Are IT Service Technician (ITIL) Certifications Worth It?

This guide takes a closer look at the real value of your time, money, and future to help you determine whether or not an ITIL certification is worth it. It will help you determine whether it’s a smart investment for advancing your career in IT service management or enhancing your current role in the industry.

The global IT services market hit $1.5 trillion in 2024—and it’s only getting bigger. By 2030, it’s expected to grow to $2.59 trillion, thanks to a strong push toward cloud computing, cybersecurity, automation, and digital innovation.

To keep up with IT services trends, a lot of professionals are encouraged to pursue ITIL Certifications. Companies need people who understand how to keep IT services running smoothly, avoid chaos, and improve things over time.

ITIL certifications can be really useful—but they’re not the right fit for everyone.

Is ITIL certification worth it for your career path? Let’s continue and find out what it really offers—and whether it’s the best move for you.

What Is ITIL Certification?

First of all, ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It’s part of AXELOS, the company that develops and promotes best practice frameworks for IT professionals.

At its core, ITIL is a set of best practices meant to help organizations manage their IT services smoothly and professionally.

ITIL’s structured approach helps organizations achieve the following:

• Reduce risks.
• Build stronger relationships with customers.
• Cut unnecessary costs.
• Create a more stable IT environment.

Whether a company is growing, scaling up, or undergoing change, ITIL provides guidelines to keep IT services aligned with business needs.

So, if you’re asking, “Is ITIL certification valuable?” The quick and straightforward answer is YES. It sets standards that help IT teams deliver reliable and high-quality service.

Getting ITIL certified means you’ve proven your knowledge of the ITIL framework and how to apply it in real-world IT service management. According to one survey, approximately 76.5% of ITIL-certified professionals stated that the certification made them more marketable, and nearly 59% felt it helped them compete more effectively for IT jobs.

ITIL is especially useful for people working (or planning to work) in roles like:

• IT service technicians
• Help desk and support specialists
• System administrators
• IT project managers
• IT consultants

If your job involves keeping tech systems running or supporting users, ITIL can help you work smarter—not harder.

And for employers, hiring someone with ITIL knowledge means fewer surprises, more consistency, and happier end users.

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How Much Does ITIL Certification Cost?

Is ITIL certification worth it? Based on the benefits it brings, many would say yes. However, earning an IT service technician certification does not come free. It’s important to understand the costs involved.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to spend:

• Foundation Level
  • The entry-level ITIL 4 Foundation is the most affordable. It’s a single, 60-minute multiple-choice exam, usually costing between $150 and $300. Covering the fundamentals of ITIL, the exam serves as a great starting point for those new to the field.
• Intermediate Level
  • If you want to go deeper, intermediate certifications, such as Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve, or Drive Stakeholder Value, require passing two exams. Each test costs about $250 to $350, so the total usually falls between $500 and $700.
• Advanced Level
  • The highest certification, such as the ITIL Managing Professional Transition Module, requires passing three exams. With each exam costing roughly $250 to $350, the total can reach $750 to $1,050 or more.

What About Training Costs?

Most candidates also take a training course before the exam. These can vary widely—from free or low-cost online options up to $1,000 for instructor-led classes, depending on your location and provider. Many courses bundle the exam fee, so it’s worth checking what’s included.

ITIL Certification Re-attempt Cost

If you fail the ITIL Foundation exam, you can either buy a new exam voucher to retake it or pay a re-evaluation fee of about $100–$150 to appeal your results. If the appeal is successful, you get a refund; if not, you lose the appeal fee and still need to buy a new exam voucher.

How to Save Money on ITIL Certification

If you don’t want to spend that much on preparation, don’t worry—there are ways to save money. Here are some free or low-cost ITIL exam prep resources, including options like the “ITIL Foundation Exam Study Guide”:

• ITIL Foundation Exam Study Guide (eBook or used copies)
  • Often available at affordable prices on Amazon or eBay (some libraries offer digital loans)
• YouTube tutorials
  • Tons of free videos explain ITIL concepts and walk you through exam tips (channels like “ITIL Training” or “Simplilearn” are popular).
• Udemy courses
  • Frequently on sale for under $20, these courses often include practice exams and study materials.
• Free practice tests
  • Websites like GoCertify, Simplilearn, and Whizlabs offer free sample questions to test your knowledge.
• Official AXELOS resources
  • The AXELOS website sometimes offers free downloadable content and sample papers.

You should also check if your employer offers to cover certification costs as part of professional development. Many companies recognize the value of ITIL-certified staff and may pay for your training and exams.

What Jobs Can You Get with ITIL Certification?

Now, let’s compare the ITIL certification cost vs. benefits.

We’ve already established that ITIL certification requires an investment of both time and money, but what exactly do you get in return?\

ITIL certification can open doors to many IT roles, especially those focused on service management, support, and project coordination. Some common jobs include:

Process Coordinator

• Experience: Minimum 2 years
• Level: Foundation to Intermediate
• Role: Ensures administrative tasks in a process are done as planned. Positions include
  • Change Coordinator
  • Incident Coordinator
  • Configuration Analyst

Managerial Role

• Experience: At least 8 years with ITIL certification
• Level: Mid-management
• Role: Oversees service management activities, manages coordinators, and ensures work is done thoroughly. Examples:
  • Release Manager
  • Problem Manager
  • Service Desk Manager

ITIL Consultant

• Experience: Around 10 years
• Level: Certified ITIL professional
• Skills: Strong observation and problem-solving abilities
• Role: Identifies process issues, plans improvements, and guides teams to execute smoothly. It is a highly respected and well-paid position.

