Top 12 ITIL Books for ITIL Foundation Certification

Have you ever wondered which ITIL Book could actually make your certification journey easier? Choosing the right study guide can be the difference between feeling lost and walking into your exam with real confidence. Whether you're just starting out or want to sharpen your IT Service Management skills, the right book can open doors. In this blog, we’ll explore the top ITIL Books that break down complex topics into simple steps. Get ready to find the perfect companion for your ITIL Foundation success!

Table of Contents

1) What is ITIL?

2) Top 12+ Best ITIL Books for Foundation Certification

3) Is ITIL Certification Worth it? 

4) What are the Five Stages of ITIL? 

5) Conclusion

What is ITIL?

ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It is a set of best practices that help businesses manage their IT services. ITIL provides clear steps and guidance to make sure technology works well to support business goals. It focuses on improving customer service, reducing risks, and making IT work more smoothly.

ITIL gives companies a structured way to deliver IT services like setting up computers, handling service requests, or solving technical problems. It breaks down IT work into different stages, such as planning, delivery, and support. For example, if a company wants to set up a new email system, ITIL helps plan each step, from picking the right software to setting up support for users. 

Top 12+ Best ITIL Books for Foundation Certification

If you're preparing for the ITIL Foundation Certification, having the right resources can make all the difference. The following list highlights some of the best books available, each offering unique insights and comprehensive coverage of the ITIL framework. Let’s explore them:

1) ITIL 4 Foundation Exam Study Guide by Liz Gallacher and Helen Morris

This book is a trusted guide for anyone starting with ITIL 4. It explains all important topics clearly and simply, making it easy to understand even if you are new to IT. It also includes practice questions to help you check your learning. 

The book uses real-life examples so you can see how ITIL works in real companies. It covers all the important areas like Service Management, practices, and the ITIL service value system. It also gives good exam tips to help you prepare better. If you want a complete and friendly study guide, this book is a great choice.

2) ITIL 4 Foundation Complete Certification Kit by Liz Gallacher and Helen Morris

This book is a full package for anyone preparing for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It includes clear explanations, real-world examples, and lots of practice questions. The authors explain topics in simple words, making it easy for both beginners and experienced learners. It’s a great option if you want everything you need in one book.

Along with the study guide, it also comes with extra online practice tests to check your progress. The book covers all areas of the exam, like the service value system and ITIL practices. It helps you understand the concepts without feeling stressed. Many readers like how it builds confidence step-by-step for the exam.

3) Passing Your ITIL Foundation Exam by Herne and Rudd

Focusing on exam preparation, this book offers numerous practice questions and mock exams to help candidates familiarise themselves with the ITIL Foundation exam format. It provides effective study strategies and tips for tackling the exam, making it a practical resource for aspiring ITIL professionals.

The book’s emphasis on practice and strategy ensures that candidates are well-prepared and confident on exam day, increasing their chances of success.

4) ITIL Foundation Handbook by TSO

This quick reference guide is ideal for reviewing ITIL 4 Key Concepts and principles of the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It offers concise explanations and summaries of critical topics, serving as a handy revision tool for exam candidates.

The handbook’s compact format and clear presentation make it easy to use for last-minute reviews or quick refreshers, ensuring that candidates can reinforce their knowledge and prepare effectively for the ITIL Certification exam.

5) ITIL 4 Essentials: Your Essential Guide for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam by Philippe Backlund et al.

This book focuses on what you really need to know for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It breaks down the information into small, simple sections, making it easy to study. It is a good choice if you want to quickly understand the key ideas without feeling overwhelmed. The language is simple, and the style is easy to follow.

The book also explains tricky topics in a friendly way, helping you remember the important points. It is perfect for people who are busy and want a quick, effective guide. Many readers like that it covers just enough without adding too much extra detail. It’s a smart pick for exam success.

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6) Foundations of ITIL and ITIL Lite

This book explains both the basics of ITIL and a lighter version called ITIL Lite. It is great for beginners who want a simple and easy start with ITIL concepts. The book shows how ITIL can be used in smaller companies without making it too complicated. It keeps the ideas simple and focuses on what really matters.

