SAP has long been a foundational pillar in enterprise IT, providing integrated solutions that power operations across finance, logistics, HR, and beyond. In an increasingly cloud-first, automation-driven landscape, organizations need professionals who not only understand SAP systems but can also innovate using SAP’s evolving technology stack. This need has only intensified in 2023, prompting SAP to introduce sweeping updates to its certification offerings. These updates reflect current business realities, emphasize role-based learning, and align with SAP’s strategic shift toward cloud services, modular architecture, and low-code development.
The SAP Certification Exam updates of February 2023 are particularly transformative. With new role-based certifications, updated learning paths, and the phasing out of outdated exams, SAP is resetting the bar for what it means to be a certified SAP professional in today’s hyper-digital economy. This first installment will explore key structural changes, new certification offerings, and the rationale behind SAP’s evolving approach to credentialing.
The Evolving SAP Certification Framework
SAP’s certification framework has always been organized by roles and products, such as SAP S/4HANA, SuccessFactors, or SAP Analytics Cloud. However, the February 2023 updates go further in contextualizing certifications to specific job functions and use cases, reflecting a strong commitment to practical relevance.
The framework now includes three principal tiers:
- SAP Certified Associate: Ideal for newcomers or those with basic experience, focusing on foundational knowledge and system navigation.
- SAP Certified Specialist: Suited for those who have mastered core competencies and want to specialize in a certain functional or technical area.
- SAP Certified Professional: Geared toward experienced professionals responsible for architecture, project management, or end-to-end implementations.
Each level is designed to reflect the responsibilities and technical fluency expected in real-world roles, thereby improving the value of certification to employers.
Strategic Priorities Behind the February 2023 Updates
The February 2023 updates emphasize three strategic priorities in SAP’s broader digital transformation agenda:
1. Cloud-Centric Skill Sets
SAP continues to pivot toward a cloud-first world with its RISE with SAP initiative, encouraging organizations to adopt SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform). Consequently, SAP certifications have adapted to cover:
- Multi-cloud deployment models
- Hybrid landscapes
- SAP BTP extensibility and integration capabilities
Certifications like SAP Certified Development Associate – SAP BTP Extension Developer now validate proficiency in building cloud-native applications using modern frameworks like the CAP model.
2. Democratization of Development
Low-code and no-code platforms are breaking traditional boundaries between developers and business users. SAP’s introduction of SAP Build Apps certification underscores this transition. Now, business technologists, analysts, and even non-technical professionals can get certified in application development, effectively decentralizing innovation within organizations.
3. Embedded Intelligence and Automation
SAP is embedding AI, ML, and robotic process automation (RPA) across its suite. Certifications are starting to reflect competencies in:
- Smart discovery in SAP Analytics Cloud
- Intelligent scenario configuration in S/4HANA
- Process automation using SAP Build Process Automation
These updates ensure that certified professionals are not only familiar with functional configurations but can also implement smart automation for enhanced business outcomes.
Newly Released Certifications: February 2023
Let’s take a closer look at the certifications introduced or significantly revised as of February 2023.
SAP Certified Associate – SAP Build Apps
This certification targets a newer category of users: the citizen developer. As organizations seek faster delivery cycles, business users can now create functional apps without heavy reliance on professional developers.
Key skills evaluated include:
- Building UIs with drag-and-drop components
- Connecting data sources (REST APIs, SAP S/4HANA, spreadsheets)
- Managing app lifecycle and deployment
- Incorporating logic flows and process automation
This certification paves the way for broader participation in digital transformation initiatives across business departments.
SAP Certified Associate – SAP BTP Extension Developer
With enterprise IT landscapes becoming more modular, the ability to build and manage extensions without disrupting core ERP is critical. This certification measures competencies in:
- SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP)
- SAP Business Application Studio
- Extension and integration with SAP S/4HANA via APIs
- Deployment on Kyma and Cloud Foundry environments
As the SAP BTP ecosystem expands, this credential is becoming indispensable for developers modernizing traditional SAP environments.
SAP Certified Associate – SAP Analytics Cloud: Planning Specialization
SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) is rapidly becoming the central planning and analytics solution for SAP environments. This planning-focused certification tests candidates on:
- Data modeling and currency translation
- Forecasting, version management, and calendar scheduling
- Integrations with SAP BPC and S/4HANA
- Collaborative planning features
It is particularly relevant for FP&A professionals and performance analysts driving data-driven decision-making.
