If software applications were water, SAP would be an ocean. It is the highest earning Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, according to Appsruntheworld. Because of this, one might consider diving into the world of business management by learning to use the tools SAP offers. It can be intimidating at a first glance, having an enormous range of modules and the three certifications to choose from.

However, with such a wide variety of opportunities at its disposal, SAP definitely has something for everything. The key is in cracking it, and thankfully the path to an SAP certification is not too difficult to find.

First, you should consider asking yourself which certification you want. Do you want a specialist certification? These ones already require an Associate certification, so that may not be the best place to start. Instead, you would pick either the Associate or Professional certificate. Though the cost for these SAP certifications is similar, these two have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider what your level of familiarity is before diving in. There are many questions you may want to ask yourself first.

What is your level of expertise in regards to business? Having some behind-the-scenes knowledge of how a business runs can go leaps and bounds towards becoming certified.

What is your level of expertise in regards to programming? Lextrait states that SAP is written in the C, C++, and ABAP languages, and being able to program would definitely ease your settling into the software.

Do you have any prior experience with ERPs? While SAP is the most popular ERP, it is not the only one. If it is not your first, then you should have no issue adjusting.

Do you have any prior experience with SAP training specifically? Having a Professional certification is usually a sign of years of real-world experience with the software while an Associate certification is usually your gateway ticket to enter the lower levels.

Knowing answers to these questions is essential to choosing your SAP certification. Many of the SAP modules require only an Associate certification, but if you are managing or taking part in a large business then the Professional certification is most likely for you. After going through this process, the next stop on your roadmap to success is analyzing the differences between the certifications themselves.

Associate certifications show that you have a knowledge and familiarity with the software as well as practical knowledge of how to apply it.

Professional certifications are for those who steer the ship. If you are managing a large, powerful business or working in a position that keeps one running, you will likely be expected to have a Professional certification.

There are many different ways to gain training in the varied SAP modules, with online classes as well as on-demand services, to name a few. With 160 modules, you will have no lack of agency in deciding which specific field to enter. Before you take your exam, you should definitely make sure that you have sufficient skills.

While the SAP business is booming, it is definitely not a pool you would simply dive into head-first. Thankfully, SAP’s training has a pretty clear-cut path. It is important to consider once more the Cost to become SAP Certified.

For the Associate certification, you would likely seek out courses. In this case, you can choose from free and paid classes, depending on your schedule, determination, and patience. Professional certifications likely exceed these courses as they require extensive hands-on experience. Most of the Professional, as well as the Associate certifications, cost around $550 USD, and are available either online in the SAP cloud or at a specific SAP training center. Many offer multiple attempts on the course in case of failure, though these should definitely be used sparingly when considering the cost of the exam.

Many businesses are in need of employees who know how to use SAP. Technology has become more and more intertwined with our daily lives. One can only assume that the usefulness of those acquainted with it will grow, and this is especially true for those who have years of experience.

It is never too early to start looking into joining this field. Something to consider is getting an Associate certification and then, years down the road, taking the exam for a Professional one. These things take time, and the SAP field is definitely a career move rather than a side-job.

Whatever you decide to do, remember the diversity of the field. While SAP is one software, it has an enormous amount of variation in its applications. While there are popular modules that stand out such as NetWeaver, SAP has numerous module. Keep your head up and look to the future! Just like any road trip, drive on and you’ll be there before you know it.