--- title: How SAP Certification Ought To Work description: Master SAP certification with our expert insights. Learn how certification works and get tips for success. Click now to be fully prepared and qualified! image: https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/file-16588891-png/images/sap_certified_with_effect.png --- ![SAP Certification](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/file-16588891-png/images/sap_certified_with_effect.png) # How SAP Certification Ought To Work Table of Contents Have recently read several articles on the state of [SAP Certification](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/12-easy-steps-to-being-a-better-sap-consultant) and the value of [SAP Certifications](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/enterprise-services/sap-industry-solutions/sap-project-management).   ## I Think the Authors Miss the Point.  ![Air Force vs SAP Training](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Air%20Force%20vs%20SAP%20Training.png?width=1024&height=1536&name=Air%20Force%20vs%20SAP%20Training.png)     They are asking whether the existing [SAP Certification ](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-consulting-fi-co-mm-sd-pp-plm-bw-vora-hr-crm-scm-apo-ehs-grc-modules)is valuable and ‘fit for purpose’.       The more important question is whether SAP, the company, has [designed a SAP](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/speaking-at-the-fame-and-profit-summit-2022) training and certification system that is appropriate for the task, or is simply focused on generating revenue (and [profit](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-improve-sap-profitability-management-p2-the-ultimate-guide)) for SAP versus supplying the [SAP Customer market](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/how-to-uncover-sap-services-opportunities) with the appropriately supplied [consulting skills](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-get-the-webi-universe-data-source-connection-setup).    Also important is whether they have designed a system that benefits the [SAP consultants](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-consulting-fi-co-mm-sd-pp-plm-bw-vora-hr-crm-scm-apo-ehs-grc-modules) themselves (who are also [customers of SAP](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/sap-support-companies), who many times pay for the expensive [SAP Software training](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/sap-center-of-expertise-sap-coe-approach) themselves).   To answer the question, I would like to describe the [best training program](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-training-courses) I have ever experienced, namely, that of the United States Air Force (USAF).     I believe I am highly qualified to make this comparison because I was in the [Air Force](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/unique-techniques-to-increase-your-company-revenues) and am also [certified by SAP](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-staffing-agencies), Oracle, the PMI and am a private pilot, and of course, have several degrees.    ![SAP Materials Management Certification](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SAP%20Materials%20Management%20Certification.jpeg?width=2550&height=3300&name=SAP%20Materials%20Management%20Certification.jpeg)     I can say that unequivocally, the USAF has spent the time and money on designing a [training and professional development system](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-training-courses) that works, whereas few companies, including SAP, have even scratched the surface of what needs to be done to deliver the goods.   The USAF (and I presume the other branches of the military service have something similar) system has the following basic training outline.   - Initial Aptitude Testing (ASVAB) (just to get in and few make it in). - Basic Training (more academic than you might imagine). - Initial Qualification Training, (Can range from a few weeks to several years depending on the career field). - Advanced Technical Qualification Training (can consist of numerous courses). - Ongoing [Professional](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/professional-services-learn-about-engaging-with-us) Development Training (PME) (think [leadership training](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/five-forces-model)). - Required Independent Career Development Courses (CDC). - On-the-Job  (OJT) Training (Show Me, Watch Me, Correct Me, Watch Me Again), Task-by-Task sign-off by a supervisor. - Various skill levels, 1, 3,  5, 7, 9, each of which has an associated training requirement and additional OJT requirements. - Expectation of college attendance and eventual graduation (if enlisted), or advanced degree attainment if already an officer and thus, holder of a least a Bachelor’s degree. - Large consumer of civilian training programs, i.e., plastic media bead blasting, not something with a high demand, so you get sent to a civilian course.   ## Why So Much Training?    ### How Do They Afford It?    Of course, it helps if your life depends on it.  But fundamentally, they have had years and years to study what each career field requires, they have gathered (and continuously, aggressively, gather customer feedback) [performance dat](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/10-sap-data-migration-mistakes-to-avoid)[a](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/10-sap-data-migration-mistakes-to-avoid) about their product (trained airmen) from their customers, i.e., supervisors of these airmen, and have continuously adjusted their training system to meet their [customers requirements](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/top-10-strategies-for-maximizing-roi-with-sap-consulting-services) (Every weapons system, such as the F-22 and F-35, has an LSA (Logistics Supportability Analysis) performed on it and training requirements at all levels are part of the output).    