SAP certifications have become a cornerstone of professional development for those involved in enterprise software. They serve as formal validation of an individual’s expertise in specific SAP products and roles, helping both professionals and organizations maintain a competitive edge in the market. As SAP continues to grow its suite of business solutions, the importance of certifications has increased—both for keeping pace with innovation and for building career opportunities within the ecosystem.
SAP’s certification program is comprehensive and carefully structured. It is designed to meet the needs of various roles within the SAP landscape, including consultants, administrators, developers, and business users. These certifications span multiple solutions such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, and many more. With over 150 certifications currently active, the program supports professionals across industries and geographies.
SAP certification is categorized into three main levels: associate, specialist, and professional.
Associate-level certifications focus on foundational knowledge. They are suitable for individuals who are new to SAP or are transitioning into a new product area. These exams cover basic configuration, process flows, and functionality, giving learners a strong starting point for deeper expertise.
Specialist certifications build on the associate level, validating specific knowledge in focused areas. These are useful for professionals who want to sharpen their skills in a certain product or module within the SAP suite. Specialist credentials target tasks that require domain-specific knowledge, such as integration scenarios or advanced feature use.
Professional certifications are intended for experienced consultants and solution architects. These exams demand a higher level of understanding, including the ability to apply knowledge to complex projects. They often require prerequisite certifications or practical experience and test a candidate’s depth of knowledge in a product’s architecture, deployment, and customization.
SAP certifications are not just exams—they are part of a learning and skill-building journey. Most certifications are supported by structured learning paths that include training courses, practice exercises, and in some cases, access to sandbox environments. Although it is possible to take the certification exam without completing formal training, preparation is typically more effective when guided by official learning content and hands-on experience.
One major strength of SAP’s approach to certification is its alignment with real-world business needs. The exam content reflects the current version of SAP software, with questions based on the tasks and decisions professionals face during actual implementations or daily operations. This practical focus makes certification more than a theoretical exercise; it serves as preparation for job performance.
Given SAP’s rapid shift toward cloud solutions, the certification program has evolved to match the pace of product updates. Traditional on-premise certifications remain available, but SAP has placed increasing emphasis on cloud-based credentials. These are updated more frequently, often tied to quarterly product release cycles. As a result, professionals must remain proactive about keeping their certifications current.
To address this need, SAP introduced a renewal program for cloud-related certifications. Through this initiative, candidates complete smaller, version-specific assessments following major product updates. This ensures that certification holders maintain their status while also keeping pace with technological developments. Unlike traditional re-certification processes that require retaking entire exams, the renewal approach is modular and focused on new features and changes.
Another advantage of SAP certifications is their broad language support. Exams are offered in up to nine languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and more. This international approach makes certification accessible to professionals across the globe, supporting SAP’s diverse partner and customer base.
Employers also benefit from SAP’s rigorous certification standards. Hiring certified professionals brings greater assurance that a candidate has been formally evaluated and possesses the skills needed to support implementation, configuration, or maintenance of SAP systems. It also reduces the training time required to onboard new team members, as certification indicates a baseline of proficiency.
From a career perspective, SAP certifications open doors to a wide range of job opportunities. Whether working for a consultancy, in-house IT department, or as an independent contractor, certified professionals are often preferred for critical roles in ERP, cloud transformation, data analytics, and process automation. In some industries, SAP certification is a mandatory requirement for specific project roles or implementation responsibilities.
The certification process is streamlined but thorough. Each exam is identified by a unique code, typically starting with a prefix like C_ (for associate-level exams) or P_ (for professional). The code includes a reference to the product area and version, helping candidates ensure they are preparing for the correct version of the software. For example, C_TS4FI_2020 indicates an associate-level exam for SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting for the 2020 release.
Exams are generally multiple-choice, with scenario-based questions designed to test a candidate’s ability to apply knowledge in context. They are proctored either online or at certified exam centers, with time limits ranging from 80 to 180 minutes depending on the exam level and complexity. The passing score typically falls between 60% and 70%, but this can vary slightly from one certification to another.
