How to Become a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant?

Arunkumar Gowrishankar

Thu, 28 Aug 2025

If you've ever found yourself Googling something like, “What’s the fastest way to get into SAP development without burning out?”, then you’re in the right place.

I’ve been where you are—curious, a little overwhelmed, and maybe wondering if becoming a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant is even doable without a background in rocket science.

Spoiler: it is.

Let’s walk through the steps together with a little real talk, no jargon overload, and just enough caffeine to keep things interesting.

First, What Even Is SAP ABAP?

Before we go into how to become a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant, let’s clear up what ABAP actually is.

ABAP stands for Advanced Business Application Programming and yes, it’s as important as it sounds. It's SAP’s own programming language, used to build custom apps and tweak existing ones inside the SAP system.

Think of it like this: SAP is the car, and ABAP is the custom engine tweak that makes it go faster, smoother, and smarter for each business.

So if you enjoy problem-solving, coding, or just like making systems work better, ABAP could be your jam.

Why Become a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant?

Let’s be honest, titles don’t mean much unless they come with real opportunities.

Becoming a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant isn’t just about the bragging rights. It’s about standing out in a sea of general developers. It shows employers you’re not just any coder; you understand SAP, speak its language, and can develop solutions inside it.

Here’s what certification gives you:

• Proof of credibility

• More job opportunities (and more serious ones)

• Global career access

• Higher starting salaries

• A clear path for growth inside the SAP ecosystem

Still wondering if it’s worth it? Let me ask this, if your future self landed their dream SAP role, would they thank you for getting certified?
Exactly.

Who Can Become a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant?

One of the biggest myths I hear is: “You need a computer science degree to do SAP ABAP.”

Nope. Not true.

Yes, having a tech background helps, but what matters more is your mindset. If you:

• Enjoy coding (even a little)

• Are comfortable with logic and structure

• Love optimizing or simplifying things

…then ABAP is absolutely within your reach.

I’ve seen commerce grads, mechanical engineers, and even former teachers break into SAP ABAP and thrive. It’s about commitment, not pedigree.

The Roadmap: Step-by-Step to Certification

Here’s where the rubber meets the road.
Let’s break down how to actually become a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant, step by step:

1. Understand the Basics

Start by learning what SAP is and how it works. You don’t need to memorize the entire ecosystem, but get comfortable with modules, business processes, and user roles.

2. Start Learning ABAP

Get into the syntax, data types, loops, internal tables, and debugging. There are tons of great online courses (I’ll recommend one shortly).

3. Practice with SAP Systems

Reading is great, but practicing on a real SAP system (even a sandbox) is where the magic happens. That’s where you’ll actually feel the learning stick.

4. Take a Certified Training Program

Enroll in a program that prepares you not just for the certification exam, but for real-world projects. Look for one that includes hands-on exercises and mentorship.

5. Pass the Certification Exam

The SAP Certified Development Associate – ABAP with SAP NetWeaver is the standard cert most professionals aim for. You’ll be tested on syntax, performance tuning, data dictionary, and more.

6. Build a Portfolio

Even just 2-3 sample projects can boost your credibility. Show that you know how to apply what you've learned.

How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?

This depends on how much time you can dedicate.

• Full-time learners can be ready in 2–3 months

• Part-timers or working pros might take 4–6 months

The key isn’t speed, it’s consistency. Even 1–2 hours a day adds up faster than you think.

A friend of mine prepped during their daily commute (audio lessons + practice in the evening). Within 4 months, they were certified and landed their first freelance SAP project.

What’s the Job Market Like in 2025?

Hot. Really Hot!

The demand for Certified SAP ABAP Consultants is rising in 2025, thanks to more companies upgrading their ERP systems and moving to SAP S/4HANA.

India, the U.S., Germany, the UAE, Singapore, no matter the region, SAP talent is in short supply and high demand. ABAP is at the centre of that.

And don’t just take my word for it. Job portals and LinkedIn listings tell the same story:
SAP ABAP skills = interviews + offers.

Where Should You Get Trained?

Glad you asked.
Let me save you from scrolling through 47 open tabs.

If you’re serious about becoming a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant, start with MiniU.

Here’s why MiniU works:

• Practical, hands-on training, not just theory

• Mentors who’ve actually worked in SAP development

• Certification guidance from start to finish

• Doubt-solving, project help, and career support

Whether you're a beginner or already in IT, MiniU helps bridge that gap between learning and actually doing the job.

Final Thoughts: Becoming a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant Is Worth It

Here’s the bottom line:

Becoming a Certified SAP ABAP Consultant isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about unlocking career options, earning the respect of hiring managers, and gaining skills that won’t expire next year.

It’s a path that takes some work, yes. But it’s also a path with clear direction, strong rewards, and global opportunity.

So if you've been sitting on the fence, wondering if this is the right time, this is your sign. The tech world doesn’t wait around. And neither should you.

???? Start your SAP ABAP journey with MiniU.
???? Contact us at: support@miniu.info