What are you doing to keep your team at the forefront of the IT landscape?
We live in a world where new technologies seem to develop every day. As part of an IT team, it’s your job to make sure you know everything there is to know about the latest and greatest technology. Your knowledge and skillset require constant updating.
This means you need to constantly be on the lookout for training and continuing education opportunities. Many of the big SaaS companies offer IT training programs on their products, as well as other platforms.
SAP certifications should be a part of any IT team’s education plan.
If you’re in the IT industry, you’ve most likely heard of SAP certifications. But, you may not know the details on what they are and how powerful they can be. You and your team may be missing out on an amazing opportunity to add “tools” to your “toolbelt.”
In today’s article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about SAP certifications. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything you need to implement a robust SAP training program for your IT team.
But, there’s a lot of information to cover so let’s get going.
What Are SAP Certifications?
The term SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products. The SAP program was originally designed to help customers become familiar with a comprehensive range of software products. These software products all shared the same database.
Over time, the number of applications available grew exponentially. As a result, developers had to adapt the SAP framework. Now, large corporations like IBM and Microsoft are using SAP to get their employees the training they need.
SAP certifications cover a wide variety of software platforms and industries. Staff members can receive training on how to manage financial assets, cost accounting, personnel, production operations, and much more.
The library of available certifications is constantly updating. This allows SAP to keep up with the current software platforms and skills that are in the highest demand. As of late, SAP has grown to accommodate new e-business apps, tools for supply chain management, and customer relationship management.
Of course, this is just a small list of the knowledge that SAP certifications can offer your team.
Benefits of SAP Certifications
Receiving SAP certifications can put members of your IT staff far above and beyond their colleagues. The courses offered not only provide robust training but there is a particular level of prestige with having a SAP certification attached to your name.
The process of obtaining a SAP certification is intense. Students go through a rigorous curriculum of learning and training exercises. Each course culminates in a challenging, in-depth exam on each particular subject.
Students need to pass these exams to complete the course.
The benefit of the SAP certification framework is that once completed, your employees will know the subject matter inside and out. SAP courses will literally make them experts.
Here are a few ways having a SAP certification can help you.
Employment Opportunities
Naturally, students seek SAP certifications so that they can land better jobs. There are countless stories of professionals in all sectors who improve their careers by taking SAP certifications. One certification may get you to a certain level in your company and as soon as you take your next one, you’ll find you’re getting a promotion again.
This isn’t just hearsay. In fact, major corporations around the globe are recognizing the power of SAP programs. In fact, 70% of Forbes 500 companies recognize what SAP certifications are bringing to the table.
SAP is becoming such a notable name that certifications are beginning to be in high demand. These certifications are becoming the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in the education industry. Being SAP certified in your chosen field could make the difference between getting accepted or rejected for a particular position.
SAP For Your Salary
It’s not surprising that, in addition to landing you a job, a SAP certification can also net you more pay than your colleagues. Naturally, a lot of other factors come into play. Employers are going to want to see your level of experience and educational background.
When you compare SAP certifications to other forms of education, SAP students receive more pay.
Many students strive to receive their MBA. And, rightfully so. It’s an amazing degree to take out into the real world. But, when compared with an MBA, SAP-certified professionals end up receiving higher pay.
Of course, this depends on your industry, but it goes to show you the level of respect given to the SAP curriculum.
A Stellar Reputation
That brings us to our next point: SAP gets you recognized. After receiving a SAP certification, odds are you’re going to be in a better position with better pay. Along with those two things, you’ll also begin to receive more respect from your peers.
Completing a SAP course positions you as an expert in your field. You can now leverage your new accreditation, along with your other work experience, to make a strong impression with your employer and corporate recruiting companies.
SAP Certifications Offered
There are two distinct categories of courses within the SAP certification program. Courses can either fall under the technical category or they can be more functional.
You can’t just take any SAP course you wish. An individual must have relevant background or work experience to roll in a particular SAP certification program.
Unlike college, there aren’t any particular courses you need to take to before attempting a certification exam. However, there is a hierarchy to the certifications themselves.
SAP certifications are broken down into associate level and professional level. If you are looking to take a professional level certification, you must first have completed the associate level certification for that particular subject matter or something related.
Technical courses focus more on programming and module customization. These SAP certifications are recommended if you come from an IT, development, or programming background.
We’re going to highlight two of the latest and most popular technical SAP certifications down below.
SAP For HANA 2.0
HANA 2.0 is a cutting-edge database and data management software platform. The platform allows developers to make smarter apps that are driven by data. This certification allows you to leverage analytics to create apps that are driven by innovative data insights.
The curriculum within this certification course will give your team exactly what they need to compete in the digital economy.
Students will start the course with an overview of the HANA platform. Once they learn the fundamentals, they will then move into modules with a focus on competency.
The topics covered during the competency phase are:
- HANA Installation and Operations
- High Availability and Disaster Tolerance Administration
- Monitoring and Performance Tuning
- Migration to SAP HANA using DMO Migration
After completion of these modules and exams, students become a SAP-certified technology associate. There is an additional module within the training course to transition from HANA 1.0 to HANA 2.0.
Most of the topics covered in the course revolve around database management and disaster recovery. However, there is some material covered on database architecture and deployment, backup and recovery, database security, troubleshooting, and migration options.
A quick internet search will give students access to training guides, additional materials covered in the course, and a free version of the HANA software for your training exercises.
Experts recommend leaning on the training guides to help you pass the exam. Taking the certification course is highly recommended, though. It gives students over two weeks’-worth of focus on learning the ins and outs of the HANA platform.
SAP for Microsoft Azure
The specific SAP course we’re talking about is Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty. The exam taken at the end of this course is the AZ-120 exam.
This certification is a great option for IT professionals who are currently working in an on-premise environment. The structures of most data centers are already changing in major ways.
We’re already seeing a shift to an enterprise model for data storage. This course will help SAP BASIS administrators to make the switch.
The course allows you to become Microsoft certified, and then upskill with additional Azure certifications. Microsoft recommends that students pursue the Azure administrator or architect certifications. However, these are not required in the SAP course.
Students will start with Microsoft Azure fundamentals. But, where the Azure program really shines is its ability to allow students to upskill.
Students can choose from a large library of additional upskill certifications. They’ll be taught how to use Azure to manage hybrid cloud infrastructure, support with data analytics, and innovate with the best-in-class apps Azure provides.
The Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty is an add-on exam. This certification requires students to be incredibly knowledgeable about the Azure platform. Students will also be required to know SAP technology at an in-depth level.
The exam can be challenging, as well. However, if you are familiar with HANA and Azure, you should be able to pass and receive your certification.
Success With SAP
At this point, you know everything there is to know about SAP certifications and what they can do for your business. The opportunities they provide, and the respect they command, will help you to go far in the world of data and IT. However, it’s important to prepare, as the exams can be quite challenging.
That’s why leveraging the expertise of the team at ExitCertified is so important. We have everything you need to pursue your SAP certifications. We offer the certifications themselves on our platform, as well as resources to help you succeed in your coursework.
If you have any questions about SAP certifications, contact us today. We are more than happy to help.