Top 11 Functional Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for functional consultants in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and growth in the field. They also demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge, which can help prospective employers make an informed decision when considering potential hires. Additionally, certifications can be used as evidence of a consultant’s experience and qualifications when requesting higher salaries or promotions. Finally, certifications can provide access to exclusive networking opportunities that may lead to more job prospects.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Functional Consultants and explains how they can benefit a functional consultant's career.

What are Functional Consultant Certifications?

Functional consultant certification is a professional qualification that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful functional consultant. Functional consultants are responsible for analyzing customer requirements, designing business solutions, and implementing those solutions within organizations. They must be able to bridge the gap between business and technology by understanding how all of the components of an organization interact with each other.

The certification helps individuals develop the core competencies required for this role including project management, systems analysis and design, business process management, data modeling, and software development. It also provides a comprehensive overview of best practices in the industry as well as specialized training on specific products or technologies.

The certification can help individuals in their careers by increasing their employability, gaining recognition from employers, improving job prospects, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. It also allows them to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in functional consulting to current or prospective employers. Furthermore, it can give them a competitive edge when applying for positions in functional consulting roles as employers may consider certified applicants more seriously than non-certified ones.

Pro Tip: To become a successful functional consultant, it is important to obtain the necessary certifications. Look for courses that provide comprehensive training on the specific software and processes utilized in your particular industry. Be sure to research the certifications offered by major vendors in order to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the various software tools and processes available. Additionally, look for additional resources such as online forums and communities that can provide further insight into best practices for becoming a successful functional consultant.

Related: What does a Functional Consultant do?

Top 11 Functional Consultant Certifications

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

1. SAP Certified Application Associate - Financial Accounting with SAP ERP 6.0

SAP Certified Application Associate - Financial Accounting with SAP ERP 6.0 is a certification program that validates the knowledge and skills of professionals in the area of financial accounting with SAP ERP 6.0. It is designed to measure an individual's ability to use the core financial functions within the SAP ERP system, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, asset accounting, and closing operations.

The certification exam typically takes around 180 minutes to complete and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 60% on the exam in order to pass.

To get certified as an SAP Certified Application Associate - Financial Accounting with SAP ERP 6.0, candidates must first register for the certification exam through the SAP Learning Hub. The cost of registration varies depending on which country you are located in but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

2. Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials Certified Implementation Specialist is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the ability to implement and configure Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials. This certification validates an individual’s expertise in setting up and managing financial processes using the Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials application.

It typically takes around 8 weeks to complete the training and get certified as an Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials Certified Implementation Specialist. The training consists of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and online resources. The course covers topics such as setting up general ledger accounts, creating financial reports, configuring tax codes, managing customers, vendors, and other related tasks.

In order to become an Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials Certified Implementation Specialist, you must first pass the required exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as accounting principles, financial reporting techniques, data analysis methods, and more. Once you have passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your certification from Oracle University.

The cost for the Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Financials Certified Implementation Specialist exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $250 - $400 USD.

3. Microsoft Dynamics AX Functional Consultant Certification

Microsoft Dynamics AX Functional Consultant Certification is a certification program for professionals who are interested in developing and implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX solutions. This certification validates the skills and knowledge necessary to configure and deploy Microsoft Dynamics AX solutions.

The certification consists of two exams: MB6-895 (AX 2012 Financials) and MB6-896 (AX 2012 Trade & Logistics). Candidates must pass both exams to become certified. The exams are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified and Chinese Traditional.

The exam duration is typically 2 hours and the cost of each exam is $165 USD. Candidates can register for the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric test centers.

In order to prepare for the exams, candidates should have a solid understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics AX functional areas such as financials, trade & logistics, production control, project management etc., as well as experience with configuring and deploying Microsoft Dynamics AX solutions. Additionally, there are several training courses available from Microsoft that can help candidates prepare for the exams.

4. Oracle Cloud Financials Functional Consultant Certification

Oracle Cloud Financials Functional Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to help consultants demonstrate their expertise in Oracle Cloud Financials. This certification is awarded by Oracle Corporation and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to successfully implement and support Oracle Cloud Financials.

