Top 11 EDI Consultant Certifications

Certifications provide edi consultants with the necessary credentials to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of EDI technology. They can help to differentiate a consultant from their competition, as well as give potential employers assurance that the consultant has the experience and qualifications needed to successfully complete a project. Additionally, certifications can provide edi consultants with access to exclusive training programs or industry resources that may not be available to non-certified professionals. Certifications also help to keep edi consultants up-to-date on the latest trends in EDI technology, allowing them to stay ahead of their competition.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for EDI Consultants, and explains how they can contribute to an EDI Consultant's career.

What are EDI Consultant Certifications?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) consultant certification is a professional qualification that is designed to help professionals understand and implement EDI solutions in their organizations. EDI is a technology used to exchange structured data electronically between two or more trading partners. It can be used to automate business processes such as order processing, invoicing, payments and shipping.

EDI consultant certification helps professionals learn the fundamentals of EDI, including its history and the technical aspects of implementing it. It also covers topics such as mapping, translation, security and integration with other systems. This certification helps professionals understand how to configure an EDI system for their organization and how to use it properly. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of industry standards and best practices related to EDI implementation.

In addition to having a better understanding of EDI technology, those who complete this certification are able to provide valuable advice on how to use it in their organizations. They can help companies choose the right software for their needs and ensure that the system is configured correctly for optimal performance. Furthermore, they can assist with troubleshooting any problems that may arise during implementation or ongoing management of the system. Having an EDI consultant on staff can save companies time, money and resources by helping them implement effective EDI solutions more quickly and effectively than if they were attempting to do so without assistance from an expert.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing an EDI Consultant certification, it is important to have a clear understanding of the specific EDI protocols and standards that you will need to be certified in. Make sure to research the different certifications available and determine which one best aligns with your professional goals. Additionally, consider taking courses or attending workshops to ensure you are up-to-date on the latest technologies and practices in EDI.

Related: What does an EDI Consultant do?

Top 11 EDI Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to EDI Consultants today.

1. EDI/EAI Professional Certification (EDIPRO)

EDIPRO is a professional certification program that provides training and certification to individuals who work with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Enterprise Application Integration (EAI). EDIPRO was created by the International Association of EDI Professionals (IAEDP) to provide an industry-recognized credential for EDI/EAI professionals.

The program consists of two courses: EDIPRO-101 and EDIPRO-201. The EDIPRO-101 course covers the basics of EDI/EAI, including terminology, standards, processes, and technologies. The EDIPRO-201 course focuses on advanced topics such as data mapping, system integration, network security, and project management.

The certification process takes approximately six weeks to complete. During this time, students must attend both courses in person or online and pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each course. Once both courses have been completed successfully, students will receive their official IAEDP certification.

The cost of the EDIPRO program varies depending on the type of course chosen (in person or online). Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD per student for both courses combined.

2. Certified EDI Professional (CEP)

Certified EDI Professional (CEP) is a certification program developed by the Association for EDI Professionals (AEDP). The CEP credential is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge and experience of EDI professionals.

The CEP program consists of two parts: an online exam and an in-person interview. The online exam covers topics such as EDI standards, data mapping, business processes, and system architecture. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass the online exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the online exam, applicants must attend an in-person interview with a panel of experienced EDI professionals. During this interview, applicants will be asked questions related to their experience with EDI technologies and their understanding of the industry.

The cost of obtaining the CEP certification varies depending on whether you are an AEDP member or non-member. For AEDP members, the cost is $300 USD; for non-members it is $500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the online exam and attending the in-person interview.

3. Certified EDI Implementation Specialist (CEIS)

Certified EDI Implementation Specialist (CEIS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who work in the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) industry. The CEIS certification is awarded by the EDI Certification Institute (ECI), an independent, third-party organization that provides training and certification for EDI professionals.

The CEIS certification is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of EDI, from basic concepts to advanced topics. It includes modules on data mapping, mapping tools, standards, security, testing and troubleshooting, as well as best practices for EDI implementation. To become certified, candidates must pass a series of tests covering these topics.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the CEIS certification process. Candidates must first register with ECI and pay a one-time registration fee of $150 USD before they can access the online course materials and take the tests. Once registered, candidates have up to one year to complete all required tests and become certified.

The total cost of the CEIS certification depends on how quickly you complete it; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD depending on how long it takes you to finish all required tests.

