The ITIL Service Manager credential is rightfully recognized as one of the most difficult and sought after to attain. In its version 2 form it was a worthy measure of a professionals commitment and grasp of the practical aspects of strategic level service management thinking, albeit with an operational or process bias.

The advent of ITIL version 3 and the lifecycle core has dramatically changed the core focus and underlying perspective to one that attempts to bridge the service provider and customer views.  It is natural or those who had gained the highest version 2 credential to be offered a 'bridge' they can cross to version 3, providing a spearhead of consultants and instructors ready to help the first wave of willing or interested customers.

The Service Manager V2-V3 Bridge class and exam is designed to offer a temporary drawbridge, I say drawbridge because sometime towards the end of 2008 it will be withdrawn.   This article discusses in brief the perceived issues with the first iteration of this exam, and offers a downloadable, detailed analysis of the sample paper as a guide, and perhaps wakeup call to all thinking of delivery the class, or sitting the exam.