test blog
Introduction
The way you prove your SAP expertise is about to change forever.
By March 2026, every SAP certification exam will shift from traditional multiple-choice testing to hands-on, performance-based assessments. I've analyzed the complete transformation strategy, and here's what every SAP professional needs to know about this seismic shift in credentialing.
Let's dive in.
What's Really Happening: The Big Picture
Here's the deal:
SAP isn't just tweaking their exam format. They're completely reimagining how professionals demonstrate competency in an AI-powered world.
The Old Way (Traditional Certification)
- Proctored, multiple-choice exams
- Memorization-focused questions
- Closed-book, time-pressured environment
- Limited connection to real-world scenarios
The New Way (Performance-Based Certification)
- System-based tasks in actual SAP environments
- Open-book assessments (AI tools allowed!)
- Scenario-driven challenges
- No live proctoring
- Timeboxed to mirror real project deadlines
Why the change?
In 2025, anyone can ask ChatGPT for SAP configuration steps. What matters now is whether you can execute those steps effectively in a live system, troubleshoot issues, and deliver business outcomes.
The 4 Pillars of SAP's New Certification Model
Want to know the best part?
These changes actually make certifications more valuable—not less. Here's why:
1. Real-World System Tasks
You might be wondering: "What does a performance-based exam actually look like?"
Think of it this way: Instead of answering "What's the correct transaction code for X?", you'll be given a business scenario and asked to configure the actual system to solve it.
Example scenario types:
- Configure a sales order workflow in S/4HANA
- Build a dashboard in SAP Analytics Cloud
- Design a workflow in SAP Build
- Troubleshoot an integration issue in SAP BTP
2. Open-Book + AI-Friendly Format
Here's the kicker:
You can use documentation, AI assistants, and reference materials during the exam. Why? Because that's how professionals work in 2026.
SAP recognizes that success isn't about memorization—it's about:
- Knowing where to find information quickly
- Applying knowledge under time constraints
- Using tools (including AI) effectively
- Delivering results that work
3. Role-Specific Scenarios
Each certification reflects actual job responsibilities:
- SAP BTP Administrator: Deploy and manage cloud applications
- SAP Build Developer: Create low-code/no-code solutions
- Solution Architect – SAP BTP: Design integration architectures
- Business Data Cloud Specialist: Configure data management solutions
4. No Live Proctoring
It gets better:
No more awkward webcam monitoring or rigid testing center requirements. These are self-managed, time-boxed assessments that respect your privacy while maintaining integrity.
Timeline: When Does This Affect You?
Now:
Let's break down the rollout schedule so you can plan accordingly.
What This Means for Different Groups
The bottom line? Your situation determines your next steps.
If You're Already Certified
Good news:
- Your certification remains valid
- No immediate re-certification required
- Continue your normal renewal cycle
- Take standard "stay-certified" assessments when due
- Your Credly badge will note the validated nature of your skills
Important: Eventually, when you pursue new certifications or major recertifications, you'll experience the performance-based format.
If You're Planning First-Time Certification
Action required:
Starting now (or based on the timeline above), you'll take performance-based exams. This means:
Preparation shifts from:
- ❌ Memorizing dumps and question banks
- ❌ Cramming theoretical concepts
- ❌ Test-taking strategies
Preparation shifts to:
- ✅ Hands-on system practice
- ✅ Scenario-based problem-solving
- ✅ Real configuration experience
- ✅ Time management with resources
If You're an Employer/Hiring Manager
What changes:
Certifications now indicate genuine hands-on capability, not just test-taking ability. When you see "SAP Certified" after March 2026, you know that professional has:
- Worked in actual SAP systems
- Solved realistic business scenarios
- Demonstrated applied skills, not just knowledge
How to Prepare for Performance-Based SAP Exams
You might be wondering: "How do I study for something this different?"
Here's your action plan:
Strategy #1: Get Your Hands Dirty
Old approach: Read study guides, take practice tests
New approach: Log into SAP systems and do the work
Where to practice:
- SAP Learning Hub (subscription required)
- SAP BTP Trial accounts (free for SAP BTP certifications)
- Partner company demo systems
- Sandbox environments from your employer
Strategy #2: Learn Scenario-Based Thinking
Don't just learn how to do something—understand when and why.
Example mindset shift:
❌ Old: "Memorize the steps to create a business partner"
✅ New: "Understand when to use different business partner types for various business scenarios, and be able to configure them based on requirements"
Strategy #3: Master Resource Navigation
Since exams are open-book, practice:
- Finding information quickly in SAP Help Portal
- Using AI assistants to accelerate configuration (but verify outputs!)
- Navigating SAP Community for troubleshooting
- Bookmarking key documentation pages
Strategy #4: Work Under Time Pressure
Performance-based exams are timeboxed to mirror real project constraints.
