Introduction
Earning an SAP PP (Production Planning) Certification is a significant milestone for professionals in the SAP domain. Having successfully cleared the SAP PP certification (C_TSCM42_60) in May 2011 (SAP ERP 6.0 EHP4), I want to share my experience and insights to help others preparing for this exam.Even though we are now in the S/4HANA era, many aspects of this certification remain relevant. This article covers exam details, preparation tips, eligibility criteria, and the future of SAP PP.
My SAP PP Certification Experience
Exam Details
- Certification Name: SAP PP (C_TSCM42_60) β SAP ERP 6.0 EHP4
- Exam Date: May 2011
- Total Questions: 80
- Passing Percentage: 55%
- Main Topics Covered:
- 80% of questions: Focused on Production Planning (PP), including:
- Discrete Manufacturing (majority of the questions)
- Repetitive Manufacturing (REM)
- PP-PI (Process Industries)
- 20% of questions: Covered SAP Solution Manager & SAP APO (Advanced Planning & Optimization).
SAP PP Certification Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the certification directly (without attending an official SAP training course), you must meet the following requirements:- Work Experience:
- At least one year of SAP implementation experience.
- Minimum six months of experience in the specific SAP module and version for which you are taking the certification.
- Current Employer:
- Must have been with your present employer for at least one year.
- Your employer must be an SAP customer or partner.
SAP PP Exam Question Pattern & Marking System
Example Question & Marking SystemQuestion: What is SAP?
- Option 1: ERP
- Option 2: Operating System
- Option 3: Software, Application & Products in Data Processing
Marking Strategy:
- If you select only the correct answers (Option 1 & 3) β You score full marks (3/3).
- If you select all three options (including the incorrect one) β You get partial marks (2/3).
- If you select only one correct answer, you get 1 mark.
Future of SAP PP β Is It Worth Investing in This Certification?
Yes! SAP PP is here to stay and will continue to be an essential module in the SAP ecosystem. While composite applications are now used for reporting and transactions, SAP PP remains the core foundation of production planning.Expanding Your Career with SAP PP
To increase job opportunities, it is highly recommended to also gain knowledge in closely related SAP modules, such as:- SAP MM (Materials Management)
- SAP QM (Quality Management)
- SAP PM (Plant Maintenance)
Key Areas to Master in SAP PP
To succeed in SAP Production Planning, you need to be proficient in the entire planning and execution process.Planning Process:
- SOP (Sales & Operations Planning)
- Demand Management
- MRP (Material Requirements Planning)
- MPS (Master Production Scheduling)
- LTP (Long-Term Planning)
- Capacity Planning
Manufacturing & Execution Process:
- Discrete Manufacturing β Using production orders
- Repetitive Manufacturing (REM) β Using planned orders (RSQ)
- Process Industry (PP-PI) β Using process orders
Advanced SAP PP Skills
SAP PP is closely integrated with:- SAP QM (Quality Management)
- SAP MM (Materials Management)
- SAP Product Costing
Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in SAP PP Certification?
β YES! SAP PP remains one of the most in-demand SAP modules, and mastering it opens doors to multiple job opportunities.β SAP PP is the core foundation of production planning and is essential for manufacturing industries.
β Expanding into SAP MM, QM, PM, and APO/IBP will further strengthen your career.
If you are working in manufacturing, supply chain, or production planning, SAP PP certification is a great investment for long-term career growth.
FAQs on SAP PP Certification
1. Is SAP PP Certification difficult?
SAP PP Certification is moderately difficult, especially for those with prior experience in production planning. With proper preparation and hands-on practice, passing is achievable.2. What is the cost of SAP PP Certification?
The cost varies by country and SAP training partner, but generally ranges from $500 to $1000 USD.3. Which SAP PP topics are most important for the exam?
The key focus areas are:- Discrete Manufacturing
- MRP & Demand Management
- Production Orders & Capacity Planning
- Repetitive Manufacturing
- Integration with MM, QM, and APO
4. Can I take SAP PP Certification without SAP training?
Yes, but only if you meet SAPβs eligibility criteria (1+ year of SAP implementation experience and working for an SAP partner/customer).5. What are the career prospects after SAP PP Certification?
SAP PP-certified professionals can work as:- SAP PP Consultants
- Production Planning Analysts
- Supply Chain Managers
- SAP Functional Consultants
6. What is the difference between SAP PP and SAP PP-PI?
- SAP PP focuses on discrete and repetitive manufacturing.
- SAP PP-PI is designed for process industries (e.g., chemical, pharmaceutical, food & beverage manufacturing).
Conclusion
SAP PP Certification is a valuable credential for anyone in production planning and manufacturing industries. By mastering planning, execution, and integration with other SAP modules, you can build a successful SAP career in both SAP ECC and S/4HANA environments.If you're considering SAP PP certification, go for itβthe future of SAP PP remains strong and promising!
