ITAM training guide: Top 5 courses you must explore
Table of Contents
- Why ITAM certification training matters
- How to choose the right ITAM certification training
- Top 5 ITAM training courses
- Final thoughts: Choosing the right ITAM training and tools for success
IT asset management (ITAM) helps businesses plan and implement effective strategies to manage their IT assets. These IT assets include hardware, software, and also information used on the enterprises’ network. Managing these diverse assets can often overwhelm the IT department. This is why ITAM training is essential. ITAM certification training equips professionals with skills to effectively oversee and organize these efforts.
Professionals in ITAM may also need specific certifications to qualify for such roles. This blog will explore top ITAM certifications to help you choose one that suits your job requirements.
Why ITAM certification training matters
ITAM certification training is critical for professionals seeking to excel in managing IT assets effectively. Here’s why it holds significant value:
- Enhanced career opportunities: Demonstrates expertise, thus, increasing your chances of securing high-demand ITAM roles.
- Industry recognition: Validates your skills with globally recognized credentials, and so sets you apart from peers.
- Improved asset management: Equips you with tools as well as strategies to manage IT assets more efficiently.
- Knowledge of best practices: Keeps you updated on industry standards like ITIL and ISO 19770.
- Organizational value: Positions you as a key contributor to your organization’s IT governance and also financial efficiency.
- Scalable expertise: Prepares you to handle growing IT environments, including IoT and also cloud assets.
- Personal growth: Boosts confidence, knowledge, and professional credibility in IT asset management.
How to choose the right ITAM certification training
Here are key steps to help you choose the right ITAM training that aligns with your goals and expertise.
1. Understand your career goals
- Define your objectives: Are you looking to specialize in enterprise software asset management, hardware lifecycle management, or overall ITAM strategy?
- Identify certifications that align with your desired role, such as ITAM manager, SAM consultant, or procurement specialist.
2. Research recognized certification
- Next, look for certifications from reputable organizations like IAITAM, ITIL, etc.
3. Evaluate the curriculum
- Furthermore, check if the course covers key ITAM areas, for example:
- Asset lifecycle management
- Software license compliance
- Cost optimization strategies
- Risk management and governance
- Also, ensure the syllabus includes practical case studies or scenarios relevant to your work environment.
4. Consider training formats
- Choose a format that suits your schedule:
- In-person training: Ideal for hands-on experience as well as networking.
- Online courses: Flexible and also more affordable.
- Hybrid programs: Combine online learning with occasional in-person workshops.
5. Review trainer credentials
- Ensure the trainers are industry experts with real-world ITAM experience.
- Also, look for feedback or testimonials from past participants.
6. Check costs and ROI
- Compare ITAM training costs and additional expenses (For example, course fees, and study materials).
- Evaluate the potential return on investment through career advancement or increased earning potential.
7. Look for post-certification support
- Choose programs offering ongoing support, for example:
- Access to alumni networks.
- Updates on ITAM trends.
- Continuous learning opportunities.
8. Seek recommendations
- Consult colleagues, and also industry forums, to gather insights about valuable certifications and ITAM training providers.
Top 5 ITAM training courses
When it comes to mastering ITAM, choosing the right ITAM training course is essential for career growth.
1. IAITAM
The International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM) offers seven certification courses for ITAM. These courses also cater to various roles, including IT asset managers. Here’s a breakdown:
- CAMP: The Certified Asset Management Professional (CAMP) course covers IT asset management and also IT service management ITSM basics.
- CSAM: The Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM) course teaches effective software asset management. It also helps to address challenges like compliance and piracy.
- CHAMP: The Certified Hardware Asset Management Professional (CHAMP) course focuses on cost-effective hardware purchasing and also maximizing hardware lifespan.
- CMAM: The Certified Mobile Asset Manager (CMAM) course materials helps manage mobile devices, for example, BYOD and corporate-owned ones.
- CITAD: The Certified IT Asset Disposition (CITAD) course provides strategies for the disposal of IT assets, resale, repurposing, and also recycling.
- CAMSE: The Certified Asset Management Security Expert (CAMSE) course integrates IT security and ITAM, thus, enhancing organizational protection.
- CITAM: The Certified IT Asset Manager (CITAM) course offers a comprehensive guide to starting or improving ITAM programs.
Most courses are one-day sessions, however, a few extend to two or three days. Moreover, they run during business hours and are available throughout the year. Participants can often engage with peers in virtual settings, fostering shared learning.
Overall, IAITAM courses emphasize practical exercises and best practices, including:
- Managing software compliance.
- Strengthening IT security.
- Controlling IT assets.
- Communicating effectively with non-IT teams and employees.
- Preparing for disaster recovery.