Practice drill:
- Give yourself 90-120 minutes
- Pick a complex scenario (e.g., "Configure end-to-end sales process")
- Use only official documentation
- Complete without interruption
Strategy #5: Focus on End-to-End Processes
Individual transactions matter less than understanding:
- How different SAP modules connect
- Integration points and dependencies
- Business process flows
- Common error resolution
The Hidden Benefits Nobody's Talking About
Here's what I find most interesting:
This change actually democratizes SAP certification in surprising ways.
Benefit #1: Reduces "Brain Dump" Culture
For years, certification integrity suffered from memorized question banks. Performance-based exams make this obsolete—you can't memorize your way through a live system configuration.
Benefit #2: Better Career Signaling
When your certification proves hands-on capability, it carries more weight:
- ✓ Recruiters can trust certified candidates have real skills
- ✓ Salary negotiations become stronger
- ✓ Career transitions become smoother
Benefit #3: Aligns with How We Actually Work
The open-book, AI-friendly format acknowledges 2026 reality: professionals use technology to augment their expertise. This exam format tests your ability to use tools effectively, not work in artificial constraints.
Benefit #4: Removes Test Anxiety
- ✓ No live proctor watching you = less performance anxiety
- ✓ Open resources = less pressure to memorize
- ✓ Real work simulation = more comfortable environment for hands-on learners
Common Concerns Addressed
Let me tackle the questions I'm seeing everywhere:
Q: "Will this make certifications harder?"
Answer: Different, not necessarily harder.
If you're an active practitioner with hands-on experience, these exams may feel more natural than traditional multiple-choice tests. If you've relied on memorization, you'll need to shift to applied practice.
Q: "Can I still use training courses?"
Answer: Absolutely.
SAP Learning Hub, instructor-led courses, and training partners remain valuable. But supplement them with extensive hands-on practice.
Q: "What about certification costs?"
Answer: No major pricing changes announced yet.
However, the value proposition improves since certifications now represent verified hands-on capability.
Q: "How will scoring work?"
Answer: SAP evaluates based on:
- • Task completion (did you achieve the required outcome?)
- • Configuration accuracy
- • Best practice adherence
- • Whether the solution actually works in the system
Your Action Plan: Next Steps
What's the bottom line?
Here's exactly what to do based on your situation:
If Pursuing Certification in Next 6 Months:
- Check your target certification's transition date at learning.sap.com
- Start hands-on practice immediately (stop relying solely on PDFs)
- Join SAP Community forums focused on your certification area
- Sign up for SAP Learning Hub or free trial environments
- Practice time-boxed scenarios weekly
If Already Certified:
- Focus on your renewal schedule (no immediate changes)
- Stay informed about updates via SAP Learning communications
- Consider the new format when planning future certifications
- Leverage your existing credential while it gains new perceived value
If Managing a Team:
- Budget for extended training time (hands-on prep takes longer)
- Provide system access for certification candidates
- Update job requirements to reflect performance-based validation
- Re-evaluate certification requirements in hiring criteria
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for SAP Careers
Now: Let's zoom out and see where this is headed.
This certification transformation signals SAP's recognition of a fundamental shift: in the AI era, applied skills beat theoretical knowledge every single time.
What does this mean for your career?
Career Impact #1: Differentiation
Post-2026 certifications will carry more weight than pre-2026 ones. Not because old certifications become invalid, but because the market will recognize the different validation methods.
Career Impact #2: Continuous Learning Focus
Since exams mirror real work, staying current with actual SAP environments becomes essential. This benefits active practitioners and encourages hands-on experience over credential collecting.
Career Impact #3: AI-Augmented Professional Identity
By embracing AI tools in exams, SAP validates a crucial 2026 skill: effectively leveraging technology to enhance your expertise. This becomes part of what "being certified" means.
Resources to Bookmark Right Now
Want to stay ahead?
Official SAP Resources:
- SAP Learning Certification Hub (official updates)
- SAP Community Learning forums
- SAP Learning Hub (practice environments)
- SAP Help Portal (documentation you'll use in exams)
Preparation Tools:
- SAP BTP Trial (free for cloud certifications)
- SAP Community blogs from certification holders
- YouTube walkthroughs of SAP processes
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change
Here's my take:
This transformation is long overdue and ultimately benefits serious SAP professionals.
Yes, it requires a different preparation approach. Yes, it might feel intimidating if you're used to traditional testing. But here's what matters:
These exams finally validate what you can actually do in an SAP system.
That's worth celebrating.
If you've been building real skills, getting hands-on experience, and solving actual business problems, you're already prepared for this new format. The certification process is finally catching up to how we actually work.
Are you ready?
Next Steps
Start preparing now—don't wait until the transition completes. Get your hands in SAP systems, practice scenarios, and embrace the new reality of AI-augmented, performance-based certification.
Your future certified self will thank you.