SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 looks nothing like the SAP exam your seniors took, because SAP has replaced the old multiple-choice test with a hands-on, open-book exam. So instead of ticking answers from memory, you now do real work inside a live SAP system, and you can even look things up while you do it. So in this guide, we explain the new format in plain words, show the official pass scores for FI, CO, MM and SD, and give you a clear plan to prepare.
SAP S/4HANA certification 2026: the quick answer
Since November 2025, SAP has been moving every certification from proctored multiple-choice tests to practical, open-book exams. There are two types. First, in a system-based assessment, you complete timed tasks inside a real SAP system. In a scenario-based assessment, you talk through a business case with an AI avatar, or you record a video for a human reviewer instead. Core SAP S/4HANA exams such as C_TS4FI (Finance), C_TS4CO (Controlling), C_TS452 (Procurement) and C_TS462 (Sales) are all system-based, last 3 hours and need between 59% and 82% to pass. Also, you may use resources such as SAP Help Portal and SAP Joule during the exam, while identity is checked through your SAP Universal ID rather than a live proctor.
Sources: SAP Community (SAP Learning team), SAP Learning certification pages and SAP Learning help centre.
SAP says its “six attempts” exam pack (CER006) is being discontinued and is only on sale until 30 September 2026. After that, however, you choose between the two-attempt pack, the one-attempt pack or an SAP Learning Hub subscription.
Key takeaways
- First of all, the syllabus is mostly the same; what changed is how you are tested.
- Each certification uses only one format, so either system-based or scenario-based.
- Also, functional S/4HANA exams (FI, CO, MM, SD) are system-based, which means you work in a real system.
- “Open book” does not mean easy, because you still have a strict time limit.
- Since there is no live proctor, you must set up your SAP Universal ID with two email addresses from different domains.
- Therefore, daily hands-on practice now matters far more than question banks or memorising notes.
What changed in SAP S/4HANA certification for 2026?
First, think about how you learned to ride a bicycle. Of course, nobody gave you a written test about pedals and brakes. Instead, someone watched you ride down the road, and if you didn’t fall, you passed. Similarly, SAP has now started testing consultants the same way.
For many years, an SAP exam meant a silent room, a strict proctor and a long list of multiple-choice questions. So you could pass by memorising answers, even if you had never touched a real system. On 5 November 2025, however, the SAP Learning team announced that certification is “shifting from proctored, multiple-choice tests to performance-based, practical, open-book assessments” (SAP Community).
In other words, SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 no longer asks “do you remember this?” Instead, it asks “can you actually do this?” As a result, the certificate now tells an employer that you can deliver from day one.
Why did SAP change the exam?
SAP’s own reason is simple: real project work doesn’t happen in silence. Instead, consultants look things up, ask colleagues and now use AI tools every day. So SAP says the exam should mirror how people really work, rather than test what they can recall under pressure (SAP Learning FAQ).
SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 timeline, step by step
Sources: SAP Learning, SAP Community and SAP Training. Also, full links are at the end.
The first six certifications that changed
The first group was mostly cloud and BTP roles, such as Solution Architect for SAP BTP, SAP Generative AI Developer, SAP Build Developer, SAP Business Data Cloud, SAP BTP System Administrator (new) and RISE with SAP Methodology and Experience (new). After that, the rollout moved on to other areas, including the S/4HANA line-of-business exams.
Old SAP exam vs new SAP S/4HANA certification exam
So here is the whole change in one table. If you only read one part of this guide, then read this.
| What | Old format (before Nov 2025) | New format (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Question style | Multiple-choice, so usually around 80 questions | Real tasks in a system, or else a talk-through of a business case |
| What it tests | Mainly whether you can recognise the right answer | Instead, whether you can actually do the work |
| Books and notes | Not allowed | Allowed, since the exam is open book |
| AI tools | Not allowed | Allowed, for example SAP Joule for Consultants |
| Supervision | A live online proctor, as well as a locked browser | No live proctor, while identity is checked through SAP Universal ID |
| Where you start | “Schedule Exam” button, then a third-party proctoring tool | “Go to Certification Exam” button on the SAP Learning site |
| Results | Shown only after the proctored session ends | Within seconds for system tasks, or up to several business days for video reviews |
| Best way to prepare | Reading notes as well as practice questions | Instead, doing tasks again and again on a live system |
Sources: SAP Community (SAP Learning team and SAP Champion Amin Omidy) and the SAP Learning help centre.
