Over the past few years, IT service management (ITSM) professionals have grown increasingly vocal about the need for a modern, practical approach to certification – one that reflects today’s realities rather than yesterday’s frameworks. Rising costs, mandatory course sequences, and recurring recertification requirements have made traditional options like ITIL^® 4 less accessible for many.

Recognizing this gap, Professional Designations Corp. (PDC) – in collaboration with Pink Elephant, an IT service management pioneer with over 40 years of ITSM leadership – developed integratedITSM, a new generation of certifications built for how ITSM truly operates in the real world.

The newly released paper, A Side-by-Side Look at integratedITSM™ and ITIL^® 4, gives IT and business professionals a clear, factual comparison between the two schemes – detailing where integratedITSM™ provides greater flexibility, relevance, and long-term value.

What You’ll Learn

This paper outlines how integratedITSM™ reshapes the ITSM certification landscape by addressing common frustrations with legacy models. It explores:

• Flexibility in learning – integratedITSM™ has no mandatory starting course, which allows learners to begin where it makes the most sense for their role or experience.
• No recertification requirement – A one-and-done approach saves both time and money while maintaining the highest standards of credibility.
• Built for today’s realities – The content reflects how ITSM is practiced in fast-moving business and technology environments, emphasizing practical application rather than abstract theory.
• Integrated, holistic thinking – Unlike ITIL’s segmented structure, integratedITSM™ incorporates Lean, Agile, DevOps, organizational change management, and business relationship management – all within one cohesive system.
• Meaningful, measurable skills – Each certification focuses on actionable guidance, operational excellence, and real business alignment.

A Modern Pathway to Professional Growth

The paper also showcases how integratedITSM™ goes beyond simply ‘learning ITSM.’ Its six professional designations – including champion, professional, and several architect-level specializations – create a structured path for developing leadership, innovation, and performance improvement skills.

By removing barriers like recurring costs and outdated structures, the integratedITSM™ designation scheme empowers professionals to learn once, apply always – gaining recognized, career-building credentials rooted in real-world impact.

Download the Full Paper

If you’re evaluating which certification path offers better long-term value and practical relevance, this paper provides the insight you need.

Download: A Side-by-Side Look at integratedITSM™ and ITIL^® 4

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