SAP Certified Associate – SuccessFactors Learning Management System (LMS)
This updated exam acknowledges the evolving needs of workforce reskilling and compliance. It now evaluates:
- Learning plans and curricula
- User and assignment profile management
- Integration with external content and certification tracking
- Real-time analytics and dashboard configurations
HR professionals, LMS administrators, and implementation consultants will find this certification more aligned with the current demands of workforce enablement.
Retired Certifications and Exam Phase-Outs
Several legacy certifications were officially retired as of February 2023. These changes are not simply administrative; they represent a conscious pivot toward newer, cloud-based technologies.
Certifications Retired:
- C_TS4FI_2020 (SAP S/4HANA Finance): Replaced with C_TS4FI_2022, incorporating topics on embedded analytics and group reporting.
- C_TS460_1909 (Sales and Distribution): Superseded by modular exams more aligned with S/4HANA 2022 capabilities.
- C_HANADEV_16 (SAP HANA Development): Deprecated in favor of certifications focusing on SAP HANA Cloud and BTP-based development.
- C_CPI_13 (Cloud Platform Integration): Replaced by newer credentials aligned with SAP Integration Suite and its unified API architecture.
Why Retire These Exams?
SAP’s goal is to remove redundancy, reduce complexity, and ensure all certifications are aligned with modern use cases. Candidates and enterprises alike benefit from credentials that truly reflect relevant skills, rather than outdated configurations or obsolete methodologies.
Blueprint and Curriculum Updates
Even existing certifications have received a curriculum makeover to reflect updated product capabilities and enterprise needs.
SAP S/4HANA Sales (C_TS462_2022)
- Emphasizes condition contract management
- Advanced Available-to-Promise (ATP) features
- Deep dive into pricing procedures and analytics via Fiori
SAP Analytics Cloud (C_SAC_2221)
- Predictive planning with Smart Predict
- Data modeling in SAP Datasphere (previously Data Warehouse Cloud)
- Integration with third-party platforms like Google Sheets and Excel
SAP Fiori System Administration (C_FIORADM_21)
- Focus on hybrid deployment configurations
- Performance optimization in Fiori Launchpad
- Enhanced system monitoring and traceability
These blueprint updates ensure that certifications are not static achievements but living credentials that mirror SAP’s technology evolution.
Real-World Implications for SAP Professionals
For Beginners
The new associate-level certifications lower the entry barrier. By offering low-code certification paths and more modular exams, SAP encourages participation from a wider pool of learners and job seekers.
For Experienced Consultants
Professionals already certified in older SAP versions will need to consider re-certification or credential stacking to maintain relevance. New modules like SAP Build, Kyma Runtime, and SAP Datasphere are becoming essential parts of the toolkit.
For Employers
Updated certifications offer greater confidence in the capabilities of job candidates. Organizations can use these certifications as reliable benchmarks to hire and train talent that’s future-ready.
The SAP Certification Exam updates of February 2023 are far more than incremental changes. They represent a deliberate strategy to prepare the global workforce for the next generation of intelligent, cloud-based enterprise systems. With newly introduced certifications, blueprint revisions, and an inclusive role-based model, SAP is signaling a future that is agile, extensible, and open to diverse talents.
From Paper Credentials to Digital Validation
As SAP continues to evolve in alignment with digital transformation trends, the way its certification exams are designed, delivered, and validated has undergone a significant metamorphosis. Certifications are no longer static paper credentials tucked away in HR files. They have become dynamic, digitally verifiable badges, often forming the cornerstone of career mobility and professional credibility in cloud-driven workplaces.
In Part 2 of this series, we will explore the new exam formats, delivery platforms, and tools that SAP professionals can leverage to prepare efficiently and succeed. From flexible exam proctoring to interactive learning paths, SAP has reimagined certification as a continuous and learner-friendly journey.
SAP Certification Delivery: What’s New in 2023
SAP has implemented several exam delivery enhancements aimed at convenience, accessibility, and integrity. Candidates no longer need to visit test centers to get certified; instead, SAP’s cloud-based testing model allows exams to be taken remotely under secure conditions.