The two SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 exam types explained
SAP now uses two kinds of practical exams. Importantly, however, each certification uses only one of them, depending on the job role it tests. Technical and functional roles focus on doing tasks, while architect and advisory roles focus on explaining and advising (SAP Community).
“Show me you can do it”
- First, you work inside a real, time-limited SAP system.
- For example, you configure settings, post documents or fix an issue.
- Then the system checks your results automatically.
- As a result, scores usually appear within a few seconds.
- Currently offered in English.
- Used for: S/4HANA FI, CO, MM, SD and similar exams.
“Explain it like you would to a client”
- First, you get a realistic business case to solve.
- Then you pitch your answer to an AI avatar playing a stakeholder.
- Alternatively, you can record a video for an SAP expert to review.
- Meanwhile, the AI grades each objective from 1 (insufficient) to 5 (excellent).
- Offered in multiple languages.
- Used for: architect and advisory roles, such as BTP Solution Architect.
What is really inside a system-based assessment?
In simple words, SAP gives you a list of tasks as well as a working system. So you read the task, open the system in a new browser tab, do the work, and then confirm that you’re done. After that, SAP’s evaluation scripts check the actual output in the system, such as whether a document was posted correctly (SAP system-based assessment FAQ).
What is really inside a scenario-based assessment?
Here, you play a role, such as a solution architect. First, you read a case, for example a company that wants field engineers to update S/4HANA data from customer sites. Then you explain your solution to an AI avatar, which asks follow-up questions like a real client would. Before you submit, you can also select “Save and view analysis” to see your score (SAP scenario-based assessment FAQ).
SAP S/4HANA certification 2026: exam codes and pass scores
Most blogs talk about the new format only in general. But if you are learning FICO, MM or SD, you want the exact numbers for your exam. So here they are, straight from each official SAP Learning page.
| Module | Exam code | Official name | Format | Time | Pass score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FI | C_TS4FI | Financial Accounting, SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition | System-based | 3 hr | 60% |
| CO | C_TS4CO | Management Accounting, also on Private Edition | System-based | 3 hr | 59% |
| MM | C_TS452 | Sourcing and Procurement, likewise on Private Edition | System-based | 3 hr | 76% |
| SD | C_TS462 | Implementation Consultant for SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Sales | System-based | 3 hr | 82% |
Source: SAP Learning certification pages for C_TS4FI, C_TS4CO, C_TS452 and C_TS462, checked in September 2026. However, always confirm on the official page before you book.
Also note that SAP says these exams apply to both SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition and on-premise S/4HANA. So whichever kind of project you join later, your certificate still counts. Still not sure which module to pick? Then our guide on SAP FICO vs SAP MM vs SAP SD can help you decide.
What does “open book” allow in SAP S/4HANA certification 2026?
This is the part that confuses people most, because “open book” sounds like a free pass. In reality, though, it is closer to a real workday with a tight deadline.
| Resource | Allowed? | How useful is it? |
|---|---|---|
| SAP Help Portal (help.sap.com) | Yes, recommended by SAP | Very useful, especially for configuration paths and field meanings |
| SAP Learning site and your learning journey | Yes, recommended by SAP | Great for quick reminders, since it shows steps you practised |
| SAP Community | Yes, recommended by SAP | Handy, although searching takes time |
| SAP Joule for Consultants | Yes, where applicable | Useful for quick answers, but check what it tells you |
| Other AI tools | SAP says “all kinds of resources” may be used | Helpful for ideas, while the system task still needs your hands |
| Your own course notes | Yes | Best when they are short, clear and organised by task |
Sources: SAP Learning practical exam FAQ and SAP Community. Also, check your exam page for any rules that apply only to your certification.
