Last Updated on August 28, 2023
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How to Learn SAP for Free
Author Written by Cleo Isco and last updated on Posted onJanuary 22, 2018. Posted in CategoriesSAP Certification FA
How to learn SAP for free? It is a good question and everyone who wants to find a job in SAP world should be asking this question before considering any paid training opportunities. The official way of learning SAP is SAP training courses provided by SAP Education (a division of SAP that is responsible for training and certification).
However, these courses are quite expensive and not everyone can afford them. Of course there are cheaper alternatives – non-official SAP training institutes that provide SAP training for smaller price. There are two problems with non-official SAP training providers: (1) they are still expensive, (2) there is a high chance of encountering a fraud institute that provides low quality training. So, if you decided that official training from SAP or from third-party institute is not your thing, than what you should do?
How to Learn SAP for Free
How to learn SAP for free? Hmm… Actually, there are many options and we will consider each of them in a separate section.
You should understand that since you don’t pay anybody for conducting the training, you need to be really disciplined and determined in organizing the learning process and achieving your goals because there will be no instructor or teacher who could encourage and motivate you.
GETTING STARTED
It is recommended to first get some basic understanding of SAP for beginners. We published an extensive guide for complete beginners in SAP. It can be an excellent starting point for you:
SAP FOR BEGINNERS
SAP WEBSITES
There are a million websites that are focused on SAP. The problem is that it is hard to find a good introduction for people who have zero knowledge of SAP and it is hard to find a coherent introduction where one concept builds on the next (training classes we mentioned in the beginning are better for this purpose). Naturally, the following list of SAP websites is not complete, but at least we strove to include all the most popular. It would be nice to update this list if you guys can write your favorite websites in the comments section.
- General overview of SAP ERP modules
http://www.sap-erp.com/general/sap-module-overview.html - The most general introduction (Wikipedia links)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAP_ERP
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAP_R/3 - Official SAP websites with documentation
http://help.sap.com – the compete SAP documentation, however, somehow difficult to grasp - SAP community website and SAP forums
http://scn.sap.com – large SAP forum, which is moderated by SAP employees
http://www.sapusergroups.com – SAP user groups for various regions of the world
http://sap.toolbox.com – SAP section of the huge IT-related forum
http://www.sapfans.com – SAP related forum
http://www.saptechies.com – another SAP related forum
http://www.linkedin.com – social network for professionals, which has many SAP groups and communities
http://twitter.com – it is a good idea to follow #SAP hash tag and other people who tweet about SAP, you can also follow us: http://twitter.com/sapcertif
http://facebook.com/erp.certification – our Facebook group, just in case - OpenSAP – Open online courses delivered by SAP. The idea of the website is great but it is geared towards experienced SAP professionals that only need to keep up with the latest product updates and new features of SAP program. If you are a complete beginner to SAP, it might be difficult to understand these courses.
SAP BOOKS
Although books are not free, comparing to the cost of SAP training, their price is negligible. Moreover, you can use them later on for reference as well. On our website there is special section where good SAP books are collected and reviewed. Although now we only have SAP SD books, SAP FI books and SAP MM books, our collection will be expanding in the near future.
Overall, it is possible to find a way of how to learn sap for free, without investing a fortune into SAP training. We will continue publication of useful resources that provide information about all aspects around SAP. This article is only beginning
HANDS-ON SAP PRACTICE
Besides theoretical knowledge you also need to practice with real SAP systems. Unfortunately, it is not possible to install SAP on a regular personal computer because this system has high hardware requirements. Also, you need to take care about expensive software licenses. The good news are that you can access SAP remote servers (running SAP IDES) for a monthly fee from a number of companies that offer access to SAP ERP servers with some sample business data. While their services are not free, you for sure can find some money to pay for them (they are not too expensive) and do some practice in realistic SAP environments! You can find our reviews of the companies offering access to SAP servers here: SAP IDES access.
Update 1!
We have written a follow-up post about 10 free SAP tutorials available online. They should also be helpful in learning SAP for free.
Update 2!
SAP has launched SAP Learning Hub that provides online access to SAP handbooks. It also has free edition. Make sure to check it out in more detail here: Free SAP Training with SAP Learning Hub.
Update 3!
