IT Asset Management (ITAM) is the practice that can help you manage, control, and protect your IT estate, leveling up your IT offering. To run an effective practice, ITAM professionals need to engage with current industry best practices, and ITAM certifications are a massive part of this.
But since there are a lot of training courses available, we wanted to lend a helping hand and get you covered on the basics – as we already did with ITIL certifications.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know before choosing your ITAM training!
Why is it important to have an IT Asset Management certification?
ITAM is a complex set of practices with a massive scope. Hardware, software, the cloud, licensing peculiarities… the list goes on. The onus is on businesses to keep themselves updated with current best practices.
In this sense, to stay relevant in the job market, IT asset managers must keep on top of the latest tools, technology, and best practice guidance.
IT Asset Manager Job Description: Duties, Skills, and Daily Activities
ITAM certification training options
We all learn differently. For some, the in-class experience helps people to immerse themselves in their subject matter. Others prefer the flexibility afforded by online training. Other benefits of online training include:
- Access to a wider range of courses and programs as you're not limited by location.
- Working with a broader range of perspectives.
- Virtual courses tend to be cheaper than in-class options.
- Virtual collaboration opportunities.
On the other hand, those wanting a classroom environment may find it easier to immerse themselves in the subject. Plus, they’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- It supports delegates form stronger connections to the training material and build their networks.
- It suits different learning styles.
So, it’s up to you to choose which ITAM training option suits you best, but we'll help you narrow down your options.
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6 best certifications for IT Asset Management
ITAM training is a crowded market, and there are many courses (and providers). To make it easier for you, we've rounded up some of the best courses by accredited training organizations.
Here's a brief overview of some of the most important certification courses, as well as some pros, cons, and costs (yes, you can thank us later).
1- IATAM
The International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM) has built a strong reputation in the ITAM industry over the past 17 years. As an APMG-accredited organization, IAITAM is often the starting point for professionals looking to specialize in Asset Management. Its influence in shaping ITAM standards makes it a trusted choice for individuals and businesses alike.
IAITAM training courses’ cost goes from $2,000 to $3500, and you can pick among the following:
- CAMP: The Certified Asset Management Professional (CAMP) course is a strong overview of the IT Asset Management process while providing information on IT Service Management (ITSM).
- CSAM: The Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM) course allows students to learn how to manage software assets within the network environment using best practices. Students will also learn how to handle challenges associated with software piracy and with software compliance necessities.
- CHAMP: The Certified Hardware Asset Management Professional (CHAMP) course provides advice and best practices to help professionals find ways to fit within the budget when making IT hardware purchases while also lengthening the lifespan of the current hardware.
- CMAM: The Certified Mobile Asset Manager (CMAM) course ensures IT professionals have the information they need to successfully manage the use of mobile devices — both BYOD and corporate-owned mobile devices — within the corporate network environment.
- CITAD: The Certified IT Asset Disposition (CITAD) course gives students the information they need to help the organization work through the disposal process of IT assets at the end of their useful lifespan. Practices like resale, repurposing, and recycling can help to generate financial gain for the organization.
- CAMSE: The Certified Asset Management Security Expert (CAMSE) course helps students learn how to incorporate security strategies that fit both IT and ITAM, enhancing the organization's overall security strategies for intrusions and attacks.
- CITAM: The Certified IT Asset Manager (CITAM) course is a multiple-day course, giving students an overview of ITAM and the ability to start or make improvements to an existing ITAM program within an organization. After receiving certification in this course, students can design and implement strategies for setting objectives and priorities for the ITAM program.
IATAM pros and cons:
The pros of IAITAM include the variety of certifications, which allow professionals to focus on the exact course they need. Many courses can be completed in only a day, making it appealing for busy professionals. However, if you take all seven courses, it will take days to complete and could be very intensive to do all in one go.
2. Pink Elephant
Pink Elephant has been around since the 1980s and positions itself as the global experts in all things ITAM and ITSM related. Pink Elephant offers ITAM training which focuses on the concepts required for managing hardware, software, and mobile devices across their life cycles. The course also examines how the cloud and the Internet of Things fit into the ITAM environment.
Pink Elephant offers the following certification options:
- Certified Asset Management Professional
- Certified Software Asset Manager
- Certified Hardware Asset Management Professional
And it also offers the following course options:
- Self-paced online course over 12 months
- Online classes with an instructor for an individual or a team
- In-person courses with an instructor for a team
The costs range from $795 for an individual self-paced course to a fully online course at $2,295.
Pink Elephant pros and cons
Their courses strongly focus on ITAM best practices and how they align with ITSM. A major benefit is the self-paced option, which makes it easy to fit into any schedule. On the other hand, instructor-led classes require three days.
There's also no need for prior certifications, making it beginner-friendly. However, the courses are more general, and some learners might want more specialized, in-depth knowledge.
3. ITAMORG
ITAMORG is a global organization for ITAM professionals which offers the ITAM Foundation course. It introduces IT asset management and covers hardware, software, cloud, and information asset management. Their certifications are recognized for aligning with industry standards, including ISO 19770-1:2017 and ITIL 4.
The ITAMORG classes are available as tutor-led online classroom courses and online learning classes. Depending on the certified training organization involved, the courses run over a two or three-day session. ITAMORG’s costs range from $1,100 to $1,400.