Why open book is not the same as easy
- The clock keeps running: so every minute you spend searching is a minute you don’t spend doing tasks.
- AI can’t click for you: after all, in a system-based exam, the system checks what you actually did, not what you know.
- Answers can be wrong: AI tools and forum posts sometimes give outdated or wrong steps, so you need enough knowledge to spot mistakes.
- Pass scores are high: for example, SD needs 82%, which leaves very little room for guesswork.
Put simply, open book in SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 helps people who already know the work. However, it doesn’t rescue people who don’t. As a result, question dumps and memorised answers have become almost useless, because there is nothing to memorise.
SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 exam day: step by step
Many learners worry about the unknown, so here is exactly what a system-based SAP S/4HANA certification exam looks like, based on SAP’s own help pages.
Before the exam
- Check your attempts: first, the exam page shows attempts left for that certification and for your subscription.
- Fix your SAP Universal ID: it needs at least two email addresses with different domains, for example a Gmail and a work email.
- Book a slot if asked: since some systems need a reserved time, book early. You can cancel up to 24 hours before, and booking itself doesn’t use an attempt.
- Watch your inbox: SAP sends a confirmation email and then a reminder 24 hours before the exam.
During the exam
- Read the setup guide first: it explains how to make the system environment work correctly.
- Keep two tabs open: one for the task list, and another for the SAP system after you click “Access System”.
- Confirm at the end: finally, once you finish all tasks, confirm completion on the assessment page, and your result appears within seconds.
Your technical checklist
- A laptop or desktop, since SAP says its courses are not fully suited to handheld devices
- Also, an updated Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari browser, with zoom set to 100%
- JavaScript and cookies turned on, and the pop-up blocker turned off for SAP sites
- Next, a stable internet connection, since SAP’s readiness checklist lists 20 as the minimum speed and recommends 50 or more
- Then a working microphone, plus an optional camera, if your exam is scenario-based
- A quiet room and a charged laptop, because three hours is a long time
Sources: SAP system-based assessment FAQ, SAP scenario-based assessment FAQ and the SAP Learning Hub technical readiness checklist.
How much does SAP S/4HANA certification cost in India in 2026?
SAP sells certification in a few different ways. So here is what SAP’s own India and global pages show right now.
| Option | What you get | Listed price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAP Certification exam, two attempts | Two attempts, as well as 10 hours of hands-on practice systems | INR 26,244 on SAP’s India page (USD 276 on the global page) | Most learners in India |
| SAP Certification exam, one attempt | One exam attempt only | Therefore, check the current price on SAP’s site | Confident candidates |
| SAP Certification exam, six attempts (CER006) | Up to six exam bookings, although only over 12 months | On sale only until 30 September 2026 | People planning several exams |
| SAP Learning Hub subscription | Four exam attempts a year, live sessions, practice systems and stay-certified assessments | Priced per user, then renewed each year | Especially anyone who wants to stay certified long term |
Sources: SAP Certification pages (India and global), SAP Training CER006 page and SAP Learning Hub page. Also, prices can change, and taxes may apply.
How to keep your SAP S/4HANA certification valid in 2026 and beyond
Passing the exam, however, is not the end of the story. Since April 2024, SAP certifications are valid for one year. After that, you keep them active by passing a short yearly “stay certified” assessment (SAP Learning).
- What you need: an active SAP Learning Hub subscription, because it includes the stay-certified assessments.
- What the one-, two- and six-attempt packs don’t include: SAP says they do not include access to the stay-certified assessments.
- If you don’t renew: then you would need to buy and pass the full exam again.