We’ve launched a number of free courses for everybody who would like to learn SAP. If you ever wanted to learn SAP, this is the best time to join our course and study SAP together with us. The links to the free courses are below.
Free SAP FI Training
Learn Financial Accounting in SAP
Free SAP CO Training
Learn Management Accounting in SAP
Free SAP MM Training
Learn Materials Management in SAP
Free SAP SD Training
Learn Sales and Distribution in SAP
Free SAP HR Training
Learn Human Resources in SAP
Free SAP PP Training
Learn Production Planning in SAP
I hope that this information will be helpful for you and if you have any questions, you are welcome to ask them at our forum. Unlike comments below, all questions posted on the forum will be answered!
35+ Ways to Learn SAP
by SAP PRESS on February 03, 2021 and updated on
Often, when someone first hears about SAP, they have no clue just how expansive the software company’s suite of products is.
SAP is involved in pretty much any industry you can think of thanks to a portfolio that includes solutions used for financial and management accounting, supply chain operations, human resources, customer relationship management, data warehousing, and more. And where there isn’t an out-of-the-box option, it’s likely that a customized solution is possible using SAP’s robust technical stack of platforms such as SAP HANA and SAP Business Technology Platform (formerly SAP Cloud Platform), and programming languages such as ABAP.
With such a vast array of SAP-related things to learn about, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. No matter what your learning style is, however, rest assured that there are ways to learn SAP that fit your needs. (For example, if you’re looking for books, we publish many titles every year.) In this post, we will explore the many different options available, listed alphabetically. We wish we could fit them all, but then this post would never end!
Official SAP Resources
SAP puts a lot of effort into written and audiovisual learning materials to help clients make the most of their system. Below highlights some of the most popular.
openSAP
openSAP is a collection of free learning materials put out by SAP that focuses on helping you upskill your knowledge. It includes open online courses, video training, and a podcast.
SAP Community
The SAP Community is a repository of thousands of documents that can be searched by the keyword of your choice, including blog posts, Q&As, event details, and more. If you know specifically what you’d like to learn more about, you can skip the search functionality by selecting one of over 140 different topic categories ranging from ABAP Connectivity and Development to Web Dynpro.
A similar resource, the SAP Developer Center, is also available for developers looking for more customized content.
SAP Help
SAP Help is a portal to all SAP product documentation, including technical specifications, SAP Notes, and more. You can search by keyword or drill down through the product hierarchy page; or, if you’re just starting to learn about a topic, you can view a handful of Learning Journeys that introduce you to the topic at hand.
SAP Inside Track
SAP Inside Tracks are community events held by local organizers all over the world. At these events, SAP Community members get together to talk about various SAP topics and brainstorm, troubleshoot, and even practice SAP skills.
SAP Jam
SAP Jam is the equivalent of a social network for SAP users. It includes different spaces focused on various topics, and shares product information and tutorials, as well as links to the other types of content mentioned above.
SAP Learning Hub
SAP Learning Hub is a paid, self-serve training module that provides subscribers with e-learning courses, live learning sessions, and virtual social rooms to connect with peers and talk shop. There are four editions of SAP Learning Hub available depending on your needs—from solution-specific to cross-portfolio information.
SAP Training
SAP Training is a catalog of different paid classes that one can take to learn more about the topic of their choice. Whether you’re a beginner at SAP or looking for advanced instruction, there is something for you to learn here.
Books
There are numerous publishing houses that write books that focus on SAP, written by everyone from business users to SAP product owners and developers. Below are some of the most popular:
- Apress
- Espresso Tutorials
- O’Reilly
- Packt
- SAP PRESS
Since we wrote the post, we have to plug ourselves. SAP PRESS publishes over 50 books and E-Bites (shorter, e-only publications) a year on all sorts of SAP topics with the goal of helping you reach your professional goals. Our books are even listed more than 50 times on Book Authority’s 100 Best SAP Books of All Time. You can check out our entire list of products here—nearly all of them have a free reading sample available to check out.
Paid Training Resources
You can also take paid trainings from organizations other than SAP. These companies create their own curricula on different SAP topics. Below are a couple to know.
ERP Prep
ERP Prep creates courses that focus on topics such as SAP ERP, SAP HANA, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Fiori, SAP Solution Manager, and more. Its goal is to help customers prepare for SAP certification exams.