To help candidates prepare, SAP offers learning journeys on its official platforms. These journeys map out recommended training courses, study materials, and hands-on activities that align with each certification. Many also include practice assessments or sample questions. While self-study is possible, candidates often find that structured training increases both confidence and the likelihood of success.
It is also worth noting the flexibility of the certification catalog. SAP professionals are not limited to a single track. Many choose to pursue multiple certifications, either to deepen their knowledge in a particular solution or to broaden their expertise across interconnected areas. For example, someone working with SAP S/4HANA Finance may also earn certifications in SAP Analytics Cloud or SAP Fiori to support reporting and user interface development.
Keeping track of active and retiring certifications is another important part of the process. As SAP introduces new products or enhancements, some older certifications are phased out. These retirements are announced in advance, giving candidates time to complete pending certifications or transition to newer versions. The goal is to ensure the certification reflects the most relevant and up-to-date skills available in the market.
The value of certification is closely tied to the validity of its content. With SAP’s regular exam updates and removal of outdated credentials, certified professionals are more likely to represent current best practices, thereby increasing their credibility with employers and clients.
Navigating Active SAP Certifications and Choosing the Right Exam Path
SAP offers a wide variety of certification exams across its solution portfolio to match the evolving needs of businesses and IT professionals. As new technologies emerge and cloud innovations advance, SAP ensures that its certifications remain current, relevant, and aligned with real-world use. Whether someone is new to the SAP ecosystem or an experienced consultant seeking to deepen their expertise, the catalog of active certifications serves as a roadmap for professional growth and skill validation.
At present, SAP supports over 150 active certifications across core solution domains. These certifications span cloud and on-premise environments and are divided by application areas, job roles, and technical disciplines. The breadth of this offering reflects SAP’s extensive platform and the multiple dimensions of enterprise software it supports—from enterprise resource planning to human capital management, from supply chain automation to business intelligence and development.
To better understand this, it helps to organize the active certifications into several major categories:
SAP S/4HANA and Core ERP
SAP S/4HANA is the backbone of many modern enterprise systems. Certifications under this category focus on functional areas such as finance, logistics, production, and asset management. Each of these modules has its own associate-level certification, validating skills in configuration, business processes, and solution integration. Examples of active certifications include:
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA for Financial Accounting Associates (e.g., C_TS4FI_2020)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Production Planning and Manufacturing (e.g., C_TS422_2020)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Sales (e.g., C_TS462_2020)
These certifications are suitable for business analysts, functional consultants, and implementation partners involved in configuring or using core S/4HANA applications.
SAP Cloud Solutions
SAP has significantly expanded its focus on cloud-based solutions in recent years. Many certifications now center on cloud products and services, reflecting new business models and deployment methods. These include:
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP SuccessFactors modules (e.g., Employee Central, Learning Management)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Ariba Procurement and Supply Chain
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Fieldglass Services and External Workforce
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Analytics Cloud
These certifications validate knowledge of cloud configuration, integration, and process management, and are relevant for consultants working with cloud deployments or transitioning from on-premise roles.
SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and Development
For developers and technical consultants, SAP offers certifications covering the Business Technology Platform. These focus on extensibility, integration, custom application development, and data services. Active certifications include:
- SAP Certified Development Associate – SAP BTP Extension Suite (e.g., C_CPE_13)
- SAP Certified Development Associate – SAP Integration Suite (e.g., C_CPI_14)
- SAP Certified Development Associate – SAP Fiori Application Developer (e.g., C_FIORDEV_21)
- SAP Certified Development Associate – Programming in SAP S/4HANA (e.g., C_S4HDEV1909)
These are technical exams and are best suited for application developers, integration specialists, and solution architects building or customizing SAP applications.
