SAP provides a plethora of software solutions for enterprise technologists, most of which are in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) domain. Many large corporations demand that their engineers have at least a basic understanding of the SAP software. Thus, SAP Certification is becoming more important by the day. A SAP Certification confirms that an employee understands the SAP systems needed to manage huge databases, along with his/her SAP reporting skills.
This article will provide, in brief, all the information needed to complete a SAP Certification.
What is SAP Certification?
Systems, Applications & Products (SAP) in Data Processing has been steadily expanding its product portfolio with new e-business applications, web interfaces, supply chain management tools, customer relationship management solutions and much more. The SAP systems form many fully integrated modules covering most business management aspects.
SAP is a business platform known for a range of functions, including financial accounting and control, materials management and production planning. Organizations are including a wide range of SAP-facilitated modules to realize the growing need for SAP expertise in production, as well as management environments.
Since most companies nowadays want to work on a SAP framework, getting a SAP Certification is becoming more significant for an individual’s career.
What is SAP Used For?
Learning SAP also provides a great chance to start a long and varied career with a technology that is deeply embedded in some of the world’s largest corporations.
In certain ways, SAP knowledge enhances an individual’s talent across multiple functions. The packages and modules cover wide-ranging topics—from project management to data analytics and the following:
- HR and People Engagement
- Business Technology (Data and Analytics)
- Digital Supply Chain
- CRM and Customer Experience
- Finance and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
- Network and Spend Management
Why Get SAP-Certified?
At present, among all technological qualifications, SAP Certification is one of the most-sought-after. IT specialists who are conversant with SAP platforms are in high demand around the world. Used extensively across more than 20 industries, SAP provides proven solutions for all industry-specific requirements and goals.
Here are some more benefits of a SAP Certification:
- Better Job Performance
According to a recent Pearson VUE research, 76% of the candidates who earned an IT certification reported higher job satisfaction. With SAP solutions, organizations can manage their data along with other work processes of multiple departments and branches from one central system. This way, SAP Certification boosts a person’s job efficiency to help the company achieve its targets and aspirations.
- Global Recognition
SAP Certification is one of the most recognized technological certifications worldwide. It allows an employee to demonstrate his/her SAP expertise in the global market and also supports his/her career development from being simply a skilled person to being a master of that space.
- Competitive Advantage
In compensation, too, SAP-certified professionals have a major advantage. Surveys say that SAP-certified employees are paid a lot more for their skills, abilities and competence that set them apart from those without a certification.
- Early Promotions
SAP Certifications also help professionals travel the road to success faster. This will provide them a head start over their peers who have no domain knowledge certification. Therefore, they have a greater possibility of receiving financial incentives and promotions.
- Diverse Modules
SAP modules are available for numerous business processes. A candidate can get certified in the SAP module relevant to his/her particular job role. For instance, a finance professional can go for a SAP FICO Certification, an HR person may go for a SAP HCM Certification and a sales professional can go for a SAP SD Certification and so on.
Types of SAP Certifications
SAP offers 150+ different certifications available in up to 9 languages to meet the needs of learners across the globe. The three main certification types are:
- Associate Certification
This certification provides professionals with the core knowledge required to gain an in-depth understanding of SAP capabilities and solutions. This level verifies that the candidate possesses all the required foundational knowledge and skills to provide professional services. Those who have earned associate-level certifications are prepared to advance to the next level, such as providing professional services in a job, or as a consultant.
- Specialist Certification
This certification meant for specialists focuses on a single component of integration or function. It centres on a specific (job) role. SAP-certified specialists are employed in middle- to high-level roles in most companies.
- Professional Certification
Most advanced SAP Certification courses are for experienced professionals. Such certification guarantees that a candidate knows his/her accreditation subject really well. Moreover, an advanced certification requires knowledge of business processes, project experience and profound knowledge of SAP solutions.
SAP Certification Exam Structure and Approach
Candidates get six chances to pass the SAP Certification Examination for each SAP Certification. A candidate can choose his/her own test dates. SAP also suggests a mix of chosen courses with practical experience for each certification.
Candidates can also take an on-site exam at a SAP training location in addition to taking the examination online. Each certification test has its own set of knowledge domain, known as Topic Areas. Besides, each exam has a separate time limit, total number of questions and a minimum passing score.
Your strategy for preparing for a SAP Certification also depends upon your proficiency level—Associate, Specialist, or Professional.
The majority of associate-level certifications are introductory programs and no prior work experience is required. Many specialist-level certifications, on the other hand, need a few years of industry experience. Professional-level programs also demand a significant amount of work experience.
Conclusion
After analysing the ever-increasing requirement for SAP-driven solutions in the local, as well as international, markets these days, it makes much sense to go in for a SAP training course to help fast-track one’s career growth.
(The author is Mr. Peeush Bajpai, CEO & Founder, SpringPeople and the views expressed in this article are his own)