Remote Proctoring via Certification Hub
SAP Certification Hub is now the universal gateway for all SAP certification exams. Here’s what has changed:
- 24/7 Availability: Candidates can schedule exams anytime, providing greater flexibility for professionals across time zones.
- Secure Monitoring: Exams are proctored via webcam and microphone, ensuring adherence to security standards.
- Multi-Exam Access: With the purchase of a certification subscription, candidates gain access to multiple exam attempts throughout the year.
This structure supports ongoing upskilling and makes it easier to re-certify as new versions of SAP software are released.
Certification Validity and Renewal
SAP certifications now follow a continuous validation model. Many associate-level and specialist exams are tied to software release cycles, which means:
- Certifications must be maintained via periodic delta assessments
- Failing to complete updates within specified timeframes can render the certification inactive
This approach ensures that certified professionals remain proficient in current software versions, thus improving the quality and relevance of the SAP talent pool.
Digital Badging with Credly
SAP has partnered with Credly to issue digital badges that are:
- Verifiable in real-time
- Shareable on LinkedIn, email signatures, or resumes
- Rich in metadata, including skills validated, date of certification, and certifying body
This initiative enhances the transparency and credibility of SAP credentials. Recruiters and employers can instantly validate a candidate’s certification status, helping streamline hiring decisions.
Learning Platforms for Exam Preparation
SAP Learning Hub
The SAP Learning Hub remains the primary platform for structured learning and certification preparation. Subscriptions offer access to:
- Self-paced learning journeys curated by SAP experts
- Hands-on practice through SAP Learning System Access
- Delta content for maintaining certification validity
Learning Hub is now increasingly personalized, with AI-driven course recommendations and modular tracks tailored to specific certifications.
SAP Learning Journeys
Each certification is accompanied by a Learning Journey—a visual roadmap guiding learners through the required training content. These journeys typically include:
- Discover (basic overview)
- Learn (core concepts)
- Practice (hands-on exercises)
- Become Certified (exam readiness)
Learning Journeys are interactive and include embedded quizzes, links to SAP Help documentation, and community resources.
SAP Learning System Access
SAP also offers virtual sandbox environments known as SAP Learning System Access, where learners can practice configuration, development, and integration tasks in a live SAP system.
- Time-bound access (20–40 hours)
- Available for a wide range of modules (S/4HANA, BTP, SuccessFactors, etc.)
- Supports both guided exercises and open-ended exploration
This hands-on experience is crucial for passing advanced and professional-level certifications, which emphasize practical application.
Changes in Exam Structures
Exams have been restructured for better alignment with real-world job tasks. Key changes include:
Modular Format
- Exams are divided into multiple topic areas (e.g., configuration, integration, reporting)
- Each module is weighted based on its relevance to the role
- Modular feedback helps candidates identify areas for improvement
Scenario-Based Questions
SAP has introduced scenario-based questions that assess a candidate’s ability to apply concepts to real-world situations. These include:
- Case studies with multiple choice answers
- Troubleshooting configuration errors
- Designing scalable architecture using SAP best practices
Increased Use of Interactive Question Types
To better assess comprehension and critical thinking, some exams now include:
- Drag-and-drop matching
- Matrix-style selection
- Sequence ordering tasks
These interactive formats provide a more engaging test-taking experience and align better with the cognitive tasks required in actual SAP roles.
Role-Based Learning Paths
SAP has introduced Role-Based Learning Paths, each mapped to specific job titles such as:
- Application Consultant
- Integration Developer
- Business Process Architect
- Analytics Specialist
These paths combine multiple certifications, learning journeys, and delta assessments to ensure well-rounded competency.
Example: SAP Integration Developer Path
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP Integration Suite
- SAP Certified Specialist – API Management
- SAP Certified Professional – SAP BTP Integration Architect
Role-based learning reduces content redundancy, clarifies career trajectories, and ensures deeper skill development.
Community and Peer Learning Support
The SAP Community has also become a vital resource for certification candidates. Key features include:
- Dedicated topic tags for certifications
- Peer-to-peer discussion forums
- Blog posts from certified professionals sharing strategies and insights
SAP also hosts live Q&A sessions, webinars, and regional meetups that allow learners to interact with SAP Education experts.
Certification Tips for 2023 Candidates
Here are practical tips for aspiring SAP professionals navigating the 2023 certification landscape:
- Start with a Role, Not a Product: Align your certification path with a job function or business goal.
