Top 10 ABAP Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for an ABAP developer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise in the field. Certifications are proof that an individual has gone through rigorous training and has acquired knowledge on the latest technologies and techniques used for developing ABAP applications. By having certifications, employers can be sure that the applicant is up to date with industry standards and best practices. Furthermore, certifications provide potential employers with additional assurance that the individual is capable of performing tasks related to ABAP development effectively and efficiently.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for ABAP Developers and explains how they can help to further an ABAP Developer's career.

What are ABAP Developer Certifications?

ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) Developer Certification is a professional certification program for ABAP developers with SAP NetWeaver. It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities of an individual in areas such as developing and debugging ABAP programs, creating database objects, using advanced features like BADI’s and BTE’s, working with the SAP GUI interface, and managing SAP systems. The certification provides employers with an assurance that certified ABAP developers have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop complex applications within their organization.

By obtaining an ABAP Developer Certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in the field of ABAP development to potential employers. This can help them land positions that require a higher level of expertise than an entry-level position. In addition, it can provide them with more opportunities for career advancement within their current organization. Furthermore, having a certification can give individuals access to more competitive salaries as employers are willing to pay a premium for certified professionals. Finally, being certified can also open up new job opportunities outside of the current organization as employers will be looking for certified professionals when filling job openings.

Pro Tip: When studying for an ABAP developer certification, focus on understanding the core concepts of the language and how to apply them in practical situations. Pay close attention to best practices and be sure to practice coding as much as possible. Additionally, familiarize yourself with SAP's tools, such as the Code Inspector and the Debugger, which can help you identify and fix errors quickly.

Related: What does an ABAP Developer do?

Top 10 ABAP Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to ABAP Developers today.

1. SAP Certified Development Associate - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.51

SAP Certified Development Associate - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.51 is a certification program for software developers who want to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in developing business applications using the ABAP programming language and the SAP NetWeaver platform. It is designed to validate a developer’s expertise in designing and developing applications that are based on the ABAP programming language and the SAP NetWeaver platform.

This certification requires candidates to have at least one year of experience working with ABAP, as well as experience working with the SAP NetWeaver platform. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as development tools, database access, object-oriented programming, debugging, performance optimization, and more.

The certification process typically takes two to three months from start to finish. During this time, candidates must complete an online application form and submit it along with any required documents such as proof of work experience or education credentials. Once approved, candidates will receive an email notification with instructions on how to register for the exam. The exam fee is currently $500 USD (as of 2021). After passing the exam, candidates will receive their certificate within four weeks.

2. SAP Certified Application Associate - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.4

SAP Certified Application Associate - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.4 is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of an individual in developing and customizing applications using the ABAP programming language on the SAP NetWeaver 7.4 platform. This certification demonstrates that an individual has a solid understanding of the fundamentals of ABAP development and can effectively use it to create, maintain, and modify SAP applications.

It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete the training required for this certification, depending on how much time an individual is able to dedicate to their studies. The cost of the training varies depending on which provider you choose, but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD. After completing the training, individuals must pass two exams in order to receive their certification: one exam on ABAP fundamentals and one exam on ABAP development with SAP NetWeaver 7.4. The cost of these exams is $500 USD each.

3. SAP Certified Development Professional - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.5

SAP Certified Development Professional - ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.5 is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced ABAP developers who are working with the latest version of SAP's enterprise application platform, SAP NetWeaver 7.5. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the ability to develop applications using ABAP on the SAP NetWeaver platform and is recognized by employers as a valuable asset for their organizations.

The certification process typically takes around three months from start to finish, depending on the individual's experience level and commitment to studying for the exam. To get certified, individuals must first register with the SAP Learning Hub and then complete an online course in ABAP with SAP NetWeaver 7.5. After completing the course, they must then pass a two-hour multiple-choice exam that tests their knowledge of ABAP development principles and techniques on the SAP NetWeaver platform.

The cost of getting certified depends on which learning package you choose when registering for the course. The basic package costs $1,500 USD while more comprehensive packages can cost up to $2,500 USD or more depending on what additional services are included in your package.

4. SAP Certified Development Associate - ABAP for HANA

SAP Certified Development Associate - ABAP for HANA is a certification program designed to validate the technical knowledge and skills of SAP professionals in developing applications using the ABAP programming language on the SAP HANA platform. It is intended for software developers, system administrators, and other IT professionals who are involved in application development with ABAP on SAP HANA.

The certification exam takes approximately 180 minutes and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies by region, but generally ranges from $500-$600 USD.

To become certified as an SAP Certified Development Associate – ABAP for HANA, you must first register for the exam through the SAP Education website or your local training center. After registering, you must complete an approved course or self-study material to prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your preparation, you can then schedule and take your exam at a testing center near you.

5. SAP Certified Application Associate - ABAP for HANA

SAP Certified Application Associate - ABAP for HANA is an entry-level certification for SAP professionals who have a basic understanding of the ABAP programming language and the SAP HANA database. This certification validates that an individual has the skills necessary to develop applications using the ABAP programming language and the SAP HANA database.

It typically takes around 8-10 weeks to prepare for this certification, depending on your existing knowledge of ABAP and SAP HANA. To get certified, you must pass two exams: C_HANATEC_16 (ABAP Development for SAP HANA) and C_HANADEV_15 (SAP HANA Native Development).

The cost of these exams varies by country, but generally ranges from $500-$600 USD per exam.