SAP Analytics and Reporting
SAP also offers certifications in business intelligence and analytics tools. These certifications support professionals who implement or use SAP analytics products to create reports, dashboards, and planning models. Active certifications include:
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Analytics Cloud (e.g., C_SAC_2120)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP BusinessObjects BI Platform (e.g., C_BOBIP_43)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Lumira Designer (e.g., C_LUMIRA_24)
These certifications are helpful for data analysts, BI developers, and reporting specialists working with business performance measurement.
SAP Project Management and Governance
SAP provides credentials for professionals involved in managing projects and systems. These include certifications for project managers, administrators, and governance specialists. Examples include:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP Activate Project Manager (e.g., C_ACTIVATE13)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Solution Manager Configuration (e.g., C_SM100_7210)
- SAP Certified Application Associate – Master Data Governance (e.g., C_MDG_1909)
- SAP Certified Technology Associate – SAP System Security and Authorizations (e.g., C_SECAUTH_20)
These are ideal for professionals managing project lifecycle stages, ensuring system compliance, or overseeing master data quality.
SAP SuccessFactors Certifications
The SAP SuccessFactors suite is widely used for managing human capital in cloud environments. SAP provides specialized certifications across various SuccessFactors modules, including:
- Employee Central
- Learning Management
- Recruiting and Onboarding
- Compensation and Variable Pay
- Succession Planning
- Workforce Analytics
Examples of active exams include:
- C_THR81_2111 – Employee Central Core
- C_THR88_2111 – Learning Management
- C_THR83_2111 – Recruiting (Recruiter Experience)
- C_THR86_2111 – Compensation Management
Each certification targets professionals responsible for implementing or supporting specific areas within the SuccessFactors ecosystem.
SAP Certification Versions and Updates
Each SAP certification is linked to a specific version of the solution. For instance, a certification labeled as 2020 or 2021 reflects the product state during that release cycle. SAP periodically updates exams to reflect new features, process changes, or UI enhancements introduced in later versions.
When a new product release becomes available, SAP may update the related certification and retire the older version. Candidates preparing for an exam should always verify they are studying the most current syllabus and targeting the correct certification version. This helps ensure their skills are aligned with current enterprise implementations.
Examples of Popular Active Certifications
Here are just a few examples from the current active exam list:
- C_S4CAM_2111 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud (public) – Asset Management Implementation
- C_TS450_2020 – SAP Certified Application Associate – Sourcing and Procurement for ERP Experts
- C_THR92_2111 – SAP Certified Application Associate – People Analytics: Reporting
- C_C4H320_02 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Commerce Cloud Business User
- C_TB1200_10 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Business One Release 10.0
These certifications target various business areas and technical roles, allowing individuals to find a credential that aligns with their expertise and career trajectory.
Choosing the Right Certification
With such a wide selection, choosing the right certification can be overwhelming. To decide where to start, consider the following questions:
- What is your current job role or the role you are aiming for?
- Are you working with SAP on-premise, cloud, or both?
- Which SAP product do you use or plan to specialize in?
- Do you need general knowledge or a specialized skillset?
- Are you transitioning from another ERP or technology platform?
Beginners may want to start with associate-level certifications in core areas like S/4HANA or SuccessFactors Employee Central. Experienced professionals may pursue more advanced certifications or broaden their expertise with certifications from adjacent domains.
Certification and Career Alignment
SAP certifications are often directly aligned with roles in real-world job postings. Many employers list certification as a preferred or required qualification for implementation consultants, support analysts, integration specialists, or cloud solution architects. Obtaining one or more relevant certifications enhances both employability and internal promotion prospects.
SAP-certified professionals also often command higher salaries due to their validated skills and increased productivity. For freelancers and consultants, certifications serve as formal credentials when competing for projects or consulting roles.
Staying Up to Date
As SAP frequently updates its cloud solutions, it is important for certified professionals to monitor certification changes. SAP provides clear guidelines on versioning and expiration. Many cloud-related certifications require professionals to take short assessments to maintain validity through SAP’s Stay Current program. These updates ensure skills remain relevant and aligned with the latest product features.
