New Extension Modules revealed for ITIL 4

The IT landscape has been transformed by emerging technologies such as cloud, AI, machine learning and automation, all of which throw up fresh challenges in terms of adoption and management. At the same time, organisations are increasingly being held accountable for the social and environmental impacts of their IT operations.

It is in the light of these developments that PeopleCert has announced a new ITIL-related initiative termed ‘Extension Modules’. These will, in effect, extend the main ITIL 4 Framework by focusing upon individual emerging technology areas. They will provide organisations with the appropriate guidance to enable them to address and harness the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies and the ways in which they impact their operations.

Initially there are just two such modules joining the ITIL certification scheme:

• ITIL 4 Specialist Acquiring & Managing Cloud Services;
• ITIL 4 Specialist Sustainability in Digital & IT.

Are you considering new career opportunities in the fields of cloud services or sustainability in IT? If so, the two new Extension Modules to the ITIL 4 Framework may well be of interest to you.

Let’s have a look at each of these in a little more detail to better understand what they offer.

ITIL 4 Specialist Acquiring & Managing Cloud Services

As more organisations look to adopt cloud technologies, so the need increases to optimise the benefits and ensure the planned-for returns are actually achieved.

Using the ITIL framework, this module addresses the procurement, implementation and ongoing evaluation of cloud services and technologies.

Not only does it help to develop a practical understanding of how cloud procurement and technology can integrate with and support broader business strategy and functions, it also explores the concept of the ‘cloud services user journey’ to provide a clear understanding of the entire procurement lifecycle.

Importantly, it helps IT professionals to analyse available cloud solutions and potential benefits using a vendor-neutral approach, and effectively identify, select and deliver optimised cloud services.

ITIL 4 Specialist Sustainability in Digital & IT

Organisations are increasingly required to consider the social and environmental impacts of their operations. And with research indicating that the IT space is likely to be responsible for up to 20% of global energy consumption by 2030, business leaders and professionals are under pressure to look for ways to tackle this challenge.

This module focuses on how to align sustainability objectives with digital and IT strategies. It will enable IT professionals to understand how to use the ITIL guiding principles to deliver value by creating sustainable digitally-enabled products and services.

It also highlights key sustainability competencies and capabilities that service organisations should develop and provides guidance on how to build capacity within their teams to effectively manage sustainability challenges.

The figure below shows how these two new Extension Modules fit within the overall ITIL 4 certification scheme.

It should be noted that there are no formal prerequisites for either of the ITIL 4 Extension Modules. The relevant key concepts from the ITIL 4 framework will be covered as part of each module, making it accessible to anyone interested in gaining critical skills in these areas.

The training duration for each module is 3 daysBoth modules will be assessed by an online book multiple choice question examination. In addition, the ITIL Specialist: Sustainability in Digital & IT module will also include case study assignments as part of the assessment process.

Want to know more about our range of ITIL 4 training courses and certification? Browse our ITIL training courses and our ITIL certifications or get in contact with us.