Training & Certifications

With the NetSuite platform continuing to evolve, the need for qualified talent to help deliver projects continues at pace. That surely makes training and certification a key issue for individuals and organizations across the NetSuite community, right?

For employers, training and certification isn’t just a way to keep teams engaged and support development, it’s essential to increasing the skillset within the organization and verifying talent. For individuals, they add value as you progress throughout your career and look towards your next opportunity. 

So, how does the community really feel about training and certification?

What percentage of candidates hold a NetSuite certification?

The number of certified professionals has increased from 43% in our last survey to 46% this time.

Have a certification
46%
Do not have a certification
39%
Currently working towards first certification
16%
Have a certification
31%
Do not have a certification

50%

Currently working towards first certification

19%

Have a certification
71%
Do not have a certification
16%
Currently working towards first certification
13%

NetSuite certifications held by candidates

Given that the NetSuite SuiteFoundation certification is a prerequisite for all others, this certification was not included in the analysis for this section. However, it is worth noting that 19% of respondents held only this certification.

NetSuite Administrator Certification 55%
NetSuite ERP Consultant Certification 34%
NetSuite Financial User Certification 29%
NetSuite SuiteAnalytics User Certification 26%
NetSuite Application Developer, NetSuite Web Services Developer certifications, NetSuite SuiteCloud Developer Certification* 8%
Retired NetSuite certifications 3%
*Both the Application Developer and Web Services Developer certifications are prerequisites alongside the SuiteFoundation cert to gain the SuiteCloud Developer certification.

Does holding a NetSuite certification make you a more valuable professional?

Yes
88%
No
4%
Not sure
8%

From our respondents, 88% of those with certifications believe that they make you a more valuable candidate.

Why do you believe that certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?

Reasons for considering that certifications add value to a candidate can be grouped into five main themes:

“It provides both employers and customers the re-assurance that my NetSuite knowledge and skills have been thoroughly vetted and approved by NetSuite.”

Functional Support, Canada

“For those just starting out, that have only worked with a few companies, certifications can be of benefit.” Business Systems Analyst

Why don't you believe that certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?

Two themes cover the reasons for considering that certifications do not add value to a candidate:

What are the top benefits professionals have gained since undertaking a certification?

A way to verify my skills with NetSuite products 52%
Added skills and value to my organization 44%
Better career progression opportunities 41%
Better marketability to employers/enhanced my professional profile 40%
Recognition from my employer that my skills adhere to a professional standard 36%

How does gaining a certification impact on your salary?

I believe my salary has increased since gaining a certification
70%
I haven’t noticed a change in my salary since gaining a certification
30%
Those who reported earning a salary increase post-certification received an average raise of 21%, a 6% decrease from our last survey.

Are employers contributing towards the cost of certifications?

Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
58%

Yes, they partially paid for my certifications

30%

No, I paid for my own certifications

12%

Yes, they paid for my certifications in full

46%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
34%
No, I paid for my own certifications
20%
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
69%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
25%
No, I paid for my own certifications
5%

Factors that motivate professionals to get certified

We also asked those professionals who are not currently certified or actively pursuing one, what would encourage them to take a certification. Employer-funded certs is now the number one motivator for non-certified candidates to get certified, ahead of last year’s leading response, the incentive of learning new skills.
Employer funding for certifications 57%
The incentive of learning new skills 41%
The promise of a pay increase after gaining certification 39%
Paid time off to attend training or study 36%
The incentive of a promotion or a new role after gaining certification 30%
Discounted certifications 25%
If it was a requirement of my role 22%
Other 2%

What are the barriers to achieving a certification?

Interestingly, 36% of professionals have begun studying for a certification but stopped before taking the exam. Reasons given for not sitting the exam include:

Lack of time to study because of a high workload 55%
Lack of motivation 29%
I struggled with self-directed learning 29%
Lack of time to study because of personal commitments 29%
Procrastination 13%
I was worried I wouldn't pass the exam 13%
I found the course material too complex/difficult to understand 11%
Other 3%
Smiling group of diverse businesspeople going over paperwork together during a meeting around a table in a modern office

What training and development would NetSuite professionals like?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning training 48%
Training and certifications in IT project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP, as well as Agile/Scrum methodologies 44%
Leadership and management training 43%
Data-driven decision making 30%
Strategic planning and goal-setting 28%
Change management strategies and techniques 28%
Cybersecurity training and certifications 26%
Risk management and contingency planning 23%
Negotiation and conflict resolution techniques 21%
Time management techniques 17%
Training to improve emotional intelligence 17%
Training in communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking 15%
Diversity, equity, and inclusion training 13%
Customer service skills 9%
Other 2%
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning training 48%
Training and certifications in IT project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP, as well as Agile/Scrum methodologies 44%
Leadership and management training 43%
Data-driven decision making 30%
Strategic planning and goal-setting 28%
Change management strategies and techniques 28%
Cybersecurity training and certifications 26%
Risk management and contingency planning 23%
Negotiation and conflict resolution techniques 21%
Time management techniques 17%
Training to improve emotional intelligence 17%
Training in communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking 15%
Diversity, equity, and inclusion training 13%
Customer service skills 9%
Other 2%

Conclusion

Although 70% of respondents reported a pay increase after becoming certified, encouragingly it doesn’t appear to be the main motivator for undergoing study. Instead, skills development and career progression figure more highly, which explains why 88% of employers have paid for employee certs one way or another.

Certifications add value to an organization—whether that’s for partners wanting to remain aligned with the vendor, to businesses that wish to have a broader range of skills in-house, or simply wanting to ensure staff remain motivated and focused. No matter your place in the ecosystem, the desire to be certified or get certified is there from employer and employee alike.

Why not explore even more of our content:

Skills and experience

Explore the skill sets and experience of NetSuite pros

Where to go to learn about NetSuite

We look into resources you can use to supercharge your professional development

Our key findings report contains highlights from this year’s Careers and Hiring Guide, plus our salary tables allow you to compare your salary or benchmark your teams’ salaries no matter their role in the NetSuite ecosystem.

Download the key findings report