So when you plan your SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 budget, think about year two as well, not just exam day.
How to prepare for SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 in 7 steps
Your study method has to change with the exam. So here is a simple plan that works for FI, CO, MM and SD.
- Confirm your exam code and format: First, open your exam page on learning.sap.com and check the code, time limit, pass score and whether it says system-based or scenario-based.
- Set up your SAP Universal ID early: Add a second email address with a different domain, so you don’t get stuck on exam day.
- Learn the business process first: Understand the full flow in plain words, such as buy, receive and pay for MM, before you touch configuration.
- Practise daily on a live S/4HANA system: Repeat each end-to-end task until you can finish it quickly without notes.
- Build a one-page task sheet: Write short notes on menu paths and Fiori app names, so that your “open book” is fast to use.
- Run a timed mock exam: Give yourself a set of tasks and a strict time limit, then check what slowed you down.
- Book your exam and plan to stay certified: Choose your certification option, book your slot, and then set a yearly reminder for the stay-certified check.
Your 6-week SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 study plan
| Week | Focus | Goal by the end of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exam page, Universal ID, basics and navigation | You know your exam rules, and you also move around SAP and Fiori easily |
| 2 | Organisation structure, then master data | You can now create and change key master data on your own |
| 3 | Core business transactions | Next, you can run the main end-to-end cycle for your module |
| 4 | Configuration and customising | Then you can find and change key settings without step-by-step help |
| 5 | Integration and troubleshooting | Also, you can explain other modules as well as fix common errors |
| 6 | Timed mock exams, as well as your task sheet | Finally, you finish practice task sets comfortably inside the time limit |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on question dumps: the new exams check real system output, so memorised answers don’t help.
- Trusting AI blindly: check every AI answer, since a wrong setting still fails the task.
- Leaving your Universal ID to the last day: otherwise, a missing second email can block your start.
- Skipping the results analysis: in scenario-based exams, one SAP Champion notes the analysis may not be available after you log out, so review it straight away.
- Practising on old ECC content only: the exams are built on S/4HANA, so practise on S/4HANA.
Hands-on labs for SAP S/4HANA certification 2026
The best way to get ready for a hands-on exam is, of course, hands-on practice. So try these mini labs on a practice system, and time yourself each time.
Lab 1 – The 10-minute open-book drill
- First, pick one setting you don’t know well, such as a tolerance limit or a pricing condition.
- Next, find the right configuration path using only SAP Help Portal.
- Then make the change in your practice system and test it.
- Finally, note how long it took, and repeat until you can do it in under 10 minutes.
Lab 2 – A timed end-to-end task set (FI example)
- Start a 45-minute timer.
- After that, post a vendor invoice with FB60 and a customer invoice with FB70.
- Then run a payment with F110 and clear the open items.
- Lastly, check the result in the Universal Journal and write down any step that slowed you down.
Lab 3 – A timed end-to-end task set (MM or SD example)
- For MM, first create a purchase requisition (ME51N), then a purchase order (ME21N).
- Next, post the goods receipt (MIGO) and the supplier invoice (MIRO).
- For SD, instead, create a sales order (VA01), a delivery (VL01N) and a billing document (VF01).
- Finally, open the accounting document to confirm that everything reached finance correctly.
Tips from the experts
This advice comes from the Atos SAP Training India trainer and placement team, since it reflects what learners go through in every batch.
- Practise like it’s the exam: Always work against a clock, because speed is now part of the skill being tested.
- Make your notes searchable: Organise notes by task, not by chapter, so you can find a step in seconds.
- Know when to stop searching: If you can’t find an answer in two minutes, move to the next task and come back later.
- Test before you confirm: Before you mark a task done, check the result in the system, for example by opening the posted document.
- Treat AI as a junior colleague: Let it suggest ideas, but always check its answer against SAP Help Portal.
- Learn the handover points: Understand what finance sees after MIGO, MIRO or billing, since these links often decide whether a task passes.
