SAP has announced a significant update to its certification program: multiple SAP Certified Associate exams will be retired on December 31, 2025. This change affects a wide range of certifications across SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Business Suite, SAP Business AI, and related solution areas. If you are planning to take any of these certifications-or are currently preparing for them-now is the time to take action. In this article, we explain what’s being retired, why it matters, and how candidates can prepare before the deadline.
Why SAP Is Retiring These Exams
SAP regularly updates its certification portfolio to ensure its credentials align with the latest product innovations and business needs. As solutions evolve-especially with increased cloud adoption and the integration of artificial intelligence-older exam versions are phased out in favor of updated versions that reflect current technology and job roles.
Retiring certifications is part of SAP's ongoing effort to streamline its offerings and help professionals stay relevant in a fast-changing digital ecosystem.
Which SAP Certifications Are Being Retired?
The following SAP Certified Associate exams will no longer be available after December 31, 2025:
SAP Service Cloud & Business Suite
●C_C4H56_2411 - Implementation Consultant - SAP Service Cloud Version 2
●C_BCSBS_2502 - Positioning SAP Business Suite
●C_BCBAI_2509 - Positioning SAP Business AI Solutions as part of SAP Business Suite
●C_SIGVT_2506 - Validating Business Transformation
SAP SuccessFactors Certifications
●C_THR81_2505 - SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Core
●C_THR82_2505 - SAP SuccessFactors Performance and Goals
●C_THR83_2505 -Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting: Recruiter Experience
●C_THR84_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting: Candidate Experience
●C_THR85_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management
●C_THR86_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Compensation
●C_THR87_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Variable Pay
●C_THR88_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Learning
●C_THR94_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Time Management
●C_THR92_2505 - SAP SuccessFactors People Analytics: Reporting
●C_THR89_2505 - SAP SuccessFactors Workforce Analytics - Functional
●C_THR97_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding
●C_THR95_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Career Development Planning and Mentoring
●C_THR96_2505 - Implementation Consultant - SAP SuccessFactors Workforce Analytics
Who Will Be Impacted?
This retirement affects a broad range of SAP professionals, including:
●Consultants and implementation experts focusing on SAP SuccessFactors and Service Cloud
●HR and analytics specialists preparing for functional certifications
●IT professionals and learners building SAP credentials for career advancement
●Training providers and certification coaches updating learning materials
Anyone planning to take one of these exams should schedule and complete it before the end of 2025.
What To Do Before the Deadline
If you are currently preparing for any of the retiring exams, here are practical steps to take:
1. Schedule Your Exam Early
Book your exam well before December 31, 2025, to avoid potential delays and limited availability toward the end of the year.
2. Check for Replacement Exams
SAP is expected to introduce updated certification versions that align with modernized solutions, especially around cloud adoption and business AI capabilities. Review SAP's certification roadmap to understand new pathways.
3. Plan Your Learning Strategy
Update your study plan to include the latest exam content, and leverage SAP Learning resources and training partners.
4. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on official announcements from SAP regarding exam updates, new certification introductions, and transition guidance.
What Happens After Retirement
Once an exam is retired:
●You can no longer register or take the exam
●The exam is removed from SAP’s certification schedule
●Candidates must pursue newer or replacement certificates
●Previously earned certifications typically remain valid
Certification retirements are a normal part of SAP’s ongoing evolution, ensuring that credentials remain meaningful and relevant in industry demand.
The retirement of these SAP certification exams in 2025 reflects the shifting landscape of enterprise technology - especially as SAP moves toward cloud-first solutions and integrates AI into its core offerings. For IT professionals and consultants, this change is both a deadline and an opportunity: a chance to secure credentials now and to embrace the next generation of SAP certifications.