ITIL4P-CI is a certification that verifies the ability to continuously improve application processes, achieve cross-process integration, and enhance service value.

1. Introduction to the ITIL 4 Practitioner Continual Improvement (ITIL4P-CI) certification

ITIL 4 Practitioner Continuous Improvement (ITIL4P-CI) is an ITIL 4 intermediate practical certification exam launched by AXELOS in the UK, focusing on the ITIL 4 core continuous improvement practice module. It is also the only certification in the ITIL 4 system that specifically verifies the ability to implement continuous improvement throughout the entire process.

The core goal of ITIL 4 Practitioner Continuous Improvement is to verify that candidates will integrate the concept and methods of continuous improvement into the entire lifecycle of IT services. Through quantitative analysis, root cause positioning, and cross team promotion, they will achieve the professional ability to continuously enhance the value of IT services, optimize processes, and gradually improve resource utilization efficiency. It is the core advanced proof of IT service management from basic theory to practical implementation.

The ITIL 4 Practitioner Continuous Improvement certification is an upgraded version of the ITIL V3 continuous improvement process, which integrates modern improvement methodologies such as PDCA, lean, agile, and DMAIC. It breaks the limitations of traditional "one-time improvement without follow-up tracking" and emphasizes the continuous improvement concept of "data-driven, full staff participation, closed-loop management, and value quantification. "It solves the core pain points of "continuous improvement in form, without implementation methods, and unable to quantify value" in enterprises, and is an authoritative proof of its ability to promote the maturity of enterprise IT service systems.

The core positioning of ITIL 4 Practitioner Continuous Improvement is "standardized practical ability verification for continuous improvement of IT services." Unlike ITIL 4 Foundation, which only masters the basic theory of the "seven step process of continuous improvement," and also different from the strategic planning of high-level specialists/managers, this exam focuses on the implementation, cross process integration, and value quantification of continuous improvement throughout the entire process.

2. Why Earn Your ITIL 4 Practitioner Continual Improvement Certification?

AXELOS's ITIL 4 certification is a universal standard in the global ITSM field, while ITIL4P-CI is currently the only practical certification that focuses on continuous improvement practice. Different from practitioners who only understand theory, this certification is the core standard for companies to select "practical, practical, and energetic" talents when recruiting for positions related to continuous improvement process optimization, significantly enhancing resume competitiveness.

The certificate holder is able to establish a normalized continuous improvement system for the enterprise that is "data-driven, fully involved, and closed-loop management," integrating improvements into all IT service processes. This not only reduces IT operating costs, but also transforms the results of IT service improvements into tangible business value, achieving deep integration between IT and business.

Continuous improvement is a core element of the ITIL 4 service value system and a key test point for ITIL 4 MP certification. Through ITIL4P-CI, the practical foundation of continuous improvement can be strengthened, paving the way for obtaining MP certification and achieving a career transition from "practical engineer" to "ITSM management talent."

One of the core pain points of enterprise digital transformation is the rigidity of IT service processes that cannot adapt to the rapid iteration of business, and continuous improvement is the core method to solve this problem. Holders of certificates can promote the establishment of a normalized improvement system for enterprises, enabling IT services to continuously adapt to the needs of digital transformation, and become the core drivers and value guarantors of enterprise digital transformation.

This certification not only teaches improvement methods for IT services, but also cultivates candidates' data-driven analytical skills, cross team driving abilities, and value quantification expression abilities. These abilities are universal core competencies for IT practitioners to advance to management positions and are applicable to all IT fields. Their professional value can be reused in the long run.

3. Overview of the ITIL 4 Practitioner Continual Improvement Certification

The ITIL 4 Continuous Improvement Practitioner certification is a specialized intermediate certification within the ITIL 4 system that focuses on building and improving an organization's ability to "self-evolve." It goes beyond passive response to events or management processes and aims to systematically cultivate your full process leadership and execution abilities to proactively identify improvement opportunities, design improvement plans, quantify value, and drive organizational change.

This certification strictly follows the AXELOS official practice guide and has built a complete framework from concept to action. Certification begins with the core concepts and value modules of continuous improvement, clarifying its core engine position in the ITIL service value system.

The soul and core test point of ITIL 4 is the seven step continuous improvement process implementation module, which requires you to be able to skillfully apply the closed-loop process from "defining vision" to "solidifying results" in any real improvement scenario.

The cross process integration module of continuous improvement with other ITIL practices tests your ability to break through service management silos, integrate improvement practices into specific workflows such as change, deployment, and event management, and collaborate with agile/DevOps methods. The Tools, Technology, and Quantitative Analysis module provides practical tools such as root cause analysis and value stream mapping, as well as the ability to translate IT improvements into business value language.

Finally, the promotion, performance evaluation, and maturity enhancement modules hone your change management, performance evaluation, and risk management skills as an improvement leader. The core of this certification is to transform 'continuous improvement' from a slogan into a rigorous methodology that is executable, measurable, and embedded throughout the entire lifecycle of IT services.

4. What are the requirements to be an ITIL4P-CI certification holder?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

The prerequisite for applying for ITIL4P-CI is that you need to hold a valid ITIL 4 Foundation certification. You need to complete the official training courses of AXELOS authorized ATO institutions. Without an official training certificate, you cannot complete the application and there is no self-study application channel.

We recommend that you have 1-2 years of ITSM related work experience and be familiar with the actual operation of at least 1-2 core ITSM processes.Understand Agile DevOps、Lean and other modern management concepts, experience in process optimization and service quality evaluation is preferred for professionals who can better understand cross process integration scenarios in exams, possess basic data-driven analysis thinking, and understand KPI indicator design and data collection methods. 

(2) Training and examinations:

ITIL4P-CI has 20 Single choice question questions, including 12-15 practical situation analysis questions, and a few concept matching multiple-choice questions.

The exam for native English speakers lasts for 30 minutes; non-native English speakers can apply for an extension of up to 75 minutes. The passing standard is a maximum score of 20 points, with 13 points or above being considered passing. It is globally standardized and has no fixed passing rate.

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The ITIL4P-CI certificate is valid for 3 years. You need to complete 22 AXELOS accredited CPD credits or take the ITIL 4 Advanced Certification for automatic renewal before the expiration date.

5. Comparable Certifications to ITIL 4 Practitioner Continual Improvement Certification

• ITIL 4 Specialist: Collaborate, Assure and Improve (CAI)
• ITIL 4 Specialist: Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB)