Many times, I have been asked by customers if being SAP-certified really brings about any value. Some have thought that having SAP product knowledge is enough. In my opinion, of course you need practical experience with SAP. However, being SAP-certified is considered a valid, reliable and valuable credential in the market.
I have compiled below the value that SAP Global Certification may bring to organizations (with certified employees), SAP partner companies (with certified consultants) and to individuals themselves.
Value of SAP Certification for Organizations
- Return on investment (ROI): SAP-certified individuals help organizations achieve a return on their software investment. When users fully utilize SAP software and systems, and adopt them, companies achieve ROI much faster. SAP-certified individuals understand the full functionalities of SAP systems and can leverage this knowledge to drive the maximum business outcome.
- Improved job performance: When users fully understand the system and are certified in their solution area, it reflects on their job performance. They are more productive, get maximum value from the system, achieve greater efficiency and improve job performance.
- Employee retention: By investing in professional development and up-skilling, organizations can reduce employee turnover. Studies show that individuals are more satisfied and happier working for companies that invest in continuous learning and that are committed to the professional development of their workforce. According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workforce Learning Report, a whopping 93% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their careers.
- In-house SAP expert capability: Organizations can build their own in-house SAP expertise by hiring knowledgeable experts with proven SAP capabilities. Their expertise can be validated by SAP Global Certification. Building organization’s own capability increases confidence in successful business outcomes, as the internal staff is trained and professionally qualified. Also, companies become more independent from external suppliers.
- Manage employee skills globally: Large organizations with a presence in multiple geographies, can easily manage their employee skills. SAP Global Certifications are globally recognized and standardized. They provide validation that the certified individual has the required proficiency and expertise in the SAP solution in which he or she is certified. This makes it very easy for organizations to manage the SAP skills of their employees worldwide.
- Use of digital badges for recruiting and employer branding purposes: Organizations can verify the candidates’ professional SAP qualification quickly and easily via digital badges. These badges can be used either in company’s external recruitment process or internal hiring for a specific SAP project. Employees who share their badges on social platforms like LinkedIn also positively contribute to the employer’s brand.