v2 and V3 certifications

Now, you want (or your smart boss wants you) to become certified.
Don't worry! the process is simpler than it may appear.

ITIL Foundation in service management is the entry level, it is now available in v3 (and still available in v2 if you really want/need). For those who already have a v2, a 4 hours bridge course/exam can bring you to a foundation v3.
With ITIL Foundation, you'll see ITIL's most pragmatic aspects. To me, it's a must-have for each and every IT staff member.
You'll find 3 to 5 days courses to bring you to the certificate but you can also DoItYouself with a good ITIL book (and some self-discipline).
Note that ITIL is a dangerous substance. For me, my first ITIL book has been like the first time I flew a plane, a very disturbing and addictive experience that I'll never forget. Severe psychological disorders may occur, you have been warned!

Once you're addicted, what's next? Today's ITIL Holy Grail is the "v3 expert" certification.
It is modules and credits based and you'll have 2 main options since v3 is still kind of new on the market and some courses/exam are not yet available:
- go though a v2 ITIL manager certification and wait for the V3 manager bridge to be available (in 2009 I guess), or go though a V2 practitioner that you'll complete with v3 modules to have the 22 required credits for the "v3 expert".
- Complete v3 modules when they become available, and then the "Managing though the lifecycle"

Your choice will depend on why and how quick you need to be certified, and, as always, on your budget.