SAP Certification Retirements – What’s Expiring and How to Stay Aligned
SAP certification is a dynamic system. As technology advances and SAP continues to evolve its products, it becomes essential for the certification catalog to keep up. This means that older exams are retired to make room for newer, more relevant ones. For professionals and organizations that rely on SAP certifications for validation and compliance, tracking these retirements is essential for staying current.
The retirement of a certification does not mean the knowledge becomes obsolete instantly, but it does signal that SAP no longer considers that version aligned with current product features, design standards, or customer expectations. As SAP solutions shift toward cloud-first, AI-driven, and integrated enterprise models, older certifications based on legacy versions are phased out.
Why SAP Retires Exams
There are several reasons why SAP retires certification exams. Some of the most common include:
- New software versions or product updates: When SAP releases a major upgrade (such as a new S/4HANA release or a SuccessFactors update), older exams are updated or replaced to reflect the new capabilities.
- Changes in solution architecture or branding: As product focus changes, such as SAP moving from ECC to S/4HANA or from SAP Hybris to Commerce Cloud, certifications are updated to match new terminology and architecture.
- Shift from on-premise to cloud: SAP’s move toward cloud-based solutions means many legacy on-premise certifications are no longer emphasized.
- Alignment with current best practices: Outdated exams may test methods or tools that are no longer considered standard or effective.
- Lifecycle of support: When a specific SAP version or solution reaches the end of its official support, the related certifications are usually retired.
Understanding this lifecycle helps professionals make informed decisions about which exams to take and when to transition to newer certifications.
Recently Expired and Soon-to-Expire SAP Certifications
SAP provides a schedule for certifications that are soon to be retired, offering candidates enough time to complete in-progress certifications or shift their study efforts. Below is a list of certifications that have already expired or are marked for retirement based on their final exam date:
- C_BRIM_2020 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Billing and Revenue Innovation Management
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_PAII10_35 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Predictive Analytics
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_SMPADM_30 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Mobile Platform Native and Hybrid Application Administration (SMP 3.0)
Expired: December 31, 2022 - C_THR12_65 – SAP Certified Application Associate – Human Capital Management with SAP ERP 6.0 EHP5
Expired: December 31, 2022 - C_TS410_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – Business Process Integration with SAP S/4HANA 1809
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_TS413_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Asset Management
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_TS422_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Production Planning and Manufacturing
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_TS451_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Sourcing and Procurement (without Inventory Management)
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_TS462_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Sales 1809
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_TS4CO_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – Management Accounting with SAP S/4HANA 1809
Expired: March 31, 2022 - C_TS4FI_1809 – SAP Certified Application Associate – Financial Accounting with SAP S/4HANA 1809
Expired: March 31, 2022 - P_TSEC10_75 – SAP Certified Technology Professional – System Security Architect
Expired: March 31, 2022
These certifications were retired as SAP moved on to newer versions or refined how those skill areas were structured. For instance, the transition from S/4HANA 1809 to 1909, 2020, and beyond has meant newer exams more accurately test the updated features and workflows.
What Happens When a Certification Expires?
When SAP retires a certification exam:
- It is no longer available for registration or scheduling through testing platforms.
- The content is removed from official learning catalogs and preparation material is archived.
- Candidates who have already earned the certification retain the credential, but its market relevance may decline over time.
- Employers and clients may prefer or require certification in a newer version for project qualifications.
That said, an expired certification does not invalidate the skills or knowledge a professional has gained. However, if a certification becomes more than one or two major releases old, it may be advisable to upgrade to a newer version to stay aligned with market needs.
Transitioning to a New Certification
Professionals currently certified in a retiring version often need to plan for transition in one of two ways:
- Take the updated version of the same exam: For example, someone who passed the SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting 1809 exam (C_TS4FI_1809) should consider taking C_TS4FI_2020 or its successor to stay aligned.
- Explore delta or upgrade exams: In some cases, SAP offers “delta” exams or specialist upgrades to validate new knowledge without retaking the full exam. These are especially common in cloud certifications.
