Foreword
SAP is one of the most in-demand technology certifications companies are pursuing today. From inventory management, SAP has come a long way to develop various ERP modules for different work processes of an organization. Today, SAP has software systems for nearly every department within the organization, including SAP CRM (Customer Relationship Management) for CRM departments, SAP FICO (Financial Accounting) modules for finance teams, and more.
SAP implementations are often confusing and complex. Therefore, the administration of SAP modules requires good knowledge and experience in working with SAP systems. SAP certification plays an important role here. An SAP certification validates your ability to manage an organization’s large databases using SAP systems and your expertise in SAP reporting.
This blog discusses what SAP is, SAP Training and certifications, qualifications, costs, and benefits.
But before that, what exactly is SAP?
SAP, which stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing, is the name of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and the name of the company that developed it. SAP was founded in 1972 in Mannheim, Germany by five IBM employees. From there, SAP has come a long way to develop SAP NetWeaver, a cutting-edge technology that provides companies with an integrated system that can manage diverse data from different departments and companies.
SAP is number 1 in the ERP market. Competitors of SAP software in the market are Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and others.
All about SAP Certification
50 years after its introduction, SAP is still the globally recognized business platform for various functional areas such as Financial Accounting and Controlling (FICO), Production Planning (PP), and Materials Management (MM). As companies offer a wide range of SAP-enabled modules, the demand for SAP know-how is increasing not only in production facilities but also in management positions. While most companies today aim to work on the SAP framework, SAP certifications are becoming more and more important to employees’ careers. And these are not just about local employment prospects, but jobs around the world.
SAP’s popularity is due to the fact that SAP continues to expand its offerings through new e-business applications, web interfaces, tools for supply chain management, customer relationship management, and more. SAP systems reveal a variety of fully integrated modules that cover almost all aspects of business operations.
So, when we speak of SAP certification, in most cases, your employer pays for you to pass the exam and get certified. However, if you pay for exams and certifications, you should be clear about your career goals at SAP. This is because SAP certification is quite expensive.
SAP Certification Eligibility
SAP currently contains many modules and courses. Other than being a graduate, no specific criteria are required to register for SAP certifications and exams. Depends on the SAP course you choose and your specific skills. Candidates should have relevant academic backgrounds in subjects such as computer science, business administration, finance, accounting, human resources, information systems, operations management, and systems engineering.
When separating SAP courses by type, one is more functional and the other is more technical. That being said, both courses have similar authorization and transaction codes related to your educational background. SAP technical certification focuses on programming and module customization. This is further complemented by roles that combine both functional and technical skills, including the responsibilities of a business analyst. Technical courses are recommended if you have a computer/programming background.
Another critical thing to note here is the SAP certification program that offers over 150 certifications, making it difficult for a beginner in the field to choose an SAP module. Certifications fall into three broad groups;
Associate – Recommended for those who are new to SAP solutions and have a basic understanding through training and documentation.
Professionals – They are trained professionals who have a deep knowledge of the technology, have worked in the field, and want to improve their skills.
Specialist – This is for associate SAP certification holders whose Specialist certification helps them specialize in a specific business area.
Where the Associate and Professional SAP Certification does not have minimum criteria, skills, or prior certification requirements, the Specialist course is only available to those who have completed some subjects in the Associate program.
SAP Certification Cost
SAP certification costs vary by country. Also, the cost of each SAP module may vary. In India, SAP certification fees can be up to INR 40,000, excluding training costs. These SAP Certification costs can be as high as INR 30 million when training costs are included. Depending on the candidate’s training institution, his/her SAP module selection, and country of residence, the SAP certification cost may vary but can be expected to fall within the price range above.
SAP Certification Advantages
As one of the most popular certifications in today`s business space, IT professionals familiar with SAP modules are in demand worldwide. Due to the complexities of implementation and processes, experts with the necessary knowledge and training in SAP modules are of paramount importance to companies. That’s why modern companies are always looking for SAP-certified professionals. The benefits of SAP certification are many.
- Better and more job prospects
As mentioned earlier, as demand increases, so does the prospect of better jobs for the right candidates. SAP certifications allow SAP professionals to apply to Fortune 500 companies, 70% of which use SAP ERP.
- Qualify for higher pay
The job prospects do increase. Similarly does a salary package for professionals who want to climb the career ladder. SAP-certified professionals can earn higher compensation than those who are not SAP-certified. However, the average salary also depends on many other factors, such as your level of experience, education, type of employer, and the industry you are applying to.
- Recognition and Reputation
SAP consultants are characterized by their SAP certifications. They are recognized by accreditation. Adding this certification to your name will impress recruiters and employers. After getting a better role and salary, reputation and recognition among colleagues, peers, and clients follow.
- Promotion
An SAP Course takes an individual’s career to a whole other level. After accreditation, the possibilities are endless and jobs that once seemed like a distant dream are now within reach. In an organization, members with SAP certifications have priority over members without certifications. Specializing in complex areas, SAP certifications become an asset to the company and are looked after by the organization.
Conclusion
In short, today’s SAP system defines both large and small businesses. It has become one of the most suitable and lucrative ERP platforms that enable companies to function better in all aspects. Getting SAP certified prepares you for an increasingly complex work environment. In fact, for some organizations, this is a selection criterion rather than just an additional requirement.
FAQs
Q.1. What industries can I consider after being SAP certified?
Ans: Industries such as information technology, e-commerce, banking, and education have organizations that require SAP-certified professionals.
Q.2. Are SAP certification exams difficult?
Ans: Let’s say it’s not hard, but it’s rewarding. If you have relevant work experience and are passionate about the game, you are sure to master the SAP certification exam.
Q.3. What is the base salary for a new professional in this field?
Ans: The average salary for a new SAP consultant in India is around 3.0 lakh per year (Rs 25,000 per month).
Q.4. Are there any eligibility criteria for SAP?
Ans: As mentioned in the blog above, there are no specific requirements for SAP certification. Applicants must be graduate students (BTech, B.Sc., or B.Com graduates may benefit more) or have a master’s degree. For more information, check out the SAP Certification section of this blog.
Q.5. Is there still any demand for SAP-certified consultants?
Ans: Of course. SAP-certified consultants are still in high demand. It can be said that demand exceeds supply. Due to the shortage of qualified and experienced SAP professionals, SAP ERP software offers candidates the advantages of high salaries and excellent career growth compared to other IT professional jobs.
