How to Get ERP Certification and Advance Your Career

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is becoming increasingly critical for companies to manage day-to-day business operations. As a result, ERP skills are highly in demand. Getting certified in leading ERP systems like Oracle and Microsoft Dynamics can help you stand out and advance your career.

In this guide, I’ll overview popular ERP certification options and provide tips to help you succeed in getting certified

Why Get ERP Certified?

Here are some of the main benefits of getting an ERP certification

• Prove your skills – Certification demonstrates you have real, validated abilities in the ERP system.

• Signal expertise – Especially for newer professionals, certification shows you specialized in ERP.

• Share credentials – Certifications look impressive on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

• Increase hireability – Many employers now require or prefer candidates have ERP certifications.

• Command higher pay – Certified professionals often earn more than their non-certified peers.

• Gain confidence – Mastering a certification builds knowledge to help you succeed in ERP-related roles.

• Stand out from competition – Certification helps distinguish your skills versus other applicants.

Overall, ERP certification can validate, strengthen, and communicate your qualifications. It provides a competitive edge for both getting hired and advancing your career.

Top ERP Certification Programs

The major ERP software vendors offer their own certification programs. Here are some of the most popular:

Oracle ERP Cloud Certification

Oracle provides certifications for its Oracle ERP Cloud platform. Key options include:

• Oracle Financials Cloud – Covers general ledger, payables, receivables, cash management, etc.

• Oracle SCM Cloud – Focuses on supply chain planning, costing, manufacturing, logistics.

• Oracle CX Cloud – Details customer experience modules like marketing, sales, and service.

These certifications demonstrate expertise in Oracle ERP cloud modules. They utilize online proctored exams and cost around $245 each.

SAP ERP Certification

As a leader in enterprise software, SAP offers various credentials related to SAP ERP:

• SAP Certified Application Associate – Foundational certification for ERP and digital business services.

• SAP Certified Application Professional – Proves experience and skills in SAP ERP implementation and configuration.

• SAP Certified Development Associate – Validates abilities to customize and extend SAP ERP using programming languages.

These SAP credentials verify critical capabilities for ERP success. Exams are administered at SAP test centers.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Certification

Microsoft provides the following certification for Dynamics 365 ERP:

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals – Confirms core knowledge of Dynamics 365 Finance, Supply Chain Management, Project Operations, and other ERP capabilities.

This beginner-level certification demonstrates fundamental Dynamics 365 ERP understanding. The exam is proctored online for ~$100.

Other Notable ERP Certifications

Beyond the major vendors, there are some other reputable ERP credentials including:

• Infor – Infor Implementation Certification
• IFS – IFS Certified Application Associate
• QAD – QAD Enterprise Applications User Certification

So those are some of top ERP certifications. Next, let’s go over how to prepare.

How to Get ERP Certified

Here is a step-by-step process for earning your ERP certification:

1. Select the Right Certification

First, research and select the ERP certification that best aligns with your experience, skills, and career goals. Common factors to consider include:

• Specific ERP system you use or want to learn
• Recommended entry-level vs. expert credentials
• Time and cost investment
• Job requirements or preferences

Choose the certification that will most help you in your current or desired job role.

2. Review the Exam Topics

Once you’ve selected the certification, thoroughly review the exam topics and skills measured. This gives you an idea of what areas to focus your preparation on.

For example, an Oracle Financials Cloud exam may cover:

• General ledger and reporting setup
• Accounts payable and receivable workflows
• Cash management and treasury features
• Accounting methods and period close processing

3. Start Learning

Using the exam topics as a guide, begin learning about the key concepts you’ll need to know. Useful resources include:

• Vendor training – Many certification programs provide online courses to support their exams. These directly cover the required skills and knowledge.

• Practice tests – Official practice exams from the vendor are extremely helpful preparation tools.

• Books and tutorials – Textbooks, online lessons, and step-by-step tutorials can provide comprehensive learning.

• On-the-job experience – Hands-on experience applying ERP skills is invaluable preparation.

Use a combination of learning resources to fully grasp the ERP principles covered in the certification.

4. Enroll for Your Exam

Once you’ve prepped, enroll directly with the vendor to schedule your certification exam. For example, Oracle uses Pearson VUE while SAP uses its own global test center network.

Select your exam date and confirm the local test center location. Many exams now offer online proctored options as well.

5. Take and Pass the Exam

On exam day, relax and rely on the knowledge you’ve built through your preparation and experience. Certification exams often have 85-90% pass rates for competent professionals.

With the right dedication and learning, you can absolutely pass your ERP exam!

Tips to Get ERP Certified Successfully

Here are some tips to help you efficiently get ERP certified:

• Start easy – Consider entry or associate-level certs first to build knowledge before expert ones.

• Leverage free resources – Use vendor portals, documentation, white papers, and communities to self-study.

• Focus on your experience – Apply concepts you actively work on day-to-day in preparation.

• Take practice tests – Mimic the real exam experience with question banks and sample tests.

• Read explanations – For any missed questions, carefully read why the answer is right.

• Consider bootcamps – Multi-day prep bootcamps provide immersive, accelerated training.

With smart preparation strategies, you can feel empowered when you sit for the ERP certification exam.

Getting ERP Certified is Worth It

Investing the time and effort to get certified in systems like Oracle ERP, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 can pay off in several impactful ways:

• Get hired and access new job opportunities

• Substantiate your ERP skills and experience

• Build deeper knowledge through certification prep

• Contribute more value in your current role

• Gain credibility and trust from stakeholders

• Boost earning potential and career advancement

Overall, ERP certifications signal to employers that you possess the exact skills and training needed to drive success with their most critical business platforms. The ROI of getting certified is immense.