Course description: ITIL SM Service Level Management

This qualification covers the Service Management discipline of Service Level Management as described in the IT Infrastructure Library Service Delivery book.

The qualification also covers ITIL Service Management principles in general, and the interdependencies between these and Service Level Management.

Back to top

To be entered for the Practitioners examination leading to the certificate, you must fulfil three requirements:

• Attend an accredited training course and complete the in-course assignment
• Demonstrate at least one years experience in the Problem Management process
• Hold the Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

Candidates taking the examination immediately following a course will be entered for the examination by the course provider. Those wishing to take the central examination should register direct with the ISEB, from whom the entry form can be obtained.

In order to offer training leading to the Practitioners Certificate, course providers must first be accredited by the ISEB. A list of accredited training providers is available on the ISEB web site or from the Examination Officer at the ISEB. The training may be offered in a variety of formats, but is most commonly available as a three-day course.

Back to top

Holders of the ISEB Practitioner Certificate in IT Service Management: Service Level Management will be able to demonstrate their competence in, and their ability to:

• Plan for the implementation of Service Level Management
• Compile and maintain a Service Catalogue
• Construct a suitable structure and format for Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Identify Service Level Requirements (SLRs)
• Negotiate and agree SLAs with the Customer and OLAs with the IT providers
• Monitor, review and report on service performance against SLA and OLA targets
• Implement and manage Service Improvement Plans (SIPs)
• Understand the importance of good Customer relationships
• Evaluate and review SLA s and the process of Service Level Management
• Understand the interdependencies between Service Level Management and other IT and Service Management processes

Back to top

I. Planning

The planning and implementation of the Service Level Management process.

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Understand the planning activities involved in implementation of Service Level Management
• Understand the potential costs, benefits and problems associated with the implementation of SLM
• Know the objectives and scope of SLM
• Understand the importance of good Customer relations

II. Create the Service Catalogue

The compilation of a Service Catalogue to describe the available IT services.

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Create a service catalogue
• Identify and document specific services provided
• Rstablish the relevant characteristics and service requirements for each service
• Identify the relevant information on the use of a service

III. Define the Format

The identification and definition of the appropriate SLA format

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Identify which OLAs are required to deliver the services
• Define the type and format of the SLAs required
• Identify which elements need to be included in the SLA
• Understand the impact of OLAs and Underpinning Contracts on the overall SLA

IV. Negotiate the SLAs

Negotiate, agree and document service levels which match customer business needs and the capabilities of the IT service provider

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Identify the Service Level Requirements for each service
• Relate customer requirements to elements which will be included in the SLA
• Negotiate with the customer to achieve agreement on matching his requirements to the services available
• Produce SLAs which meet the Customer requirements, are unambiguous and written in clear, concise language

V. Monitor and Improve Service

Monitor and report on service levels achieved against agreed targets. Manage a Service Improvement Programme.

On completion of the course, the candidate should be able to:

• Monitor, review and report on performance against targets
• Compile and circulate performance reports and SLAM charts
• Report on service level breaches
• Identify where non-conformity occurs and improvements can be implemented
• Make recommendations and implement actions to rectify any problems identified
• Create and manage a Service Improvement Programme

VI. Review the SLM Process

Ensure the overall process is effective and responsive to changing requirements.

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Recognise where amendments may be necessary to existing SLAs
• Understand the process for introducing new services and SLAs
• Review the Service Level Management process
• Understand and report on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of SLM
• Identify areas of weakness and instigate resolution and proactive improvements

VII. Interfaces and Dependencies

The appreciation and understanding of the interfaces and dependencies of Service Level Management with other IT and Service Management processes.

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Identify and understand the interfaces that Service Level Management has with the other IT and Service Management processes
• Define and document the dependencies of the other Service Management
• processes on Service Level Management processes and information
• Define and document the dependencies of Service Level Management on the other Service Management processes and information
• Implement procedures that facilitate the interfacing and dependence of Service Level Management with all other IT and Service Management processes.

Back to top