“I’ll tell you…I don’t know.” – Tevya, Fiddler on the Roof.

I always laugh when I think of the above quote, especially when it comes to controversial subject matter (which never seems to be lacking with ITIL).  I should probably take a step back and warn you that this blog post isn’t going to be a strong argument as to the value of obtaining ITIL Expert accreditation (or is it described as becoming an ITIL Expert?).  On the other hand, I want to share why I want to be known as an ITIL Expert, and believe it or not, it’s for more reasons then having credibility for criticising or promoting ITIL (or coming up with something to blog about since it’s been over a week).

First, I want to throw out there that in the IT industry, ITIL is the oldest published framework for IT Service Management.  If you’re thinking about arguing, please keep in mind that I’m specifically noting IT and nothing else.  It’s true that many concepts/ideas/processes in ITIL really started with something else, but when it comes to IT, all the “good practices” have been combined into ITIL, which is probably why “Library” is fitting to be in the name.  I’ll admit that ITIL doesn’t have absolutely everything essential to running IT, but it’s got a lot.  Since I’m one of those people that has to know “everything,” achieving ITIL Expert really does help to fit my own neuroses.  So reason #1 is I want to be a know-it-all.

Now on to my second reason:  Not only do I want to understand how IT works, but one day I may actually want to contribute some knowledge and experience of my own.  Do I think ITIL is perfect?  Absolutely not. Will it ever be perfect?  Of course not.  But as a body of knowledge it can change.  As history has shown, and as any good dictator will demonstrate, changing a system is best accomplished from the inside.  Trying to start a rebellion of change from the outside hasn’t really worked since the 1700’s (or 1980’s, if you count Star Wars as a true historical record).  Does this mean I’m trying to become the next Caesar of IT?  Of course I am.  As Bush once remarked, things are easier when you’re a dictator.  So in order to contribute to this body of knowledge that I love so much, and maybe even one day help to drag it along its course of evolution, I need to understand it.  Of course, gaining a little recognition for knowing a thing or two doesn’t hurt either.

My third, and thankfully, final reason as to why I want Expert accreditation is simple; I like it.  It’s not perfect (as previously stated) and not everyone needs to drink the cool-aid, but it’s got a lot information that (so far) has proven to have value to my job and career.  Can 100% of the material be applied to real IT work?  No (see http://www.realitsm.com on making it real – you’re welcome IT Skeptic).  But until I see the ITSIL (IT Skeptic Infrastructure Library) come out in publication, ITIL is probably the most comprehensive framework out there when it comes to providing IT services, and I like that.

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Started working in IT in 1999 as a support desk analyst as a way to help pay for food during college. Studied Electrical Engineering for two years before realizing biochemistry was more fun than differential equations, and so ultimately graduated with a Biology degree in 2006. Having (reluctantly) failed at getting accepted into dental school, embraced working in IT and has gone broke becoming an ITIL Expert. Likes to jog, sing camp songs, quote Mel Brooks movie lines and make dumb jokes and loves working for an Israeli tech company where December 25th is a regular work day.