Digital Skills Initiative Applicant Guide (For self-study candidates)

[David_Chaviano]

Note: The self-study portion of the digital skills initiative is coming to an end.

• Application texts can be submitted here until November 4, 2024.
• Your learning must be completed by December 1, 2024, and a screenshot of completion together with your SAP Community username must be submitted to digitalskills@sap.com by this day at the latest.
• We will process your request and send you your redemption code by December 20, 2024 at the latest.
• You must redeem your code in the training shop by December 31, 2024, but can schedule your exam for any date in the following 12 months  (December 31, 2025 at the latest.)

Hello there and thank you for your interest in the digital skills initiative by SAP Learning!

The digital skills initiative is intended to help those who are generally considered to be underrepresented in the technology industry get a kick start in their careers within the SAP Ecosystem.

The definition of people considered to be underrepresented in the technology industry varies by geographic location. However, we can provide the following guideline to help you understand the sort of people we are looking to support with this initiative:

• Military veterans and their spouses, family and caregivers
• Women
• Single parents
• People who are physically disabled or neurodivergent
• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts 
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 
• First generation college students
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life
• People who lack the financial means to afford a certification attempt for themselves

If you identify as a person in one or several of these categories, the digital skills initiative might be for you. The final prerequisite is a willingness to learn more about SAP and to undergo the rigors of studying for SAP Certification.

Here are the next steps on how to proceed:

Step 1 – Create an SAP Account

You will need an SAP account to track your studies and take a certification exam. Watch the demo in this blog for help on how to do that. Please use the same email address that you intend on registering with the digital skills initiative.

Also be sure to join the beginner corner as demonstrated in the demo – this is how you can reach out and ask questions.

Step 2 - Let us know you are interested

Either leave a comment below or start a discussion in the beginner corner stating a clear interest in participating in the digital skills initiative. Feel free to include a bit about yourself like academic / professional background and why you feel you are a good fit to the program. We will send you a registration link to the initiative via direct message. Please ensure private messaging is enabled on your profile.

Another key reason for this step is if you need help with part of a learning journey that you selected (in step 4 below), you can come back here (the beginner corner) to ask for help.

Step 3 – Make sure you have context

We have a long blog available attempting to explain the whole "learning SAP" process from beginning to certification. Take from it what you need to ensure getting certified in SAP is worth the effort to you.

Step 4 - Begin studying

Pick a learning journey that best fits your interests which also leads to a certification. Any learning journey and any exam is covered by this program. Study it to completion, then send a screenshot of the completion & your SAP Community username to digitalskills@sap.com  before 1 December 2024.

Here is a guide on how to determine if your learning journey is free of charge.

Step 5 – Receiving your certification attempt

After your learning journey completion is sent to digitalskills@sap.com, please give us some time to process your request. You will receive a redemption code for your SAP certification attempt as soon as we can get one to you.

• Please log into the SAP Training Shop  with the same email address that you registered with the digital skills initiative and place this product into your shopping basket.
• From there, follow this guide on how to use this campaign code to “pay” for your certification attempt.
• If you run into trouble with your code redemption, follow this guide.

Please redeem the code ASAP when you receive it. You can schedule the actual exam up to six month after redemption.

Step 6 - Schedule your exam

Check out our blog on how to schedule your SAP Certification exam.

Step 7 - Explore Career Options

Check out the career corner

Here is a guide on how to approach networking within the SAP Community & Ecosystem

We wish you the best of luck in your learning journey! Leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Regards,

David

[Abdullah0Tarek]

 Hello @David_Chaviano 

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and have not been employed since I graduated. I am eager to learn more about SAP, as it will help me explore job opportunities and establish my career.

[dgxenodochidis]

Hello @David_Chaviano,

My name is Dimitris and currently I am living but not working yet abroad.

I have studied Applied Informatics, majoring in Technology Management at the University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece. I am trying to kick start my career within the SAP Ecosystem. So actually I am in the minority that do not have equal opportunity in this geographic location and for sure I am lacking the financial means to afford a certification attempt for myself. Therefore I feel I am a good fit to the program.

Looking forward hearing back from you through private message.

Best Regards,

Dimitris

[ZuzaK]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I would like to express my interest in participating in the digital skills initiative- i identify like a woman and have a degree in law as first person in my close family, but I am eager to completely change my career path. For the past two years, I have been working as a data analyst, which has allowed me to develop strong analytical and technical skills. I am excited about the opportunity to further enhance my digital skills and contribute to the program. Thank you for considering my application! I already finished my skill journey, can't wait to have certificate and start working for SAP 🙂

[ahmed_khan]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

I'm Ahmed Khan from Pakistan. I'm very interested and I firmly believe that studying and learning SAP is a great way not only to improve my skills but also to have greater chances of success in the field of ERP Consulting.

