S/4HANA has been around for a decade now, and it’s still one of the hottest career paths in the SAP ecosystem. With the 2027 deadline for SAP ECC support looming, businesses are scrambling to make the transition, and that means demand for S/4HANA talent is skyrocketing.
As of 2025, approximately 24,000 customers have licensed S/4HANA since it's launch, with around 16,000+ live instances. But here’s the kicker—that number is still growing, and businesses are in dire need of professionals who can help them navigate implementation, optimisation, and support.
So, if you’re looking to future-proof your career in SAP, now’s the time to get into S/4HANA. But where do you start? Let’s take a look.
What Skills Do You Need?
To break into S/4HANA, you’ll need a mix of technical, analytical, and functional expertise. The core competencies include:
- Data modelling & analytics – S/4HANA is all about real-time data, so you need to understand analytics, Fiori, and embedded reporting.
- SQL & database knowledge – While HANA simplifies data processing, a foundational understanding of SQL and database structures is a must.
- Business process knowledge – Whether you specialise in Finance, Logistics, or Manufacturing, knowing how S/4HANA streamlines these processes is key.
- Cloud experience – With SAP S/4HANA Cloud adoption increasing, familiarity with cloud infrastructure and security is a major plus.
Pro Tip: SAP’s recent updates have introduced AI-driven automation and sustainability reporting—learning these now will give you a competitive edge in 2025 and beyond.
Choosing Your S/4HANA Career Path
There are four main types of S/4HANA consultants. Which one suits you best?
1. Business/Sales Consultant
- Focus: Selling S/4HANA solutions to customers
- Skills Needed: Strong communication, business acumen, and some SAP knowledge (not mandatory)
- Why Choose It? High earning potential if you’re a strong negotiator
2. Developer Consultant
- Focus: Writing ABAP, SAP Fiori/UI5, and CDS views
- Skills Needed: JAVA, ABAP, SQL, SAP BTP knowledge
- Why Choose It? Great for those who love coding and problem-solving
3. SAP Basis Consultant
- Focus: System installation, performance tuning, and security
- Skills Needed: SAP Basis administration, cloud computing, cybersecurity
- Why Choose It? High demand as more companies move to cloud hosting
4. SAP Functional Consultant
- Focus: Bridging the gap between business needs and SAP solutions
- Skills Needed: In-depth knowledge of SAP modules (Finance, Logistics, HR, etc.), business process mapping
- Why Choose It? Perfect if you want to work closely with clients and improve business operations
Bonus Roles: If you want to mix things up, consider hybrid roles like Techno-Functional Consultant (a blend of functional and technical expertise) or SAP Security Specialist.
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Do Your Research – Follow SAP blogs, read case studies, and join online communities to stay updated.
- Step 2: Network Like a Pro – Connect with SAP professionals on LinkedIn, join SAP user groups, and attend industry events.
- Step 3: Upskill & Get Certified – Hands-on experience is key, but SAP certifications will boost your credibility.
Top S/4HANA Certifications for 2025
SAP’s certification landscape has evolved to be more specialised and cloud-focused, with all certifications now valid for one year. Here are some of the best certifications to get you started...
Associate Certifications (Entry-Level)
Ideal for those new to SAP, covering core S/4HANA functions:
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Financial Accounting
- SAP Certified Associate – Implementation Consultant - SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition
- SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Sales
- SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Sourcing and Procurement
- SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA System Administration
SAP’s 2025 certifications focus heavily on cloud, AI, and automation, with a move towards modular, scenario-based exams. To stay certified, professionals must complete yearly assessments via SAP Learning Hub and keep up with evolving business needs.
How Long Does It Take to Learn S/4HANA?
If you dedicate yourself to structured learning, you can be job-ready in 4-6 months.
- Beginner: Start with SAP Learning Hub and free resources (3 months)
- Intermediate: Take a certification course + hands-on practice (2-3 months)
- Advanced: Gain real-world project experience (Ongoing)
Best Online Resources to Learn S/4HANA
YouTube Channels:
SAP Training Resources:
Hands-on Practice:
Final Steps: Get Certified & Land a Job
Once you’ve gained some experience and certifications, it’s time to get out there!
- Make sure your SAP skills and certifications are up to date—SAP constantly evolves, and you’ll need to keep pace with new updates.
- Connect with a specialist recruiter—They’ll have access to exclusive job openings that aren’t posted publicly.
- Showcase your expertise—Update your LinkedIn, contribute to SAP forums, and highlight any hands-on projects.
Looking for S/4HANA roles right now? We specialise in SAP recruitment—drop us a message and let’s find your next opportunity!