- Utilize SAP Learning Hub Fully: Don’t just watch videos—complete exercises, quizzes, and attend virtual live sessions.
- Embrace Delta Assessments: Stay current by scheduling time every quarter to review changes.
- Get Hands-On: Practice in SAP Learning System Access environments.
- Leverage Community Resources: Join study groups, ask questions, and participate in knowledge-sharing forums.
Certification as a Continuous Journey
SAP’s certification updates have transformed the program from a milestone to a continuous journey. With modular exams, role-based paths, and flexible digital platforms, SAP makes it easier than ever for professionals to stay relevant, credible, and competitive.
Turning Certifications into Career Leverage
SAP certifications have become more than a testament to technical know-how—they are now strategic instruments of career mobility. In Part 1, we examined the revamped structure of SAP certifications; Part 2 discussed changes in delivery, learning pathways, and exam dynamics. Now, in Part 3, we shift our focus to the impact of these certifications on job prospects, industry demand, and long-term professional development. We’ll unpack the tangible benefits of being SAP certified, profile top roles across functional and technical domains, and explore how organizations value these credentials in recruitment and workforce development.
The Job Market for SAP Professionals in 2023
As of early 2023, global enterprises are accelerating their SAP transformation initiatives—largely influenced by SAP’s strategic push toward RISE with SAP and S/4HANA Cloud migrations. This has created a significant demand for certified professionals across various domains, from supply chain to integration architecture.
High-Demand Areas Include:
- SAP S/4HANA Finance and Logistics
- SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform)
- SAP Analytics Cloud and Datasphere
- SuccessFactors Employee Central and LMS
- SAP Integration Suite and API Management
Job postings increasingly specify SAP certification as a preferred or mandatory qualification, particularly for roles in implementation, support, and business transformation projects.
Key Roles and Corresponding Certifications
SAP certifications map closely to specific job titles, which helps candidates plan learning trajectories and employers structure job descriptions. Here are several career paths where certification significantly boosts employability.
SAP Application Consultant
Core Certifications:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Sales
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting
Responsibilities:
- Configure modules based on client requirements
- Translate business processes into SAP functionality
- Conduct testing and end-user training
Career Outlook: Demand remains high due to ongoing SAP S/4HANA migrations. Entry-level roles often evolve into solution architect positions within five to seven years.
SAP BTP Developer
Core Certifications:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP BTP Extension Developer
- SAP Certified Specialist – SAP Integration Suite
Responsibilities:
- Build cloud-native applications
- Extend standard SAP functionalities
- Integrate services across SAP and non-SAP systems
Career Outlook: Rapid growth as companies adopt composable enterprise architectures. Developers with CAP and Kyma experience are especially valued.
SAP Analytics Specialist
Core Certifications:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAP Certified Specialist – Planning in SAC
Responsibilities:
- Build dashboards and data models
- Conduct predictive forecasting and planning
- Integrate SAC with S/4HANA and other data sources
Career Outlook: A critical role in data-driven enterprises. Often leads to data architect or business intelligence manager roles.
SAP SuccessFactors Consultant
Core Certifications:
- SAP Certified Associate – SuccessFactors Employee Central
- SAP Certified Associate – SuccessFactors Learning Management
Responsibilities:
- Implement HR modules
- Configure workflows and integrations
- Provide support and ongoing optimization
Career Outlook: With HR digitization on the rise, demand continues to grow. Certification often accelerates promotion timelines.
Salary Impact of SAP Certifications
Certified professionals typically command higher salaries due to their validated expertise. According to multiple salary reports:
- Certified SAP consultants earn 15–25% more than their non-certified counterparts
- SAP developers with BTP or integration certifications are in the top salary bracket
- SAP architects with multi-certification portfolios often cross six-figure thresholds in developed markets
The ROI of an SAP certification is particularly high in freelance or consulting markets, where clients prioritize demonstrable skill over tenure.
Organizational Perspective: Why Employers Value SAP Certification
Enterprises view SAP certification as a quality benchmark for hiring, training, and promoting talent. The benefits include:
- Shortened onboarding cycles: Certified hires require less time to become productive
- Lower project risk: Teams with certified members make fewer configuration errors
- Better client confidence: SAP Partners often use certifications to strengthen RFP responses
Furthermore, organizations part of the SAP PartnerEdge program are incentivized to maintain a certain number of certified professionals to retain their tier status.
