Certifications: PMP vs ITIL
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What is the difference between PMP and ITIL certifications? Which one is better? These are questions that many aspiring and experienced project managers have when they explore the certification options. In my view, it is not a case of one certification being better than the other. Both can be useful to project managers, depending on their needs.
One of the differences is that PMP (Project Management Professional) applies to projects while ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is service oriented. In addition, ITIL is specific to the IT industry, whereas PMP tools and techniques can be applied to a wide range of industries. Some professionals working in IT opt to get both certifications. The PMP, owned by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is a project management approach based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide. The PMBOK provides the tools and techniques of project management which consists of five process groups and ten knowledge areas. ITIL, currently owned by AXELOS, is a framework for IT service management. It is a set of detailed practices for developing, delivering and managing IT services and includes twenty-six processes.
The pre-requisites for certification differ for PMP and ITIL. For example, the PMP certification requires project management experience in terms of number of hours. The ITIL certification has several levels - Foundation, Practitioner, Intermediate, Expert and Master. There are no pre-requisites for the ITIL Foundation exam. However, candidates have to pass the Foundation exam in order to move on to the other levels. Subsequent certifications in ITIL may require professional experience as well. Project Managers planning to obtain either of these certifications should review the pre-requisites carefully and understand the requirements
Another aspect of the certification is credential renewal. The PMP credential is renewed every three years by obtaining sixty PDUs (Professional Development Units) during each cycle. There are several ways in which you can obtain the PDUs. If not renewed, the certification expires after three years and the exam has to be retaken to maintain the credential. ITIL has a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme which is tied to their digital badges. The digital badge is linked to the certification and can be obtained by joining the provider's membership program. To maintain the digital badge, members must obtain twenty CPDs during a twelve month period. However, the certification itself does not expire.
Certifications are an excellent way to boost your professional profile. Before embarking on your certification journey, do some thorough research to understand what is available and whether it fits your needs.
What are your experiences with project management certifications? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
References & Further Reading:
ITIL VS PMP - Must Know Which is Best?
ITIL Foundation or PMP for Project Management Certification
Which one is a better and widely accepted certification from an Indian market point of view: ITIL or PMP?
ITIL Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Posted on: February 24, 2018 11:32 AM |
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Comments (17)
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They can't be compared. One is project management focused and the other is IT focused in areas such as design, delivery, transition etc. They are complimentary, but different.
I feel ITIL is valuable in project management because you will have a better awareness when you come across areas that could be improved to help your project or note down the area to be addressed latter because it's out of scope.
The use of ITIL supports Lean. It's all good. I'm an ITIL guy. I practice ITIL in my projects.
Anish Abraham
Privacy Program Manager| University of Washington
Auburn, Wa, United States
I think ITIL and PMP are not mutually exclusive. It all depends whether you are in the IT service management industry or not. I'm an ITIL guy, and I believe that project manager in the IT service management industry, both credentials are good for the career development.
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I think you can’t really compare as one is focused on a specifc industry and the other has no limits to where it can be applied.
While I do not have experience in ITIL, I guess the PMP is better as it open better and wider options and doors for you.
As certifications go, they are mutually exclusive, but as previously mentioned, they are complimentary.
A completed IT project with project management services expected to follow ITIL framework for service delivery and operations, where as ITIL service delivery infrastructure platform may lead to new operational project being executed with Project management methodology and associated framework.
Both terms and framework are correlated in Enterprise IT service alignment framework for business support and operations with end to end lifecycle management of IT portfolio.
Drew Craig
Sr. Agile & Product Coach| Vanguard
Philadelphia, Pa, United States
Interesting to learn a bit more about ITIL. Based on what I have read, agree with the consensus of both mutual exclusivity and being complimentary, as highlighted in your article, along with differences in acquiring and maintenance. Thanks, Ranmali.
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
Bala Sathya Narayanan
Project Lead - Digital Marketing| ANGLER Technologies India PVt Ltd
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Short and crisp explanation for new-comers & learners.
Good content. I agree, that ITIL appears to more IT focused but can compliment the PMP. Nice read.
Bala and Portia thanks for the feedback.
I was not very familiar with the ITIL certification until very recently. This is a very useful article to help those unfamiliar gain a basic understanding of the ITIL credential levels.
Bamidele Apata
Project manager | IBADAN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Was able to learn a bit on ITIL, THANKS for sharing.
Is it better if I have both of this certification?
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Izar
It depends if having both will help you boost your career and goals or not so really you can only tell if having both would be of any benefit.
RK
Nice informative post on differences of PMP and ITIL Certification. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely two different certifications for different fields of work. My take is if a project manger works in an IT field or is interested in working in the field, yes the training is vital and then with some experience they can seek for the certification. I find though in some countries completing the certification immediately after training for the ITIL in particular is taken more seriously than gaining the PMP. I think because its a more hands-on skillset/certification.
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