Myths vs facts: SAP S/4HANA certification 2026
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Open book means anyone can pass.” | No. The time limit and high pass scores, such as 82% for SD, still filter out people who can’t do the work. |
| “No proctor means no checks.” | Actually, SAP confirms identity through SAP Universal ID, and the system checks your real output. |
| “Question banks will still work.” | Not really, because there is no list of options to memorise in a system-based exam. |
| “The syllabus changed completely.” | Mostly not. The topics are broadly the same, while the way you are tested changed. |
| “My old certificate is useless now.” | Not so, because your credential stays valid as long as you keep it active through the stay-certified process. |
| “Scenario-based means no system work at all.” | Right for that exam type, but S/4HANA functional exams use the system-based format instead. |
Who gains most from SAP S/4HANA certification 2026?
| You are… | What the new format means for you |
|---|---|
| A fresher | Hands-on practice now matters more than your memory, so a course with real system access is essential. |
| A working professional switching to SAP | Your business experience helps, because tasks follow real processes you may already know. |
| An ECC consultant | Your process knowledge is valuable, although you must learn S/4HANA changes like the Universal Journal and Business Partner. |
| Someone who failed the old MCQ exam | This could be your chance, especially if you are better at doing than memorising. |
Also, the timing works in your favour. SAP ends mainstream maintenance for ECC on 31 December 2027, so many companies are hiring S/4HANA people now. So you can read more in our guide on the SAP S/4HANA 2027 deadline.
Why prepare for SAP S/4HANA certification 2026 with Atos?
A practical exam needs practical training, so it helps to learn from a company that implements SAP for real clients, rather than just a coaching centre.
| What you get | Details |
|---|---|
| Platinum SAP Partner | Above all, Atos is a Platinum SAP Partner and a leading partner in SAP Cloud ERP (Atos and SAP). |
| Real SAP delivery experience | SAP’s partner directory lists nearly 9,500 Atos SAP experts in more than 40 countries (SAP partner profile). |
| Listed on SAP’s own training site | Also, Atos centres, including Pune, appear on SAP’s official list of training locations in India (SAP Training Shop). |
| Official SAP learning access | Also, as an authorised SAP partner, Atos provides access to SAP Learning Hub and Certification Hub. |
| Official SAP curriculum | Courses follow SAP academies, such as TS4F01 and TS4F02 for FI, and TS460 and TS462 for SD. |
| Live system practice | Specifically, 80 to 150+ hours of mentor-led training with live system access, which is exactly what system-based exams reward. |
| Exam and career support | Revision sessions and certification guidance, as well as resume and interview preparation. |
What our learners say
For example, Sumeet Gawde completed his SAP FI certification with Atos and said the training was well structured, with knowledgeable and supportive trainers. Similarly, Akanksha Pal finished her SAP MM training and said the revision lectures helped her build confidence before the certification exam. She also said that, after she cleared her certification, Atos helped with resume preparation and interview readiness. Also, you can read more reviews on our Visakhapatnam centre page.
Start with your module
- Finance: SAP FI certification training course
- Procurement: SAP MM training and certification
- Sales: SAP SD training and certification course
- Location: SAP training in Mumbai at Kanjurmarg East
Upcoming batches: 28 September 2026, 26 October 2026 and 23 November 2026. So for every module and date, see the full SAP training calendar.
Frequently asked questions about SAP S/4HANA certification 2026
Questions about the new exam format
What is the new SAP certification exam format in 2026?
SAP has replaced proctored multiple-choice tests with practical, open-book exams. First, in a system-based assessment, you complete timed tasks in a real SAP system. In a scenario-based assessment, you explain a solution to an AI avatar, or you upload a video for a human reviewer instead.
Is the SAP certification exam open book now?
Yes. In fact, SAP says learners can use all kinds of resources, and it recommends SAP Help Portal, SAP Learning, SAP Community and SAP Joule for Consultants. However, the exam is still time-limited, so you need to know the work well to finish on time.