SAP Certification Portfolios and Career Progression
SAP’s certification model supports both vertical and lateral career movement.
Vertical Growth
Professionals can move from associate to specialist to professional levels, taking on greater project and architectural responsibilities.
Example:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Finance
- SAP Certified Specialist – Group Reporting
- SAP Certified Professional – Financials Architect
Lateral Growth
Professionals can branch out across domains to gain interdisciplinary expertise.
Example:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAP Certified Associate – SuccessFactors Workforce Analytics
Such cross-functional certification profiles are especially valuable in digital transformation and project leadership roles.
How to Stay Certified and Relevant
Given SAP’s accelerated product release cycles, staying certified requires a proactive approach:
- Monitor Delta Deadlines: Track mandatory delta assessments via the Certification Hub
- Engage in Microlearning: Use SAP Learning Hub’s bite-sized updates to stay informed
- Attend Live Sessions: Webinars and Q&A sessions help clarify updates and exam changes
- Network Continuously: Peer communities often offer early insights on upcoming exams
Emerging Trends in SAP Certification
As 2023 progresses, several trends are reshaping the SAP certification landscape:
1. Stackable Credentials
SAP may soon allow certification stacking across domains to create composite credentials (e.g., Finance + Analytics).
2. Industry-Specific Certifications
Tailored certifications for sectors like retail, manufacturing, and healthcare are on the horizon.
3. AI and Automation Specializations
Future certifications will likely address AI scenario configuration, RPA workflows, and machine learning integration in SAP landscapes.
4. Experience-Weighted Certifications
SAP is considering adding experiential badges, which reward hands-on project work alongside exam-based credentials.
Future-Proofing Your SAP Career
The February 2023 SAP certification updates signal a clear shift toward a dynamic, integrated, and user-centric future. By aligning certifications with real-world job roles, embedding them in continuous learning frameworks, and supporting digital validation, SAP empowers professionals to remain competitive in a volatile job market.
For job seekers, these updates mean clearer pathways to high-impact roles. For employers, they offer stronger assurance of skills and readiness. And for the SAP ecosystem as a whole, they represent a maturing of credentialing from transactional validation to transformational enablement.
Whether you’re starting out, leveling up, or pivoting your SAP career, the updated certification model provides the scaffolding you need to thrive.
The Evolving Value of SAP Certification
The SAP certification landscape, as reshaped in February 2023, reflects the realities of a modern, cloud-first business environment. Certifications are no longer static endorsements—they are evolving credentials that mirror the pace of SAP’s innovation and its enterprise customers’ transformation agendas.
With enhanced delivery platforms, role-based learning paths, delta assessments, and digital badges, SAP has created a system that prioritizes both skill relevance and professional mobility. Whether you’re a consultant, developer, or business analyst, there is now a certification path designed to support your career trajectory with precision and flexibility.
Moreover, the tangible benefits—higher salaries, better job placement, faster project readiness—underscore why SAP certification remains a vital differentiator in the IT marketplace. By embracing continuous learning and aligning certifications with emerging technologies and industry roles, SAP professionals can future-proof their careers while contributing greater value to their organizations.
The message is clear: in the SAP ecosystem of 2023 and beyond, certification is not just a credential. It’s a commitment to mastery, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Conclusion:
The February 2023 updates to SAP certification mark a pivotal transformation in how skills are recognized, maintained, and applied in the digital economy. SAP has moved beyond traditional static exams to create a dynamic, role-focused credentialing system that emphasizes real-world applicability, continuous learning, and professional relevance.
With modular exams, remote proctoring, digital badges, and integrated learning journeys, the certification process now mirrors the agility and scalability of SAP’s own cloud-first solutions. For professionals, this means more accessible, customizable, and career-aligned learning paths. For employers, it ensures a workforce that is not only certified but consistently current with SAP’s evolving technology stack.
Ultimately, SAP certifications have become powerful tools for career elevation and strategic workforce development. Whether you are just beginning your SAP journey or seeking to advance in a specialized domain, these updates provide the structure and support needed to stay competitive, capable, and future-ready in a rapidly transforming global landscape.