SAP Shifts Certifications from Multiple-Choice to Practice-Based Exams

In early November 2025 SAP surprisingly announced new exam formats for SAP Consultant Certifications and immediately switched the first three exams to the new format. This initially caused discontent among candidates, and the established blogs were flooded with complaints.

Below I briefly cover the transition and the new exam formats, including criticism, and share my personal assessment.

Why SAP Is Changing the Exams

SAP has announced it is leaving the traditional multiple-choice (MCQ) model behind and introducing practical, performance-based exams instead. The idea: instead of pure factual knowledge, candidates should demonstrate that they can actually work with an SAP system – as in real project practice.

Instead of isolated knowledge questions there will be tasks where candidates (depending on the exam) must configure, map real processes, write code, or plan solutions – exactly as in day-to-day professional work. This new exam model is intended to ensure that a certification actually signals work capability.

Technical Exam Types: System-Based and Scenario-Based Assessments

How the New Exams Work

There are two exam types: system-based and scenario-based.

In the new system-based exams, candidates must complete specific tasks directly in simulated SAP systems within a given time (e.g. configuring, creating processes).

In the new scenario-based exams, candidates typically work with an AI avatar: they receive a scenario (e.g. a customer with a specific problem), must develop solution proposals, make architecture decisions, design processes. There is a video alternative for candidates who don't want to use an AI tool, subject to manual review.

The exams are open book: candidates may consult documentation during the exam – just as in real work. Assessment is based on concrete results: correct system configuration, complete solution, clean result in the simulation; automated or via manual review.

Technical Challenges

Providing stable simulation environments for system-based exams – infrastructure, performance, access control for candidates worldwide
Languages & localisation – system-based exams currently only available in English
Assessing scenario exams – especially with AI avatars, scalability and fairness of evaluation is challenging
Technical requirements on the candidate side – stable internet, sufficient hardware, compatible browser
Providing suitable learning environments for realistic simulations

Rollout Timeline & Available New Certifications

Change begins from November 2025; first practical exams are available
Initially affecting six selected certifications: SAP BTP Administrator, SAP Build Developer, Solution Architect – SAP BTP, SAP Business Data Cloud Associate, RISE with SAP Methodology Associate, SAP Generative AI Developer Associate
Further certifications to be converted in phased rollout through 2026
All SAP certifications to be converted to the new performance-based format by Q2 2026
Existing certificates remain valid; new exams primarily affect first-time certifications

Criticism, Concerns, and Community Voices

Critical assessments are already circulating in forums and community blogs:

One user writes (on Reddit): "There are too many 'certificate dumps' posts … too many 'dump' consultants." – and is pleased that SAP is now testing real skills.
Others criticise that the new annual recertification is primarily a means to stabilise licence revenue rather than create real added value.
Some see the increased technical barrier critically – especially for candidates with limited infrastructure or from functional backgrounds with less system-administration experience.
The new model is more realistic – but also requires more preparation and time investment.

How to Best Prepare for the New Exams

Use practice environments – work with real or simulated SAP systems, not just theoretical models
Train scenario-based thinking – practise solving problems as they arise in real projects
Use resources as in the real work environment – the exam is open book; know how to find information quickly
Practise time management – exams are time-boxed; simulate under time pressure
Participate in trainings & live sessions – SAP Learning Hub, live sessions, blended learning offers

Assessment: Opportunities and Risks

Advantages: The new exam format reflects real work requirements much better – greater expressiveness and trust in certifications. Higher certainty for employers. Opportunity to demonstrate real skills.

Risks/challenges: Technical barriers for candidates depending on infrastructure. Greater effort in preparation. Burden for SAP in providing globally stable systems. Possible inequality between candidates with good and poor equipment.

Conclusion

With the shift to practical, performance-based exams, SAP is taking a major step: away from pure theory and memorised factual knowledge, towards genuine competence and realistic scenarios. For me as a trainer in SAP Finance, this opens significant opportunities: I need to design training so that learners not only absorb knowledge but acquire real work competence.

I'm happy to help. Find my offer for collaboration here.