What Is SAP Certification? 2024 Guide

SAP is a leading industry standard for enterprise resource planning (ERP) and a highly valued certification for employees entering the job market. SAP software allows businesses to manage various internal processes, such as finances, logistics, and production. If you are proficient in SAP, you can take your skills to the next stage by earning your SAP certification and potentially opening up more opportunities for yourself. An SAP certification will validate your knowledge and proficiency in skills. You can become SAP certified through an accessible online course, potentially offered by your company, to stay updated with the latest technological advances in business. 

What is SAP?

SAP stands for system analysis program development, the English translation of its original German name, Systemanalyse Programmentwicklung. Founded in Germany in 1972, SAP is a software program that centralizes data management to help businesses manage their processes. SAP creates a more centralized work environment that allows departments and employees to share data. As a commonly used enterprise application software, SAP covers many business processes with fully integrated employee-use modules. 

What is SAP certification?

An SAP certification refers to systems, applications, and products in data processing. You can complete it as part of a degree program or on your own time. As an employee who completes SAP certification, you will offer your company a new level of expertise and may receive special consideration in new projects and opportunities. SAP has many variations of online certification courses, and each typically has an associate, specialist, and professional certification. 

Who should get SAP certification?

Employees or future employees who use ERP in their specific industries should get SAP certifications to validate their skills and knowledge in ERP software and SAP modules. As the market leader in enterprise application software, SAP is a tool used by numerous industries. Professionals or aspiring professionals in the automotive, banking, health care, business, government, retail, and oil industries can get SAP certifications to become innovators and validated experts in SAP. 

What jobs can you get with SAP certification?

Many companies and industries rely on SAP software solutions to manage their operations systems, and SAP-certified employees are needed to help implement these ERP software strategies. Work in or plan on entering project management, insurance, tech, or a related industry? An SAP certification can increase your chances of getting hired and contribute to your company’s success. The following positions constitute a few examples of jobs you could pursue if you earn an SAP certification. 

*All salary data is sourced from Lightcast™ Analyst as of August 2024.

• Business operations specialist: $83,590 [1]

• Project management specialist: $102,922 [2]

• Human resources manager: $139,411 [3]

• Financial manager: $149,546 [4]

SAP certification options

You have many options when it comes to pursuing an SAP certification. The SAP Training Shop has dozens of varied SAP certifications under three main categories: associate, specialized, and professional certification. Each certification has a different exam and is easily accessible once registered online through the SAP website. The following guide lists three examples of certification types and their exam structures.

SAP associate certification

Example exam: SAP Activate Project Manager

The associate certification is the most common, as it is the introductory level exam that helps you begin learning SAP skills. The SAP Activate Project Manager exam lasts about three hours and has no prerequisite or prior requirements other than registering through the SAP site. It has 80 questions verifying your ability to manage internal and external stakeholders and communicate management processes to your team.

SAP specialist certification

Example exam: SAP Certified Specialist - SAP S/4HANA Conversion and SAP System Upgrade

This certification exam lasts 90 minutes. It has 40 questions designed to test your in-depth technical skills and ability to perform a conversion and system upgrade.

SAP development professional certification

Example exam: SAP Certified Development Professional - SAP Commerce Cloud Developer

The professional certification exams require prior project experience and knowledge of SAP solutions to test your in-depth skills and familiarity with SAP. The SAP Certified Development Professional - SAP Commerce Cloud Developer exam lasts three hours and has 80 questions. You will need an advanced understanding of business processes and three years of experience in the SAP Commerce Cloud to complete this professional SAP certification.

How do I get SAP certification?

Once you have decided which solution is right for you, you can take an online course through the SAP Blended Learning Academy to prepare for the SAP exam. All the SAP certification courses and exams are available with the academy package so that you can complete all your certification requirements from anywhere with the help of this program. 

Next, pay for and access your exam subscription through the Certification Hub. By selecting a certification from the Certification Hub, you can receive details on how to schedule your exam. The Certification Hub allows you to schedule six exams over a year and take each exam up to three separate times. 

You'll receive a digital badge once you complete and pass the exam. Continue to maintain your SAP certification by building on your skills and knowledge and, in some cases, taking assessments to ensure you are up to date on your specified SAP solution. 

How much does SAP certification cost?

Taking one SAP certification exam costs $217 [6], or you can opt for a discounted rate of $543 to take up to six exams [7]. Both fee structures come with a 12-month subscription, allowing you to take up to one or six exam attempts within that timeframe, depending on your subscription option. You can use your exam attempts for the same certification should you fail an exam or for separate certifications.

Read more: How to Get a PMP Project Management Certification: An Overview

Benefits of having SAP certification

An SAP certification can offer many benefits, whether you are already employed or searching for a job. Some benefits of being SAP certified are better opportunities, higher salary potential, and increased expertise in your field.

Better opportunities

Being SAP certified automatically grants you an advantage as a professional employee. You will be a more competitive candidate for job positions, and your certification will typically help you stand out among other potential employees. Your experience and proficiency in SAP may be the reason your employer hires you for a new position or grants you a promotion at your existing job. SAP certifications are widely acknowledged and sought out by companies in several industries.

Higher salary

SAP certifications play a significant role in the pay package you receive as an employee. While other factors may affect your overall salary, possessing skills in SAP can make you more likely to receive pay increases, separating you from the average market salary. 

Expertise

Your expertise in SAP will provide you with more career-based opportunities and a higher income and likely contribute to your overall career success. Your expertise in SAP can increase your employability and demonstrate to your employers that you are a trusted employee who can help the company with several different ERP software-related needs. 

Prepare for SAP certification on Coursera.

SAP software is a popular choice for enterprise resource planning, and obtaining your SAP certification allows you to showcase your expertise and advance your career. Prepare for your SAP certification with courses on Coursera. You can learn more about SAP by enrolling in the SAP Technology Consultant Professional Certificate course. You will be able to learn essential consulting skills and techniques used by SAP professionals and understand global SAP business solutions and products.