Undeniably, certifications can enhance your standing and provide an employer with verifiable proof of your knowledge in one particular area. But, before you go running off to get certified by SAP, it’s a great idea to consider the wide range of options available, and determine if certification is even useful.
- What SAP certification levels are available today?
- Will being SAP certified help you land your first SAP job?
- Will being a SAP certified consultant open new doors for your career?
- Is certification required to get a job in SAP? Do your SAP clients really care about certification?
- And there are so many certifications out there… How do you know which one is right for you?
But first, a little background on the SAP certification program.
Who Can Be SAP Certified? At What Levels? And At What Focus Areas?
SAP announced three levels of certification: Associate, Professional, and Master. Currently the associate level and professional level exams are available. The master level is still in development.
The SAP website defines these levels as follows:
- Associate “This certification covers the fundamental knowledge requirements for an SAP consultant ensuring the successful acquisition of broad SAP solution knowledge and skills.”
- Professional “This advanced certification requires proven project experience, business process knowledge, and a more detailed understanding of SAP solutions.”
- Master “This certification, under development, involves demonstrating an expert-level understanding of a specific area of SAP software and the ability to drive innovation and solution optimization through in-depth knowledge and vision. Certification at this level requires broad project experience, comprehensive SAP product knowledge, and the ability to create a future IT vision within complex project environments.”
The Associate level exams test book knowledge. In most cases, this level does not require SAP implementation experience in order to pass the exams. Questions on the Professional level exams are designed to test the SAP experience of the test taker.
SAP takes care to point out that you don’t need to pass the Associate level exam before sitting for the Professional level exam. So you get to select which level you think you are qualified for and take that exam.
SAP also introduced three focus areas: Application, Technology, and Development. All three levels of certification apply to the three focus areas are designed to help you find the right certification that is right for you.
The SAP website defines these focus areas as follows:
- Application “You can take the certification exam after completing the appropriate solution academy course and case study, or the equivalent SAP standard curriculum.”
- Technology “If you complete the solution academy or SAP training classes, you can take the technology exam to become certified.”
- Development “This certification is available for individuals who are developing applications for SAP solutions.”
SAP pointed that if you already have significant experience with each SAP Focus Area, you can take the exam without attending the course BUT participation is highly recommended.
SAP Certification Information
Let’s begin at SAP’s website page Certification Program, which is located via the following path Home>Training & Education>Certification.
Here, you’ll find definitions of each certification level, with links to certification training, certification details, competency areas, booking schedule, related courses & certifications, related curricula, and roles & tracks.