Here is the recommended sequence for reading ITIL posts on this site to help you navigate your ITIL exam process:
After doing an in-depth study of the requirements of the ITIL exam, I have found the good part is that no educational or experience requirements and ITIL certification will never end. Anyone who wants to get an ITIL Foundation certificate can do so by self-study. The less good part is that it is very difficult to sit only the ITIL Foundation exam without purchasing a course in one package (eg Simplilearn ITIL 2011 Foundation Training.
Note: Simplilearn offers discount coupons from time to time, you can try SPRING50 coupon codes to get 50% off on the ITIL v3 Foundation Exam course). If you are a PMP, taking courses will have additional benefits to allow you to claim Category A PDU (no limit) instead of Category C (which requires you to provide a lot of evidence).
Frankly, the ITIL v3 Foundation exam is not that difficult. However, to find out how to register and prepare for a ITIL exam is somewhat more difficult. That's why I post this ITIL Foundation trip on my blog to help fellow ITIL candidates to get easier qualifications. It's possible you can pass an exam with one or two weeks of intensive study.