[hunain_ghani]

Hi David,

My Learning Journey is in progress, i am very much interested in this opportunity provided by SAP.

[Dimitris4]

Dear @David_Chaviano, 

in the organization i am working for, we are using SAP and i am glad that i have the opportunity to improve my skills.

[Manoj_Velmala]

Dear @David_Chaviano

My name is Manoj Velmala, and I’m reaching out to express my interest in the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. I truly appreciate SAP’s commitment to supporting people from diverse backgrounds who may face challenges entering the tech industry.

I have a degree in Computer Science and am keen to deepen my skills in data analytics. Earning an SAP Data Analytics certification would be a valuable step in my career, helping me make a meaningful impact within the SAP ecosystem. Given my background and goals, I believe I am a great fit for this program.

I also identify with several of the underrepresented groups in the initiative. I’m from a remote area in India, a first-generation college graduate, and currently in the process of switching careers mid-life. Financial constraints make it difficult to pursue this certification independently, so I am especially excited about this opportunity.

With a strong passion for learning SAP technologies, I am ready to commit the effort needed to complete the certification. I am confident that this program will equip me with the skills to grow within the SAP ecosystem.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to any next steps and am excited about the possibility of joining this initiative.

Best regards,

Manoj Velmala.

[LateefQadri]

Hello @David_Chaviano

I identify as a person in the below categories:

People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts  Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 

I am eager to learn and upgrade my skills.

Regards,

Qadri

[Zachaias]

hi am Zacharias from Greece, i have a BSc honors in computer science.

I really love to upskill my knowledge on sap and work on that field

[aleks-cukovic]

Hello @David_Chaviano, 

I am thrilled to apply for the learning program. Driven by a unique blend of experiences in recruiting, business analytics, and over ten years in the dynamic world of gastronomy, my diverse professional background has shaped my path to approach something new.

As a former Business Analyst in a CEO’s office, I developed strong analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills at the highest corporate levels. This role provided a solid foundation for my journey into recruiting, allowing me to approach talent acquisition with a sharp eye for data insights and alignment with organizational goals.

Before entering the corporate realm, I thrived in various roles in gastronomy, from Head Bartender to Head Waiter. These experiences taught me invaluable interpersonal and customer-centric skills, which I also  applied into my work in recruitment, driving both client satisfaction and team engagement. 

I have worked close to the SAP environment and I would like to dive into it myself.

I am falling into the category of people looking to switch their careers mid-life.

Best regards,
Aleksandar

[Uma06]

Hi David

[Uma06]

Hi David Chaviano 

My name is Umamaheswari Marath and I fall in below categories.
-Women
-People looking to switch their careers mid-life

I am a woman aged 47, having a career gap of 5 years which I spent for my family life that I don't regret personally. Though I have 2 masters degree in Computer Science & Engineering and worked in IT industry for 12 years, I get different response from recruiters that blocks my career aspiration to join back to the work force.

I believe having SAP certification at this AI era makes my profile outstanding and grab plenty of opportunities.

I am ready to learn and become SAP consultant. This is my story to begin with.

Thank you for this wonderful initiative and looking forward to hear from you soon.

Thank you,
Umamaheswari Marath

[fatmaessam]

Dear David,

My name is Fatma Essam and I come from Egypt. I'm working as SAP ABAP Consultant for 6 Months.

I'm eager to take a free certification attempt because I believe it will help me learn more and become better at what I do and provide me an advantage to grow in the market.

Thank you for considering my application!

[Ana-Liza]

Hello @David_Chaviano,  

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for learning SAP, driven by my interest in business process optimization and data management. Although I am just beginning my journey in this field and have no previous experience with SAP or similar systems, I am highly motivated to build a solid foundation in this domain. I am particularly drawn to the versatility and impact of SAP solutions, which are well-recognized for streamlining operations and supporting informed decision-making in a wide range of industries.

As someone who values efficiency and detail, I believe that SAP training will equip me with the skills necessary to contribute to meaningful improvements in business processes. I am eager to learn the fundamentals of SAP and to develop the practical skills needed to succeed in this field, and I am confident that this knowledge will help me grow professionally.

I identify as a person from the category below:

• First generation college students

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to immerse myself in SAP and contribute value as I progress.