Certifications they offer:
- IT Asset Management Foundation Certification (ITAMF): This course provides a basic understanding of ITAM's importance and its relationship with other functions within an organization.
- Software Asset Management Specialist Certification (SAMS): Focused on the software asset lifecycle, this course emphasizes the integration of Software Asset Management (SAM) with existing IT processes
- Hardware Asset Management Specialist Certification (HAMS): This certification covers the hardware lifecycle from acquisition to disposal and addresses Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.
- IT Asset Management Advanced Certification (ITAMA): This top-level certification is designed for senior ITAM professionals, focusing on governance and strategic oversight of all asset types within an organization.
ITAMORG pros and cons
ITAMORG courses are suitable for individuals from various backgrounds. They are well-organized and cover items IT asset managers need to know. However, if you’re looking for more advanced or in-depth training, you might need to look elsewhere.
While ITAMOrg offers a solid foundation through its certifications, some courses may not delve deeply into specialized topics that advanced professionals might seek. Furthermore, certain certifications are still in the planning stages or have uncertain availability dates.
4. Gogo training
Gogo training is a trusted provider of online training and certification programs in various IT disciplines, including IT Asset Management. Their courses are designed with input from industry experts and align with best practices in IT Asset Management.
GogoTraining does not create its own unique courses; instead, it serves as a delivery platform for IAITAM's content. GogoTraining offers courses to prepare for some of the IT Asset Management (ITAM) certifications we already mentioned: Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM), Certified Hardware Asset Management Professional (CHAMP), and Certified Mobile Asset Manager (CMAM).
After completing a course, students must pay separately for the certification exam and take it through the International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM).
Gogo pros and cons
Gogo’s main strengths are its affordability and focus on key ITAM areas. However, the limited number of certifications might be a drawback for those looking for more specialized training. Plus, you’ll still need to take the certification exams through IAITAM, which adds an extra step to the process.
5. New Horizons
New Horizons is a well-established training organization with over 40 years of experience that specializes in providing high-quality IT training and certification programs.
New Horizons offers the Certified IT Asset Manager (CITAM) program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of IT Asset Management (ITAM) processes and best practices. The CITAM program is based on the curriculum from the International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM) and emphasizes practical implementation strategies for managing IT assets effectively.
The course is conducted over three days and costs $3,500, with students able to take the certification exam within a 14-day period after course completion.
New Horizons pros and cons
The course provides a strong overview of ITAM best practices. The curriculum also incorporates real-world examples, which enhance understanding and application of concepts in practical scenarios.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. New Horizons only offers the CITAM certification, which may not cater to individuals seeking multiple certification pathways.
Furthermore, students are required to complete prerequisites in CSAM and CHAMP before enrolling in the CITAM course. This prerequisite requirement could limit access for newcomers to the field who may not have prior certifications or experience.
6. LISA
LISA (Licensing ITAM & SAM Academy) offers on-demand and live training content for SAM, ITAM, and licensing, focusing on IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft license management.
These are some of their course offerings:
- Practical ITAM (PITAM) Foundation Course: This course is designed for beginners to establish a solid foundation in IT Asset Management.
- Advanced PITAM Course: Aimed at experienced professionals, this course helps enhance strategic ITAM practices within organizations.
- IT Asset Lifecycle Management: Focuses on managing the entire lifecycle of IT assets, ensuring compliance and optimization
LISA pros and cons
LISA’s key advantage is its specialization in licensing, a niche that not all training providers cover in depth. Their courses are available on-demand, 24/7, and they also offer a money-back guarantee, which adds some peace of mind. However, it’s a newer organization and might not carry the same weight in the industry as more established providers.
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How to choose the right ITAM certification for you?
The answer is pretty straightforward: when selecting a training course, really think about what you need.
If you're new to ITAM, then the ITAM Foundation courses offered by Pink Elephant or the ICS are a solid choice because they'll give you a strong understanding of the key asset management concepts and provide you with a solid base on which to build upon. Whereas more seasoned professionals will benefit from the more specialized courses offered by IAITAM.
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What can you expect from IT Asset Management training?
IT Asset Management training programs are designed to help professionals effectively manage the full lifecycle of assets, from acquisition to asset disposal.
Most curriculums dive deep into key areas like Software Asset Management, ensuring that professionals can manage licenses, prevent software piracy, and maintain compliance. You'll also learn how to integrate Asset Management with broader IT strategies, such as IT Service Management, which are critical for organizations with growing IT infrastructures.
Becoming an asset manager requires a solid understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of Asset Management. Training programs typically teach you how to design and implement an Asset Management program, create policies for managing assets, and align these processes with business goals.
Many courses also focus on managing challenges related to the cloud and mobile devices, giving you a well-rounded foundation for your career in the IT Asset Management industry.
Key takeaways
As you can see, we didn’t lie: there are many options in the market. IT Asset Management is a field that requires constant and specialized training, but luckily, there are many options available.
You can choose to do in-person training, online and synchronous courses, or even recorded sessions at your own pace. Moreover, there are also alternatives for those that don’t have much time on their hands to attend, or for the ones that enjoy a slower rhythm.
Lastly, if that’s not enough to pick your preferred course, our advice is to consider your role, its objectives, and any organizational goals. Ensure that the ITAM certification that catches your eye fits in with your goals and any personal development plans.
