a SAP Certification
Posted by Ravi Sankar Venna 22-Mar-2012
Me, after passing Six SAP Certifications, I thought it is time for me to share my experiences, tips and ideas with the user community on passing a SAP Certification. SAP Certification is a tensed affair not because of its toughness, but, because of the money involved in it (gambling on one day cricket match ). This is particularly true, in case if you have also attended SAP Training at SAP Education or SAP Authorised Training Institutes. There are many people who have invested everything for just a Certificate. Me also one of such bunch of jokers (my wife says !!! ) who invests everything in education / certification, and at the end of the day, what you get is a peace of paper. However, the value of certification will come along with you and definitely recognised your efforts in the long run. There are many people still blame the certification process itself, because they feel that SAP has not tested their knowledge properly or they might have failed in one of their SAP Certifications or they may feel SAP Certification is a waste of money. Probably, this blog is not for so called intelligent people. I know the importance of hands on experience, but at the same time your fundamentals must be clear to work on a system. I have seen people who are having very good knowledge and 5 end to end implementations under their belt, but failed. I cannot blame their knowledge, I feel, there is a GAP in approach in attempting SAP Certification. This blog is for those who are really motivated to crack the SAP Certification at any cost and prove themselves to add one more A4 size paper to the list of their certificates
I would like to summarize some my personal experiences, tips and ideas, may be helpful in approaching and cracking SAP Certification.
Identify your strengths: Before writing a certification first know your strengths. If you want to write a certification in a particular area, you should know whether you have worked in any of those areas and gained any functional knowledge / domain knowledge / end user experience / configuration experience / coding experience / training etc. Note that everybody cannot get all the opportunities in all the above areas. But, you should able to Identify your strengths with respect to these areas, then decide which Certification you are required to attempt.
Understand SAP Certification Policies: Unfortunately, SAP is having different type of policies with reference to SAP Certification in different countries. I had to travel from India to Malaysia in order to write my SAP BW Certification . Dictionary meaning says Policy means, the rules are same for every one. But, unfortunately, SAP Education policy
change from country to country, person to person and organisation to organisation. They are very complex, layman like me cannot understand . First contact your local SAP Education Team and understand what is their policy applicable for your case and get a written confirmation that you are eligible to write the certification. Sometimes, it may so happen that you are eligible to write SAP Certification on day 1 and surprisingly may not be eligible on day 2.
Formal Training: If you are really new to an area, but intended to write SAP Certification, you need to attend the formal training. In some countries, SAP says, you must get trained from SAP Education / SAP Authorised Training Partner. But, in other countries, you can register yourself and write the exam. If you are fortunate enough to afford the money, then, it is recommended to get some sort of formal training. There may be some exceptional people who has written some Certifications without formal training. But, please note all the certification you cannot adopt the same approach. Some of the Certifications really test your ability and conceptual knowledge. Please note that unless you are formally trained, you cannot reach the level of passing the Certification Exam. If you pass such certifications without having any knowledge and training, then you are a star
Plan in advance: You must plan in advance. At least couple of months are really required from the date of start of your formal training and attempting the certification. If you are privileged to get a formal training from SAP, you would get lot of new concepts every day and will have less time to practice and study, then your next day starts for new movie . Therefore, hardly you get any time to master the things. Since, you have gone through every page in detail, probably, you may in a better position position to attempt the examination. Exercises: At the end of the each chapter, there used to be exercises, but do not worry if you are not able to complete them. In my whole life, I could not complete all the exercises in a book (little incompetent !!! LOL ). Please note that the exercises are given only to get clarity on the theoretical and conceptual knowledge. They are not intended to make you master or test your hands on exercises. Therefore, do not put much stress even if you cannot complete them.
After Training - Before Examination: I would say this is the real crucial stage. During the training period, you never had chance to revise anything. But, this is the period where you will really put the concepts into your mind.
• Read each Certification Curriculum book for not less than FIVE times, very RELIGIOUSLY, before going to examination. First time, it would take longer period, but the more number of times you read, the time would be reduced. You must keep a notes and note down the important points. Meanwhile, you also highlight any important points with marker and note some questions with pencil. But, all my Certification books are filled
• Give more importance to chapters with +++ or ++ ratings in the syllabus. You may expect more number of questions out of these chapters.
• You are not advised to memorise the things, but, try to read in order to understand the concepts. Because, in certification, SAP is trying to test your conceptual knowledge, but not your memory.
• Try to answer the questions given at the end of the each chapter.
• Practice number of questions during this period. There are number of yahoo / google groups, where you can find number of sample questions. Try to attempt them. Do not worry, if you are only able to correct few in your first attempt. Even me used to get few correct answers only. If it is wrong, understand why it is wrong, if it is correct, why it is correct, this is the only way, you can clear the conceptual understanding, rather than blindly remembering the answers.
• There are number of pictures / graphs that are being given in the Certification material. Please do not look them as nice looking coloured pictures. Try to analyse them in functional / technical perspective. Hopefully, you will find lot of meaning from them. Then read the underlying text in conjunction with those pictures. You will see much and better confidence view.
• If you have any time try to go through help.sap.com, where the concepts are written in crystal clear language. If you find any time and also go through some of the threads on SDN, that would be a bonus.
Day before examination:
• Know the address of your examination center. Otherwise, you may get panic in searching for the center tomorrow morning
• Go to bed little early.
• Do not read too much the whole night, it may not help, moreover, you may be sleepy in the examination. On the day of examination:
• Get up little early and have relaxed bath, take adequate breakfast.
• See if you have time and can rush through pages, but not spend too much time here, you will forget going to exam.
• Ensure that you have identity card (passport / driving license) or admission ticket, pen / pencil etc.
• Ensure that you reach half an hour in advance to the examination time. One time, I could not reach the examination center due to traffic and I am forced to reschedule my examination.
• Whoever be the person, there will be definitely some tension boiling inside. But, try to keep yourself as much relaxed as possible. Just think, even if you do not pass, it is not the end of the world, still there is a tomorrow. Be calm.
In the Examination Hall:
Before coming to the examination, you must have enquired the pattern of the examination. In earlier pattern, you can still get partial credit for partially correct questions. However, for new pattern, SAP only will award marks if all your answers / sub answers are correct in a question. Even if you make one sub-question incorrect, you will not get any marks for the total question. Therefore, your concepts must be crystal clear, you cannot take chances to put lotteries in the examination center , whereas in old pattern, many people used to put lotteries for unknown questions (including me ), as you were not going to loose anything. No negative marking is there in either current or old pattern of valuation.
• Ensure you have completed all the formalities, like filling the form containing the name, contact details, address (where you should get your certificate) etc.
• Use elimination technique - First try to identify the wrong questions, which you can identify very easily, then finally you will reach the right answers.
• Concentrate on Single Answered Questions - For certain questions are called single answered questions, which will have radio buttons, only one question will is the correct answer. I heard that they have higher weightage, but not sure. Ensure that you reach the correct answer by using elimination technique.
• Try to attempt the easy questions first - Try to attempt the easy questions first, then this will give you confidence and keep you in better frame of mind.
• Mark the questions - If you cannot answer the question completely, then put them as "Marked question", then at the end you can easily identify such questions and complete the answers. Even if you do not put as "Marked Questions", still you can come back and complete them, it would waste your valuable time.
•
Take few minutes break - Go to wash room and come back, your mind may be recharged.
• Do not worry much about the time - You should usually get ample time. Every time, I used to get time to go through all the questions 3 to 4 times. Therefore, in my opinion, time will not be a constraint, unless
somebody spends more than an hour on a single question
• Give last ten minutes for re-look at all questions - At this point of time, you do not have the time to read the question, only look at the question with your eyes and ensure that you have answered all questions. So, go through in this fashion for all the questions.
• Relax - If you are confident, then you can click submit button, if you are shivering, just sit, relax and close your eyes, the system will take your session and issue the results. If you pass you will see Congratulations, otherwise, you will see your failed message. You can note down the marks obtained chapter wise on a plain paper.
• Even if you pass or fail, do not much worry about it, calm / relax and come out of the examination hall. After the Examination:
• You should get your hard copy of the certificate within 4 - 6 weeks of time from the date of your Certification.
• If not contact your Local / Global SAP Education Team, they should be able to help you out.
• Contact SAP Education Team for password of your S ID. This you can use in order visit Service Market Place (https://service.sap.com). Do not share this User ID and Password with others.
• Contact SAP Education Team for your Certification Logo, which you can use on your CV.
• Earlier SAP used to send S ID cards. I got for my three certifications, but not for other three. But, I do not know where I misplaced
Hopefully, I believe that I have covered most important points and will be useful for SAP Certification aspirants. This is the approach I used to follow. If you have any better approach, you are always welcome with suggestions and updates.
All the best. Best Regards, Ravi
PS: Please do not waste your money on bogus web sites, who are selling the questions / useless materials.
38924 Views Tags: sap_education, sap_teched, sap_certification
23-Mar-2012 11:05 AM Zeenat Rehana
Hey, Its a very good post..you spoke my mind because last month itself i passed the exam..I am a certified application associate in MM...I agree with all of your points.I just want to add onething nowadays the question pattern changed a lot and case basis questions are coming from exercise...You are expected to go thru all the pages of the T-code and must know the effects of each configuration...
I would like to know from you,where can i apply for Certification Logo? and whom to contact for my S ID.Can you give us the mail id or can brief on the process...
Thanks...
23-Mar-2012 11:14 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Zeenat Rehana in response to
Well done. Thanks for the update.
You please go through the following thread to get your Logo. http://scn.sap.com/message/9584008#9584008
23-Mar-2012 11:24 AM Raghavan Rangarajan Zeenat Rehana in response to
HI
You can contact SAP education in your country for the S ID in service market place. Within 2 weeks, you will get a Letter with your S ID mentioned and the password (It will come even if you dont contact them )
24-Mar-2012 10:27 AM Mohammed Farhan Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hello Ravi,
Thanks for the post very informative but it is totally for the people who are appearing the exam from SAP education partner.can you please provide information for those who are appearing from pearsonvue. I Had completed my exam on 20th feb 2012 from
Pearsonvue,how can i know that my exam results are updated in SAP cert database?Can any one check his certification details with S-ID?
24-Mar-2012 11:37 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Mohammed Farhan in response to
I have no idea with them. You may have contact the local examination center where you have appeared. I have read some miserable stories of not receiving their Certificates etc. when passed from Pearson. You may have to continuously follow them up. I am sorry, but I do not know why SAP is reluctant to look into streamline the process with Pearson.
26-Mar-2012 3:30 PM Narasimhulu Konnipati Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Ravi,
Fortunately i had to see the post from you on Certification. My god, i have to think now twice to go for certification.
Excellent dear...i have gone through every line of your explanation.
Actually, i am not able to spend that much money for training and thought to go and register and attend for it.
Now i need to think seriously
What could be the best site for exercises dear? Thanks you so much for your time
Narasimhulu
26-Mar-2012 3:52 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Narasimhulu Konnipati in response to
Hi Narasimhulu,
I think in India if you have two years of experience, then you can go and write the Certification. The rules for certification in India are little weird. Please check with SAP Education Team, they may ask for your CV to validate. If they feel you are OK, then you should be able to just pay the certification fee and write the examination (without training). Fortunately, in UK, we do not have such bizzare rules.
Currently, FI and CO Certifications are separate, if you want to clear them, you need to write them individually. But, I would suggest you may first concentrate on FI. This is pretty easy examination, I believe, you do not find any difficulty in passing the exam. But, CO, is definitely demanding and you should have through knowledge particular CO-PC and CO-PA. On each chapter of the syllabus books, you have the exercises. If you get those books, then you can practise those exercise.
Please let me know if you would like to know any specific details. Regards,
Ravi
26-Mar-2012 4:22 PM Narasimhulu Konnipati Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Yes Ravi...you are right. In India, we have that policy.
I will have to enroll for the certification, not in next 2 months....atleast after 3 to 4 months. I hope i will clear the exam, the main doubt is whether i need to go for Foundation course (Associate) or Second level.
I am still in confusion
Could you please demonstrate few words on 1st level and 2nd level dear? Thanks
26-Mar-2012 4:31 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Narasimhulu Konnipati in response to
As I told you in the Blog, this is a tensed affair, if you are spending money on certification means, you must ensure that you are going to get the certificate.
Associate Exam - Just goes by the syllabus book. Most of the questions are from the
syllabus books. Hopefully, if you read the books for 5 to 6 times, you should be familiar with the questions. For Associate level, if you have 2 to 5 years of experience, that may be really added value.
Professional Exam - It will not only test the text book knowledge, but the questions on mostly based on the practical experience. It would definitely test your ability to give right answers in different practical scenarios. Mostly, scenario based questions. Hence, in my opinion, if you have 8+ years of solid experience, then you may go for this. For appearing professional certification, associate level examination is NOT a pre-requisite.
I would suggest you may attempt Associate Level first and get some more exposure, then try for Professional Level, if you are really interested. If you are directly going to Professional Level, without knowing the depth, if any thing goes wrong, then it would be total wastage of money.
Hope this clarifies. Regards,
Ravi
26-Mar-2012 11:48 PM Ghanem Werkmen
Hi,
There is a big contradiction between these two parts of your article:
1) "Practice number of questions during this period. There are number of yahoo / google groups, where you can find number of sample questions. Try to attempt them. Do not worry, if you are only able to correct few in your first attempt. Even me used to get few correct answers only. If it is wrong, understand why it is wrong, if it is correct, why it is correct, this is the only way, you can clear the conceptual understanding, rather than blindly remembering the answers."
2) "PS: Please do not waste your money on bogus web sites, who are selling the questions / useless materials."
I think you should make up your mind: either you recommend usage of the sample certification questions for preparation or you do not.
Regards, Ghanem
With this article the author attempted to create a guide for passing an SAP certification. First thing that stroke my attention was that the author claimed to pass various SAP certifications 6 (!!!) times. I cannot imagine any meaningful reason why someone needs to do it 6 times. Next, the article is unnecessary wordy but at the same time fails to provide some important information, such as links for the registration for SAP certification, the exam structure, and the scoring method. Moreover, some of the recommendations, such as "Read each Certification Curriculum book for not less than FIVE times, very RELIGIOUSLY, before going to examination.", are simply ridiculous taking into account that depending on SAP certification the course books in total may contain 500-1000 pages. The time that people usually have for preparation do not allow to read this number of pages 5 times "very RELIGIOUSLY". Overall, I feel that for the author it was more important to share some personal and for many people useless recommendations like "Go to bed little early", than to provide people with a robust guide for an SAP certification.
27-Mar-2012 6:34 AM Tom Cenens
Hello Ravi
My advice is pay attention during the SAP course when it's a certification that follows right after a SAP course. That does the trick for me basically. I finished up my last certification before everyone was logged on to do their certification and passed it with a nice score. I'm not a "certification" evangelist though, I don't see the huge added-value of a SAP
certification the way some see it. To me it's yet another exam, it proves you have obtained a certain level of "knowledge" on a topic but you can still suck at putting it to practice. As long as that issue exists it will undermine the added value of a certification.
For the larger exams like Technology Consultant or Solution Manager professional, reading the courses (or related content) once is all I would do really. That's already very time consuming, I won't go marking words and learning things out of my head but I can understand everyone has his/her own methods of gathering / saveguarding knowledge. What interests me though is to what extent your certifications have helped you out? Did it help on a personal level, on a professional level or both or?
Kind regards Tom
27-Mar-2012 6:36 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Ghanem Werkmen in response to
I do not see any contradiction between my statements. It is up to the readers how they understand my words.
I am not sure whether you are aware or not there are number of websites and people selling and claiming their SAP materials are the best to pass SAP Certification. This is billions dollars illegal market. Please note that this NOT the only source to practice questions. I would rather suggest to search for yahoo or google groups for these certification questions. You MUST practice the questions which are available at your institute or friends, but not by approaching unauthorized people and wasting your money. If they are not available frame your own questions and practice.
This is a question depends on person to person and situation to situation. When I have written certification first time, I have practised thousands of questions. Now, I can pass the same certification examination 100 out 100 times without looking at the book.
Practice ! Practice ! Practice ! - Practice makes man perfect - Do not take any risk with your money being invested.
Cheers, Ravi
27-Mar-2012 6:52 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Ghanem Werkmen in response to
Dear Ghanem,
I do not need to make up any false claims and put up on a blog on SCN forums. If you are really in doubt, I will provide you with my S ID numbers, you can please check with SAP It seems that you have misunderstood, I have not done the certification for 6 times, but 6 certification in different areas in SAP. Hope my profile gives you info.
Learning is a process of life, you cannot be like FICO 4.6 consultant for life, things are changed, technology has changed. It is just your OWN interest whether to prove yourself or not. I am really not sure whether you have gone through the SAP Certification Forum on SCN, number of times, I have provided the information on registration, certification, fee structure etc. To tell you frankly, there is no authentic website to claim the pass percentages. I would recommend somebody to sit at home rather wasting their time and effort, if they cannot afford to read 500 pages. It is only my personal suggestion to "go to bed little early". If the people are happy to study the whole night and reach the examination center directly, then it is their personal wish and choice.
Ravi
27-Mar-2012 7:44 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Tom Cenens in response to
Dear Tom,
I am not going into a discussion whether certification is good or not. That is a different
discussion altogether. There are number of websites and forums still discussing and fighting on this subject.
All the people are not fortunate enough to afford the SAP Certification from SAP or their Education Partners. The other side of the coin is really harsh. There are people who struggle to gather all relevant material and information available. Certification does not mean that it is ultimate thing in life. This is only a basic qualification and they can work on the system and practice confidently. Nobody can deny the importance of hands on experience. For example, BPC 10.0 is the hottest skill in the market, nobody can claim that they are master in this product, as the product itself is not enough matured. The only way you can claim the adequate knowledge to the prospective employers is by way of Certification. This does not mean that people are master in this subject.
I have 10 plus years of consulting experience, if I do a certification, it may not make any substantial value to me, but in case of a fresher definitely, this is a great value added and moral booster.
It all depends on the person to person how they prepare the examination, you may pass the examination in a single time reading, somebody may require 5 times or more, somebody can just pass the examination out of sleep. The kind of preparation depend son your skill levels. First time, it may require 10 times reading, when you reach a master level, you do not need any reading to pass the certification.
For your kind information, I never counted any future benefits for my certification. I have done the certifications out of my own interest and sheer passion on SAP to learn new technologies. I cannot quantify whether the certifications have given me any benefits or not. Some certifications have benefits in one way, some other way and some are noway. I would only suggest not to worry to much about the benefits about personal or professional level, just do it perfectly and passionately, let the benefits come on its own way.
One thing I can surely say, I am very well respected in my Organisation, among clients colleagues and friends. This is more important for me than any monetary benefits, which I do not care much. I am confident enough to say that I deserve the respect among the community not just for my certifications, but a whole package of skills and attitude.
Best Regards, Ravi
27-Mar-2012 8:09 AM Narasimhulu Konnipati Ghanem Werkmen in response to
Dear Gahem / Tom,
Please be noted that the person who is advising to users who are interested to attend for the examination is not a fresher, or this is not for a shake of time or popularity.
If you go through the entire explanation of Ravi's on Certification post, you will definitely understand what / how to prepare for the exam. No one has this much time to tell or explain to users in real time...He is feeling responsibility. Let him....
NOT only that, he also explained the value of the money along with Certificate. Ravi is trying to address many users not to go for false/fake websites and spend lot of money for certification. Instead they can go for google, yahoo and even they can borrow the material from friends. This is absolutely correct.
When it comes to the statement "Go to bed a bit early", being a consultant with 6
certifications, one should have the minimum knowledge on pre-preparation to exam and that helps a lot.
I would always welcome critics but with through analysis Hope you understand
Thanks
27-Mar-2012 8:10 AM Tom Cenens Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Dear Ravi
There are ways to get a free certification exam because top contributors on SCN were provided with one free of charge exam of choice in 2011. I was one of them and I have scheduled a Solution Manager certification from that voucher.
I agree that you learn by doing certifications so it's not a waste of time. Most of my
certifications were gathered when I started out as at that time it did make more sense to me than it does now. Now it's more like you say, out of passion, interest and willingness to learn and experience things.
I never really encountered benefits but some large customers pay attention to people who are certified. Not that they don't interview them or expect them to deliver good quality work but they do value the certifications one way or the other.
Yes your statements do make sense Best regards
Tom
27-Mar-2012 8:21 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Tom Cenens in response to
Thanks Tom. Unfortunately, I have never been contacted by SAP for free certification, though my life time points of more than 12500 and stood top contributor of all forums in the past You are lucky mate. All the best. I can say Solution Manager is the most easiest SAP exam that I have appeared so far.
27-Mar-2012 8:22 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Narasimhulu Konnipati in response to
Thanks Narasimhulu.
27-Mar-2012 8:55 AM Tom Cenens Narasimhulu Konnipati in response to
Dear Narasimhulu
To avoid confusion: I'm not judging him, I'm just commenting . I think it's interesting to see multiple persons view point on certifications. That doesn't mean we all have to agree on every pointer of course.
Not spending money on false/fake websites is definitely a good point but then again I only think desperate persons would do that to be honest. I've seen people cheating on SAP certifications in the past, working together with three persons and still failing (that was the fun part).
I'm always up early, ridiculously early even sometimes so I can understand the tip "Go to bed a bit early". That's a personal statement as is a blog post as it captures personal sentiment, I don't see what's wrong with that.
I don't need an analysis to voice my own opinion though. I have three certifications myself so I share my own experience by commenting on this blog post.
My opinion differs but I expect it differs for everyone. Everyone has his/her own methods. These tips might help out some community members but in the end everyone should seek out their own way of doing things, what works best for them.
I'm trying to understand where the differences lie in perception (geographical, sentiment, situation based, value based) so by no means am I joking about this post.
Kind regards Tom
27-Mar-2012 9:15 AM Ravi Sankar Venna
Thanks all for your comments.
I do not have any personal intention or motivation in saying "Go to bed a bit early". My only intention is if they go to bed little early, it would give the mind proper rest and
tomorrow morning in the examination hall, they may feel fresh with relaxed brain. But, it their personal choice when they want to go bed Hope late night sleep should not affect their certification result in anyway.
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
27-Mar-2012 9:16 AM Narasimhulu Konnipati Tom Cenens in response to
Dear Tom,
Why many people are saying the same is, they have seen such kind of instances and the opinion has come from their personal experiences. So I feel there no harm in sharing that. You are right on your statement that the opinion differs from person to person, but when you look into the common help seeking from experts and the awareness they are looking for is...how to get certified...I hope you understand my point.
If i don't know something, certainly i look for some one to help or guide...for all of them..this is a kind of brainstorming session to make them aware of frauds.
I am not intended to make any statements which doesn't have any value at the end of the day...trying to help users to aware of things happening.
You have the right to voice on blogs, i agree, but think in the perspective of many users who are looking out help, being an expert, one should be good enough to observe the pulse of audience.
I hope you understand Thanks,
Narasimhulu
27-Mar-2012 12:00 PM Ravi Sankar Venna
Thanks all for giving your valuable comments. I am really overwhelmed by the constructive ideas, suggestions, quality comments, best critics and tips etc. Looking forward for more and more updates to this thread, so that our Community or SAP Certification Participants can be benefited. Thanks once for all your time and effort. Keep posting.
31-Mar-2012 8:09 AM Abhishek Saraswat Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
I gave my TADM70:OS/DB migration certification on 30th March 2012 ie Yesterday . Though i checked that i scored 90% (pass percentage was 55%) and also the
congratulations word.Showed to Proctor too.
But again due to my excitement i left the centre early.How can i check the result before 4 weeks from SAP before getting the certificate.As no written proof is given till yet.I have only my S-User id.
I know i should have made double sure before leaving .
31-Mar-2012 3:19 PM Abhishek Saraswat
I gave my TADM70:OS/DB migration certification on 30th March 2012 ie Yesterday . Though i checked that i scored 90% (pass percentage was 55%) and also the
congratulations word.Showed to Proctor too.
But again due to my excitement i left the centre early.How can i check the result before 4 weeks from SAP before getting the certificate.As no written proof is given till yet.I have only my S-User id.
I know i should have made double sure before leaving .But now what i can do before a wait of 3-4 weeks.
1-Apr-2012 7:48 AM Zeenat Rehana Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Mr.Ravi,
I strongly agree with you that last night before Exam we should keep our mind cool and should give our mind & brain full rest .It helps to manage any kind of anxiety arises during the exam...The person who is doing hardwork for the last 3-4 months ,he/she can not make a huge diffferance in the last night.There is a word call "assimilation" ...We read so much,we talk on so much things but scientifically our brain needs some time when it assimilates all those systematically...
The person who is decided to give certification exam(Associate level) ,should prepare
himself /herself to read the books very carefully..Because the question pattern demands that the examinee should be well through the main sylabus...
Thanks for the valuable input.I must appreciate that somebody has understand the need of discussing the nitty -grity of this exam..Because i have never been able to get any person in the market who helped me with any small advice also otherthan SCN community....So keep up the good work and express your personal experience again & again..My experience would be different but the synopsis will be same with eachother...
Atleast something is better than nothing.... Regards
Zeenat Rehana
1-Apr-2012 7:51 AM Zeenat Rehana Abhishek Saraswat in response to
Congratulation! Do not worry at all...You have the ID no with you and proctor has noted your marks..Rest will be taken care by the Authority...You will soon get your certificate...
Regards
Zeenat Rehana
20-Apr-2012 8:06 AM Amaresh Makal
Hi Ravi,
Very good write up on certification. Certainly it is going to be helpful for the certification aspirants, who are taking certification test for the first time.
Regards,
Amaresh Makal
20-Apr-2012 10:04 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Amaresh Makal in response to
Thanks a lot Amaresh.
7-May-2012 9:40 PM Ravi Sankar Venna
Why did the "emotion icons" are removed from my blog?
Moderators - Can you please tell me what is wrong in that? Can you please justify your actions? When I see other blogs, the "emotion icons" are not being removed. When you are removing something, you should also give the reason why they are being removed? Then we will follow your "tips" to write a blog. You cannot have the different rules for different blogs and different people. If there is no use of these icons, why you have included this button in this new SCN? One way you are saying to use a new functionality and in another way you are removing the same?
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
8-May-2012 4:10 AM Ruksana Khan Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Dear Ravi,
This is wonderful blog, Everyone who is having plan for doing any kind of certification in SAP, this is must watch for them. Thanks for sharing this with public.
@Moderator: Even my blog was removed few days back and do not have any idea why it was removed. You must inform people for what reason you are taking purticular action. I thought you (Moderator) have removed this because I do not have much points in kitty that is why you have removed my blog. If not prove me wrong by giving proper reason.
Best Regards Ruksana
8-May-2012 5:39 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Ruksana Khan in response to
Thanks a lot Ruksana.
@Moderator - Removing something by the forum members, without any valid reason may not be much appreciated. Please provide the reason if anything is going wrong with forum rules.
Many Thanks, Ravi
8-May-2012 2:38 PM Avish Mittal
Hi Mr. Ravi,
I have read your blog, it is great !!!!!!
Actually I have completed 2 years as working in SAP ABAP. I want to know, am I eligible to apply for any ABAP certification.
If yes, please give me information how proceed further.
Thanks & Regards, Avish
8-May-2012 3:36 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Avish Mittal in response to
You are required to contact your local SAP Education Team. They will advise you on this.
http://www.sap.com/training-and-education/index.epx
Ravi
9-May-2012 8:24 AM Avish Mittal Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Thanks Ravi.
Regards Avish
9-May-2012 9:27 AM Nitish Barnwal
this was really helpful
9-May-2012 2:43 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Nitish Barnwal in response to
Thanks Nitish.
11-May-2012 10:30 PM Marilyn Pratt Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ruksana and Ravi,
I will indeed look into this further.
I agree that removing content without giving an explanation or warning is not friendly
behaviour and is not the usual way our moderators respond. Ruksana, you are welcome to contact me via DM and we shall get to the bottom of this.
11-May-2012 11:25 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Marilyn Pratt in response to
Thank you Marilyn for bringing me back the cheer on my face
Ravi
12-May-2012 10:56 AM Anish Mahadik Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
Really thanks alot for sharing your experience.
12-May-2012 11:30 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Anish Mahadik in response to
Thanks Anish.
13-May-2012 10:52 PM mulpuru pavan kumar
Hii Mr.ravi
I am planing to get certified in sap-bi , as being a student in india and spending a lot of money with SAP education partners for TRAINING and EXAM ,
can i travell to malaysia and get certified, by just attending the exam (with out training )?? " i have material to get my self prepared "
pls guide me .
Thanks & Regards, pavan
14-May-2012 10:46 AM Ravi Sankar Venna mulpuru pavan kumar in response to
I am not sure what the current policies in Malaysia SAP. You need to contact them, they should be able to advise you accordingly.
SAP Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Suite 22.09, Level 22, GTower, 199, Jalan Tun Razak,
50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Sales Enquiry: 1 800 813 800
Other Enquiry: (60) 3 21610233 (Switchboard) Fax: (60) 3 21632688
E-mail:[email protected]
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
14-May-2012 11:33 AM Anand Gellela Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
Thanks for your the valuable input and much appriated for sharing your experience and thoughts on SAP Certification. I am planning to sit for SAP CO Certification (Assoiciate level) When I looked at the SAP AG site for info on CO certfication there are two papers (1). C_TFIN22_64 and (2). C_TFIN22_65 I am not sure which one to opt for. Could you please throw some light on this topic and defference between two papers?
Thanks in Advance Anand Gellela
Hi Anand,
Please go to the following link in order to find the syllabus for each certification track.
http://www.sap.com/services/education/certification/certificationfinder.epx#
If you see there is no difference as far as syllabus is concerned.
C_TFIN22_64 is based on ECC 6.0 + Enhancement Pack 4 Functionalities will be included C_TFIN22_65 is based on ECC 6.0 + Enhancement Pack 5 Functionalities will be included
I wondered there are two certifications coming with the same code.
C_TFIN22_65
One with enhancement Pack 5 and other one without any enhancement pack. I could not see how SAP would distinguish between these two courses. You need to check with SAP.
If you are really worked on the systems EHP4 or EHP5, you please book accordingly. Otherwise, if you are really not much comfortable then you can go for simple ECC 6.0 Management Accounting Certification.
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
PS: Nobody really bother which version you have passed, as all of them are coming under ECC 6.0.
14-May-2012 12:02 PM Anand Gellela Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Thanks for your quick response Ravi..! Much appreciated.
Regards, Anand
14-May-2012 1:17 PM Divix S
Hi Ravi,
Quite an informative post. Thanks for sharing some important links in the post. I am a SAP SD consultant with a work experience of 20 months and plan to apply for SAP SCM certification in the months to come (depends on eligibility). With respect to SAP SCM certification, I have some questions for you.
1. Can you please share the complete process of certificate application process. 2. As far as SAP SD and MM are concerned, Is SAP SCM the correct certificate to apply for?
2. If I am not wrong, with a work exp of 20 months associate certification would be a more logical bet than professional certification. Sorry but I am a little new to SAP certification process, hence doesn't have a fair idea of how to shape up my certifications.
Kindest Regards Divix
14-May-2012 2:48 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Divix S in response to
Hi Divix,
Following are my answers for your questions.
1. You need to contact your local SAP Education Team. They should be able to advise you. Please visit
http://www.sap.com/training-and-education/index.epx
2. By looking into your experience of SD, CRM could be recommended certification. SCM is more relevant for people with more MM experience.
3. If I am in your place, I would only go for Associate Examination. Professional exam would need much more clear understanding of not only concepts but also business processes.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
Hi Ravi
i completed my degree in mechanical engineering and now working as php programmer , i completed course in SAP-Bi and now searching for job in sap-bi, is it advisable to do sap -bi certificate first now or after 2 years ..?? can you please tel me
Thanks vinod
15-May-2012 4:22 PM Ravi Sankar Venna vinod kumar in response to
Hi Vinod,
If you are in APAC Region, you should have 2 years of implementation experience for writing SAP Certification, unless you attended the full length training from SAP / SAP Education Partners.
Please contact your local SAP Education Team, they will further advise you.
Best Regards, Ravi
15-May-2012 4:59 PM vinod kumar
Thanks Ravi ,
ya will go fro certification after 2 years ,ya me from India that too from AP.
15-May-2012 7:47 PM Divix S Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
Thanks a ton for your quick response to my questions. Few more queries.
1. I have been working in SD module for the past one and half years. During this time, I also developed some knowledge of MM. Both the modules are quite integrated with each other and to some extent it becomes imperative for a person to have fair idea of MM if one works for SD and viceversa. Which of the certifications-CRM/SCM would do justice to my needs? Is it possible to have both under my belt? Please comment.
2. I would prefer to have a career path comprising of both SD and MM modules. Any idea of how to shape up my certifications with the above stated preference?
3. Are certifications the only means to have growth in SAP area? I mean is there anything else that we need to concentrate along with the certifications?
4. Does a certification policy vary from country to country?
Your answers to my questions would definitely help me to have a fair idea of how to shape up a career in SAP functional area. Well begun is half done.
15-May-2012 10:49 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Marilyn Pratt in response to
Hi Marilyn,
Again my "emotion icons" on blog are disappeared. I am not sure whether it is the technical problem with new SCN or Moderators are deleting my icons. If this is a technical issue, then in other blogs also the same thing might be happening. If it is moderator, I do not know what fault I have done in the blog.
Thanks a ton for your time and effort into this issue.
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
15-May-2012 11:00 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Divix S in response to
Hi Divix,
1. Though you are conversant with both the areas, you must identify your strong area between MM and SD. Because CRM / SCM are diverse area, you cannot travel in both the directions. You should make choose one of them either CRM or SCM, but not both. Before selection, analyse your strength, market conditions, job opportunities and long term career etc.
2. As I have explained you, both are diverse fields, you cannot go on both boats. I am not sure, but CRM would be a better bet for you considering your experience and outside opportunities.
