT Environments

The principles and practices taught in the ITIL MP certification are applicable in various IT environments, from traditional data centres to cloud-based services, making certified professionals highly versatile.

Networking Opportunities

Being an ITIL MP provides opportunities to connect with a vast network of like-minded professionals and experts in the field. This can lead to knowledge sharing and professional opportunities.

Commitment to Professional Development

Achieving the ITIL MP certification demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development, a quality highly valued by employers and peers in the IT industry.

In summary, the ITIL Managing Professional certification is a valuable asset for IT professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of IT service management, advance their careers, improve service delivery, and align IT services with the strategic needs of their organisations.

How to Become an ITIL® 4 Managing Professional

To become an ITIL® 4 Managing Professional, you must follow a structured path of education and certification exams. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

Complete the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification:

The ITIL 4 Foundation is a prerequisite for the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification.

This introductory course covers the basics of ITIL 4 and its key concepts, practices, and principles.

Pass the Four Modules of ITIL 4 Managing Professional:

After completing the ITIL 4 Foundation, you need to pass the following four modules:

ITIL 4 Specialist Create, Deliver and Support (CDS): Focuses on operational activities and practices, service creation, and delivery.

ITIL 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV): Concentrates on building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships.

ITIL 4 Specialist High-velocity IT (HVIT): Covers concepts related to high-velocity environments, focusing on rapid delivery and the use of agile, DevOps, and lean methodologies.

ITIL 4 Strategist Direct Plan and Improve (DPI): Provides the skills needed for strategic planning, continuous improvement, and aligning work to organisational strategy.

Study and Prepare for Each Module:

You will need to study the relevant material for each of these modules. This can be done through self-study, online courses, or classroom training.

Many providers offer training courses specifically for each of these modules. These courses often include both instructional material and exam preparation.

Take and Pass Each Module's Exam:

After completing the study for each module, you need to pass the corresponding exam.

Exams are typically administered by accredited training organisations or through official ITIL examination institutes.

Earn the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Designation:

Once you pass all four exams, you will be awarded the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation.

This certification demonstrates your comprehensive knowledge of ITIL 4 and your ability to apply it to manage and optimise IT services effectively.

Continuous Learning and Application:

After becoming an ITIL 4 MP, it's important to continuously apply the concepts and practices you've learned in your professional role.

Engaging in ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest developments in IT service management is also beneficial.

Consider Further ITIL Certifications:

After achieving the ITIL 4 MP, consider pursuing the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL) stream if you're interested in further elevating your ITIL expertise, especially in the strategic aspects of IT service management.

It's important to note that becoming an ITIL 4 MP requires commitment and effort. However, the skills and knowledge gained through this process are highly valuable in the field of IT service management and can significantly enhance your professional capabilities and career opportunities.

Where to become ITIL Managing Professional Certified

At Purple Griffon, we offer a Managing Professional Bundle to become an ITIL 4 Managing professional. Doing the courses this way is vastly more cost effective for individuals and organisations alike. The bundle include all 4 courses.

Also, we offer all 4 courses separately. If you are interested in any of these courses, here are the links below:

ITIL® 4 Specialist Create, Deliver & Support (CDS)

ITIL® 4 Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV)

ITIL® 4 Specialist High Velocity IT (HVIT)

ITIL® 4 Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI)

Final Notes On How to Become an ITIL Managing Professional

In conclusion, our exploration of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional certification has provided comprehensive insights into its importance, relevance, and the path to achieving it. Ideal for a wide range of IT service management roles, the ITIL 4 MP certification is a valuable asset for those seeking to enhance their understanding of ITSM best practices and align IT services with business objectives.

The certification process involves completing the ITIL 4 Foundation and passing exams in four specialised modules. The journey, while demanding, offers immense benefits, including career advancement, improved service delivery, and a deeper understanding of digital transformation in IT.

For professionals dedicated to continuous learning and excellence in IT service management, becoming an ITIL 4 Managing Professional paves the way for both personal and professional growth.