SAP ERP Certification is a form of validation given to you by SAP to show that you have acquired adequate skills on how to operate the SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software and have successfully passed a certification exam.

There are different levels of SAP certification depending on your level of knowledge and experience with the software and also different software modules available which you can choose from and get certified in.

You can get an SAP ERP certification by undergoing either a training or certification program by SAP or an Official SAP training provider such as Clarion Training Center.

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So, let’s look at why it is beneficial to earn an SAP ERP certification.

Benefits of Earning SAP ERP Certification 

The benefits of earning SAP ERP certification include: 

• More Knowledge and Skills

While undergoing a training or certification program, you will be taught all you need to effectively operate and handle tasks on the SAP software.    

Having this knowledge and skills will not only give you an edge over others who do not have them but will also make you more credible and trustworthy in your organization and industry at large.

While undergoing these programs, you also have access to the latest developments, knowledge, and trends in your industry which will keep you up to date and maintain your relevance in your organization and industry at large. 

• Improved Career Prospects

As a certified SAP ERP professional with proven skills and abilities in how to solve SAP-related problems, you will become highly in demand and different organizations will want to hire you.

 With the required skills and a verified certification to back it up, Employers won’t think twice before hiring you, as they will be assured that you are a positive addition to their team. 

• Increased Earnings and Promotions

Another benefit of being a certified SAP ERP professional is that it puts you at a higher chance of being promoted and having your salary increased. 

In an organization where SAP software is used, people with more skills and certifications are assigned to more complex tasks and hence paid more, and given higher positions.   

• Opportunities To Network

As a proven SAP ERP professional, you are opportune to might other professionals in the SAP ecosystem which you can network and learn from. 

These connections can also help you get access to collaborations, partnerships, and higher-paying job opportunities.  

Now, let’s discuss the career opportunities you will have after earning an SAP ERP certification.

What Are The Career Opportunities After Earning SAP ERP Certification?

● SAP ERP Certification Jobs in Different Industries 

As a certified SAP ERP professional, you can work in different roles in different industries, some of which include: 

• Financial Industry: There are several SAP ERP modules that center on financial handling, management, and accounting, so with the knowledge gained from these modules, you can work in the finance industry as a financial analyst, cost accountant, accounts manager, and tax analyst. 

You could also work in the retail industry as a sales analyst, marketing analyst, inventory manager, and supply chain analyst.

• Manufacturing Industry: With knowledge of the operation of SAP ERP software modules such as Material Management (MM), Quality Management (QM), Product Planning (PP), and Plant Maintenance (PM), you can work in the manufacturing industry as a material planner, logistics analyst, production planner, and plant maintenance manager. 
• I.T Industry: As an SAP ERP certified professional, you can also work effectively as an SAP consultant, SAP developer, SAP systems analyst, and SAP project manager. 
• Healthcare Industry: You can also work in the healthcare industry as a healthcare financial analyst, healthcare IT analyst, and healthcare logistics analyst. 

Salary Expectations for SAP ERP Certified Professionals 

The salaries for SAP ERP Certified Professionals vary based on the level of certification that they acquire, and the industry in which they are working. 

However, the average salary for a certified SAP ERP Professional in Nigeria in a year is between 4 and 15 million naira.

Career Growth Opportunities for SAP ERP Certified Professionals 

There are several ways by which earning an SAP ERP certification can help your career growth. Let’s discuss them: 

• More Knowledge and Promotion

When you work in an organization or industry that uses SAP technology, the knowledge, and skills you will get from an SAP training and certification program will boost your performance.

This will make the organization you are working with give you more advanced roles, and could also cause them to make you a leader of the department or team you work in. 

This will show that the company now sees you as a valuable asset and with time, you will be further promoted and your salary increased.  

• Change Of Career Or Industry

As a certified SAP ERP professional, you can also decide to switch careers or move from one industry to another, if you are no longer satisfied with the one you work in presently.  

And with the skills and knowledge that you already have, that won’t be a problem. You are already in high demand so companies in different industries that use SAP technologies for their activities will be more than willing to employ you.

You can also decide to become an entrepreneur and build your own business or SAP consultancy agency where you will be offering SAP ERP solutions and services to businesses and organizations on a freelance basis.

• International Opportunities

With your SAP ERP Certification, you can also apply for jobs outside of Nigeria and get to work for these companies remotely. 

International companies pay more for SAP ERP services so this can also be a way you can boost your earnings. You can search for International SAP jobs, on the official SAP Jobs Website or on Accenture.

Having discussed the SAP ERP certification benefits, let’s now look at how to go about obtaining one. 

How to Obtain SAP ERP Certification 

● SAP ERP Certification Program Overview 

The first step towards obtaining an SAP ERP certification is to know the level of certification you want to pursue and the SAP software module that you want to get certified in. 

To know more about the different levels of SAP certification and SAP modules, click here. (You can add a link to the article that explains the levels and modules here).

After you know this, the next step is to get trained in the SAP module you have chosen. This training program can either be instructor-led or online, depending on your course. 

You can register for the course of your choice here.