3. There are consultants without certification might be earning thrice of my salary Initially, certification may help to you a good extent to enter into the market. Once you are already
in the market, they may not add that much values, unless you are certified on very new / hottest skills.
Certification is - 10%
Configuration Knowledge - 40% Business Process Knowledge 50%
In addition, you should have very good communication, presentation and client facing skills. The more you grow, the importance of configuration will be reduced as a consultant, but the client will how quickly you can understand their business processes.
You cannot see all in a single person. Within the best of our abilities you need to perform
4. It is a whole big Hollywood story. You only need to ask SAP Education Team what is story in that country
Hope I have best attempted your questions. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
Hi Ravi,
Thanks a ton for your reply... Would definitely pay heed to your advice.
Kindest Regards Divix
16-May-2012 9:19 PM Khalid Aldrouby
Hi Ravi,
what kind of certs avialable can you please list them based on skills starting with biggner to advanced.
i am interested in a specific type of certification that can help me in architectural configuration of SAP on windows server side.
17-May-2012 12:38 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Khalid Aldrouby in response to
Hi Khalid,
SAP offers hundreds of Certifications in different areas at Associate and Professional Level. I believe Master Level Certification courses are still not available.
You will find the latest SAP Certification offered by SAP at the following link:
http://www.sap.com/services/education/certification/certificationfinder.epx
Hope this list will help you find the right certification suitable for you.
Thanks and Regards, Ravi
18-May-2012 6:27 AM Sabapathi Durairaj
Hi Ravi,
Hope you are doing good.
Thanks for your the valuable input and much appreciated for sharing your experience and thoughts on SAP Certification.
It was really helpful for people like me.I am planning to take certification in SAP SRM as i have 2 + years of functional experience in SRM 7.0 version in procurement(End user).Also i have already learned MM module from the real time consultant.Even i am clear with MM concepts.So can you please tell me whether is it good have certification in SRM for a long run.
Because i am going to invest a huge money for training through sap partner.Also please tell me the job opportunities for SRM.Kindly revert me back with your valuable thoughts.
Thanks in advance.
Saba
18-May-2012 9:06 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Sabapathi Durairaj in response to
Hi Saba,
If you are in India, I am not sure whether you would be eligible for writing certification based on 2 years of end user experience. I believe they are expecting 2 years of implementation experience. This you may please have to check with SAP. Unless you get a written
confirmation that you are eligible, nothing can be said regarding the eligibility.
If you are really good in MM, first I would attempt MM Certification, may at later if you are still interested you can go ahead with SRM Certification. If you have already worked on SRM and if you strongly believe you can attempt the examination without training, then there is no point in investing huge amount with SAP Education Partner. You can even study on your own and attempt the examination.
There is no guarantee that Certification would give you definite job in consulting arena. Yes, if you are certified, definitely, you would be better placed in order to get a job in the market. But, then it all depends how you perform your technical and other rounds of interview with your prospective employer. The market is very volatile and the technologies are becoming redundant at much faster rate. Therefore, I am not sure whether today's technologies are give any opportunities after 5 or 6 years.
My suggestion is not to go for full length training by investing huge amount of money. If need take help from your friends, work hard on your own and try to attend only the Certification.
Best Regards, Ravi
18-May-2012 10:12 AM Sabapathi Durairaj Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
Thanks for your the valuable input.
Regarding my certification i have already spoke to SAP,as they told me that i cant take up the certification directly because i dont have any implementation/support experience.Either i have to join any of the SAP training partner to take up the certification.Because I am not getting any opportunity for SAP as i dont have any consulting experinece(Merelya fresher).Please suggest me with your valuable inputs.
Present Role : End user in SAP SRM 7.0(Functional).Also i have knowledge on SAP MM & BI/BW module also.
Is there any alternate way for me to get into SAP world (As a consultant).Please guide me.
Thanks for your time..
Regards,
Saba
Thanks for the update.
For me it looks every policy in any organisation will have a clear cut commercial logic
It is a misconception that everybody who attended the SAP training will be passed and whoever passed will get the job. There is no guarantee of job on your certification. There are number of people in the market failed to get the jobs based on their SAP Certifications.
There is no other way if you want to write a certification in India. You need to respect their policies. Otherwise, you travel to some other country where the SAP Education policy rules are not stringent. But, I do not think it is a wise decision. There is no guarantee that you travel to different country and pass the Certification.
The only suggestion is do not much about the consulting job. Work hard to learn the fundamentals and concepts with much clarity. Practice more on the system. Grab every opportunity at your work on SAP. Learn as many things as possible in SAP and also try to understand the business processes behind the configuration. (Do not just learn SAP).
Keep applying for new jobs and try to prove your knowledge in the interviews. Unfortunately, there is no short cut for hard work.
Regards, Ravi
18-May-2012 10:51 AM Sabapathi Durairaj Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Ok Thanks for your inputs Ravi.Take care.Please provide your email address if possible.
Saba
29-May-2012 7:42 AM Tom Cenens Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi
The free SAP certification for Top Contributors or Top Participants is a new initiative which was initiated last year so you could go for it perhaps in the future again.
I'm referring to the Technology Consultant - Solution Manager Professional certification which has many related courses (22) so I'm not talking about a single course exam here. It's not the easiest exam.
Kind regards
Tom
29-May-2012 8:20 AM Swagata Sarkar
Hi Ravi,
Thanks for the article. It is of immense help and a fun read.
I have 4 years experience in SAP ABAP (1 full cycle implementation and 3 support projects) and I have a mind to sit for the P_ABAP_70 exam (SAP Certified Development Professional - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.0).
I did not appear for the Associate level exam (C_TAW_71). Do you think it is a good decision to aim directly for the Professional level?
Also, I received all the materials prescribed by SAP from a senior colleague who passed the exam and I have full-time access to a real business SAP system. In that case, do I need to attend a classroom/OLT training?
Please share your thoughts as I am very confused about this decision.
Regards, Swagata.
29-May-2012 10:19 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Tom Cenens in response to
Hi Tom,
Hopefully, I should be one of those lucky guys this year
The Solution Manager that I have passed is "Solution Consultant - SAP Solution Manager 4.0 - Solution Manager Implementation Tools". I felt the questions are very straight forward and if somebody read the syllabus books for 3 to 4 times, it should be sufficient.
You may be correct the professional exam will test the abilities in its own way and the exam you are referring is more technical related.
Kind Regards, Ravi
29-May-2012 10:33 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Swagata Sarkar in response to
Hi Swagata,
Thank you and good to know that you like my thread.
I believe passing Associate Examination is not a pre-requisite for appearing the Professional Level Examination. Definitely the expectations are different when it comes to professional examination (though I have not yet appeared one ). In a ideal situation a consultant should have 5 to 8 years of strong experience. My only suggestion is you go to professional examination only if you really confident that you are going to crack the examination. You cannot invest the same amount of energy, effort, time and money again. Though failures give you immense power to redetermine yourself, they are very difficult to digest.
