Top ITSM and ITIL Certifications in 2026
This page focuses on IT service management certifications, including ITIL-oriented paths and similar ITSM credentials.
How we ranked these certifications
We ranked these certifications primarily by job demand, then salary, remote potential, and accessibility.
Quick picks
Best Overall
Best Beginner Pick
Best Remote Fit
Rankings
#1 · ITIL v4 Foundation
Technology - IT Service Management
Score: 0.67
Price: $600–$700 exam voucher
Time: 15–25 hrs
Salary: $55k–$95k
Difficulty: 2
Demand: 4
Remote: 7
#2 · Atlassian Jira Service Management Certification
Technology - IT Service Management
Score: 0.66
Price: $100–$249 exam
Time: 30–80 hrs
Salary: $75k–$125k
Difficulty: 3
Demand: 4
Remote: 8
#3 · ITIL® 4 Managing Professional (AXELOS / PeopleCert)
Technology - IT Service Management
Score: 0.66
Price: $400
Time: 80–160 hours
Salary: $75,000–$130,000
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 3
Remote: 7
#4 · Freshservice ITSM Certification
Technology - IT Service Management
Score: 0.62
Price: Varies
Time: 15–40 hrs
Salary: $60k–$110k
Difficulty: 2
Demand: 3
Remote: 8
#5 · SolarWinds Service Desk Certification
Technology - IT Service Management
Score: 0.54
Price: $200 exam
Time: 20–60 hrs
Salary: $65k–$115k
Difficulty: 3
Demand: 2
Remote: 8
#6 · BMC Helix ITSM Certification
Technology - IT Service Management
Score: 0.51
Price: $1,025 exam (varies)
Time: 40–120 hrs
Salary: $75k–$130k
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 2
Remote: 7
Quick comparison table
| Certification | Category | Price | Time | Difficulty | Demand | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITIL v4 Foundation | Technology - IT Service Management | $600–$700 exam voucher | 15–25 hrs | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Atlassian Jira Service Management Certification | Technology - IT Service Management | $100–$249 exam | 30–80 hrs | 3 | 4 | 8 |
| ITIL® 4 Managing Professional (AXELOS / PeopleCert) | Technology - IT Service Management | $400 | 80–160 hours | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Freshservice ITSM Certification | Technology - IT Service Management | Varies | 15–40 hrs | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| SolarWinds Service Desk Certification | Technology - IT Service Management | $200 exam | 20–60 hrs | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| BMC Helix ITSM Certification | Technology - IT Service Management | $1,025 exam (varies) | 40–120 hrs | 4 | 2 | 7 |