What is SAP?

SAP was founded in 1972 in Walldorf, Germany. It stands for Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing. Over the years, it has grown and evolved to become the world premier provider of client/server business solutions for which it is so well known today. The SAP Netweaver suite for open client/server systems has established a new standard for providing business information management solutions.

Few credentials in the business world carry the value of SAP certification. Those who hold it have honed their skills through rigorous study or direct experience. They have demonstrated their abilities by passing demanding, process-oriented exams. Regardless of whether you are an SAP partner, customer, or user, SAP certification can give you a distinct competitive advantage.

Employers and recruiters will also benefit from this article— you'll find some of your previous assumptions about the SAP certification process either challenged or reinforced.

We'll cover all these questions and more—but first, a little background on the SAP certification program.

Who can be certified and at what levels?
The certification program is available for SAP employees, partner employees, independent consultants, and client employees.

SAP announced three levels of certification for their new exams-- Associate, Professional, and Master. Currently the associate level and professional level exams are available. The master level is still in development.

The SAP website defines these levels as follows:

	Types Of Certification Associate: “This certification covers the fundamental knowledge requirements for an SAP consultant, ensuring the successful acquisition of broad SAP solution knowledge and skills.” Professional: “This advanced certification requires proven project experience, business process knowledge, and a more detailed understanding of SAP solutions.” Master: “This certification, under development, involves demonstrating an expert-level understanding of a specific area of SAP software and the ability to drive innovation and solution optimization through in-depth knowledge and vision. Certification at this level requires broad project experience, comprehensive SAP product knowledge, and the ability to create a future IT vision within complex project environments.”

The Associate level exams test book knowledge. In most cases, this level does not require some SAP implementation experience in order to pass the exams.
SAP Public Certification Information

We'll begin at www.SAP.com/usa/services/education/certification/index.epx

Here, you'll find definitions of each certification level, with links to certification training, exam locations and schedules, and policies and procedures.