Unless you are in a desperate need to crack the Professional Examination, I would suggest you go for "Associate Level" exam first. Once, you have passed, then you can plan in future for professional level, if you are really interested. In your case, there should not be an issue, as you have 4 years of relevant experience and your should be eligible for writing Associate Level Examination. Meanwhile, you may please contact SAP Local Education Team for further guidance.
Kind Regards, Ravi
PS: Most people really not interested to know whether you passed professional level or associate level (could be many people does not know the difference between these two)
29-May-2012 3:41 PM Marilyn Pratt Tom Cenens in response to
I'm afraid those vouchers were controlled regionally and it looks like those based in India had difficulties accessing them. I am pretty certain that the program won't be reinstated for this year and that is a shame. But perhaps Laure Cetin can further provide details around the reputation system and rewards. The ability to access and afford the exams appear really different geographically. I wonder if SAP Education and Susan Martin can provide input around how this is handled in India and how to improve the communication of results
29-May-2012 3:46 PM Marilyn Pratt Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Looks like the emoticon problem was resolved.
(they are visible to me at least ;-)
29-May-2012 4:05 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Marilyn Pratt in response to
I could not see them in the main blog
Though the icon's are appearing in the replies to the blog
29-May-2012 4:07 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Marilyn Pratt in response to
Thanks Marilyn for the update.
Hopefully, we may hear some inputs from Sue.
30-May-2012 6:55 AM Tom Cenens Marilyn Pratt in response to
Hi Marilyn
I actually couldn't use my voucher either. There was no training center in Belgium or anywhere close to Belgium where I could take the exam. I connected with SAP Education and they did the needful to allow me to take the exam at SAP Belgium. Much appreciated.
30-May-2012 8:17 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Marilyn Pratt in response to
30-May-2012 7:03 PM Marilyn Pratt Tom Cenens in response to
That was very accomodating of SAP Education, and I suppose we (SCN) created quite a challenge for them with the international coordination of the certification centers since each region has autonomy. I'm glad it worked for you Tom and that SAP Belgium was obliging. It will be interesting to understand, going forward if there are plans to make access to eacademies virtual for the test taking. I'm downloading a whitepaper myself from here:
E-Academies: Train for Certification When and Where You Like
3-Jun-2012 3:35 PM Susan Martin Marilyn Pratt in response to
Hi all,
the assumption was made with the US event that most of the contibutors would either be in the USA or want to test in the US so the initiative was planned with Pearson VUE vouchers as they offer the flexibility to take the test at any of the PV test centers offering SAP tests around the world without having to decide beforehand where that would be. As it turned out a large proportion of the list we got were from India, where we do not currently offer most of our exams via PV and Tom from Belgium, where we also did not offer SAP tests via PV until recently ( that has now changed for the next time Tom ) . As Tom said SAP Education worked together the Contributors and got them solutions so they could all test. It is right -the program will not be reinstated in -the same way this year but we are definitely looking at how we can reward contributors like Ravi who are of such value to the community. If you keep an eye out here http://scn.sap.com/community/training-and-education/certification we plan to publih details soon
Hope that helps, Sue
3-Jun-2012 3:49 PM Susan Martin Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Ravi
although the monetary benefits etc. should also pay an important role in getting certified (and no I am by no means implying that it is of lesser importance or should not be improved
) I cannot help but cheer that you highlight a point which sometimes gets lost. When we have conducted surveys of the community and their motivation for getting certified and how it has helped them in their job many of their responses were similar to yours - which I
find highly admirable - that you pursued the certification for your own self-esteem and your passion for learning more about SAP technologies - to know that you know. Thank you for that ray of light!
3-Jun-2012 4:03 PM Susan Martin Marilyn Pratt in response to
Hi Marilyn
can you please give us some background around what you mean by plans to give virtual access to e-academies for test-taking? As you rightly point out e-Academies are now available around the world and are becoming an increasingly popular way of preparing for certification exams. Can you please share in a bit more detail what you would like to see additionally in this regard?
Thanks Sue
3-Jun-2012 9:32 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Susan Martin in response to
Hi Sue,
Thank you very much for your constant encouragement on this forum. Please let me know if you have any such initiatives planned for the contributors in UK. (where I am residing).
I appreciate that you have currently planned this initiative for US contributors. As a true global organisation, if SAP can extend the similar rules across the globe (not sure about the constraints!!!), then the participants will be really proactive and give their best contributions to make more successful SCN. However, currently, I can see there are number of policy constraints in certain regions (like 2 years implementation experience etc. in APAC region). It would be appreciate if this rule can be amended for the contributors on SCN. The contributors will be more productive in case if SAP can offer them to write the SAP certification irrespective of their number of years of implementation experience / region where they are residing etc. However, SAP can limit the number of top contributors from each area, who can benefit from this initiative.
Best Regards, Ravi
3-Jun-2012 9:57 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Susan Martin in response to
Sue,
I am in noway denying the importance of money. My only intention is to learn SAP technologies with passion, the money will come on its own. SAP is a great knowledge of ocean, where everybody can fulfil their thirst for the knowledge. SAP is bread and butter for millions of families across the globe. SAP has changed the destiny of millions people across the globe. Everybody is largely indebted to SAP. I am proud to say SAP is "Miracle of the Millennium".
I believe we are immensely proud to be part of such wonderful global SAP family. I would really astonish if there is any such technology ever emerge on this earth for future generations, other than SAP.
SAP will be the supreme technology forever and ever
Best Regards, Ravi
4-Jun-2012 8:37 PM Susan Martin Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
HI Ravi
I am just rounding up the troops and will get back to everyone on this when we have it finalized. I want to make sure that we can organize it better as a global program this time around and don't have waiting times etc. for the contributors dependent on the geography.
As with everything worthwhile planning is key and we have plenty of advance warning this time round to do it properly. Thank you for all your efforts in the community... I have been following this the whole time and it has been of immense value to everyone reading it - thank you!
Sue
4-Jun-2012 8:56 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Susan Martin in response to
Thank you Sue for the update.
Kind Regards, Ravi
18-Jun-2012 8:16 AM prakash reddy
Hi Ravi,
This blog is really helpful for the consultants like me who is intrested in cracking certification. I have got 5 years of ABAP experience and during this period I have worked on Core ABAP objects, Workflows, Adobe forms, OOPS, Webdynpro (not much). Now I would like to do my certification as an Associate. Can you please help in finding the info about Certication exam dates and the prerequisites for it? I am from Hyderabad, AP, India.
Thank You,
Prakash Reddy .S.
18-Jun-2012 10:09 AM Ravi Sankar Venna prakash reddy in response to
Hi Prakash,
They should be able to advice you the exam dates, pre-requisition etc.
The contact details are below:
http://www.sap.com/india/training-and-education/index.epx
Thanks, Ravi
18-Jun-2012 12:20 PM NIKHILESH DESHPANDE
Hi Ravi,
Thanks a lot for the information. I am also planning to book certification exam. Currently based in UK and working on CRM project (involve in testing and support) . Earlier I am not able to find way to start study but after reading your blog got path to start for the preap, will try to follow the same. Still if you have more pl share, will be happy.
