The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is where everything starts. Passing the exam can be a stressful thought, but the thing is it’s totally possible even with a full-time job.
The key to passing the exam is, getting the exam figured out, setting up a smart study plan and practicing in ways that you remember.
In this blog, let’s walk through everything step by step. From discussing the purpose of this exam, organising your studies, tips and trick that work and common mistakes learners make at the exam.
Before you take the exam, you must know the exam
- Format: 40 MCQs
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Pass marks: 65%
- Type: Closed book
Focus on the Areas that Matter the Most
Not all the areas in the syllabus requires the same amount of focus. If your goal is to pass in the first attempt, it’s important that you understand the key areas that you should pay more attention to.
These are the areas that the exam focuses more on.
- ITIL 4 concept
- The principles
- The service value system & service value chain
- The dimensions of service management
- The key practices.
Tip: Use the 80/20 Pareto Principle: 80% of the result comes from 20% of the action.
The Study Techniques- Week Based Plans
The most important part of creating a study plan is to pick one that suits you based. Here are 2 hand picked study routines you can use to prepare for the ITIL exam based on what suits you the best.
The 8-week plan: Best for Full time professionals
Week 1 to 2: Focus on reading and understanding the basics. Read the syllabus and create a simple cheat sheet for quick revision. Note the key concepts, principles and more.
Make a plan on which section you plan on covering each day with a realistic time allocated.
Week 3-4: Explore the topics deeply. Study at least 2 practices each day with complete focus and understanding.
Write down why each matter and try explaining them to strengthen memory retention.
Week 5-6: Clear all the doubts, revise what you studied so far. Try explaining out loud and revise the areas you don’t remember.
Try drawing rough mind maps or even small diagrams to understand better.
Week 7: Practice mock tests and time management. Set a timer and check if you can complete all the questions within the given time.
Figure out the areas you ag at focus more on those sections. Write down reviews for the questions you couldn’t understand.
Week 8: Complete final revision with repetition of all the study materials you’ve created so far. Reread the revisions. Take at least one complete mock exam each day fir this week.
Make sure this plan leaves at least one extra day before you sit for the exam. Rest and stay calm the day before the exam. Try avoiding screen activities consisting doomscrolling. This can mess with your ability to stay focused during the exam.
The 4-Week Study Plan
You should at least put 4 hours of deep focus free of distractions everyday if you choose this study method
Week 1: Learn the 7 guiding principles, the service value chain and the key practices.
Week 2: Learn the other areas of ITIL 4 given in the study materials provided to you by your educational institution.
Week 3: Do mock quizes and spot your week areas. Learn and relearn everything every day until the day of the examination.
Week 4: Review and revise. Focus on the definitions, the relationships and the tricky terms. Use all the notes and cheat sheets you prepared throughout your study period.
Now, Tips & Tricks
- Eliminate the wrong answers
In the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, you will be given multiple choice questions with just one correct answer. Therefore, cross out the answers that you feel are wrong for sure. This makes it easier for you to choose the right answer with less confusion.
- Study the relevant topics
The entire syllabus isn’t relevant to the examination. There are areas that the test focuses on. Study these areas deeply so that you can study what’s essential to pass the examination instead of putting all your energy in the wrong things.
- Pay attention to negative questions with "NOT"
While you’re facing the exam, you might misread the questions due to time pressure and stress. Make sure to read the questions carefully and patiently. Each mark is a golden point.
Wrapping Up
After all, this is just another examination. It can be daunting by with the right plan set, proper understanding and perfect pace acing the ITIL 4 Foundation won’t be so hard. Good luck. Shoot your shot with confidence and preparation.