ITIL Certification and Salary Growth

In the IT industry, your salary tends to increase as you achieve higher ITIL certification levels. However, salary growth also depends on other factors, such as:

• Your professional experience
• Depth of knowledge
• How quickly you grasp ITIL concepts
• Your enthusiasm for IT service management

Role	Average Salary per Year (US)
Change Coordinator	$65,000 – $80,000
Incident Coordinator	$60,000 – $75,000
Configuration Analyst	$55,000 – $70,000
Release Manager	$90,000 – $110,000
Problem Manager	$85,000 – $105,000
Service Desk Manager	$75,000 – $95,000
ITIL Consultant	$100,000 – $130,000

Many leading companies now require their employees to have ITIL training, recognizing the framework’s powerful benefits across industries. Here are some sectors and top companies that have adopted ITIL:

• Entertainment: Netflix and Warner Bros. adopt ITIL to ensure smooth services and great user experiences.
• Financial Services: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs use ITIL to cut costs and optimize resources.
• Life Sciences: Merck, Novartis, and GlaxoSmithKline rely on ITIL to manage their complex processes.
• Manufacturing: General Electric, Caterpillar, and 3M use ITIL to boost efficiency and delivery.
• Retail: Industry giants such as Costco, Home Depot, and Best Buy rely on ITIL to enhance operations and customer service.
• Technology: Google, Cisco, and Oracle use ITIL to manage complex IT systems efficiently.

Does ITIL Certification Help You Make More Money?

Yes, an ITIL certification salary boost is often seen by professionals who apply best practices to improve IT service delivery. The actual pay increase depends on these factors:

• Experience
• Job role
• Industry you work in

For example:

• ITIL-certified consultants and managers typically see higher salary gains compared to entry-level roles.
• Industries such as technology and financial services often offer more competitive salaries to certified professionals.

Ultimately, while ITIL certification alone doesn’t guarantee a raise, it significantly enhances your value in the job market, opening doors to better-paying opportunities and career growth.

If you’re already in a support role and want to advance, ITIL can help demonstrate to your boss that you’re serious about professional growth. It also makes your resume stand out in a pile.

Think of it this way: if two candidates have the same experience, but one holds ITIL certification, guess who’s more likely to get the interview?

Is ITIL Certification Worth It for Students or Beginners?

If you’re just starting, should you invest in entry-level IT certifications right away?

Pros

• Affordable (especially if self-studied)
• No tech experience is required
• Globally recognized
• Great way to understand how real IT teams operate

Cons

• It is not very “hands-on”—it’s more about processes than technical skills
• It may not help much if you’re applying for your very first tech job
• Other certifications might be more practical to start with

Bottom line: If you’re a beginner, ITIL can give you a solid foundation in how IT works in a business setting—but it’s probably best after you’ve picked up some technical skills or experience. If you’ve worked in customer service or tech support and want to move into IT service roles, then ITIL is a smart (and low-risk) next step.

How to Save Money on ITIL Certification

The career benefits of ITIL can be significant, but the costs may initially seem daunting. Luckily, there are ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality preparation:

• Use free resources first. Before buying a course, hit up:
  • YouTube (search: “ITIL Foundation explained”)
  • Reddit’s r/ITCareerQuestions
  • Free PDFs and practice quizzes
• Look for student discounts.
  • If you’re a student, check if the exam provider offers any discounts. Some training platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer lower prices to students.
• Ask your employer to pay.
  • If you’re already working in tech (even part-time), ask your manager or HR team about covering the cost. Many companies have training budgets—you just have to ask.
• Bundle it up with other certifications.
  • Some training providers bundle ITIL with courses like CompTIA or PMP. You can often save 30–50% this way.
• Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Did you know that you can get ITIL-certified for under $200? Don’t get tricked into expensive bootcamps unless they truly fit your learning style.

Alternatives to ITIL for Entry-Level IT Careers

Yes, ITIL certification for beginners is valuable. But if you want options that better fit your goals or focus more on technical skills, here are some popular IT certifications that pay well:

1. CompTIA A+
   • Covers basic hardware, software, and troubleshooting
   • Great for help desk or tech support roles
   • Widely respected
   • Around $250 per exam (there are two)
2. Google IT Support Certificate (Coursera)
   • Designed for beginners
   • Hands-on labs and real-world examples
   • Only $49/month (you can finish in 3–6 months)
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
   • Good if you want to get into the cloud
   • Only $99 for the exam
   • Great add-on if your company uses Microsoft services
4. Cisco IT Essentials or CCST
   • Entry-level networking knowledge
   • Affordable and widely recognized
   • A good foundation for future networking certs

Final Takeaway: Should You Invest in ITIL Certification?

So, is ITIL certification worth it? Here’s the straight-up truth:

• If you’re already in an IT support role and want to move up, ITIL is worth it.
• If you’re new to the field, start with other affordable IT certifications. Obtaining hands-on training from CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support is a good starting point. Consider ITIL as soon as you gain relevant experience.
• If you’re on a tight budget, self-study + exam-only is a smart path—spend under $200 and get certified.
• If your goal is to eventually lead IT teams, manage incidents, or design better IT workflows, ITIL is absolutely useful.

ITIL won’t teach you how to build a computer or fix a network, but it will teach you how to work smarter in IT environments—and that’s something employers love.