Kind Regards,
Ana-Liza

[ylfq]

Hello @David_Chaviano 
I identify as a person in the below categories:
·Women
·People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the
·same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts 
·First generation college students
·People who lack the financial means to afford a certification attempt for themselves  

I am a first-generation female university student who will graduate next year. I have always found ERP fascinating, and I have been reading extensively about S/4HANA Finance. Having previously attempted ERP-related work, I aspire to pursue a long-term career in the FICO domain.

However, being a first-generation college student from a remote mountainous area, I lack the financial means to cover the costs associated with relevant studies and certifications. I have always been a diligent student and am willing to put in extensive extra effort. I eagerly hope to participate in your Digital Skills Program and am confident that I can master the knowledge imparted, which will transform my life.

Thank you very much for your contributions to the world. Wish you a delightful life！

[Katulda]

Hello!

I work in the financial domain as a freelance IT analyst. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with or learn about SAP, so I would love to be part of this initiative.

As someone passionate about advancing my career in technology, I see this program as a fantastic way to gain the skills and certification needed to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for considering my application!

Regards,

Katarina

[N_naya]

Hello @David_Chaviano,  

i interested in digital learning initiative and i have gone through SAP Learning.

Digital learning will bust my career as well as my skills and industry.

SAP initiative is very appreciable. Making SAP easy and accessible to everyone which will more increase SAP Market.    

[Aruna-13]

Hi David,

I identify myself as a woman hail from the rural parts of India having around 7 years of experience in Talent Acquisition. I have completed the course of Exploring SAP Successfactors Solutions . I am very eager to attempt this Successfactors Certification to upskill myself in the technical HR field. 

[Prathamesh_Patil1003]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

I’m a SAP ABAP developer from India, and I’m really excited about the opportunity to take part in this free SAP certification program. I have recently started and looking to improve my skills and learn more about the latest technologies in SAP to stay up-to-date and advance my career. I have been hearing recent advancements in the SAP S4-HANA on-premise to cloud technologies and excited to do hands-on training.

As someone who lacks the financial means to afford a certification attempt on my own, this program would be a huge opportunity for me to gain the skills and to grow in the SAP field. I’m ready to put in the work to make the most of it. Getting this certification would be a big step for me, and challenging experience.
Thanks for this amazing opportunity.

[Bheem2]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I am writing to express my keen interest in enrolling in the digital skills course on Implementing SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.I have a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical from India. I am confident that my academic background and professional experience make me a suitable candidate for this course.I believe that this course will significantly enhance my skills and knowledge in the field of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition. I am particularly interested in configuration and implementation.I would be grateful if you could provide me with more information about the course, such as the course duration, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Thankyou,

Bheems

[Phuong_Lan_Thi_Le]

Dear @David_Chaviano 
I am a college student from Vietnam and I want to become a SAP consultant after graduating.

I identified as a person for this certification because I am a women, first generation college graduate in my family, and I from a poor single parent family, I lack the financial means to afford a certification attempt,

I really want to purpuse a career with SAP as it such a powerful means needed for business development, I want to keep learning and continue to grow in this field.

I'm eager to take a free certification attempt as I believe this program will be an amazing opportunity for people like me, who are eager to learn but lack the means to do so because of various reansons.

I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application for the free certification attempt. 

Thanks & Regards,

Phuong Lan Thi Le

[Ali1999]

Hi @David_Chaviano 
I am a SAP Analytics Cloud consultant working for a small consulting firm in Karachi, Pakistan for 2 months now. And to grow my career in SAP a certification in SAC would be a game changer and will boost my career growth and provide me with more opportunities. Unfortunately i cannot afford to pay for the certification exam. I am willing to learn more about SAP and to undergo the rigors of studying for SAP Certification. I have completed my first learning journey Designing Stories in SAP Analytics Cloud and waiting for certification exam.

Thank you 
Ali

[Vanshika15]

Dear David,

Thank you for the detailed explanation.

My name is Vanshika Garg, and I am a third-year B.Tech student pursuing a degree in Information Technology at VIT Vellore.

I identify as a person in the below categories:
I have no idea what SAP is but just heard a little from my elder sister who only guided me about this initiative
I have not yet held a job in the tech or “white-collar” domain
I am currently in my third year of graduation.
This opportunity and learnings from it will give a kick start to my career after graduating.
@David_Chaviano #digitalskillsinitiative

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
Vanshika Garg

[mahmoudali]

Hello there David 

I hope your good ; my name is mahmoud Adel Ali 

Sap consultant Production planning I have sent you before my letter for free attempt certification 

I have finished my army period 

Best regards 

***REMOVED BY MODERATION***

 

[GerBra]

Hi there,

I am now 61 years old and was informed 2 months ago that my position as IT Project Manager was being terminated (due to a cost audit at a large automotive manufacturer: we work for them as an IT service provider).