When you are done with the training you can sit for an SAP certification exam. 

If you ace the SAP certification exam, then you can be issued an SAP ERP Certification as a validation that you have the required skills to operate the SAP software properly and provide solutions, when due. 

SAP ERP certifications have a certain period which they are valid for, and then you will have to retake a training or an exam to keep your certificate valid. 

● Requirements for Obtaining SAP ERP Certification 

The requirement for obtaining an SAP ERP certification varies depending on the SAP certification level that you are pursuing.

However, here are some of the common requirements for obtaining an SAP ERP certification:

• Attending an Official SAP Training Or Certification Program

Before obtaining an SAP certification, you undergo an official training program or certification program to gain the required skills, knowledge, and practical experience about the software. 

In this program, you will learn the necessary topics which the questions on the certification exam will be set from, so it is important.

• Proper Preparation

Undergoing a training or certification program alone isn’t enough, you need to prepare properly for your certification exams. 

Studying your study materials and preparing properly for the SAP certification exam gives you a higher chance of passing it. 

To learn the perfect preparation strategy you can use to pass your SAP certification exam, click here. (Add a link to the last article titled “Preparation Strategies To Help You Ace Your SAP Certification Exam”)

• Passing An SAP Certification Exam

After gaining the required knowledge, the SAP certification exam is the last obstacle between you and your SAP certificate so you must overcome it to become a certified SAP Professional.

However, you must bear in mind that obtaining an SAP ERP certification comes with its share of challenges. Let’s look at some of them. 

Challenges Associated with SAP ERP Certification 

There are two major challenges associated with obtaining an SAP ERP certification. They include the high cost involved, and the time and effort required to successfully get one.

● High Cost of Certification 

The money involved in obtaining an SAP ERP certification is much and this can be an obstacle if you are not financially buoyant enough. 

And with the limited validity of the certification, you will need to spend money again after a few years to keep the certification genuine. 

● Time and Effort Required to Obtain Certification 

From the SAP training to the preparatory process to the certification exams, the road to becoming a certified SAP professional is a long and tedious one. 

SAP ERP certification exams are not a walk in the park. It comes as no surprise that some people fail to make it on their first attempt. 

The questions are usually technical and twisted, so it takes a lot of physical, and mental work to correctly answer them. 

Conclusion 

The process of obtaining an SAP ERP certification isn’t rosy, but believe me, it is worth it. 

Whether you are hoping to work in an organization that uses SAP technology or currently working in one, ensure you become a certified SAP ERP Professional and you will be grateful that you followed my advice.

We have several SAP courses which you can choose from and get trained on, to get access to them, click here.

FAQs

1. What is SAP ERP certification? 

SAP ERP Certification is a form of verification issued by SAP to show that you have been trained on how to operate the SAP ERP software and use it to solve SAP-related problems.

2. How much does it cost to obtain SAP ERP certification? 

The cost of obtaining SAP certification depends on factors such as the level of certification you are pursuing, the training provider, and the country or region where you are.

3. What are the job opportunities available to SAP ERP-certified professionals? 

There are numerous job opportunities available for SAP ERP-certified professionals in various industries but the common ones include: 

• SAP Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Product Planner
• Sales Analyst 
• Material Planner
• SAP Developer
• Marketing Analyst
• SAP System Analyst 
• Logistics Analyst
• Healthcare I.T Analyst
• Cost Accountant 
• Plant Maintenance Manager. 
• Inventory Manager, etc. 

4. What is the expected salary for SAP ERP-certified professionals? 

The average annual salary for a certified SAP ERP Professional in Nigeria is between 4 and 15 million naira.

5. How long does it take to obtain SAP ERP certification? 

There is no specific duration that it takes to obtain an SAP ERP certification. 

The durations vary depending on factors such as the length of the training and certification program you are undergoing, and the level of certification you are pursuing.

6. What are the requirements for obtaining SAP ERP certification? 

The requirements for obtaining an SAP ERP certification include: 

• Attending an official SAP training or certification program, or having prior knowledge about SAP              technology and products.
• Proper preparation
• Passing an SAP certification exam. 

7. What are the benefits of having SAP ERP certification? 

The benefits of having an SAP ERP certification include: 

• Gaining more knowledge and skills in the operation of SAP technology
• Opportunities to network with other SAP professionals
• Promotion and increased earnings
• Improved career prospects 
• Being up to date with the latest SAP development and trends. 

8. Can SAP ERP certification help with career advancement? 

Yes, it can. With an SAP ERP certification, you have a high chance of getting a promotion, being handled complex tasks, and leadership positions in the department you work in, starting your own SAP consultancy agency, and getting International SAP ERP jobs.

9. What industries are looking for SAP ERP-certified professionals?

The industries looking for SAP ERP-certified professionals include:

• Healthcare Industry 
• I.T Industry
• Government Industry
• Finance Industry
• Manufacturing Industry
• Retail Industry, amongst others. 

 10. Are there any challenges associated with obtaining SAP ERP certification?

Yes, there are. They include the high cost of certification, limited validity of the certification, time and effort required to obtain certification, etc.