ITIL vs PMP Certification
Compare ITIL and PMP certifications. IT service management vs project management - which framework certification?
ITIL 4 Foundation
Axelos/PeopleCert
PMP
PMI
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | ITIL 4 Foundation | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Axelos/PeopleCert | PMI |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 230 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $400-$500 USD (with training) | $555 USD |
| Exam Format | 40 multiple choice | 180 questions |
| Prerequisites | None | 3-5 years PM experience |
| Validity Period | Does not expire | 3 years (PDUs) |
| Ideal For | IT service managers, support leads | Project managers across industries |
| Salary Range | $80,000 - $120,000 | $115,000 - $165,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
ITIL 4 Foundation Focus Areas
- Service Value System
- 4 Dimensions
- Guiding Principles
- Practices
PMP Focus Areas
- Predictive
- Agile
- Hybrid
- People
- Process
- Business Environment
Our Recommendation
ITIL is for ongoing IT service operations; PMP is for project delivery.
Choose ITIL 4 Foundation
Choose ITIL for IT service desk, support, and operations management.
Choose PMP
Choose PMP for leading projects with defined start/end dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: ITIL 4 Foundation or PMP?
ITIL is for ongoing IT service operations; PMP is for project delivery.
What are the salary differences between ITIL 4 Foundation?
ITIL 4 Foundation typically offers salaries around $80,000 - $120,000, while PMP offers $115,000 - $165,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose ITIL for IT service desk, support, and operations management. Choose PMP for leading projects with defined start/end dates.
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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