However, there are plans to implement S/4 in my company. I have already applied for an internal vacancy for the position of 'Product Owner Digitalisation'. But I don't have any proof (certification) of implementing an S/4 system to qualify/recommend myself for this position.

It would be great if I could participate here, thank you very much!

[MUHAMMADDANISHYASEEN]

Hi @David_Chaviano ,

This is a great initiative and I would like to be a part of it.

I have already started the learning journey and it is quite interesting.

Hoping to get the certification voucher too!!!

Regards,a
Muhammad Danish

[karinejav]

Hi, my name is Karine. I am an IT Project Manager with a passion for continuous learning and expanding my expertise in technology. Currently working in the tech industry, I am excited about the opportunity to deepen my understanding of SAP products and work toward becoming an SAP consultant. SAP’s Digital Skills initiative aligns perfectly with my professional goals, as it offers the guidance and resources I need to enhance my skills and knowledge in this field. I look forward to participating in this program, developing my digital skills, and contributing to impactful projects with SAP solutions.

[MUHAMMADDANISHYASEEN]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

This is a great initiative and I would like to be a part of it.

I have already started the learning journey and it is quite interesting.

Hoping to get the certification voucher too!!!

Regards,
Muhammad Danish

[Gayane]

Hello, dear @David_Chaviano ! My name is Gayane Tashyan, and I’m a student at the Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE).

I’m very interested in obtaining SAP certification to expand my skills and career opportunities. I believe this certification would be an excellent opportunity for me to advance my career and deepen my understanding of SAP systems.

I have experience in project management and event coordination through my studies and various roles, which have strengthened my organizational and leadership skills. I'm committed to learning SAP thoroughly and ready to take on the challenges of certification. This opportunity would be invaluable in helping me contribute positively to the workforce in Armenia and advance my career. Thank you for providing this opportunity!

[ReineNgamo]

Hello @David_Chaviano ,

My name is Reine, and I live in Germany. I am currently in the last stages of my master's degree in computer science in engineering, and I would like to use this opportunity to prepare for my future career in the best possible way. As a woman and part of a minority group facing limited opportunities in my geographic area, I am particularly drawn to the SAP Digital Skills Initiative and its support for underrepresented individuals. I have long aspired to earn a SAP certification, but I didn't for budgetary reasons.

Thank you for considering my application and best regards,

Reine

[geekal]

Hi David,
I'm interested in participating in the Digital Skills Initiative. As a first-generation college graduate with a BA in Business Administration with Business Information Systems, my goal is to expand expertise in the SAP ecosystem.

Best regards,
Georgios

[Hristinka]

Hello @David_Chaviano,

My name is Hristina, and I’m a woman who has been dedicated to preparing for SAP certification over the past two months, specifically focusing on FI CO. My background is in organizational management, and I’m in the process of transitioning toward a consulting role in SAP Financial Accounting.

I’ve been participating in the SAP Learning Hub as part of the Digital Skills Initiative, and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. I am currently unemployed and hoping to apply my newly obtained knowledge toward a certification to enhance my employability.

Thank you for considering me for this initiative.

[Bolutife-Dosu]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

My name is Bolutife Dosu and I am currently in the learning process in preparation for taking a certificate for an implementation consultant for SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. I am writing to express my interest in enrolling for the digital skills initiative before the deadline. With a background in logistic management, I am hoping that SAP will give me the opportunity to transition to a role that is more challenging and intellectually stimulating. I am planning on taking the learning focused on SAP SCM. I classify as the following;

• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 
• First generation college students

Regards,

Bolutife Dosu

[AnaFigueroa13]

Dear @David_Chaviano ,

I am reaching out to you regarding this DIGITAL SKILLS INITIATIVE since I feel I am highly qualified and in really need for assistance pls.

I am a woman in my mid-fifties trying to come back to work after cancer recovery and a long period off work due to this illness. I have been working as an on-premises SAP HCM functional Consultant & Project Manager mainly in the HR Core & Talent area for more than 10 years. Having no experience/certification in cloud Success Factors is a major blockage right now and I cannot pay a yearly/monthly subscription for the Learning Hub due to my long unemployment period and lack of income. I did only manage to get an SAP ACTIVATE PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION last January 2023, which has proven not to be sufficient in the process of getting me back to work. 

 I have also been attending Josh Bersin Academy,  getting myself up to date on the latest HR Functional topics to be able to better serve customers in achieving Business goals by implementing SuccessFactors. 