When planning to transition to a newer certification:
- Check the new exam code and syllabus: Identify what has changed in the product version and exam scope.
- Review the updated learning journey: SAP Learning provides updated paths for each exam, showing what new content or tools must be learned.
- Determine if your old certification fulfills any prerequisites for advanced or specialist exams.
- Complete any Stay Current assessments, if applicable, for cloud certifications.
How SAP Helps You Stay Current
For many cloud-based solutions, SAP has established a Stay Current program. This initiative ensures that professionals who have already earned a certification can retain it by completing short, release-specific assessments instead of retaking full exams. The program typically applies to:
- SAP SuccessFactors
- SAP Ariba
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud (public edition)
- SAP Digital Supply Chain
- SAP Analytics Cloud
Key points of the Stay Current program include:
- Stay Current assessments are released alongside quarterly updates.
- Certified professionals must complete these assessments within a specific time frame.
- Completion is tracked, and non-compliance may lead to the certification being marked as expired.
This program is especially valuable in fast-moving environments where cloud software is updated every quarter and skills must be refreshed often.
Planning Ahead: Monitoring Certification Changes
SAP provides public announcements regarding exam retirements and changes. Candidates should regularly:
- Check the official certification catalog to verify the current status of any exam.
- Monitor which version is currently available and which is marked for retirement.
- Identify any upcoming changes in naming, scope, or prerequisites.
This proactive approach prevents wasted time studying for outdated exams and ensures alignment with valid certifications.
SAP certifications, like the products they reflect, are constantly evolving. As new capabilities are introduced, and older systems are phased out, certification exams are updated and retired accordingly. Professionals need to stay informed about these changes to maintain the relevance of their credentials and ensure they continue to meet market demands.
Whether transitioning from a 1809-based certification to a 2020 release or switching from on-premise to cloud credentials, planning ahead and embracing SAP’s renewal mechanisms ensures long-term value and recognition. In the next and final part, we will explore how to maintain your certification, engage with continuous learning programs, and take full advantage of the career opportunities SAP certifications offer.
Maintaining SAP Certifications and Leveraging Them for Career Advancement
Obtaining an SAP certification is a significant milestone, but in a fast-evolving digital world, holding a credential is only the beginning. As SAP continues to roll out updates across its cloud solutions and platform services, keeping certifications valid and relevant requires an ongoing commitment. This part focuses on how SAP professionals can maintain their credentials, stay aligned with the latest product updates, and apply these certifications to grow in their careers.
The Need for Ongoing Certification Maintenance
SAP solutions, especially in the cloud domain, follow frequent update cycles—often quarterly. These updates introduce new features, change interfaces, and even alter the way core business processes function. As a result, a professional certified on a previous version might find that their knowledge no longer fully matches current system behavior.
To address this, SAP has introduced structured maintenance strategies, ensuring that certifications reflect real-world, up-to-date skills. The maintenance process involves keeping pace with new learning material, completing assessments when required, and staying aware of upcoming certification changes.
The Stay Current Program
One of SAP’s most effective methods for certification maintenance is the Stay Current program. This program is primarily focused on cloud products, where changes happen more frequently and are rolled out globally through automatic updates.
Stay Current is applicable to solutions such as:
- SAP SuccessFactors
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud (public edition)
- SAP Ariba
- SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAP Digital Supply Chain
How the program works:
- Initial Certification: You begin by earning an associate-level certification in a supported product.
- Product Release Updates: SAP releases new versions of the solution—often quarterly or biannually.
- Learning Assignments: SAP publishes short learning modules that summarize what’s new in the latest release.
- Mandatory Assessments: You are required to complete a brief online assessment based on the new learning content.
- Deadline Enforcement: If you do not complete the Stay Current assessment by the deadline, your certification status is marked as expired until the update is completed.
This program ensures that certified professionals remain in sync with the software versions used by clients and employers. It also removes the need to retake full exams, which saves time and money.
