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What is the difference between ITIL and Scrum certifications

Posted on on March 15, 2025 | by XLNC Team

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The IT and project management field keeps changing, and practitioners who want to expand their professional prospects consider various certifications to upskill. Two of the most popular certifications in the IT service management and agile project management fields are the ITIL Foundation Certification and the Scrum Master Online Course.

Though both frameworks ensure enhanced efficiency, productivity, and service delivery, they provide services to separate IT and project management domains. Knowing the differences between ITIL Foundation Certification and a Scrum Master Online Course is crucial for ensuring professionals make rational decisions regarding selecting a certification as per their job objectives.

This blog will present a detailed comparison between ITIL Foundation Certification and the Scrum Master Online Course to help you decide which aligns with your career goals.

Understanding ITIL and Scrum: An Overview

Let's first define what ITIL and Scrum are and what they stand for before we explore the differences.

What is ITIL?

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is an internationally accepted framework for IT service management (ITSM). It offers best practices for IT services alignment with business goals, enhanced delivery of services, and operational efficiency.

ITIL Foundation Certification is the starting point of certification that introduces IT professionals to the ITIL framework, important concepts, and procedures. It addresses fundamental elements of IT service management, including incident management, change management, and solving problems.

What is Scrum?

Scrum is an agile project management methodology that emphasizes iterative development, collaboration, and ongoing improvement. It is popularly applied in software development and other sectors where rapid, responsive project delivery is needed.

A Scrum Master Online Course equips professionals to become Scrum Masters—coaches who facilitate teams in applying Scrum concepts effectively. The course teaches agile methodologies, sprint planning, backlog management, and servant leadership.

Whereas ITIL is all about formalized IT service management, Scrum is all about adaptive, flexible project management.

Major Differences Between ITIL and Scrum Certifications

Now, let's see how the ITIL Foundation Certification and the Scrum Master Online Course are different in many ways.

1. Purpose and Focus

ITIL Foundation Certification:

• Is all about IT service management (ITSM).

• It is designed to enhance IT processes, minimise downtime, and improve service delivery.

• Applied in IT operations, infrastructure, and support services.

Scrum Master Online Course:

• Emphasises agile project management.

• Seeks to enhance product development, teamwork, and productivity.

• Applied to software development, marketing, and other agile-themed projects.

If you are in search of a career in IT service management, the ITIL Foundation Certification is perfect. However, if you wish to excel in agile project management, a Scrum Master Online Course is the better option.

2. Framework and Principles

ITIL adopts a framework service lifecycle model, with stages including:

• Service Strategy

• Service Design

• Service Transition

• Service Operation

• Continual Service Improvement

Scrum adheres to an iterative, incremental method, with the main principles being:

• Time-boxed sprints

• Daily stand-up meetings

• Continuous feedback and adjustment

• ITIL is more process-focused, whereas Scrum is more flexible and team-centered.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

ITIL Foundation Certification:

• Prepares professionals to take up jobs in IT service management, like IT Service Manager, Incident Manager, and Change Manager.

• Places emphasis on controlling IT processes as opposed to driving development teams.

Scrum Master Online Course:

• Trains professionals for Scrum Master's role, leading agile teams.

• Aids agile workflow management, communication, and elimination of project hurdles.

• For a career in IT operations, take ITIL. To become an agile team leader, take Scrum.

4. Industries and Application

ITIL finds its usage across industries like:

• IT services and support

• Telecom

• Banking and finance

• Government institutions

Scrum finds application across:

• Software development

• Product management

• Digital marketing

• Engineering and design

Both are useful, but ITIL is better for IT service environments, whereas Scrum is best for agile project implementation.

5. Certification Process and Exam Format

ITIL Foundation Certification:

• The exam has 40 multiple-choice questions.

• Pass mark: 65% (26 correct out of 40 questions).

• No prerequisites.

• Lifetime valid.

Scrum Master Online Course:

• The exam format may differ based on the certifying agency (Scrum.org, PMI, etc.).

• Usually consists of case studies or multiple-choice questions.

• Passing mark: varies (e.g., 85% for Scrum.org's PSM exam).

• No prerequisites, but experience with Scrum is helpful.

• Some Scrum certifications need to be renewed.

If you like formal ITSM training, use ITIL. If you like agile methodology, use Scrum.

6. Career Prospects and Salary

Both ITIL and Scrum certifications can have a dramatic impact on career prospects.

ITIL Foundation Certification holders tend to hold positions such as:

• IT Service Manager (Average Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 per annum)

• IT Operations Manager

• Incident and Change Manager

Graduates of the Scrum Master Online Course usually work as:

• Scrum Master (Average Salary: $90,000 – $140,000 yearly)

• Agile Coach

• Project Manager

While experience and industry vary salaries, both certifications offer great career growth prospects.

7. Which Certification Should You Choose?

If you are an IT services professional, ITIL is perfect. If you intend to manage agile teams, choose Scrum.

Enhance Your Career with a Suitable Certification

Both the ITIL Foundation Certification and the Scrum Master Online Course are useful skills, but for different career streams. ITIL is best suited for IT service management professionals to enhance processes, whereas Scrum is best suited for project managers and agile team leaders.

Irrespective of which certification you opt for, professional training will enable you to reach your goal sooner. At XLNC Academy, we provide expert-guided ITIL Foundation Certification and Scrum Master Online Course programs to ensure your success. 

Take your career to the next level today—join XLNC Academy!