Following the passing an APMG/EXIn exam in IT service management (based on ITIL), some people will wear a metal pin on their shirt or jacket. This badge, provided by the ITSMF with basic gold color is set in the form of the ITIL-logo. The ITIL pins consist of a small, diamond-like structure. The meaning and the shape of the diamond is meant to depict coherence in the IT industry (infrastructure as well). The four corners of the pin symbolise service support, service delivery, infrastructure management and IT management.
There are five colors of ITIL pins - each corresponds to the color of the associated core publication:
ITIL Foundation Badge (Pastel Green). This ITIL lapel pin takes its color from the ITIL Service Strategy book and is awarded on successful completion of the ITIL Foundation exam.
ITIL Intermediate Capability Badge (Burgundy). There are four ITIL Capability courses. (RCV, OSA, SOA, PPO). You are able to apply for this lapel pin once you have passed each exam. Some examination institutes such as APMG International will send the pins automatically with the candidate's certificate. This badge shares its color with the ITIL Service Transition book.
ITIL Intermediate Lifecycle Badge (Teal). For each of the five ITIL Lifecycle courses (SS, SD, ST, SO, CSI), candidates receive this lapel pin after passing the exam. The color for this pin is based on the ITIL Service Operation book.
ITIL Expert Badge (Lilac). This is currently the highest qualification available with ITIL. The lapel pin is awarded to a candidate who attains 22 credits through a combination of ITIL training courses. The pin takes its color from the ITIL Continual Service Improvement book.
ITIL Master Badge (Purple, with the letter M in the middle). Currently in pilot phase this qualification has no training course or exam associated with it. To gain qualification as an ITIL Master, candidates have to have his/her work peer-reviewed by a panel of experts. Once an ITIL Expert has achieved this status, the ITIL Master can wear a lapel pin based on the color of the ITIL Service Design book, which also has a Gold M in the centre.
There are three colors of ITIL V2 pins:
ITILv2 Foundation Badge (green)
ITILv2 Practitioner Badge (blue)
ITILv2 Manager Badge (red)
Exam candidates who have successfully passed the examinations for ITIL will receive their appropriate pin from APMG, EXIN or their certification provider regional office or agent.