In this blog, we’ll be exploring NetSuite certifications. Many of you have asked about how certifications relate to one another, their prerequisites, and intrinsic value. Hopefully, this blog will clarify the structure of these certifications, and in the second half, I’ll share my thoughts on their usefulness and value.
NetSuite certifications fall into three major categories: the functional path, the technical path, and miscellaneous/additional certifications. Let’s break these down.
The Functional Path
The functional path focuses on individuals without programming or SuiteScript knowledge—functional consultants. This path includes three certifications:
- SuiteFoundation Certification:
- This is the most commonly taken NetSuite certification and serves as the prerequisite for other certifications. However, the test itself can be tough for newer users. It covers a broad range of topics, and its questions often include subtle "tricks" to mislead test-takers. While it’s not an incredibly difficult test, it requires broad knowledge of NetSuite and careful attention to detail.
- Administrator Certification:
- Once you pass the SuiteFoundation exam, you can pursue the Administrator Certification, which focuses on customizations, reporting tools, workflows, roles and permissions. The scope is narrower than SuiteFoundation, but deeper in each relevant area. It has fewer "trick" questions and relies on a knowledge of specific administrator functions.
- ERP Consultant Certification:
- This is the most advanced and challenging certification for NetSuite. It requires in-depth knowledge across a wide range of topics. I would only recommend this certification to individuals with a minimum of one year of NetSuite consulting experience. Even experienced consultants often find this test daunting due to its complexity and depth.
The Technical Path
The technical path focuses on NetSuite developers and programming using SuiteScript. Recent updates have split this path into two separate certifications:
- App Developer Certification:
- This certification is for individuals focused on customizations and automations within NetSuite using SuiteScript.
- Web Services Developer Certification:
- This certification covers integrations, such as connecting external apps like HubSpot to NetSuite.
After completing the prerequisite SuiteFoundation exam, passing both of the developer exams will earn you the SuiteCloud Developer Certification, demonstrating both technical proficiency and foundational NetSuite knowledge. While these certifications are valuable, many developers prioritize demonstrating practical skills over earning certifications. Employers often assess SuiteScript developers based on live scripting tests during interviews.
Additional Certifications
These certifications don’t fit into the functional or technical paths but are standalone certifications:
- Financial User Certification:
- This certification is geared toward accountants or finance professionals using NetSuite. It validates your ability to apply accounting knowledge in the NetSuite environment. If you’re an accountant looking to work with a company that uses NetSuite, this certification can give you an edge.
- SuiteAnalytics Certification:
- Despite its name, this certification isn’t about SuiteAnalytics as a reporting tool. Instead, it tests your knowledge of general reporting functions in NetSuite, such as saved searches, custom reports, and web queries. While useful for some, it’s one of the least sought-after certifications.
Usefulness and Value of Certifications
The value of a certification depends on your career path and audience:
- For job seekers: Certifications like Administrator or ERP Consultant are highly valuable when applying for roles where the hiring manager knows NetSuite and the difficulty to attain these certifications. For general businesses, the Financial User certification is especially beneficial, as it demonstrates both accounting and NetSuite expertise.
- For consultants: The ERP Consultant Certification is the gold standard for consulting roles, though practical skills still often outweigh certificates in interviews.
SuiteFoundation is a required stepping stone for other certifications, and it doesn’t carry as much standalone weight. It’s considered a baseline certification and may not resonate strongly with hiring managers unfamiliar with NetSuite.
Conclusion
NetSuite certifications can be a valuable tool for advancing your career, depending on your goals. Whether you’re pursuing a functional, technical, or standalone certification, the right choice will depend on your career aspirations and the audience you're presenting your credentials to.
If you’re interested in courses to prepare you to take and pass the above examinations, check out the SuperTraining Certification courses.
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