Thanks,
Nikhil
18-Jun-2012 12:45 PM Ravi Sankar Venna NIKHILESH DESHPANDE in response to
Please find the the certifications offered by SAP at the following link
https://training.sap.com/us/en/
You may have to read each syllabus at least five times, religiously, before going for the Certificaiton.
All the best.
Regards, Ravi
21-Jun-2012 5:18 PM Sameer Siddiqui
Hey Ravi,
Your so right about the certification study... I completed mine last year in July in MM... Luckily the staff we had told us what we were in for at the very beginning and all of us used the course material as a bible and read it not less then 8 times... funny bit is each time we read it, the book seemed to have a different flavour as in it made more sense... I guess since the books are just translations of the German manuals the punctuations arent done up properly thus you really get lost in the sentences that last for about 2 or 3 lines... But really if anyone wants to crack the Cert its important to give your BEST for that 4 weeks of class and MAKE SURE your reading the manuals and finishing them up cover to cover a minimum of 5 times and an extra 3 just for revision.
Regards Sameer
21-Jun-2012 10:14 PM Ravi Sankar Venna Sameer Siddiqui in response to
Hi Sameer,
You are right. There are many books for SAP Certification in the market. But, none of the books are near to SAP Curriculum books when it comes to quality. SAP has put lot of effort in formalizing these books. Most of the questions are in and around the syllabus of these books. I do accept in some cases the grammar may not be that correct, but, I do not much bother about the grammar.Probably, if you see the certification exam, some of the questions are also translated from German, so people will have to read two three times to understand what is the real meaning in English. People must read religiously the curriculum books in order to pass the examination. There is no other way. If somebody is master in the subject, then it would be OK to appear the exam without reading. But, people who are particularly freshers should read the books number of times religiously.
Regards, Ravi
21-Jun-2012 10:33 PM Susan Martin Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
just a slight correction from my side there. You may well be right that in the past some of the exam questions were translated from German into English but we have significantly changed many of the exam creation processes over the last 4 years. One of those changes was that the source language of all exam questions have been English for several years now. Even though many of our best subject matter experts are German they formulate the questions in English and work together with qualified English native speaker item developers to create the final question. All questions then also go through a thorough language edit to weed out any ambiguity and check terms etc. Apart from a quality improvement in the English language questions, we have found that this also has a highly positive impact on the other language translations of the questions. Translators can only produce high quality translations if the source question is clearly and correctly formulated.
Regards Sue
22-Jun-2012 4:14 AM Sameer Siddiqui Susan Martin in response to
Hey Susan,
Having taken the exam last year I didn't face any issues with the grammar although felt that the exam is more on trying to trick the examinee into giving the wrong answer for instance the "may NOT". What I mean to say is that you need to read the question at least 2 to 3 times before you answer cause the question might just be "Which of the following are not Organisational Levels etc etc". Many of us browse and just miss the nots ... and there is no partial marking.. Ravi i believe that even the more experienced SAP gurus would need to go through the books atleast once. This is only because well I worked for 1 year with company that had SAP experts working on MM for over 5 years and noticed that most of them know the system inside out in terms of flow but not in terms of definition. As is they know what a Purchase Info Record does but most of them have termed it to be a "contract" which it definitely isn't. I feel the books are helpful to just brush up on the smaller details....
Anyways all the BEST to whoever is about to take the exam and start a wonderful fruitful career in SAP...
22-Jun-2012 9:23 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Susan Martin in response to
Hi Sue,
Thank you very much for the update. My last certification exam was 3 1/2 years back. It is really great news that SAP constantly trying to bring quality to the certification materials and certification questions. Most of the questions are like in passive voice (indirect way of asking) rather than active voice (direct way). When four such statements are coming in such a passive voice, the participants will go into a thought process. But, that the clear expectation from the participant. The participants must take care of the worlds like "must, always, should not be, must not be, may be, all and can". If they do not give importance to these words, then there is every chance of selecting the wrong answers. In my opinion, this type of words are very much important.
Kind Regards, Ravi
22-Jun-2012 9:56 AM Susan Martin Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Abolutely agree Ravi - thanks. Sue
22-Jun-2012 10:31 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Sameer Siddiqui in response to
Hi Sameer,
You are right. There are many people who knows lot many things about the system. But, fail to understand or identify the right answer. As I mentioned, the questions are tricky and the sentences framed will take the participant to more thought process. Most of the questions are in passive voice (negative statements), the participant should understand the real meaning of the statement, rather than blindly rushing to select the answer.
Best Regards, Ravi
27-Jun-2012 8:33 AM Loraine Escaros
Hi,
I am to take the certification C_BOSUP_90 this coming friday and I just want to ask what is the passing mark for this certification.?
Loraine
27-Jun-2012 8:35 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Loraine Escaros in response to
Hi Loraine,
I am not sure about the pass percentages. As long as your fundamentals are clear, you should not be much worried about the pass percentage.
Wish you all the best for your exam.
Regards, Ravi
27-Jun-2012 8:54 AM Loraine Escaros Ravi Sankar Venna in response to
Hi Ravi,
Thank you very much. I am only reviewing for 3 weeks now and haven't been in any sap training. Don't you think it's a bit early for me to take the certification test.?
Thanks and Regards, Loraine
27-Jun-2012 10:37 AM Ravi Sankar Venna Loraine Escaros in response to
I believe you have gone through the following syllabus.
https://training.sap.com/gb/en/course/c_bosup_90-sap-certified-support-associate-incident-management-with-sap-businessobjects-classroom-090-g-en#course-details
In total 4 weeks is a good time of preparation, but it also depends on how many times that you have gone through SAP suggested curricula materials thoroughly word by word. As this has helped many of the consultants to pass their certifications.
Meanwhile, I hope that my following 11th hours tips would help you:
1. Please go through the above curriculum and give more concentration on chapters with ++ + and ++ chapters, as you may get considerable number of questions from these chapters. 2. Please try to go through the curriculum materials as many number of times as possible. Every time you will see a new flavour when you are reading the material.
3. I believe now the valuation has changed that means you need to correct all the sub questions in a main question in order to get full marks. The partial credit has been removed by SAP. Therefore, you need to ensure that you are rightly approaching correct answers. I believe you also will have a hint how many correct answers are there in a questions. 4. Please follow elimination technique - Out of four questions, you would definitely identify the wrong answers first. Usually, two are blunt wrong answers, so you can easily identify them, then you will end up with two answers which are in "may correct state", if you resolve two then you will find it easy.
5. Do not much worry about the timing, you will have ample time, if you are not sure about the question, please put as "Marked Item" again after some time you can still revisit those questions and answer them.
If you follow these things, you should come up with flying colours. There is no need to worry about pass or fail, they are part of the game. The important thing is that you are there to give your best.