Pros:
- A variety of courses are customized to specific needs.
- Many courses are often one-day sessions.
- Useful across industries.
Cons:
- Completing all seven courses often takes time.
Cost:
- CAMP, CSAM, CHAMP, CMAM, CITAD, CAMSE: $2,000 each
- CITAM: $3,500
- Discounts are also available for IAITAM members.
2. ITAMOrg
ITAMOrg provides the ITAM Foundation Course, ideal for beginners exploring IT asset management. The course further highlights ITAM’s importance and best practices, including the use of ISO 55000 and ISO 19770 standards.
Participants learn how ITAM supports organizational goals, for example:
- Setting ITAM objectives.
- Managing costs and contracts.
- Ensuring compliance and also security.
- Evaluating hardware as well as software lifecycles.
- Communicating ITAM’s value to stakeholders.
The course also introduces four ITAM areas, for example:
- IT Hardware Asset Management (HAM).
- Software Asset Management (SAM).
- Services and Cloud Asset Management (SEAM).
- People and Information Asset Management (PINAM).
ITAM Foundation classes are available online, either tutor-led or self-paced, and typically last two to three days. The content is also simple enough for accountants and CFOs, however detailed enough for IT security and operations staff.
Pros:
- Suitable for all backgrounds.
- Well-organized for ITAM basics.
Cons:
- Lacks depth for advanced learners.
Cost:
- $1,100 to $1,400, depending on the ITAM training provider.
3. Pink Elephant
Pink Elephant offers an ITAM Essentials course designed for managing hardware, software, and mobile devices. It also covers integrating cloud assets and IoT into IT asset management strategies.
The course provides practical insights for aspiring IT asset managers. Moreover, it explains the steps to set up an ITAM program in an organization. No prior knowledge is often required to join the course.
Additionally, materials are available digitally, but learners can also print them if needed. Once the course is successfully completed, learners can further take the ITAM Essentials certification exam.
You can choose from these formats:
- Self-paced online course (valid for 12 months).
- Online instructor-led sessions for individuals or teams.
- In-person instructor-led ITAM training for teams.
Pros:
- No prerequisites are required.
- Flexible self-paced option.
Cons:
- May not cover in-depth topics.
- Instructor-led sessions take three days.
Cost:
- Self-paced course for an individual: $795.
- Online course for an individual: $2,295.
- Team training: Pricing is available on request.
4. New Horizons
New Horizons offers the CITAM program, which focuses on building foundational IT asset management plans. It includes real-world examples to help learners better understand the material. The course also highlights how ITAM key process areas (KPAs) work together for better outcomes.
Moreover, The CITAM course uses the IAITAM curriculum as its foundation. It is offered once a month during business hours. The certification exam can be taken within 14 days of completing the three-day course. If you fail the first attempt, you can also retake the exam at no extra cost.
Pros:
- Comprehensive ITAM best practices.
- Includes certification exam.
Cons:
- Limited to one certification.
- Requires CSAM and CHAMP as prerequisites.
Cost:
- $3,500
5. Gogo Training
Gogo Training offers certifications in CSAM, CMAM, and CHAMP. These certifications focus on IT hardware, software, and mobile IT device management. Learners can also choose one certification or pursue multiple, depending on their career goals.
- CSAM: This on-demand course teaches best practices in software asset management. It also focuses on understanding software regulations.
- CMAM: This course helps organizations manage mobile devices by creating policies and processes for end-users.
- CHAMP: Students learn to track the lifecycle of IT hardware. The course also covers cost-effective asset disposal strategies.
Pros:
- Great for beginners in ITAM.
- Based on IAITAM’s high standards.
Cons:
- Certification exams must be taken through IAITAM.
- Limited course selection compared to competitors.
Cost:
- CSAM: $1,095
- CMAM: Pricing is available upon request.
- CHAMP: $995
Final thoughts: Choosing the right ITAM training and tools for success
ITAM training equips professionals with the essential skills to optimize asset management, ensure compliance, and drive cost efficiencies. With options like IAITAM, ITAMOrg, Pink Elephant, New Horizons, and Gogo Training, you can choose the course that best fits your career goals.
Apart from the options listed, there are also specialized courses like ServiceNow ITAM training that focus on specific tools and platforms. Once your ITAM training is complete, leveraging the right ITAM tools, like those offered by Virima, can help you put your new skills into action. Virima’s comprehensive tools enhance IT asset tracking, lifecycle management, software license metering, VIVID’s advanced visualizations, vulnerability data integration, and so on.
Think of it as tuning a car—your ITAM training is the engine, and Virima’s tools are the fuel that drives optimal performance.
There’s so much more to explore—contact us today for a personalized walkthrough of Virima’s solutions.