Top 10 EDI Specialist Certifications

Certifications for an EDI specialist are important for job market success. They validate the skills and knowledge of an EDI specialist, demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the technology, and can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Certification gives proof of proficiency in the field, which is especially important when competing with other candidates who may not have the same level of experience or expertise. It also allows employers to quickly identify qualified candidates, which saves time and money during the recruiting process. Additionally, certifications are often required by employers as part of their hiring criteria, so having them can help open up more job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for EDI Specialists and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are EDI Specialist Certifications?

EDI specialist certification is a specialized training and certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively analyze, design, develop, implement, and maintain EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems. EDI is a set of standards used for electronic data exchange between organizations. It enables businesses to quickly and securely exchange business documents such as orders, invoices, purchase orders, shipping notices, and more.

The EDI specialist certification program typically covers topics such as the fundamentals of EDI systems; design methodology; implementation techniques; system testing and validation; troubleshooting techniques; security issues; legal considerations; and more. Through this comprehensive training program, individuals gain the skills needed to become proficient in all aspects of EDI technology.

Having an EDI specialist certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to pursue a career in the field of EDI or those who want to increase their current knowledge base. Certification can help demonstrate an individual's technical proficiency in this area as well as provide them with an edge over other job applicants. Furthermore, having a certificate may also be required for certain industry positions or by organizations looking for qualified professionals with specific experience in this field.

Pro Tip: When considering an EDI specialist certification, make sure to research the course content and any prerequisites for the program. Ensure that the program covers the specific technologies you need to be successful in your EDI role. Additionally, check if there are any industry-recognized certifications or credentials associated with the program that could benefit your career.

Related: What does an EDI Specialist do?

Top 10 EDI Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified EDI Professional (CEP)

Certified EDI Professional (CEP) is a certification program offered by the Association for EDI Professionals (AEIP). The CEP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and understanding of EDI standards, technologies, and best practices.

The CEP certification requires applicants to pass a two-hour exam that covers topics such as EDI standards, security, data mapping, and implementation. The exam is administered online and can be taken at any time.

To get the CEP certification, applicants must first submit an application to AEIP. Once approved, they must pay a fee of $200 USD and register for the exam. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their CEP certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The CEP certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. Renewal requires passing an additional exam or attending an approved training course.

2. Certified EDI Coordinator (CEC)

Certified EDI Coordinator (CEC) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The CEC program is administered by the Association for EDI Professionals (AEDP), an international organization dedicated to promoting EDI standards and best practices.

The CEC certification requires that applicants demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the EDI process, including its technical, legal, and operational aspects. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. The certification exam consists of multiple choice questions and practical exercises.

The CEC certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. To begin, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of experience or education in the field of EDI. Once approved, applicants are given access to the online exam portal where they can take the exam at their convenience.

The cost for taking the CEC certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of AEDP. For members, the cost is $295 USD; for non-members, it is $395 USD.

3. Certified EDI Analyst (CEA)

Certified EDI Analyst (CEA) is a certification program offered by the Association of EDI Professionals (AEIP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

The CEA program consists of two components: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam covers topics such as EDI standards, system architecture, data mapping, security, and implementation. The practical project requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, test, and maintain an EDI system.

The CEA program takes approximately six months to complete. Applicants must first register for the online exam and then submit their practical project for review by AEIP. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete both components within six months or their application will be considered invalid.

The cost of the CEA program varies depending on whether you are an AEIP member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,000 USD plus any applicable taxes. For members of AEIP, the cost is $500 USD plus any applicable taxes.

In addition to the fees associated with registration and completion of the program, there may also be additional costs such as travel expenses if attending an in-person event or purchasing textbooks or other materials related to EDI.

4. Certified EDI Developer (CED)

Certified EDI Developer (CED) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and implement EDI solutions. The certification program is designed to help professionals gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of EDI, as well as best practices for developing and deploying EDI solutions.

The CED certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires a certain amount of coursework and experience in order to be eligible for the exam. In addition, applicants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The Basic level requires completion of two courses: Introduction to EDI and EDI Implementation & Deployment. The Intermediate level requires completion of four courses: Advanced EDI Concepts & Practices; Business Process Management; Data Mapping & Transformation; and Security & Compliance. The Advanced level requires completion of six courses: Architecture & Design; Application Integration; Performance Tuning & Optimization; System Testing & Quality Assurance; Business Intelligence & Analytics; and Project Management.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete all the required coursework for the CED certification program. After completing all the coursework, applicants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

To get started on earning your CED certification, you will need to register with an accredited training provider that offers the CED program. Once you have registered, you will be able to access all the materials needed for each course including lectures, assignments, exams etc.

The cost of earning your CED certification varies depending on which training provider you choose and how many courses you take at once. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire program depending on your chosen provider and number of courses taken at once.

5. Certified EDI Administrator (CEA)

Certified EDI Administrator (CEA) is a professional certification program offered by the Electronic Data Interchange Professionals Association (EDI-PA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of electronic data interchange (EDI).

The CEA program consists of two parts: an online exam and an onsite assessment. The online exam covers topics such as EDI standards, EDI implementation, and EDI security. The onsite assessment focuses on the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CEA program. Candidates must first register for the program and pay the registration fee before they can take the online exam. After passing the exam, candidates must then submit a portfolio of their work experience related to EDI and attend an onsite assessment at one of EDI-PA’s approved locations.

