Browse our certifications
Find training
Open page navigation
IT managementService Management

Service Management made sustainable

The OpenSM framework explains how to manage modern IT-enabled services, sustainably. It can help your organisation adopt and improve service management.

It was developed by IN.SI. Srl, a company that has aggregated the contribution and interest of several organizations that are committed to developing and improving Service Management.

OpenSM is aimed at both organizations with a very low maturity in ITSM, and companies that are already aware of ITSM Practices. OpenSM has combined common terminology and concepts from established frameworks, with the latest methodologies and technological advances.

The history of OpenSM

IN.SI. Srl created OpenSM because the existing ITSM frameworks were not fit for purpose for many companies in Europe and other parts of the world who have not yet completed their journey to adopt the most consolidated ITSM practices. The average level of Service Management maturity meant many organisations could not adopt the advanced guidelines proposed by the latest versions of established frameworks such as ITIL® or COBIT®, for example. Other existing models lacked the overall structure needed to steer an ITSM implementation.

OpenSM is the only ITSM framework that offers a structure (through its operating model), and sustainable guidance appropriate for the maturity level of most companies in emerging markets, and also in many organisations in Europe and US.

Sustainable IT Service Management

The sustainability of organizations is probably the most important trend this decade, and maybe in the whole century. Environmental impact, but also social aspects and other elements of sustainability are becoming more and more important for all companies. IT services cannot ignore such issues. When OpenSM was developed, one of the embedded, structural elements was IT sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, workplace and procurement aspects of the IT Service Provider and related stakeholders. Building sustainability practices into this framework, even at foundation level, strongly differentiates OpenSM from other models. OpenSM can also integrate with existing frameworks, as it uses the same terminology and analogies found in these frameworks. An organization can therefore switch to OpenSM, even if they have already invested in other approaches.

OpenSM Foundation badge

OpenSM Foundation

Service Management made sustainable

Service Management
Who is it for?

This certification is for individuals wishing to build their competence as a Service Manager either in preparation for taking on that role, or as somebody already fulfilling the role who wants to ensure that they are.

A company that has already made investments in education and adoption of ITSM practices with other frameworks can decide to move to OpenSM with OpenSM Foundation, being guaranteed of a full “portability” of the previous knowledge into the new approach.

What are the key things you will learn?
  • ITSM key concepts and terminology
  • Basic sustainability concepts
  • Guiding principles
  • Sustainability in IT
  • IT Service Provider key competences
  • Holistic Approach
  • Continual Improvement
  • Governance vs. Management
  • How to build value for the Business with ITSM practices
  • Processes and Guidelines
Exam Format
  • 50 multiple choice questions
  • 1 hour duration
  • Pass mark: 28 marks or more
  • Closed book (no reference materials permitted)
  • Exam language: Italian

Rate your experience with us...

FIND A TRAINING PROVIDER

Advanced options

SFIA Framework

Visit SFIA
The SFIA Framework is the global common reference for skills and competency for the digital world
SFIA is a globally recognised framework that “identifies skills needed for the Information age”. This APMG certification has been mapped against the SFIA Framework to help you see which certifications are most relevant to your professional development.
OpenSM Foundation
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Generic attribute Knowledge level 3
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Knowledge level 4, Methods and tools level 5, Business process improvement level 5 and Organisational capability development level 5
...

RELATED PRODUCTS

orbital view of earth at night

ISO/IEC 20000

The globe's most recognized standard for confirming exceptional IT Service Management

View more

Technology Business Management (TBM) Certification Training

Gain the knowledge to understand the fundamentals of implementing Technology Business Management

View more
Image for SRE Site Reliability Engineering product page

Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)

Learn the methodology developed by Google to align system administration with customer outcomes

View more

CONTACT US

FAQs

What is OpenSM™?

OpenSM is a simple framework for adopting and adapting service management into an organization. The OpenSM framework introduces candidates to the management of modern IT-enabled services, taking into account new methodologies and technological advances, and integrates the concept of sustainability. It includes common terminology and key concepts and demonstrates how to adopt and improve service management within your organization.

Do I have to receive training to sit the exam?

Yes, training is mandatory. The full list of OpenSM ATOs can be found at https://www.apmg-international.com.

How can I train for the OpenSM examinations?

Training for OpenSM is available from the network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG International. The full list of OpenSM ATOs can be found at https://www.apmg-international.com. Only these organizations and registered partners/affiliates are authorized to deliver OpenSM training.

How do I sit the exam?

Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) usually include the examination as part of their training course – please check with your ATO before booking.

How much does it cost to sit the OpenSM examination?

The cost of the exam is generally included in the course fee but please check with your training provider at the time of booking.

How much does the training course cost?

The cost of the training course is set by the training provider. Training providers may offer public courses (where individuals can book a place on an advertised course date) as well as in-company training for you and your colleagues.