4. Certified EDI Analyst (CEA)

Certified EDI Analyst (CEA) is a certification program offered by EDI Academy that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become an EDI analyst. The certification program focuses on providing students with the necessary skills to analyze, design, implement, and maintain EDI systems.

The CEA program consists of four modules: Introduction to EDI; EDI Standards; Designing and Implementing an EDI System; and Advanced Topics in EDI. Each module includes lectures, case studies, practice exercises, and quizzes. Upon completion of all four modules, students will receive a certificate of completion from the EDI Academy.

The CEA program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the student’s pace. Students are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week for studying and completing assignments.

To get certified as a CEA, students must first register for the course online through the EDI Academy website. The cost of the course varies depending on the payment plan selected but typically ranges from $1,200-$2,000 USD. After registering for the course, students will be given access to all four modules which can be completed at their own pace within 12 weeks or less.

Upon successful completion of all four modules and passing all quizzes with a score of 80% or higher, students will receive their CEA certificate from the EDI Academy.

5. Certified EDI Developer (CED)

Certified EDI Developer (CED) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise of individuals in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). EDI is a standard for exchanging business data electronically between different organizations, and CED certification ensures that an individual has the necessary skills to develop and maintain EDI solutions.

The CED certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as EDI standards, mapping, testing, and troubleshooting. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, individuals must have at least two years of experience working with EDI applications and must pass the CED exam with a score of 70% or higher. Individuals can take the exam online or in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $295 USD.

6. IBM WebSphere EDI Certification

IBM WebSphere EDI Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the implementation and maintenance of IBM WebSphere EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) solutions. This certification demonstrates a person’s ability to design, develop, implement, and maintain WebSphere EDI solutions in organizations of all sizes.

The certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. To obtain the IBM WebSphere EDI Certification, you must pass two exams: one on the fundamentals of EDI and another on the implementation of WebSphere EDI solutions. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $200 each.

In addition to passing the exams, candidates must also have at least three years of experience working with IBM WebSphere technologies. Candidates should also have a good understanding of XML, Java programming language, and web services technologies such as SOAP/RESTful APIs.

7. Microsoft BizTalk Server EDI Certification

Microsoft BizTalk Server EDI Certification is a certification program that provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the design, development, and deployment of Microsoft BizTalk Server solutions for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge needed to develop and maintain EDI solutions using Microsoft BizTalk Server.

It typically takes about 3 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, you must first pass an online assessment that tests your knowledge of Microsoft BizTalk Server EDI concepts. Once you have passed this assessment, you can then register for a hands-on lab exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. This lab exam requires you to complete several tasks related to developing and deploying an EDI solution using Microsoft BizTalk Server.

The cost of the certification varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $150 USD to take the online assessment and $200 USD to take the hands-on lab exam.

8. Oracle E-Business Suite EDI Certification

Oracle E-Business Suite EDI Certification is a certification program that provides organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, maintain, and use Oracle E-Business Suite EDI. This certification is designed to help organizations become more efficient in their business processes by enabling them to exchange data electronically with trading partners.

The Oracle E-Business Suite EDI Certification program consists of two levels: Foundation and Advanced. The Foundation level focuses on the basics of Oracle E-Business Suite EDI, while the Advanced level covers more advanced topics such as integration, customization, and troubleshooting.

The certification process typically takes about 4 weeks to complete. The first step is to register for the course online through Oracle University or an approved training partner. Once registered, participants will be given access to online materials and resources needed for the course. After completing the course materials, participants will take an exam to receive their certificate of completion.

The cost of the Oracle E-Business Suite EDI Certification program varies depending on whether you are taking it through Oracle University or an approved training partner. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD for the full certification program (Foundation + Advanced).

9. SAP IDocs and ALE/EDI Certification

SAP IDocs (Intermediate Documents) are a set of standard documents used for communication between different systems. It is an electronic data interchange (EDI) format that allows the exchange of business information between two or more applications. IDocs provide a way to transfer data from one system to another, and they are used in SAP to transfer data between SAP systems, or between an SAP system and an external system.

ALE/EDI Certification is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in ALE/EDI technology and its application in the SAP environment. The certification requires knowledge of EDI standards, EDI mapping tools, EDI integration processes, and ALE/EDI configuration within the SAP environment.

