In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, staying ahead of the curve is more challenging than ever. For professionals working with SAP solutions, keeping certifications current is not just a good practice—it’s a necessity. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with James, a seasoned SAP consultant, to discuss his experience with the new SAP Certification Transformation. The conversation was enlightening and filled with practical insights that can benefit anyone looking to stay certified and relevant in this fast-paced industry.
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James, who has been working in SAP for over a decade, had a lot to share about how the updated certification process has impacted his career and day-to-day operations.
“Technology is changing faster than most businesses can manage,” James began, echoing a sentiment that many in the field would agree with. “The talent pool for well-trained professionals is shrinking, and the digital skills gap is widening. To stay competitive, both learners and organizations need to be agile and adaptive.”
He went on to explain how SAP’s mission to create opportunities through learning and development has been a game-changer for him. “With the need for fast and comprehensive upskilling, SAP’s Certification Transformation is making continuous learning a priority. This means I can always prove I’m up-to-date with the latest innovations.”
The transformation focuses on making the certification process easier and more relevant. James highlighted that there are over 80 globally recognised role- and product-based certifications available. “These certifications are tailored to specific roles, which makes my skillset more valuable and sustainable over time,” he said. “For example, as an SAP S/4HANA Cloud implementation consultant, I can focus on core skills and competencies that are crucial for my role.”
One of the standout features of the enhanced SAP Learning Hub is that it includes four certification exam attempts per subscriber per year, along with all the learning resources needed to prepare for these exams. “It’s incredibly convenient,” James noted. “Having all the resources in one place makes it easier to stay organised and focused.”
The conversation took an interesting turn when we discussed the ‘stay certified’ assessments, a key component of the certification transformation. As of April, certified learners must complete these assessments to keep their skills up-to-date and certifications valid. “The standard validity of certifications is 12 months, with an initial validity end date of March 31, 2025,” James explained. “Every time you complete an assessment, the validity period extends by another 12 months. It’s straightforward and manageable.”
James walked me through the process of taking these assessments. “First, you log into the ‘My Learning’ page with your SAP Universal ID. Note that your ID must be linked with a secondary email account from another domain provider. In the ‘Certifications’ section, you’ll find your passed certifications along with their respective validity dates.”
He continued, “From there, you can access the enablement materials linked to prepare for the stay certified assessment. You do need an SAP Learning Hub subscription to access these materials and take the assessment. Once you pass, your certification validity date gets updated automatically.”
James also mentioned that if you’re already certified in an SAP solution, you’ll receive a personalised email informing you about the next steps to ensure you don’t miss your certification expiry date. “It’s a great system,” he said, “because it takes the guesswork out of the process. You get reminders and clear instructions on what to do next.”
The redesigned SAP Certification program aims to make it easier and faster for professionals to get and stay certified. “It helps you identify your next career steps and goals, ensuring you have the latest skills and valid credentials on the newest SAP innovations tailored to your role,” James emphasised. “With a subscription to the enhanced SAP Learning Hub, you have access to all the learning resources you need in one place. It’s a surefire way to set yourself up for success.”
As our conversation drew to a close, James shared some final thoughts. “For anyone working in SAP, this transformation is a significant step forward. It makes continuous learning achievable and ensures that professionals like me can stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. I highly recommend taking advantage of these new features to maintain your certifications and advance your career.”
In summary, the SAP Certification Transformation is a robust and user-friendly approach to professional development. With streamlined processes, ample resources, and a clear roadmap for staying certified, it’s an invaluable tool for anyone looking to keep their skills sharp and their credentials current.
By Tobiasz Karcz
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