Choosing the Right SAP Certification for Your Career Path

  • November 20, 2024

With companies increasingly adopting SAP systems to manage their business processes, the demand for SAP-certified professionals is on the rise. Whether you’re an IT professional looking to specialize or a seasoned consultant aiming to boost your credentials, choosing the right SAP certification is key to advancing your career. 

Below, we walk through how to select the best SAP certification for your career path based on your experience level, career-focus, professional goals, and the industry demand for specific SAP skills. 

 

Knowing Where to Start

SAP certifications are offered in several different categories, corresponding to different modules, systems, specializations, and experience levels. Broadly, they are classified into three levels: Associate, Specialist, and Professional. 

The first step is understanding where you currently stand. Your level of experience and job role will heavily influence this. 

 

For Beginners

If you’re new to the SAP ecosystem, start with an associate-level certification. These are ideal for beginners or those with little or no SAP experience. These certifications demonstrate a basic understanding of SAP concepts and are a steppingstone toward deeper knowledge. The SAP Certified Application Associate certification is a solid foundation in specific SAP modules like SAP HANA.  

 

For Mid-Level Professionals

If you have a few years of experience in the SAP environment, a specialist-level certification might be more appropriate. This level focuses on specific areas within SAP, offering expertise in niche roles or modules, which is often a good option for professionals looking to specialize in certain SAP areas. You can narrow your focus to areas such as SAP S/4HANA Cloud or specific industries like retail.  

 

For Senior Professionals

If you have significant experience in SAP implementations and are aiming for leadership roles, a professional-level certification is your best bet. These are targeted at experienced SAP professionals and demonstrate advanced knowledge and practical experience in implementing SAP solutions. Certifications such as SAP Certified Technology Professional or SAP Certified Development Specialist are two such examples. 

Remember: SAP certifications, while highly valuable, are not cheap. Associate-level certifications typically cost around $500, while Specialist and Professional certifications can range between $600 and $1,000. However, these costs are often worth it due to the high return on investment. 

 

Choosing a Certification Based on Industry Demand

To maximize your return on investment, we recommend selecting a certification that aligns with industry trends and high-demand areas. Here are a few hot topics and certifications with consistent and/or growing relevance: 

 

SAP S/4HANA

As SAP transitions its customer base from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA, S/4 certifications are becoming increasingly popular. S/4HANA focuses on real-time analytics and in-memory computing, making it a hot skillset to have. Specific certifications include:  

 

SAP Certified Associate  

 

SAP Certified Specialist 

 

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a human resources solution that focuses on core HR functions like payroll and employee performance. Certifications in SAP SuccessFactors demonstrate expertise in managing HR processes within the SAP ecosystem, which is particularly valuable in large organizations. Certifications include: 

 

SAP Certified Associate  

 

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)

As SAP accelerates its shift to cloud-based solutions, SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) certifications are gaining traction among professionals. SAP BTP is a platform that emphasizes seamless integration, data management, advanced analytics, and more, all within the cloud environment. It also has new AI-integrated features, making it even more valuable. Some SAP BTP certifications include: 

 

SAP Certified Professional 

 

SAP Ariba

For professionals working in procurement and supply chain, SAP Ariba certifications can significantly boost career prospects. SAP Ariba focuses on optimizing procurement processes, helping companies streamline supplier collaboration and reduce costs. SAP Ariba-related certifications to consider include: 

 

SAP Certified Associate  

 

Considering Future Career Goals

Choosing the right SAP certification can be a career-defining decision. It’s important to align your certification choice with your current experience level and career goals, as well as industry demand. Ask yourself: Do I want to specialize or stay broad? Am I aiming for a leadership role? Do I plan to shift industries? How you answer these questions will impact the certification you choose to pursue. By making the right choice, you can increase your earning potential and ensure a successful career in the SAP ecosystem. 

If you’re an SAP consultant looking for your next role, check out our open positions here! 

Search
Book a Project