Most training providers are now offering online, self-paced training as well as virtual classroom delivery, so please check their websites for details of the course formats, availability and prices. We recommend that you check the course details and prices with several providers to before making a booking.

Are there any pre-requisites for the OpenSM examination?

There are no pre-requisites for the OpenSM Foundation exam, however attendance at an accredited training course is mandatory.

What are the main publications for OpenSM and where can I purchase them?

There is no supporting textbook or publication for OpenSM. Candidates must attend an accredited training course and will be provided with all the relevant materials during the course.

Which languages is the OpenSM Foundation examination available in?

The OpenSM Foundation exam is only available in Italian.

How long will it take to learn the OpenSM material?

OpenSM Foundation courses are generally delivered over 2 days. However, it is well worth investigating with individual training providers, as some will offer tailored, online or blended learning solutions.

What is the structure of the OpenSM examination?

Summaries of the structure of the OpenSM Foundation examination is below:

  • 50 multiple choice questions
  • 1 hour duration
  • Pass mark: 28 marks or more (out of 50)
  • Closed book (no reference materials permitted)

Can I take any books or supporting materials into the exam?

No additional materials are permitted during the exam.

Is there a sample paper that I can practice on?

Yes, all candidates can access a sample exam paper to practice on via the Candidate Portal. Access to the Candidate Portal is given once your ATO has registered your exam date and time with APMG.

How long is the OpenSM qualification valid for?

The qualification is not valid for a defined period and will not expire.

When can I expect the results of my OpenSM examination?

OpenSM Foundation examinations can be marked at the end of your exam with provisional results provided.

APMG will issue formal notification of your exam result once your exam paper has been received back into our office. All results will be made available in your Candidate Portal.

When will I receive my certificate?

Candidates will be able to claim their digital badge and electronic certificate from their APMG Candidate Portal within two business days of their exam result being issued.

What is an OpenSM digital badge?

Digital badges allow you to easily showcase your achievements online.

When you pass an exam - you'll instantly have the option to claim a digital badge representing your new certificate.

Your badge can be embedded on an email signature, website, social media or digital CV.

With just one click employers, customers and clients can easily view and verify your credentials and skills.

Please download our digital sharing presentation for more information.

How do I claim my OpenSM digital badge?

Once you’ve been notified that you’ve passed your exam - you will have the option to create a digital badge in APMG's Candidate Portal.

Visit APMG's Candidate Portal, view your exam results and select 'Create Badge'.

This takes you to the Credly website where the digital badges are hosted. You will be guided through the Credly account creation process.

Once you have created an account with Credly - login into the account and accept your pending badge.

How do I access my digital badge and/or certificate?

You can always access all your electronic certificates and badges via the APMG Candidate Portal. Once you have logged on to the Candidate Portal, click on the ‘Badges and Certificates’ option from the menu bar at the top of screen. From here you should click on the ‘Create Badge/Certificate’ button. This will take you to the Credly platform to create and account and download your badge and certificate.

Step-by-step guidance is available to download from the ‘Badges and Certificates’ area in your Candidate Portal.

Electronic certificates are environmentally friendly, but you can print the certificate yourself at home or work, if required.

If you have any problems with accessing your digital certificate, please contact our Customer Interaction Team - servicedesk@apmg-international.com

What is the pass mark for the OpenSM examination?

The pass mark for the OpenSM Foundation examination is 28 out of 50.

How do I become an OpenSM trainer?

To be eligible to apply to become an OpenSM trainer, individuals must hold the certificate for the course that you wish to teach. All trainers must be ‘sponsored’ by an APMG accredited training organization. To find out more about becoming a trainer, please contact your local APMG representative: https://apmg-international.com/contact

How do I become an OpenSM accredited training organization (ATO)?

An organization wishing to become a OpenSM ATO must first contact our Customer Service team. They will put you in touch with your local business development manager who can discuss the accreditation process with you. 

Can I use the OpenSM logo?

Only organizations licensed to do so are allowed to use the OpenSM logo. Such organizations include OpenSM ATOs (Accredited Training Organizations) who have been approved by APMG International. Individuals are not permitted to use the OpenSM logo, however, all individuals who pass the exam are awarded with a digital badge which can be shared on social media and embedded into your CV/resume.

Can I earn PMI® PDUs for attending an accredited training course?

It is possible to earn PMI Education PDUs for attending third-party provider training (training courses not offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner), as long as the training meets the requirements around the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle. Please check the PMI website (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certification-resources/maintain/earn-pdus/education) for further details on how to record your PDUs and what supporting evidence is required.

FIND ME A TRAINING PROVIDER

OpenSM™

Please tell us your training requirements and we'll find you a training provider

BECOME A TRAINING ORGANISATION

Please provide your company details to begin your journey to becoming accredited

Close

Certifications & Solutions

Accredited Training Organizations

Leadership

Accredited training providers

Certifications & Solutions

Select any filter and click on Apply to see results