Service Operation (SO) - ITIL® v3 Intermediate Service Lifecycle Module
The SO focuses on the principles, processes, operational activities and functions that enable organizations and individuals to successfully manage how their products and services perform.
Purpose of The Service Operation Certification
The Service Operation (SO) module is one of the certifications within the ITIL® v3 Service Lifecycle workstream. This module focuses on the principles, processes, operational activities and functions that enable organizations and individuals to successfully manage how their products and services perform. These activities can also help improve their IT service management.
The SO module focuses on the coordination and execution of activities that enable the ongoing management and operation of the products or services developed or implemented during the service strategy, design and transition phases of the IT Service Lifecycle as well as any technology and support resources that are used to deliver them.
The course covers management and control of activities and techniques that are documented in the ITIL v3 Service Operation publication, but it does not provide the full detail of each supporting process. More information about these processes can be found in the Operational Support and Analysis module from the Service Capability workstream.
Understanding of Service Operation best practice enables organizations and IT teams to effectively sustain and maintain the products and services they develop and ensure that they provide efficient resources for their users.
Target Audience
The Service Operation certification would suit candidates in the following roles:
- Release Manager
- Security Administrator
- Applications Support
- IT Operations Manager
- Database Administrator
- Problem Manager
- Service Desk and Incident Manager
- Network Support
- Security Manager.
This list is a guide only, and choices will depend on the candidate's individual career goals and objectives.
ITIL Credit System
Under the ITIL Credit System, you must earn a number of credits from each ITIL qualification to progress to the next level within the ITIL scheme.
The SO module is worth three credits towards the minimum of 17 required to progress to the Managing Across the Lifecycle module, which is the final step before the ITIL Expert Level.
See our ITIL Credit System page for more information.
Exam Format
- Multiple choice examination questions
- Eight questions per paper
- 28 marks required to pass (out of 40 available) - 70%
- 90 minutes’ duration
- Closed book.
Taking the Service Operation Exam
The Service Operation certification can only be taken as part of an accredited training course.