In short, their focus is on delivering highly trained, motivated, flexible resources, to the field.  Though they have a budget to work with, the focus is on the airman and the field.    ## Let's Compare That to SAP   - There is some basic selection of the trainees, but if they come from the customer side, they basically, automatically, are in.  They will attend whichever SAP Course is required to perform their job, usually, but not always, during the SAP implementation. - Other than the SAP Academy or perhaps the current [existing two levels](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/12-risk-management-considerations-to-measure-wricef-a) of certification, there really isn’t much else to compare the two systems with. - New **SAP ERP** and related products are delivered every six months, but the training that goes with it, not so much.  But **SAP Courses** are continuously developed and delivered, although they may be delivered on a software release that is not the current one. - Completely focused on delivering profit to SAP.  Nothing wrong with that, but does tend to change the meaningful measures of merit.  - Some feedback gathered during the courses, and sometimes from customers.  None from [Consultants](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/get-sap-consulting-support-now) after they leave the schoolhouse. - Any on-going professional development of the [SAP consultant](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/what-do-sap-consultancies-do) is strictly up to the SAP consultant to pursue, and no defined course from SAP.   ![SAP Certification Badge](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/file-16588891-png/images/sap_certified_with_effect.png?width=177&height=75&name=sap_certified_with_effect.png)   Many SAP projects have been successfully executed which is one of the benefits of SAP Certification, so, for the most part, they must be doing enough in the training arena.    ## Could They Do it better?    Do they have a system that would allow them to do it (yes, [DFPS](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/learn-what-makes-sap-dfps-solution-different) is ideally suited for this very purpose).    Would their [profitability](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-improve-sap-profitability-management-the-ultimate-guide) decrease if they fixed or tried to emulate the military training program?    ### Maybe, maybe not.    My own experience tells me they do not have the inhouse resources to do it on the same scale, but if customers demanded it, they would deliver a different product.  Would like to hear your recommendations for improving the [SAP Consulting](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/10-secret-tips-to-choosing-sap-consulting-companies) training approach.  One of the things we provide to help improve the overall understanding of SAP, to both consultants and customers, is a SAP Mindmap.  You can get yours for FREE by clicking the button below (windows only).   [![Explore SAP R3 Solution](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118735/f18b9643-3abf-4f23-83cb-705d67939bb6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118735/f18b9643-3abf-4f23-83cb-705d67939bb6)   ## Wondering How to Get SAP Certification There are a number of SAP Academies located around the world, offering courses for all [SAP Modules](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-understand-sap-modules-in-5-minutes) and Certifications. There is also free sap software training available from OpenSAP, though you won't learn to be an [SAP Consultant](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-consulting-fi-co-mm-sd-pp-plm-bw-vora-hr-crm-scm-apo-ehs-grc-modules) just doing these courses.  They are, however, good knowledge enhancement training.   There are also a number of private training centers with various offerings.  One of the most economical approaches we have found is online, and we now offer via an affiliate a large catalog of SAP training courses.  You can buy a bundle of courses here for a reasonable price.   [![Find SAP Training Courses](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118735/8ecf3398-5bd0-49f6-b0eb-a18515f4953b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118735/8ecf3398-5bd0-49f6-b0eb-a18515f4953b)   Thanks    People Who Read This Also Read: - [How to Select a SAP Recruitment Agency](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-select-a-sap-recruitment-agency) - [Top 10 Guidelines to Choosing a SAP Service Partner](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/top-10-guidelines-to-choosing-a-sap-partner) - [Learn What is Catch Weight Management](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/learn-what-is-catch-weight-management) - [How SAP Professional Services Solutions Help You Increase Profits](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-sap-professional-services-solutions-increase-profits) - [Understanding Embedded Systems vs SAP HANA](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/understanding-embedded-systems-vs-sap-hana) - [What are 2 Primary Focus Areas for SAP Airline Customers?](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/what-are-2-primary-focus-areas-for-sap-airline-customers) - [14 Remote SAP Consulting Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/14-sap-remote-consulting-mistakes-you-don-t-know-your-making) - [3 Ways to Design KPIs Using SAP Solution Map Composer](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/3-ways-to-design-kpis-using-sap-solution-map-composer) - [Why You Need Functional SAP Consultants on a SAP BW Project](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/why-you-need-functional-sap-consultants-on-a-sap-bw-project) - [8 Secrets to SAP Enabled Spend Performance Management](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/8-secrets-to-sap-enabled-spend-performance-management) - [BusinessObjects Explorer Best Practices](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/businessobjects-explorer-best-practices)   #### Don't Forget to Leave a Comment!   