By Donna Knapp You have signed up for a certification class. What that tells us is that you want to pass the exam. But first, you have to study for the exam. Here are a few strategies you can use to stay calm and focused and build the confidence needed to crush that exam. 1. Prepare for class In a perfect world, you start preparing to take the exam before you enter the classroom. For each of our certification classes we provide pre-class assignments that are designed to introduce many of the key vocabulary terms and concepts you need to know for the exam. Completing these assignments will enable you to become familiar with the content, making it easier to follow along and participate in class. You will also be more likely to remember and retain the information as it will be reinforced in class. We also encourage you to block out time on your calendar for 1 to 2 hours of homework, in addition to the class itself. This time before or after class each day is essential to reinforc...

Becoming an ITIL Master - the Why: Enhanced Expertise: The ITIL Master designation demonstrates a deep understanding of ITIL concepts, methodologies, and best practices. It showcases your expertise in managing IT services effectively and efficiently. Value to Employers:  Organizations are constantly looking for professionals who can improve their IT service management practices. Holding the ITIL Master makes you a valuable asset to employers seeking to enhance their IT service capabilities. Career Advancement: Holding the ITIL Master can open up various career opportunities. Many organizations value certified professionals for leadership roles, strategic planning, and process improvement initiatives.  Industry Recognition: ITIL is globally recognized and widely adopted by organizations of all sizes. Being an ITIL Master adds credibility to your profile and can make you a sought-after professional in the industry. Problem-Solving Skills: The certification process involves s...

In the thrilling galaxy of IT Service Management (ITSM), a shining star has illuminated the path to excellence for two decades. ITSM Academy proudly celebrates its 20th year, and in a cosmic twist, announces its sponsorship of the Pink Elephant's 27th Annual International IT Service Management Conference and Expo, themed around the legendary Star Wars saga. 20 Years of Excellence:   Since 2004, ITSM Academy has been a force for good in the realm of IT service management education and training. Adaptability and evolution have been the Academy's lightsabers, cutting through the challenges of the ITSM landscape. With two decades of commitment to empowering professionals, ITSM Academy continues to equip them with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the ITSM domain. Conference Sponsorship in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: As a proud sponsor of the Pink Elephant's 27th Annual International IT Service Management Conference and Expo, ITSM Academy's booth celebrates, ...

As I reflect on the incredible journey of the past two decades, I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of appreciation. Today marks the 20th anniversary of ITSM Academy, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all the Academy friends & family. 🙏 Gratitude for Endless Support: To our industry partners, and collaborators—thank you for your unwavering support. Your encouragement and shared experiences have been a source of inspiration throughout this incredible journey. ITSM Academy's Company Philosophy was crafted in early 2004. I'm delighted to say if I were to write it again today... this is still what I would say.    Company Philosophy We believe people are our greatest resource – and count on each member of our team to be a superstar who, collectively, creates a high-performance team. We treat our people with respect and learners as guests in our home. We recognize suppliers as partners in our efforts. We realize our people’s input and energy...

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, investing in employee training is a crucial step toward maintaining competitiveness and fostering growth. However, it's essential to ensure that your organization's training dollar spend translates into meaningful outcomes and lasting benefits. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies to help your organization extract the maximum value from its training investments. ITSM Academy, Founder and CIO, Lisa Schwartz, recently presented a webinar on this topic, with practical advice about maximizing your investment once the decision has been made to conduct training - watch here Align Training with Business Goals: The foundation of a successful training initiative lies in its alignment with your organization's strategic objectives. Before investing in any training program, carefully assess how it contributes to key business goals such as improved performance, increased sales, or enhanced customer satisfaction. When training is...

ITIL ® has long been one of the few professional certifications that did not require holders to re-certify or perform any sort of continuing education to maintain the credential. As of January 2023, that changed. Under PeopleCert's new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, individuals who hold certain credentials are now required to recertify or record professional development points to keep their certifications in good standing.   PeopleCert , the sole examination institute of ITIL, has designed this program to help candidates show their commitment to continuing professional development and be able to stay ahead in a competitive labor market. By recertifying, individuals can demonstrate their understanding and up-to-date knowledge of best practices to support professional development. Beginning January 2023, all Global Best Practice certifications will need to be renewed after three years. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have: Which certificatio...

By Donna Knapp For more than 50 years, billions of people around the globe have celebrated Earth Day every April 22nd. When Earth Day was first introduced in 1970 there were no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment. Today there are more but there is still work to do. This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Our Planet’, reminds us that businesses, governments, and each of us individually are equally responsible for protecting our increasingly fragile planet and adopting more sustainable practices. ITSM professionals are in a unique position to contribute to a green, prosperous, and equitable future. A great first step is to look at how we can minimize and manage e-waste. According to the United Nations E-Waste Monitor report, it is estimated that 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste are produced every year worldwide. Only about 17 percent of this waste is properly collected, documented, and recycled. Much of the remaining 83 percent of e-waste sits idle in homes and businesse...