Michael Management
Michael Management creates content for those looking to take courses to improve their SAP skills. It also does one-day, live, “Jumpstart” classes for those looking to ask questions as they learn.
Online Publications
There are scores of SAP-focused blogs and websites out there. Below is a list of some of the most popular.
ASUG News
ASUG, America’s SAP User Group, puts out web articles that explore different avenues where SAP solutions are being used and how readers can utilize the solutions to do the same things in their organizations.
Diginomica
Diginomica is a media group focused on providing insight on different topics such as the digital enterprise, cloud apps, and technology disruption. It covers many different vendors, including SAP, Oracle, and Workday.
ERPCorp
The consulting firm ERPCorp publishes blog posts and videos on things related to the Controlling subcomponent of SAP ERP, as well as its SAP S/4HANA sibling.
E-3 Magazine
E-3 Magazine is a German-based web publisher of SAP content that prides itself on its independent stance.
Guru99
Guru99 provides email-based SAP training on topics including SAP HANA, SAPUI5, SAP SuccessFactors, security, and more. They also sell e-books covering topics like FICO, materials management, production planning, and more.
Inside SAP
Inside SAP is an Australian-based web publisher that focuses on keeping the region up to date on the latest SAP happenings. Their website includes information on SAP technology as well as case studies.
SAPinsider
SAPinsider publishes multiple content formats, including a magazine, research papers, and whitepapers. It also hosts annual industry- or solution-specific events and produces webinar and video content.
SAP PRESS Blog
The SAP PRESS Blog includes more than 200 posts on everything from ABAP and SAP Fiori development to SAP Customer Experience. A Learning Center also includes links to topic overviews and Q&As with our authors.
SAP Spot
SAP Spot is a blog with posts focusing on different topics including SAP Ariba, SAP HANA, ABAP, materials management, and more.
SearchSAP
Run by the technology firm TechTarget, SearchSAP publishes case studies, news, and other information such as overviews of SAP technology like SAP HANA and ABAP.
SUNSource
Formerly known as SAP Insight, SUNSource (SUN standing for Super User Network) focuses on information tailored for super users of not only SAP solutions, but also Oracle, Workday, and more.
The Dallas Marks Blog
Author and SAP Mentor Dallas Marks has a blog dedicated to different business intelligence topics, notably SAP BusinessObjects. His blog also includes SAP book reviews and information on Tableau.
The Timo Elliott Blog
SAP innovation evangelist Timo Elliott has his own blog which focuses on both SAP and non-SAP topics. He includes posts that focus on presentations he gives, information gleaned from various SAP conferences and events, and more.
The Xavier Hacking Blog
Author and SAP BI consultant Xavier Hacking has a blog focused on different business intelligence and data management tools such as SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud, and more.
ZAP Yard
ZAP Yard (formerly SAP Yard) is a website dedicated to providing technical documentation to those working with ABAP, SAP HANA, SAP Fiori, OData, SAP S/4HANA, and more.
Audiovisual Resources
In addition to written documentation, there are numerous podcasts and YouTube channels that focus on SAP topics. Below lists some of the top options to explore.
Bluebeard’s Tech Talk
Hosted by an SAP developer advocate, the Bluebeard’s Tech Talk podcast provides insight to what is going on at SAP. Topics covered include SAP Business Technology Platform, AWS, ABAP, and more.
SAP Coffee Corner Radio
The unofficial SAP Community podcast, SAP Coffee Corner Radio is run by three SAP employees and explores the current state of SAP, conference happenings, and more.
SAP’s YouTube Channels
SAP has a whole host of YouTube channels, each focused on different topics including industries, technology, UX engineering, sports and entertainment, and the SAP Community.
The SAP HCM Insights Podcast
The SAP HCM Insights Podcast is hosted by a group of human resources experts and talks about both SAP HCM in general and specifically dives into the SAP SuccessFactors solution.
The SAP Online Track YouTube Channel
The SAP Online Track YouTube channel hosts content that was presented during the online SAP Inside Track event held during the summer of 2020. Sessions include SAP S/4HANA integration, SAPUI5 extensions, code refactoring and adaptation, SAP Internet of Things, and more.
The SAP TV Video Podcast
Created by SAP, the SAP TV Video Podcast explores the company, its workforce, products, and more.