I need to get certified in  SuccessFactors Recruitment & Onboarding  to be able to get back to work, moving out from my current situation of being unemployed while having plenty of Project Management and HR Business experience but a need to update my knowledge in #SuccessFactors.

Pls find below my Linkedin profile for your reference:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamfigueroa/

Looking forward to hearing back from you and thanking you in advance for granting me access to this fantastic opportunity to be back on track!

Kind Regards, 

Ana Figueroa 

[Nadja555]

Hi! I am excited to join the digital skills initiative by SAP. More than 2 years, I am looking for a job in Norway. I have MSc in Business Informatics from a Swiss University. I am sure that a SAP certification will help me to find a good job and to achieve my career goals! Thank you.

[sahithipriya07]

Hi @David_Chaviano , 

I am Sahithi Priya Lagamsani and I have almost 2 years of experience as an SAP ISU ABAP developer at Wipro, India. I am currently pursuing my Masters at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I have always been fascinated about the SAP world and I want to start learning it from the basics again as I will be graduating soon. I believe this is a great platform and opportunity for me to learn and get certified!

I fall under the Women and First Generation student category.

I know I am late to post here but I am very interested in this opportunity and passionate about learning.

[ThuyPham263]

Dear @David_Chaviano,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am a woman who has recently started my career as an SAP consultant, and obtaining an SAP certification is an important step for me as I embark on this challenging and exciting journey.

Although I understand that the deadline has passed by one day, I was just informed about the opportunity to apply for the free certificate attempt. It would mean a great deal to me if you would consider accepting my application.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Moe91]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I identify as a minority and someone who faces financial hardship. I am currently taking SAP MM courses so I can have an opportunity for a better career.

[CAOHUULICH]

Hi David,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am currently working as a SAP Developer. I have been focusing on ABAP development and am very interested in further enhancing my skills by obtaining the ABAP Cloud certification. I believe that this certification will be a valuable asset for both my personal growth and the projects I contribute to.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide some information or guidance on how I can register for the certification exam.

Thank you very much for your time and support. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,
LICH

[inchuzem]

Hi @David_Chaviano,

My name is Eduard Afyan, and I am a digital marketing specialist with extensive experience in managing marketing strategies for various industries. Throughout my career, I have worked with CRM systems such as Salesforce, handled digital transformation projects, and optimized platforms through SEO and data analysis. I have a strong technical background in digital marketing, including working with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Google Analytics, and Adobe tools.

I am eager to participate in the Digital Skills Initiative because I believe it will provide me with the necessary skills to further my career in the SAP ecosystem, allowing me to apply my digital expertise in new and impactful ways. As someone with a background in both technical and marketing sectors, I am particularly interested in learning more about how SAP solutions can streamline business processes and enhance digital transformations.

I am confident that this program will help me achieve my goal of expanding my career opportunities while contributing to the growth of organizations through innovative SAP solutions.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to further develop my skills with this initiative.

Best regards,
Eduard Afyan

[meharali1716]

Hi @David_Chaviano ,
My name is Mehar Ali and I am keen SAP learner and enthusiast from Pakistan. I want to be an SAP Consultant and grow as an SAP Data Analyst and Data Engineer.
I am very excited to learn and grow with the SAP Community.
My aim is to become SAP Certified Data Analyst.

Thanks & Regards
Mehar Ali.

[Sam003]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I'm a male and I have completed the module in Discovering End-to-End Business Processes for the Intelligent Enterprise. I am passionate to become an SAP Certified Associate - End-to-End Business Processes for the Intelligent Enterprise. I have a background in AI and I'm pleased to join SAP client's network as an expert in customer/technical support.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

[fgamal]

Hello @David_Chavian

I want to upskill myself in SAP technology and get a job opportunity soon. .

[NadaFouda]

Hello, David

I am a young woman from Egypt working in the technology sector, I am eager to elevate my career by gaining specialized business domain knowledge. Given SAP’s reputation as a highly professional and widely-used product, I believe that pursuing SAP certification will significantly broaden my expertise. This certification will not only enhance my knowledge but also open up new career opportunities, potentially allowing me to transition into a role as a business-technology consultant.

[David_Chaviano]

Hi everyone,

That's it! We have reached the deadline for new applicants. I appreciate everyone who took the time to write and sign up for the digital skills initiative.

I have a huge backlog of completed learning journey requests to go through, so please bare with me as I verify each one. I will get to you within the next 2 weeks and send you your free certification attempt.

All applicants have until December 1 to submit their completed learning journey to qualify for a free certification attempt.

If you have arrived here after the deadline, see the bottom of this blog to understand how you can get started with learning SAP: Celebrating 2 Years of the Digital Skills Initiative

Thanks everyone!