What Is SAP Certified – SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management Certification?
The SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification (C_THR85) represents one of the most sought-after credentials in human capital management technology. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, configure, and implement comprehensive succession planning strategies using SAP’s industry-leading talent management platform.
Succession planning has become critical for organizational sustainability, with 75% of companies reporting talent pipeline gaps in key positions. The SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification equips you with skills to address these challenges through systematic talent identification, development planning, and leadership continuity strategies.
This certification is specifically designed for SAP partner consultants who implement succession management solutions. Unlike many other SAP certifications, this credential comes with strict provisioning rights that are exclusively granted to certified SAP partner consultants. Independent consultants and customers, even when certified, do not receive these implementation privileges.
The certification covers critical succession management functionalities including talent pools, succession org charts, development planning integration, and analytics reporting. You’ll master the configuration of succession scenarios, calibration processes, and the integration between succession management and other SuccessFactors modules.
Core Competencies Validated
The SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification validates your expertise across several key areas:
Succession Planning Configuration: Design and implement succession org charts, configure talent pools, and establish succession scenarios that align with organizational structure and business objectives.
Integration Mastery: Seamlessly integrate succession management with Performance Management, Learning Management, and Compensation modules within the SuccessFactors suite.
Analytics and Reporting: Create comprehensive succession analytics, develop custom reports, and establish KPIs that measure succession planning effectiveness across the organization.
Calibration Processes: Configure and facilitate talent calibration sessions, establish rating scales, and implement consensus-building workflows for succession decisions.
How to Get SAP Certified – SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management Certified — Step-by-Step
Achieving your SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification requires strategic preparation and adherence to SAP’s structured learning pathway. The certification process combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on exercises.
- Verify Eligibility Requirements
Confirm your status as a registered SAP partner consultant. This certification’s provisioning rights are exclusively available to SAP partner consultants. Independent consultants and customers can earn the certification but won’t receive implementation privileges. - Enroll in SAP Learning Hub
Subscribe to SAP Learning Hub, which provides access to the complete learning journey, practice environments, and up to 4 exam attempts annually. The subscription costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 per year but includes multiple certification attempts. - Complete the Learning Journey
Work through the “Configuring SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management” learning journey, which requires approximately 12 hours of dedicated study time. This covers theoretical concepts, practical exercises, and real-world implementation scenarios. - Master Hands-On Practice
Utilize the SAP SuccessFactors demo environment to practice configuration tasks. Focus on succession org chart setup, talent pool configuration, and integration scenarios with other SuccessFactors modules. - Complete the Practical Assessment
Successfully complete the hands-on practical test that evaluates your ability to configure succession management scenarios in a live environment. This assessment must be passed before scheduling the theoretical exam. - Schedule Your Certification Exam
Book your C_THR85 exam through the SAP certification portal. The exam costs $541 per attempt and can be taken at authorized testing centers or through online proctoring. - Take the Certification Exam
Complete the 180-minute exam, which requires a 58% passing score. The exam covers succession planning concepts, configuration scenarios, integration requirements, and best practices. - Maintain Your Certification
Renew your certification annually through the Stay Certified assessment program. SAP provides personalized notifications to ensure you never miss renewal deadlines.
Prerequisites and Recommended Experience
While SAP doesn’t mandate specific prerequisites for the SuccessFactors Succession Management certification, certain background knowledge significantly improves your success probability:
Foundational SAP Knowledge: Basic understanding of SAP SuccessFactors architecture, user management, and general configuration principles provides essential context for succession management concepts.
HR Process Understanding: Familiarity with talent management processes, performance management cycles, and organizational development principles helps contextualize the technical configuration within business requirements.
Project Experience: Prior involvement in SuccessFactors implementations, even in non-succession management modules, provides valuable perspective on integration challenges and client requirements.
How to Prepare for the C_THR85 Certification Exam
Effective preparation for the SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification requires a structured approach combining theoretical study, practical application, and strategic exam preparation techniques.