The cost of the CEA program varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of EDI-PA. For non-members, it costs $1,500 USD for both parts of the program. For members, it costs $1,000 USD for both parts.

6. Certified EDI Architect (CEA)

Certified EDI Architect (CEA) is a professional certification offered by the Association for EDI Professionals (AEIP). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technologies and processes.

To become a Certified EDI Architect, applicants must pass an exam administered by AEIP. The exam covers topics such as EDI standards, message structures, mapping techniques, and security protocols. It also includes questions on business process analysis, data integration strategies, project management, and quality assurance. The exam typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Applicants must submit proof of experience in the field of EDI before they can take the exam. This could include a resume or portfolio outlining their experience with EDI technology and processes. Applicants must also provide two letters of recommendation from industry professionals who are familiar with their work in the field of EDI.

The cost for taking the CEA exam is $400 USD for AEIP members and $500 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from AEIP recognizing them as a Certified EDI Architect.

7. Certified EDI Integration Specialist (CEIS)

Certified EDI Integration Specialist (CEIS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the use and implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technology. The certification is offered by the EDI Academy, an organization dedicated to advancing EDI knowledge and best practices.

The CEIS certification requires applicants to pass two exams: a written exam and an online practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as EDI standards, mapping, trading partner setup, document exchange, security, and testing. The practical exam focuses on hands-on experience with EDI software tools and technologies.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CEIS program from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register for the program on the EDI Academy website. Once registered, applicants will receive access to study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CEIS certification program is $1,495 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials, two exams, and one year of membership in the EDI Academy community.

8. Certified EDI Implementation Specialist (CEIS)

Certified EDI Implementation Specialist (CEIS) is a certification program offered by the Association of EDI Professionals (AEIP). The program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and maintain EDI systems. It covers topics such as EDI standards, implementation processes, data mapping, and troubleshooting.

The CEIS program consists of three courses: Introduction to EDI, Advanced EDI, and Implementation Strategies. Each course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. After completing all three courses, you must pass an exam in order to earn the certification.

The cost of the CEIS program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for the entire program.

In order to get certified as a CEIS professional, you must first register for the program with AEIP or an approved provider. Once you have registered for the program, you will receive access to all of the materials needed to complete each course and take the exam. After successfully completing all three courses and passing the exam, you will be awarded your CEIS certification.

9. IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Certification

IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Certification is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in the installation, configuration, and administration of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator. This certification is offered by IBM and is aimed at professionals who are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the software.

The certification consists of two exams: one that covers the fundamentals of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and another that covers more advanced topics. The first exam focuses on topics such as product architecture, installation, configuration, and administration. The second exam focuses on topics such as integration design, development, deployment, and management.

It typically takes about three months to complete both exams. To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. You can take the exams online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost for both exams is $200 USD each plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. Microsoft BizTalk Server Certification

Microsoft BizTalk Server Certification is a certification program that validates an individual's skills in designing, developing, and deploying solutions using Microsoft BizTalk Server. It is designed for individuals who have experience working with Microsoft BizTalk Server and want to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to design, develop, and deploy solutions.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 70-595: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions by Using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010; and Exam 70-596: PRO: Designing and Developing Microsoft BizTalk Server 2010 Solutions. The exams are offered through Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the exams, depending on the individual's experience level with BizTalk Server. To prepare for the exams, it is recommended that individuals take a formal training course or use self-study materials such as books or ebooks. Additionally, individuals should gain hands-on experience working with the product before attempting the exams.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$200 per exam. In addition to the exam fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking a formal training course or purchasing self-study materials.

Once both exams are passed, individuals will receive their official Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification in BizTalk Server 2010.

Do You Really Need a EDI Specialist Certificate?

The short answer is: it depends. An EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) specialist certificate can be helpful to those who are looking to become experts in the field of EDI implementation and support. It demonstrates that an individual has a strong understanding of EDI principles and best practices, as well as the technical skills required to successfully implement and manage an EDI system.

However, whether or not you need an EDI specialist certificate depends on your current level of experience and knowledge about EDI systems. If you already have a good amount of experience in the field, then a certificate may not be necessary. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out or don’t have much knowledge about EDI systems, then a certificate could help to demonstrate your proficiency and expertise in the area. It can also be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in this area by providing additional training opportunities or credentials.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an EDI specialist certificate depends on your current level of experience with EDI systems and your goals for advancement in the field. A certificate may provide additional training opportunities or credentials that could help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry.

Related: EDI Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About EDI Specialist Certifications

1. What is an EDI Specialist Certification?

Answer: An EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Specialist Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have specialized knowledge and experience in the implementation and use of EDI systems.

2. What are the benefits of having an EDI Specialist Certification?

Answer: Having an EDI Specialist Certification demonstrates to employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage their EDI systems, as well as providing a competitive edge over other job applicants in the same field. Additionally, it can be a source of professional pride and recognition, as well as helping you stand out from other candidates for certain jobs.

3. What courses do I need to take to become certified?

Answer: Depending on your chosen certification program, you may need to complete specific courses or exams related to EDI in order to become certified. Additionally, some certifications may require additional experience or education before being eligible for the exam.

4. How much does it cost to get an EDI Specialist Certification?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certification program chosen, but typically range from $100-$1000 USD for certification exams and associated fees. Additional costs such as preparation materials or study guides may also apply.

5. How long does an EDI Specialist Certification last?

Answer: Most certifications last between two and five years, although many programs offer recertification options after this period has expired in order to maintain validity of the credential.