Real SAP BW Certification Experience: What to Expect + Key Topics & Questions

SAP BW Certification Duration and Format

The SAP BW certification exam lasts 3 hours (180 minutes), which is more than enough. You'll spend more time analyzing the questions than writing answers. Most questions are multiple-choice or true/false format. Many of them are scenario-based, requiring careful reading and logic.

Section I: Project Implementation (4 Questions)

This section tests your understanding of SAP BW implementation phases and tasks.

Sample Questions:

1. Which activities are done during the Realisation Phase?
  • a. BW Development System Installation happens here. → True or False
  • b. Basis team involvement is crucial during this phase. → True or False
Each question provides five statements, and you need to mark each as true or false. Every option carries marks.

2. When is the Data Source determined?

  • a. In the Realisation Phase, the team finalizes the data source to fit requirements. → True or False
  • b. Similar question may be asked for the Design Phase.

Section II: Data Modeling (8 Questions)

Expect questions that test your design and modeling skills. The SAP Data Modeling book is sufficient for this section.

Example Topics:

1. Data Compression:
  • Which data targets support compression? (Single correct answer)
2. Performance Optimization:

Ways to improve data load performance:

  • a. Use Line Item Dimensions
  • b. Create Indexes on ODS
  • c. Add Primary Keys to ODS
  • d. Ensure Fact Table is smaller than Dimension Table
  • e. Ensure Dimension Table is smaller than Fact Table
Questions here can be tricky, often involving design scenarios where you must choose between ODS, InfoObject, Cube, or Navigational Attributes.

Section III: Warehouse Management (24 Questions)

This section is straightforward and focuses on basic SAP BW concepts.

Sample Questions:

1. Which Data Targets are suitable for MultiProviders?
  • Five options provided – choose the correct ones.
2. Can Aggregates be created on ODS?
  • True or False

Section IV: Reporting (24 Questions)

Another relatively easy section, with a focus on report formatting and workbook functionalities.

Sample Questions:

1. File Extension for Style Sheets:
  • a. .CSS
  • b. .TXT
  • Others
2. Functions in Reporting Agent:
  • a. Print functionality
  • b. Save workbook feature
You may encounter scenario-based questions where you choose between options like Restricted Key Figures, Calculated Key Figures, or Replacement Path Variables.

Section V: Extraction (5+ Questions)

This section covers data extraction techniques, especially S-API, CO-PA, and Generic Extractors.

Sample Questions:

1. Does S-API send delta records to BW?
  • True or False
2. Is S-API installation needed in both BW and R/3 systems?
  • Multiple-choice, select the correct ones.
3. CO-PA Data Source Creation:

What gets auto-created?

  • a. One Table & Two Structures
  • b. Two Tables & Two Structures
  • c. Two Tables & One Structure
  • More choices available
This section is mostly easy, though attention to detail is key.

Section VI: Authorizations (4 Questions)

These are scenario-based questions testing your understanding of user roles and authorizations.

Sample Questions:

1. Is S_RS_COMP enough for a user to create reports?
  • Five choices, each carries marks – mark true or false.
2. What authorizations should a Key User receive?
  • Think role-based access and authorizations.

Final Thoughts & Certification Tips

  • Stay calm and composed during the exam. It’s easier than it looks.
  • Focus more on understanding concepts than rote memorization.
  • Read each question twice – many are scenario-based and need analytical thinking.
  • Use official SAP BW study materials like the SAP Data Modeling book.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the SAP BW Certification hard?
A: No, it’s manageable with consistent study and familiarity with SAP BW topics.

Q2: How long is the SAP BW certification exam?
A: It's 3 hours (180 minutes) long.

Q3: Which book is best for SAP BW data modeling?
A: The official SAP Data Modeling book is sufficient for exam preparation.

Q4: Are questions scenario-based in the exam?
A: Yes, many questions are based on real-world implementation and require decision-making.

Q5: What topics are most heavily weighted?
A: Warehouse Management and Reporting sections have the most questions.

Q6: Can I retake the SAP BW exam if I fail?
A: Yes, SAP allows retakes, but you must check with the exam provider for specific rules.
 

SAP BW Tips

Interview Questions on BW
SAP BW Interview Questions 1

Get help for your SAP BW problems
SAP BW Forum - Do you have a SAP BW Question?

SAP Business Warehouse Books
SAP BW Books - Certification, Interview Questions and Configuration

SAP BW Tips
SAP BW Tips and Business Information Warehouse

Main Index
SAP ERP Modules, Basis, ABAP and Other IMG Stuff

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