It is a good choice if you want to understand ITIL without getting lost in too many details. The examples are easy to follow and show how ITIL helps in real life. You will also learn how to fit ITIL into a business without a big budget. This book is a nice introduction for anyone new to ITIL.

7) Introduction to the ITIL Service Lifecycle

This book is a must-read for anyone preparing for the ITIL Foundation Certification and those seeking to understand the core concepts of the ITIL framework. It serves as an official introduction to ITIL Service Management as outlined in the ITIL Service Lifecycle framework. The book is designed to provide readers with a foundational understanding of ITIL principles and offers an overview of the ITIL Service Lifecycle Stages.

It explains how these lifecycle stages interconnect to enhance the quality of IT services within an organisation. The aim is to improve efficiency and productivity of IT services with business objectives. The book is tailored to provide insight into the management of IT services.

8) ITIL Foundation Essentials: The Exam Facts You Need

This concise yet comprehensive book is tailored for individuals preparing for the ITIL Foundation Certification exam. Designed as a quick reference book, it distils the core elements of the ITIL framework into digestible, exam-relevant facts and summaries. This book is particularly beneficial for those short on preparation time, focusing on the most important aspects of the ITIL syllabus.

The book excels in its clear and concise presentation, effectively organising the crucial elements of ITIL to be easily comprehensible and memorable. It thoroughly addresses the basic principles, processes, and practices of IT Service Management as defined by ITIL, equipping readers with the necessary knowledge to succeed in the ITIL Foundation exam.

By highlighting key terms, concepts, and the essential components of the framework, it serves as an excellent resource for both revision and self-assessment.

9) ITIL for Beginners: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to ITIL

ClydeBank Technology's ITIL for Beginners is a step-by-step guide designed to help you earn the ITIL Foundation Certification.

This 98-page guide covers the ITIL lifecycle modules, offering proven strategies and steps to help you quickly grasp the concepts. The entire topic of IT Service Management is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

10) ITIL Foundation Exam Reference Book 

This book is a simple, direct guide to everything you need for the ITIL Foundation exam. It covers all the key topics in a clear and easy way, without too much theory. It is designed to help you revise fast and remember the main points easily. Many people use it as a last-minute review before their exam.

The book focuses on important exam terms and gives short, clear explanations. It also includes practice tests to check your knowledge. If you want a book that saves you time and helps you feel confident, this is a great choice. It’s short, sharp, and focused on exam success.

11) ITIL Lifecycle Publication Suite - 2011 Edition

This set of books provides a complete overview of the five core ITIL lifecycle stages: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. It is more detailed than a simple study guide and is perfect for those who want to build a deep knowledge of ITIL beyond just passing the exam.

Each book in the suite focuses on one part of the lifecycle and explains how services are planned, created, delivered, and improved over time. Although it is more detailed, the information is very useful for serious learners who want a strong understanding of how IT Service Management works at every level.

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12) ITIL Foundation All-in-One Exam Guide by Jim Davies

This book is a complete resource for anyone preparing for the ITIL Foundation exam. It covers all topics in a simple and structured way, making it easy to follow even if you are new to ITIL. The book includes clear explanations, review questions, and a full practice exam to check your knowledge.

It is perfect for those who want everything in one place: study material, tips, and practice tests. Many readers like how it explains hard topics in an easy and friendly style. It’s a great choice for both learning and last-minute revision.

Is ITIL Certification Worth it? 

Yes, ITIL Certification is worth it if you want a strong career in IT Service Management. It helps you understand how to deliver better IT services and manage them well. Many companies prefer hiring people who have ITIL Certification because it shows you know the best ways to handle IT work. It can also help you get better job opportunities and higher salaries.

What are the Five Stages of ITIL? 

The 5 stages of ITIL are Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. Service Strategy is about planning what services a business needs. Service Design focuses on creating these services in a way that works best. Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Improvement help launch, manage, and make services better over time.

Conclusion

We hope this blog helped you find the best ITIL Books to prepare for your certification. Having the right book can make your learning easier and more organised. Whether you are a beginner or want to improve your IT Service Management skills, these books can guide you well. Stay focused, keep practising, and you will be ready to succeed in your ITIL Foundation journey. Good luck!

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