The certification process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the individual's experience level and availability of resources. To become certified, individuals must complete a series of exams that cover topics such as financial management, accounting, taxation, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, project management, and more. Once these exams are completed successfully, the individual will receive an official certificate from Oracle.

To get certified as an Oracle Cloud Financials Functional Consultant, you must first register for the exam with Oracle. The registration fee varies depending on your location but can range from $200-$500 USD. After registering for the exam you will be provided with study materials which you can use to prepare for the exam. Once you have passed all of the required exams you will receive your official certificate from Oracle.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on your location but can range from $200-$500 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams or studying materials.

5. Salesforce Certified Administrator

Salesforce Certified Administrator is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the Salesforce platform. This certification is designed for professionals who have experience with Salesforce and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as data management, user setup, security, workflow automation, analytics, and mobile application development. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or higher.

To get the Salesforce Certified Administrator certification, you must first register for the exam on the Salesforce website and pay a fee of $200 USD. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the exam. You can then take the exam at any time during your registration period (up to one year). After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate via email within two weeks.

The cost of taking the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam is $200 USD.

6. Oracle SOA Suite 12c Implementation Specialist

Oracle SOA Suite 12c Implementation Specialist is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the implementation of Oracle SOA Suite 12c. This certification is intended for professionals who are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying Oracle SOA Suite 12c solutions.

The Oracle SOA Suite 12c Implementation Specialist certification requires passing two exams: 1Z0-434: Oracle Service Oriented Architecture Suite 12c Essentials and 1Z0-435: Oracle Service Oriented Architecture Suite 12c Implementation Professional. The first exam focuses on the fundamentals of the architecture, while the second exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete both exams and obtain the certification. To get started with obtaining this certification, you should register for an account at oracle.com/certification. Once registered, you can purchase vouchers for each exam from Pearson VUE or Prometric test centers. Each voucher costs $245 USD (as of 2021). After purchasing a voucher for each exam, you can then schedule your exams at a test center near you.

7. IBM Maximo Asset Management V7 Functional Analyst Certification

IBM Maximo Asset Management V7 Functional Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the use of IBM Maximo Asset Management software. This certification confirms that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to configure, maintain, and support the Maximo platform.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. To become certified, individuals must first pass a written exam and then complete a hands-on lab exercise. The written exam consists of multiple choice questions related to the features, functions, and capabilities of IBM Maximo Asset Management V7. The lab exercise requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to configure and manage the system by completing various tasks within the software.

To get certified, individuals must register for both the written exam and lab exercise through IBM’s website. The cost for each component varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per component.

8. IBM WebSphere Commerce V7 Functional Analyst Certification

IBM WebSphere Commerce V7 Functional Analyst Certification is a professional certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in the WebSphere Commerce platform. This certification is designed for individuals who have experience with the WebSphere Commerce platform and want to validate their knowledge and skills.

To get the IBM WebSphere Commerce V7 Functional Analyst Certification, you must pass an online exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as product management, order management, customer service, marketing, and analytics. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the IBM WebSphere Commerce V7 Functional Analyst Certification exam varies depending on your location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official IBM certificate verifying your certification status. Additionally, you will be listed in IBM’s database of certified professionals and can use this designation when applying for jobs or promotions.

9. Infor Lawson Software 9 Functional Consultant Certification

Infor Lawson Software 9 Functional Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the use of Infor Lawson Software 9. It is designed for experienced professionals who have a working knowledge of the software and its features.

The certification consists of two exams: an application exam and a technical exam. The application exam covers topics such as system architecture, data management, user interface design, and workflow processes. The technical exam covers topics such as database design, security administration, data integration, and reporting.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete both exams within the allotted time frame. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in areas such as problem solving, troubleshooting, customer service, communication skills, and business analysis.

The cost of the Infor Lawson Software 9 Functional Consultant Certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the provider and the number of exams taken. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts or special offers for those who purchase multiple certifications at once or who are members of professional organizations associated with Infor Lawson Software 9.