Can I use ChatGPT or AI tools in the SAP exam?
Yes, because SAP’s practical exams are AI-enabled, and SAP names SAP Joule for Consultants as a recommended tool. An SAP Champion also notes that other AI large language models can be used. Still, AI can’t do system tasks for you, so always check its answers.
Is the SAP S/4HANA exam system-based or scenario-based?
The core SAP S/4HANA exams, such as C_TS4FI, C_TS4CO, C_TS452 and C_TS462, are system-based. Scenario-based exams are mainly used for architect and advisory roles, such as Solution Architect for SAP BTP.
Is the new SAP exam proctored?
No, there is no live proctor in the new format anymore. Instead, SAP confirms your identity through your SAP Universal ID, which needs at least two email addresses with different domains.
Questions about scores, time and results
What is the passing score for SAP S/4HANA certification?
It depends on the exam. For example, on SAP Learning, C_TS4CO needs 59%, C_TS4FI needs 60%, C_TS452 needs 76% and C_TS462 needs 82%. Also, each of these exams lasts 3 hours.
How long does it take to get SAP exam results?
For system-based exams, results generally appear within a few seconds after you confirm your tasks. For scenario-based exams using the AI option, results also come quickly. However, video submissions for human review can take several business days, and SAP’s help pages mention between 10 and 20 business days.
What happens if I fail the new SAP exam?
You can try again if you still have attempts left. For example, an SAP Learning Hub subscription includes four exam attempts a year. In scenario-based exams, you also get a detailed analysis, so review it before you log out.
Questions about cost and validity
How much does SAP certification cost in India in 2026?
Currently, SAP’s India page lists the “SAP Certification exam, two attempts” option at INR 26,244, including 10 hours of practice system access. Prices can change and taxes may apply, while training course fees are separate.
How long is an SAP certification valid?
Since April 2024, SAP certifications are valid for one year. After that, you then keep them active by passing a short yearly stay-certified assessment through an SAP Learning Hub subscription.
Is the SAP CER006 six-attempt pack still available?
Only for a few more days, because SAP says CER006 is being discontinued and is only on sale until 30 September 2026. After that, you can choose the one-attempt pack, the two-attempt pack or SAP Learning Hub.
Questions about preparation and training
How should I prepare for the new SAP S/4HANA certification?
Practise daily on a live S/4HANA system, because the exam checks what you actually do. Also, build a short task sheet for fast look-ups, and run timed mock tasks before exam day.
Why should I prepare for SAP certification with Atos?
Because Atos is a Platinum SAP Partner with nearly 9,500 SAP experts worldwide, its centres also appear on SAP’s official training location list. Moreover, its courses follow SAP’s own academy curriculum and include live system practice, revision sessions, certification guidance and interview support.
So train on a live S/4HANA system with Atos, and then walk into your SAP certification ready to do the work.
Sources and further reading
- Reimagining Certification for the Way We Work Today – SAP Community
- Practical exams FAQ – SAP Learning
- System-based assessment FAQ – SAP Learning
- Scenario-based assessment FAQ – SAP Learning
- How to Prepare for SAP’s New Certification – SAP Community
- How to Take SAP’s New Performance-Based Certification Exams – SAP Community
- My Experience with the New SAP Exam Format (2026) – SAP Community
- C_TS4FI Financial Accounting – SAP Learning
- C_TS4CO Management Accounting – SAP Learning
- C_TS452 Sourcing and Procurement – SAP Learning
- C_TS462 Sales – SAP Learning
- SAP Certification options and pricing (India) – SAP
- SAP Learning Hub – SAP
- CER006 six-attempt pack – SAP Training
- Stay certified – SAP Learning
- Online technical readiness checklist – SAP Learning Hub
- System-based assessment video – SAP
- Scenario-based certification exam video – SAP
- Atos and SAP partnership – Atos