Official SAP Learning Resources
The primary preparation resource is SAP’s official “Configuring SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management” learning journey, accessible through SAP Learning Hub. This 12-hour curriculum covers:
Module 1: Succession Management Fundamentals – Core concepts, business scenarios, and integration touchpoints with other SuccessFactors modules.
Module 2: Configuration Essentials – Hands-on configuration of succession org charts, talent pools, and succession scenarios within the platform.
Module 3: Advanced Features – Calibration processes, analytics setup, and complex integration scenarios with Performance Management and Learning modules.
Module 4: Implementation Best Practices – Real-world case studies, common pitfalls, and proven strategies for successful succession management deployments.
Hands-On Practice Strategy
Practical experience is crucial for certification success. SAP provides demo environments through Learning Hub, but supplement this with additional practice:
Scenario-Based Configuration: Practice configuring succession scenarios for different organizational structures. Focus on matrix reporting relationships, global organizations with multiple legal entities, and complex approval workflows.
Integration Exercises: Master the integration touchpoints between Succession Management and other SuccessFactors modules. Practice scenarios involving performance ratings, development planning, and compensation planning integration.
Calibration Processes: Understand how to configure and facilitate talent calibration sessions, including rating scale setup, consensus workflows, and reporting capabilities.
Analytics and Reporting: Practice creating custom succession analytics, standard reports, and executive dashboards that demonstrate succession planning ROI.
Exam Preparation Timeline
| Preparation Phase | Duration | Key Activities | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Building | 2-3 weeks | Complete learning journey, understand core concepts | Pass learning journey assessments with 80%+ scores |
| Hands-On Practice | 3-4 weeks | Demo environment practice, configuration exercises | Complete complex scenarios without reference materials |
| Practical Assessment | 1 week | Complete mandatory hands-on assessment | Pass practical assessment on first attempt |
| Exam Preparation | 1-2 weeks | Review materials, practice exams, concept reinforcement | Consistently score 70%+ on practice assessments |
Key Topics and Weightings
The C_THR85 exam covers several key domains with varying emphasis:
Succession Planning Configuration (35%): Succession org charts, talent pools, succession scenarios, and position-based succession planning.
Integration and Data Management (25%): Integration with Performance Management, Learning Management, and Employee Central. Data import/export processes and user permissions.
Calibration and Analytics (20%): Talent calibration configuration, succession analytics, custom reporting, and dashboard creation.
Implementation and Best Practices (20%): Project methodology, change management, and troubleshooting common configuration issues.
Study Tips for Success
Focus on Integration Scenarios: Many exam questions test your understanding of how Succession Management integrates with other SuccessFactors modules. Practice scenarios involving performance ratings, development planning, and compensation integration.
Master Configuration Logic: Understand the underlying business logic behind configuration options. Don’t just memorize steps; understand why certain configurations are required for specific business scenarios.
Practice Time Management: The 180-minute exam requires efficient time management. Practice completing configuration tasks within time constraints to build speed and accuracy.
Understand Provisioning Rights: Given the unique nature of this certification’s provisioning restrictions, ensure you understand the business implications and requirements for SAP partner consultant status.
The certification market for SAP SuccessFactors continues expanding, with major consulting firms like Deloitte, Accenture, and Capgemini actively seeking certified professionals. The combination of technical expertise and business process knowledge makes this certification particularly valuable for career advancement.
Post-Certification Maintenance
The SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification requires annual renewal through SAP’s Stay Certified program. This involves:
Annual Assessment: Complete a comprehensive assessment covering new features, updated best practices, and emerging succession planning trends.
Continuous Learning: Stay current with quarterly SuccessFactors releases, new functionality, and evolving HR technology integration patterns.
Community Engagement: Participate in SAP Community discussions, user groups, and professional development activities to maintain your expertise edge.
The certification’s 12-month validity period ensures that certified professionals maintain current knowledge of the rapidly evolving SuccessFactors platform. This annual renewal requirement, while demanding, ensures that your certification remains a credible marker of current expertise.
For comprehensive guidance on related SAP certifications, browse all certifications available through our platform. Success in the SAP SuccessFactors Succession Management certification opens doors to advanced roles in talent management consulting and HR technology implementation.
