ISO/IEC 20000 qualification to rival ITIL crown?

By Linda King, G2G3

We've been watching with interest the recent launch of EXIN's new ISO/IEC 20000 series of qualifications. Is the foundation level likely to rival the crown of the ITIL foundation qualification in the ITSM space? It's been an interesting few weeks as far as this is concerned, particularly given that the ITIL V3 exams were withdrawn from Prometric (well-known online certification provider). According to a few other well-respected blogs, these exams will be back up in April, but in the interim, this forces anyone looking to take the exams to have go through a vendor. (Bet the vendors are pleased!)

So, is the ISO/IEC 20000 foundation a sound alternative to the ITIL foundation? (Given that the ISO/IEC 20000 foundation exam IS on Prometric). Only time will tell - but the ISO exams may be unlikely to have the same generic appeal. Mixed reactions abound, with some claiming the ISO exams are highly promising and will make a serious dent in the crown of ITIL, with others more skeptical. One things for certain, the next few months should certainly be interesting from a service management qualification perspective.