ITIL Certificate: which is bset amoung EXIN or APMG or Axelos
Certification: Exin ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management - ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management
Choosing between exams can be a tricky thing, especially when the exams all claim to certify the same thing. Your main concern with certifications exam is recognition, but some other factors, such as price, level of difficulty, age of the certifier, and languages available may also influence your decision. However there is no “one exam to rule them all”, but instead there is one exam that might be best for each individual in kind. Here are a few tips on how to choose the certification that’s right for you.
A bit about each exam
First off, to better understand what you are choosing from, it’s best I describe each certifier in short. Also I will try to provide both plus and minus facts about each in turn.
EXIL
EXIL has a wide range of exams. It provides both foundation and advanced/intermediate certification in Cloud, IT Service Management (ITSM), IT Specialists (ITIL), and project management (PRINCE2), Information Security, and many others. PLUS: Most of its tests are digital, can be taken from most personal computers (that pass certain criteria and hardware checks). Also, the certifications themselves are available as soon as results are posted through a digital format. EXIN facilitates examinations in 125 countries and in more than 20 languages. There are about 2 million EXIL certification holders worldwide. You can receive a preliminary result of your exam right after you finish, and if you want to, you can retake the exam the same day. It has been around since 1984.Minus: EXIL does not provide any kind of training, but has some certified partners that offer training.
The price range for EXIL exam is between $230 and $460 (150-360 euros).
AMPG
AMPG is best in providing certifications for management,including Project &Programme and IT Services, however they are mostly notable for their PRINCE2 accreditations. They are up to the highest standards of accreditation set by UKAS. PLUS: Most of their exams are digital/ on-line as well, from home or office. They do not provide training themselves, but they do have numerous accredited training provider partners through ATO. Most exams can be taken in English, French, Portuguese (Brazilian) and Dutch. Certain exams are also available in some other languages. MINUS: Their site does not provide much extra information, however it is well structured for each individual exam. The cost of the exam depends on the region in which it is held. There are apparently fewer total exam holders than for EXIL.
The price range is generally cheaper than that of EXIL, but it fluctuates greatly in regards to region, and there may be some smaller payable fees required for registration.
Axelos
AXELOS is a new joint venture company based in the UK. It is a rather peculiar company, as its scope is not that clear. It is now the legal owner of all PRINCE2® and ITIL® intellectual data. Most of the accreditation is for ITIL®, PRINCE2®, MSP®, M_o_R®, P3O®, MoP® and MoV®. It does not provide training itself, but there they do have accredited partners and offer it through ATO. PLUS: Their young age makes them innovative and open-minded. They are the legal owners of PRINCE2 and ITIL intellectual property. MINUS: There are quite a few minus points to this one. For starters, navigating through their main site is a nightmare. I actually do not know exactly what they are, or even if they provide certifiers for individuals, or for certifying companies.
Despite that, they do have some rather interesting study materials and articles written about the ITIL and PRINCE2 exams, and it might be worth the hassle to visit their site first and see how much you can dig up before the site short-circuits your brain. I swear, their site is just horrible.
No price range is apparent; however I think that they are the ones who set the general guidelines regarding payment over some exams. I’m sorry for the lack of information, but they seemed too important to ignore, even with my lack of knowledge.
The battle
The main thing to consider when taking a certifying exam is the recognition. Between EXIL and AMPG, I’d reckon EXIL has better recognition world-wide thanks both to its age, and the well-built site that offers all information that is needed. In terms of price, AMPG might have an edge as it is a bit cheaper than EXIL. Both certifiers allow for exams to be taken on-line, however EXIL seems a bit more strict over the conditions in which the exam can be taken, but not by much. EXIL also tends to deliver the results rather faster. In terms of picking out the certification you need, EXIL may have its exams a little better structured, and it’s easier to pick out what exam you need and exam-path. AMPG has somewhat of a lack of information and structure regarding their site. Not saying that it’s bad, just worse than EXIL. Also, regarding coverage, EXIL has a bigger array of language options available, and can be taken in a multitude of locations around the world at not price difference. AMPG however modifies its prices depending on the region.
Conclusion
EXIL is overall better. As they say, with age comes wisdom, and that wisdom is apparent. There are more EXIL holders, there are happier EXIL holders. EXIL has a better language and zonal coverage, but it is indeed pricier. The main advantage of AMPG might very well be its price, and the fact that for most European and American residents there isn’t that much of a difference between EXIL and APMG other than price. However, it is easier to search for information regarding certifications over EXIL than APMG. However it’s better to search their sites yourself and find out which option is better for you. Generally, both of the two would provide viable accreditation. But personally, I prefer EXIL.