Tools and Resources to Stay Certified
To support continuous learning and certification maintenance, SAP provides a robust ecosystem of educational tools:
- Learning Journeys: These structured guides outline every step of preparation and maintenance for a given certification. They include training modules, practice questions, and system demonstrations.
- SAP Learning Hub: This subscription-based platform offers access to a broad library of learning content, certification tracks, and hands-on labs.
- SAP Community: The community forums, blogs, and webinars offer real-world guidance from experts and practitioners across industries.
- SAP Credential Manager: This is where certified individuals can manage and track their certifications, check upcoming assessments, and verify the status of Stay Current requirements.
Career Benefits of Maintaining Certification
Keeping your SAP certification current does more than maintain a badge on your resume. It has real-world implications for employability, trust, and career trajectory:
- Higher Employer Confidence: Employers prefer candidates with active, updated certifications. This is especially true for consulting firms and SAP partners who are required to maintain certified staff to retain partnership tiers.
- Better Project Readiness: Staying current means you can confidently take part in projects involving new features or processes, without lengthy ramp-up periods.
- Access to High-Demand Roles: Professionals certified in the latest SAP solutions are in demand for transformation projects, especially those involving cloud migration, intelligent automation, and analytics.
- Salary Growth: Updated certifications signal commitment, relevance, and expertise—traits often associated with higher compensation in both permanent and contract roles.
Aligning Certification with Career Pathways
SAP certifications are not one-size-fits-all. To get the most out of them, it’s important to align your certification plan with your career goals. Here are some typical paths:
1. Functional Consultant:
Certifications in areas like finance (C_TS4FI), sales (C_TS462), or procurement (C_TS452) align with roles that involve configuring business processes and working closely with end users. Staying current in these areas ensures smooth adoption of new features and regulatory changes.
2. Technical Developer:
Certifications like C_FIORDEV_21 (SAP Fiori) or C_HANADEV_17 (SAP HANA development) support careers in extension, customization, and integration of SAP solutions.
3. Cloud Solution Specialist:
For roles working with cloud-native SAP applications, certifications in SuccessFactors, Ariba, or S/4HANA Cloud are essential. These roles benefit greatly from the Stay Current model, which ensures consultants are ready for cloud deployment cycles.
4. System Administrator or Architect:
Technology associate certifications like C_TADM_21 or C_SECAUTH_20 validate expertise in maintaining and securing SAP landscapes. These certifications are especially important for hybrid system support.
5. Data and Analytics Professional:
For those working in reporting, planning, and BI, certifications in SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP BW/4HANA, or SAP Data Services provide proof of skill in data management and analysis.
Each of these career paths benefits from a combination of certification and real-world experience. Maintaining up-to-date certifications shows initiative, professionalism, and technical relevance.
Recommendations for Long-Term Certification Strategy
- Plan Your Certification Pathway: Based on your current role or desired future role, map out the certifications that will build your credibility.
- Track Expiration Dates: Stay informed about upcoming exam retirements and replacement certifications.
- Use SAP Learning Tools: Invest in a Learning Hub subscription if you plan to pursue multiple certifications or work in a consulting role.
- Engage in the Community: Join SAP forums, follow product updates, and participate in user groups to stay connected.
- Make Use of Stay Current: Don’t wait until the deadline. Completing updates proactively will help you retain your credentials without stress.
Final Thoughts
SAP certifications remain a powerful tool for validating knowledge, advancing careers, and delivering business value. However, the value of these credentials depends on staying aligned with technology. SAP’s regular updates, certification retirements, and cloud-driven developments require professionals to adopt a mindset of continuous learning.
Whether you are an implementation consultant, a solution architect, a developer, or a business analyst, maintaining your SAP certifications is both a commitment and an opportunity. With structured learning tools, accessible assessments, and a global community of peers, staying current is more achievable than ever.
By actively managing your certifications and aligning them with your professional goals, you ensure that your skills remain relevant, your knowledge stays sharp, and your career continues to grow in a world increasingly powered by SAP solutions.