The SAP Yard YouTube Channel
SAP Yard’s official YouTube channel provides in-depth information on topics such as SAP Fiori deployment, ABAP Development Tools, CDS, and more.
Conferences
There are numerous SAP-focused conferences and events held throughout the year. For a full list of upcoming events hosted by SAP, check out this page. Popular, recurring major events are listed below.
ASUG Industry and Technology Conferences
The America’s user group hosts many events throughout the year. These include events on BI and analytics, SAP Business One, oil & gas, and more.
Mastering SAP
Held in Australia as well as South Africa, the Mastering SAP events cover a collection of different SAP topics, including SAP technologies, finance, HR, business and analytics, security, and more.
SAP Controlling Conference
Organized by ERPCorp, the annual Controlling Conference is held every year in San Diego, California. Attendees spend the majority of a week attending sessions relating to FICO, networking with peers, and exploring exhibitor booths.
SAPinsider Events
SAPinsider hosts numerous events during the year, each with a focus on different areas of SAP. These include SAP HANA, analytics, administration, FICO, GRC, cybersecurity, and more.
SAPPHIRE NOW and ASUG Annual Conference
SAPPHIRE NOW, held every year in Orlando, Florida, is SAP’s trade show that includes keynote speeches by SAP leadership, celebrities, business partners, and more. Attendees have the option to attend scores of sessions on all types of SAP topics. Major new solutions or product functionality are typically announced at SAPPHIRE.
The ASUG Annual Conference is held in conjunction with SAPPHIRE NOW and is put on to help ASUG members as well as the public work toward overcoming their SAP challenges.
SAP TechEd
Another conference hosted by SAP, SAP TechEd focuses on the technical side of SAP. Like SAPPHIRE NOW, attendees have the option to attend scores of sessions on all types of SAP topics. Unlike SAPPHIRE NOW, however, SAP TechEd is held in three locations during the end of the year: Austin, TX; Barcelona, Spain; and Bangalore, India.
User Groups
Many regions have created their own groups that focus on SAP users. Below are some of the most popular:
- Australia: SAUG
- Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: DSAG
- India: INDUS
- North America: ASUG
- South Africa: AFSUG
- Sweden: SAPSA
- United Kingdom and Ireland: UKISUG
Social Media
Many SAP employees, users, etc. are on social media. We suggest searching for keywords relevant to you and following those accounts that appear. To get you started, here are a few popular experts to follow on Twitter and LinkedIn:
- Andre Fischer (SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP Gateway)
- Anne Petterøe (user interfaces)
- Craig Cmehil (general SAP)
- Dallas Marks (SAP BusinessObjects)
- Denise Nepraunig (SAPUI5)
- DJ Adams (development)
- Jelena Perfiljeva (ABAP)
- Jocelyn Dart (general SAP)
- Luke Marson (SAP SuccessFactors)
- Martin Gillet (consulting)
- Sven Denecken (SAP S/4HANA)
There are also plenty of official SAP Twitter accounts to follow, such as the company itself (@SAP), SAP HANA (@SAPInMemory), SAP Intelligent Technologies (@SAPInTech), SAP SuccessFactors (@successfactors), and SAP Application Development & Integration (@SAPCP).
- Bert Vanstechelman (SAP S/4HANA)
- Fabiana Bacon (SAP Business Technology Platform)
- Faisal Iqbal (SAP SuccessFactors)
- Felipe dos Anjos Almeida (development)
- Iver van de Zand (analytics)
- Jawad Akhtar (logistics)
- Nitin Gupta (Central Finance)
- Pierre Col (SAP Intelligent RPA)
- Wouter van Heddegham (general SAP)
In addition to these LinkedIn accounts, there are numerous LinkedIn groups that you can join to meet peers. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Global SuccessFactors and SAP Community
- SAP ABAP and NetWeaver Development Community
- SAP Career Opportunities Group
- SAP Community
- SAP Financials
- SAP Fiori Group
- SAP Jobs – Empleos para Consultores SAP
- SAP Security Group
- SAP S/4HANA
Conclusion
As you can tell, there are so many ways to learn SAP—while we’ve named some, there are always plenty more to explore on your own through a Google search. The best part is that once you’ve learned things from the resources above, you can turn around and create content of your own—like an SAP PRESS book, perhaps?—to give back to the community as well. Best of luck with your SAP training!