6. SAP Certified Development Professional - ABAP for HANA

SAP Certified Development Professional - ABAP for HANA is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop applications using the SAP HANA platform. It is designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in developing applications using the ABAP language, which is used to create business applications within SAP systems.

The certification exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 180 minutes to complete. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location and currency, but typically ranges from $500-$700 USD.

In order to obtain this certification, individuals must have at least two years of experience in developing ABAP applications and have completed several courses related to SAP HANA development. Additionally, individuals must pass the certification exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certificate from SAP.

7. SAP Certified Technology Associate - ABAP Programming with SAP NetWeaver 7.0

SAP Certified Technology Associate - ABAP Programming with SAP NetWeaver 7.0 is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in developing applications using the ABAP programming language and the SAP NetWeaver platform. This certification is suitable for developers, consultants, and system administrators who are involved in the development of ABAP-based applications.

The exam for this certification takes approximately 180 minutes to complete and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. To get certified, candidates must pass the C_TAW12_731 exam which covers topics such as ABAP Workbench fundamentals, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), debugging techniques, database access methods, and more.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam on the SAP website and pay a fee of $500 USD. After registering for the exam, you can prepare by studying relevant course material or taking practice exams available online. Once you have completed your preparation, you can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

The cost of this certification is $500 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

8. SAP Certified Technology Specialist – ABAP Workbench Foundations (BC-DWB)

SAP Certified Technology Specialist – ABAP Workbench Foundations (BC-DWB) is a certification program for SAP professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in developing and maintaining applications using the ABAP Workbench. The certification focuses on the fundamentals of the ABAP Workbench, including architecture, development tools, debugging techniques, and performance optimization.

It typically takes around two to three months to prepare for this certification exam. To get certified, you must pass an exam administered by SAP Education. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and can range from $500 to $900 USD. You can also purchase additional study materials such as books or online courses to help you prepare for the exam.

9. SAP Certified Technology Specialist – Advanced Business Application Programming (BC-ABA)

SAP Certified Technology Specialist – Advanced Business Application Programming (BC-ABA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of professionals who have expertise in developing and deploying business applications using SAP technologies. This certification is intended for experienced professionals who have at least three years of experience working with SAP technology, including programming in ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming).

The certification exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as development tools, object-oriented programming, database access, user interface design, debugging techniques, and more.

In order to get the BC-ABA certification, you must first take an online training course offered by SAP or an approved partner. After completing the course, you can then register for the exam through SAP's website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official certificate from SAP which will be valid for two years from the date of issue. After this time period has elapsed, you must retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

10. SAP Certified Technology Specialist – Advanced Business Application Programming with Web Dynpro (BC-WD)

SAP Certified Technology Specialist – Advanced Business Application Programming with Web Dynpro (BC-WD) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals in developing business applications using SAP’s Web Dynpro technology. This certification is targeted at experienced SAP developers who have a deep understanding of ABAP programming, including object-oriented programming, and have experience in developing applications using Web Dynpro.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for this certification, depending on the individual's background and experience. To get certified, candidates must pass an exam administered by SAP Education. The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 180 minutes.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location. In the US, it costs $500 USD to take the exam.

Do You Really Need a ABAP Developer Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need an ABAP developer certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a job as an ABAP developer, then having the appropriate certification will make it easier to get hired and demonstrate your expertise in the field. Even if you don’t plan on pursuing a career in ABAP development, having the certificate can still be beneficial. The certification is an indication that you have taken the time to learn and understand the language, which can help show potential employers that you have a good understanding of information technology.

The certification also allows you to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates in the language and its associated technologies. This is important because ABAP is constantly evolving, so staying current on developments can help ensure that your skills remain relevant and marketable. Finally, having an ABAP developer certificate also indicates that you are committed to taking your career seriously and continuously investing in yourself by learning new skills and keeping up with industry trends.

In conclusion, while it’s not necessary to have an ABAP developer certificate in order to work as an ABAP developer, it can certainly be beneficial both professionally and personally. It demonstrates your commitment to learning and staying current with technology developments while also adding value to your resume when applying for jobs or seeking promotions.

Related: ABAP Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About ABAP Developer Certifications

Q1. What is an ABAP Developer Certification?

A1. An ABAP Developer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the skills and knowledge of an individual in SAP’s Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) programming language. It is used to certify professionals who have the required experience and expertise in developing applications using SAP’s ABAP technology.

Q2. How do I become an ABAP Developer?

A2. To become an ABAP Developer, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, and then gain experience with SAP’s ABAP development tools and technologies. You can then take an exam to receive your certification from SAP.

Q3. What courses should I take to become an ABAP Developer?

A3. The courses you should take to become an ABAP developer include: Introduction to Programming with ABAP, Advanced Programming with ABAP, Data Modeling with SAP BW/BI, and Advanced Application Development with SAP NetWeaver Technology.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as an ABAP Developer?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified as an ABAP developer depends on your level of experience and knowledge of the subject matter; however, typically it takes about 3-6 months for most people to complete the necessary coursework and pass the certification exam.

Q5. What are the benefits of becoming a certified ABAP Developer?

A5. Becoming a certified ABAP developer provides many benefits such as increased job opportunities, better salaries, higher levels of responsibility, recognition from employers and peers, improved problem solving skills, better understanding of business processes, greater career mobility, and more respect from other software developers in the industry