BusinessObjects Certification FAQ

[MichaelWelter]

The following questions, and answers, were gathered and compiled by Jansi and myself. Discussions related to BusinessObjects Certification should take place in this topic.

What certifications are available?
What are the requirements for certification?
Where do I go to take the exams?
What is the cost of certifications?
Where can I find documentation for certification?
What classes are available to prepare for certification?
Can I purchase materials to help me prepare?
How will most of the questions be presented?
Is there negative marking for the wrong answers?
I am not involved in server administration. Is that knowledge required to get certified?
Is there any formal certificate of merit for having passed the 1st level?
How will I receive my certificate?
After completing all the exams, how long will it take to receive the formal certificate?
If I fail the first attempt, can I re-take the exam without paying additional exam fees?
Do we have any special logo for display in the profile for the people certified on BO?
How long (duration) will be the examination?
Can I appear for a beta exam?
How can I get a S-ID?
SAP FAQ Document Regarding New Certifications Effective May 1, 2010

A great deal of care has gone into making these answers as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please post in the discussion topic.

[MichaelWelter]

What certifications are available?

There are currently four certifications available:
- BusinessObjects Enterprise
- Crystal Reports
- Web Intelligence
- Data Services

There is no certification for Desktop Intelligence, and probably never will be, as that product will eventually be retired. There is also no certification for Designer, but may be in the future.

[MichaelWelter]

What are the requirements for certification?

Certification is granted upon passing the certification exams. The number of exams varies by certification. Exams must be completed at a certified testing center.

[MichaelWelter]

Where do I go to take the exams?

The exams are provided through Pearson Vue, so if you go to their site you can review the requirements and schedule the exam. Test locations can be found at http://www7.pearsonvue.com/Dispatcher?application=VTCLocator&action=actStartApp&v=W2L&cid=342

[MichaelWelter]

What is the cost of certifications?

The cost of exams ranges from $100 - $200 USD per exam. Check the Pearson Vue web site for the most accurate and recent pricing.

[MichaelWelter]

Where can I find documentation for certification?

Pearson Vue maintains a list of certification requirements on their web site here. You can also download PDF files from SAP here.

[MichaelWelter]

What classes are available to prepare for certification?

Classes may be taken through eLearning courses or Formal training (Instructor Lead). The exam questions are taken from the training materials. Therefore, it is recommended to attend classes, either through eLearning or Classroom. Classroom training is the best for a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. Click here to find a training option that meets your needs.

[MichaelWelter]

Can I purchase materials to help me prepare?

Yes. However, the training materials from SAP BusinessObjects are best, as the exam questions are taken from them.

[MichaelWelter]

How will most of the questions be presented?

There are true / false, multiple choice (single answer), and multiple choice (multiple answer) questions. They have to be determinate answers (no fill-in-the-blank) because they are graded by the computer, so an answer must either be right or wrong.

The tough ones are the multiple-choice multi-answer questions, which can be something like:
Q: Identify all of the following that are true
1. BOB is awesome
2. BOB sucks
3. BOB is my home page
4. 1 and 3 but not 2
5. 1 and 2 but not 3
6. All of the above
7. None of the above

If you miss any part of the multiple correct answers, the entire question is wrong.

[MichaelWelter]

Is there negative marking for the wrong answers?

No they don't have negative marking. It's a straight percentage.

[MichaelWelter]

I am not involved in server administration. Is that knowledge required to get certified?

Yes, knowledge of server administration, server sizing, processes, etc. is necessary to achieve BOE certification. However, keep in mind that the questions are taken from the training materials.

[MichaelWelter]

Is there any formal certificate of merit for having passed the 1st level?

No there will be no certificate just for passing the first one. You will have to pass all tests to earn your certification and get a formal certificate.

[MichaelWelter]

How will I receive my certificate?

You should receive a formal certificate by mail. This might take some time.

[MichaelWelter]

After completing all the exams, how long will it take to receive the formal certificate?

It might depend on where you are located, etc. If you have been waiting a couple of weeks you might want to contact www.vue.com or SAP BusinessObjects.

If you need to show proof of your certification just show your employer your test record online on www.vue.com for example.

[MichaelWelter]

If I fail the first attempt, can I re-take the exam without paying additional exam fees?

If you fail, you must pay again to take it again.