10. Epicor ERP 10 Functional Consultant Certification

Epicor ERP 10 Functional Consultant Certification is a certification program offered by Epicor to demonstrate expertise in the implementation and customization of Epicor ERP 10. The certification requires completion of an online course, passing an exam, and completing a project.

The online course lasts approximately 8 hours and covers topics such as system navigation, data entry, reporting, security, and customization. After completing the course, candidates must pass a proctored exam that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the course. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates must complete a project that demonstrates their ability to apply what they have learned in the course.

The certification process typically takes 2-3 months to complete depending on how quickly a candidate can complete all three components.

In order to get certified as an Epicor ERP 10 Functional Consultant, candidates must purchase access to the certification program from Epicor's website. Access costs $1,495 USD for individuals or $2,995 USD for teams of up to five people.

11. Sage Intacct Advanced Certified Consultant

Sage Intacct Advanced Certified Consultant is a certification program designed to recognize consultants who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the implementation and customization of Sage Intacct’s cloud-based financial management software. This certification requires that the consultant has completed an extensive training program, passed a comprehensive exam, and achieved a certain number of successful implementations.

The training program consists of four courses which cover topics such as system setup, customizations, reporting, and integration. The courses can be taken online or in person at a Sage Intacct certified training center. The total cost for the four courses is $2,500 USD.

Once the courses are completed, the consultant must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of the product and its features. The exam is administered by Sage Intacct and consists of 80 multiple choice questions related to topics covered in the course material. Passing this exam will earn you your Advanced Certified Consultant designation from Sage Intacct.

The cost for taking the exam is $250 USD and it takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download your certificate and access other resources available through Sage Intacct’s website.

Overall, becoming a Sage Intacct Advanced Certified Consultant requires an investment of both time and money but can be well worth it if you are looking to increase your knowledge base and marketability as a consultant in this field.

Do You Really Need a Functional Consultant Certificate?

Whether or not you need a functional consultant certificate depends on your individual situation. Depending on the type of consulting work you plan to do, having a functional consultant certificate can be beneficial. It may give you an edge in the job market and help employers recognize your qualifications.

If you are planning to work as an independent consultant, a functional consultant certificate might be helpful in demonstrating your expertise and helping you stand out from other applicants. Having certification can also help when bidding for projects since it shows potential clients that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the project successfully.

On the other hand, if you are looking for employment with a consulting firm, many companies prefer that their employees have a certain amount of experience before they will consider hiring them. In this case, having a functional consultant certificate may not be as important as having relevant work experience or industry-specific knowledge.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a functional consultant certificate depends on what kind of consulting work you plan to do and how competitive the job market is in your particular field. If there is high demand for consultants with certification, then it might be worth pursuing one so that you can stay competitive in the job market.

Related: Functional Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Functional Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a Functional Consultant Certification?

A1. A Functional Consultant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in a particular functional area such as finance, operations, human resources, and customer relationship management (CRM). It is designed to demonstrate technical knowledge and proficiency in the respective field of consulting.

Q2. How long does it take to receive a Functional Consultant Certification?

A2. The amount of time needed to receive a Functional Consultant Certification depends on the specific program you enroll in. Generally, most programs require between 6 to 18 months of study and completion of coursework before the certification can be awarded.

Q3. What types of jobs are associated with Functional Consulting Certifications?

A3. Common job roles associated with Functional Consulting Certifications include business analyst, systems analyst, project manager, data analyst, IT consultant and other related positions that require technical knowledge in the respective areas of consulting expertise.

Q4. Is there an exam required for obtaining a Functional Consultant Certification?

A4 Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to complete an exam as part of the certification process. The exam will cover topics related to the functional area being certified in order to demonstrate mastery of subject matter within that field.

Q5 Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Functional Consultant Certification?

A5 Yes, some certifying bodies may have prerequisites for obtaining their certifications such as prior experience or education in the relevant field or other qualifications such as passing certain tests or completing certain courses prior to receiving certification.