To become certified, you must pass the ALE/EDI Associate Exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to EDI standards, EDI mapping tools, EDI integration processes, and ALE/EDI configuration within the SAP environment. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $200 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from SAP Education Services.

The ALE/EDI Associate Certification is valid for two years after which you must retake the exam in order to remain certified.

10. X12-Certified Professional (XCP)

X12-Certified Professional (XCP) is a certification program offered by the Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the use of ASC X12 standards. It is a voluntary credential that can be used to demonstrate expertise in the field of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an onsite assessment. The online exam covers topics such as EDI basics, implementation strategies, data mapping, and security. The onsite assessment involves a review of the candidate’s work experience and knowledge in the area of EDI.

To become an XCP, candidates must first register for the program with ASC X12 and pay a fee. Once registered, they will receive access to the online exam. After passing the online exam, candidates must submit an application for the onsite assessment. If approved, they will be assigned an assessor who will evaluate their skills and knowledge in EDI.

The cost to become an XCP varies depending on membership status with ASC X12. For non-members, it costs $1,000 USD for registration plus $500 USD for each part of the assessment process (online exam and onsite assessment). For members, it costs $750 USD for registration plus $400 USD for each part of the assessment process.

In total, it typically takes about three months to complete all steps required to become an XCP.

11. EbXML-Certified Professional (eCP)

EbXML-Certified Professional (eCP) is an internationally recognized certification program for professionals in the ebXML (electronic business XML) field. It is designed to demonstrate a professional's knowledge of the ebXML standard, and their ability to use it to create effective solutions for electronic business.

The eCP certification is offered by the Global e-Business Initiative (GeBI), a non-profit organization that promotes the development and adoption of global standards for electronic business. The certification program consists of two levels: Level 1, which focuses on basic ebXML concepts and technologies, and Level 2, which covers more advanced topics such as security and messaging.

To obtain the eCP certification, candidates must first pass an online exam that covers both levels of knowledge. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates who pass the exam will then receive a certificate from GeBI confirming their status as an EbXML Certified Professional.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$250 USD per level.

Do You Really Need a EDI Consultant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an EDI consultant certificate to be successful in the field of electronic data interchange. However, it may give you a competitive edge and provide you with a credential that can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the area of EDI.

An EDI consultant certificate is typically awarded by an organization that specializes in providing professional certifications for individuals who have expertise in various aspects of electronic data interchange. The certification usually requires passing a comprehensive exam and demonstrating a mastery of technical concepts related to EDI, such as understanding how EDI systems work, being familiar with different types of data formats, being able to interpret data from various sources, and being able to create rules for mapping and transforming data.

Having an EDI consultant certificate can make you more attractive to potential employers or clients as it demonstrates your knowledge and experience with EDI technologies. It also gives you credibility within the industry as someone who is knowledgeable about the intricacies of electronic data interchange.

However, it’s important to note that having an EDI consultant certificate does not guarantee success or guarantee that you will get hired for any particular job or contract. It simply provides a credential which shows potential employers or clients that you have the necessary skills and knowledge regarding electronic data interchange. Ultimately, success in this field depends on your ability to use those skills effectively in order to meet client needs and solve problems.

Related: EDI Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About EDI Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is an EDI Consultant Certification?

A1. An EDI Consultant Certification is a professional certification that proves an individual has the skills and knowledge required to provide Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) services. It demonstrates proficiency in understanding, implementing, and troubleshooting EDI systems and processes.

Q2. Who should get EDI Consultant Certification?

A2. Anyone working with or managing EDI systems should consider obtaining EDI Consultant Certification. This includes IT professionals, business analysts, software developers, project managers, consultants, and other related roles.

Q3. What are the benefits of EDI Consultant Certification?

A3. Benefits of receiving an EDI Consultant Certification include increased credibility, improved job opportunities, higher salary potential, and more respect from peers and employers. It also provides a way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest industry developments and trends related to EDI technology.

Q4. How do I become certified as an EDI consultant?

A4. To become certified as an EDI consultant, you must typically complete a certification program offered by a recognized organization such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This may include taking courses on topics such as database design, system integration, security protocols, data mapping techniques and more. Upon completion of the program requirements you will be awarded your certification credential.

Q5. How long does it take to get an EDI consultant certification?

A5 The length of time it takes to obtain your EDI consultant certification depends on which program you choose and how much effort you put into studying for the exam(s). Generally speaking most programs require at least 4-6 months of coursework before you can take the final exam(s).