We would love to hear your thoughts on the state of SAP certification and training. Did you find the comparison to the United States Air Force training program interesting? We believe that the focus should be on delivering highly trained and motivated consultants, rather than just generating revenue for SAP. While there are some successful [SAP projects](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/sap-best-practices-greenfield-implementations) executed, we believe that there is room for improvement in the training arena.   Do you have any recommendations for improving the SAP consulting training approach? We value your input and would appreciate it if you could leave a comment below. Additionally, as a thank you for your feedback, we would like to offer you a free SAP Mindmap to enhance your understanding of SAP. Simply click the button below to get yours (for Windows only). Thank you for reading and we look forward to hearing from you!   [![Download the SAP ERP Mindmap in Interactive Format](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118735/f1c29521-97f0-44d4-bed6-64c7b1ae3c4d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118735/f1c29521-97f0-44d4-bed6-64c7b1ae3c4d)   ## **About SAP BW Consulting, Inc.**   SAP BW Consulting, Inc. helps businesses [unlock shareholder value](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/sap-services-consulting) through [data-driven decision-making](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/reporting-skills). We specialize in [SAP Business Intelligence](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/understanding-sap-bw-in-5-minutes) (BI) solutions, including SAP Business Warehouse (BW) implementation, SAP ABAP development, and [project managemen](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-things-to-know-about-your-sap-project-manager)t. Our expertise also extends to Salesforce and HubSpot integrations, helping businesses manage complex environments. Additionally, we offer Balanced Scorecard consulting to [optimize strategic planning](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/sap-grants-management).   Unlock the full potential of your data and drive value. [Book a meeting with us](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/request-sap-implementation-consulting-support-meeting-request) today. Topics from this blog: [DFPS](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/dfps) [Training](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/training) [Consulting](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/consulting) [Certification](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/certification) ### Download SAP BW Mindmap Learn what SAP Business Warehouse is and what it does in under five minutes [![Get this Mindmap](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118735/8db2ad37-8211-47a3-86ae-09b6b2bb297b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118735/8db2ad37-8211-47a3-86ae-09b6b2bb297b) [mailto:someone@yoursite.com](mailto:someone@yoursite.com) ### Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP About the Author: Lonnie Ayers is a Hubspot Certified Inbound Marketing consultant, with additional certifications in Hubspot Content Optimization, Hubspot Contextual Marketing, and is a Hubspot Certified Partner. Specialized in demand generation and sales execution, especially in the SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Partner space, he has unique insight into the tough challenges Service Providers face with generating leads and closing sales using the latest digital tools. With 15 years of SAP Program Management experience, and dozens of complex sales engagements under his belt, he helps partners develop and communicate their unique sales proposition. Frequently sought as a public speaker in various events, he is available for both inhouse engagements and ** remote coaching. ** ![Balanced Scorecard Consultant](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Balanced%20Scorecard%20Certified%20Graduate.jpg) He also recently released a book **"How to Dominate Any Market - Turbocharging Your Digital Marketing and Sales Results",** which is available on [ Amazon.](https://www.amazon.com/Dominate-Turbocharging-Digital-Marketing-Results/dp/1728357950/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1589182458&refinements=p_27%3ALonnie+D.+Ayers&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Lonnie+D.+Ayers)**** [View All Articles by Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/author/lonnie-d-ayers-pmp) ## The SAP Blog Subscribe to our blog and receive SAP BW Updates, demand generation, inbound marketing, sales enablement, technology and revenue generation insights and ideas delivered right to your email. [mailto:someone@yoursite.com](mailto:someone@yoursite.com) ![SAP](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/960101754/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=199270410761059&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://118735.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/118735/How_SAP_Certification_Should_Work.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-02-15T20:20:44.992Z", "duration" : "PT1M51.234S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "How_SAP_Certification_Should_Work", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://118735.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/118735/How_SAP_Certification_Should_Work.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1739650844992", "uploadDate" : "2023-11-29T17:53:32.793Z", "width" : 1920 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-sap-certification-ought-to-work#blogposting", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "about" : [ { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "SAP", 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