Service level management ensures that expectations are clear and performance is measured against agreed standards. In this episode, we’ll define how service level management establishes, monitors, and reviews service level agreements (SLAs) between providers and consumers. Its purpose is to make sure that services are delivered at levels that meet business needs and that both parties share a common understanding of what success looks like. This practice ties closely to value, because customers judge services not by effort but by whether they meet the promised outcomes.

We’ll illustrate this with examples such as defining uptime guarantees for cloud hosting or response times for technical support. On the exam, you may see questions that distinguish between service level agreements, operational level agreements, and underpinning contracts. Remember that the core of this practice is aligning measurable targets with customer expectations. When done well, service level management builds trust and long-term relationships. This episode was produced by BareMetalCyber.com.

The service desk is often described as the “face of IT,” serving as the single point of contact between users and service providers. In this episode, we’ll explain how the service desk practice supports users by handling incidents, service requests, and communications. Its role is not only technical but also relational, ensuring that users feel supported and valued. ITIL highlights the importance of good communication skills, empathy, and responsiveness, alongside technical knowledge. A well-functioning service desk builds trust and keeps services running smoothly by providing both resolution and reassurance.

We’ll connect this practice to real-world examples, such as employees calling for urgent password resets, submitting hardware requests, or receiving updates about system outages. On the exam, expect questions that test your understanding of the service desk as a function that blends people skills and process discipline. A service desk is more than a help line — it is a central pillar of value delivery. This episode was produced by BareMetalCyber.com.

Service request management is one of the most common and visible practices in ITIL, as it deals with handling user requests in a consistent and efficient way. In this episode, we’ll define service requests as formal user-initiated actions such as asking for access to an application, requesting new equipment, or seeking information. The goal of this practice is to provide a streamlined and standardized path so that routine requests are fulfilled quickly and predictably. ITIL emphasizes the use of request models and workflows, which allow organizations to handle high volumes of requests without reinventing the process each time.

We’ll also highlight how this practice improves both efficiency and user satisfaction. For example, self-service portals and automated request approvals reduce delays and free up staff to focus on more complex tasks. For the exam, remember that service requests are not incidents — they are planned, repeatable actions, and the key is consistency in delivery. This episode was produced by BareMetalCyber.com.