MANAGEMENT
2025 Comparison

ITIL vs COBIT Certification

Compare ITIL and COBIT frameworks for IT governance and service management.

Side-by-Side Comparison
Salary Insights
Expert Verdict

ITIL 4 Foundation

Axelos/PeopleCert

Difficulty
Foundational
Duration60 minutes
Cost$400-$500 USD
Valid ForDoes not expire
Salary Range$80,000 - $120,000

COBIT 2019 Foundation

ISACA

Difficulty
Foundational
Duration90 minutes
Cost$395 USD
Valid ForDoes not expire
Salary Range$95,000 - $140,000
Detailed Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side

FeatureITIL 4 FoundationCOBIT 2019 Foundation
ProviderAxelos/PeopleCertISACA
Difficulty Level
Foundational
Foundational
Exam Duration60 minutes90 minutes
Exam Cost$400-$500 USD$395 USD
Exam Format40 multiple choice75 questions
PrerequisitesNoneNone
Validity PeriodDoes not expireDoes not expire
Ideal ForIT service managersIT governance professionals
Salary Range$80,000 - $120,000$95,000 - $140,000
Coverage Areas

What Each Certification Covers

Key topics and domains covered in each exam

ITIL 4 Foundation Focus Areas

  • Service Value System
  • Practices
  • Guiding Principles
  • Value Chain

COBIT 2019 Foundation Focus Areas

  • Governance
  • Management Objectives
  • Components
  • Performance Management
Expert Verdict

Our Recommendation

ITIL focuses on service delivery; COBIT on governance and compliance.

Choose ITIL 4 Foundation

Choose ITIL for IT service management and operations.

Choose COBIT 2019 Foundation

Choose COBIT for IT governance, audit, and compliance.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: ITIL 4 Foundation or COBIT 2019 Foundation?

ITIL focuses on service delivery; COBIT on governance and compliance.

What are the salary differences between ITIL 4 Foundation?

ITIL 4 Foundation typically offers salaries around $80,000 - $120,000, while COBIT 2019 Foundation offers $95,000 - $140,000.

Which certification should I get first?

Choose ITIL for IT service management and operations. Choose COBIT for IT governance, audit, and compliance.

How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?

Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.

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