Becoming Workday Certified: A Roadmap to Success

By Lisa Selah

Workday, a specialized HMS system, demands experienced internal Administrators and third-party consultants for efficient design, implementation, and maintenance. The key to meeting the qualifications, skills, and experience required for this role is through Workday Pro Certifications. As more companies adopt Workday, the need for WD Business Analysts to collaborate with new clients for successful implementations is on the rise. Considered the 'Master’s Degree' in specific WD disciplines (such as HCM, Payroll, Integrations), a Workday certification elevates the recipient to a subject matter expert capable of guiding organizations unfamiliar with the platform through implementations.

Understanding Workday Certification 

Workday Pro certification elevates individuals as sought-after professionals who are adept at supporting Workday initiatives for clients. Their comprehensive training in specific functional areas of Workday, combined with hands-on job experience, makes them invaluable assets for successful implementation and efficient operations management.

Workday as an Enterprise Solution

Workday, as an Enterprise Solution, has revolutionized the way organizations manage their human resources and financial operations. It is a cloud-based platform that offers a comprehensive suite of applications to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive business growth. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Workday has become a go-to solution for businesses looking to modernize their operations and stay ahead in the competitive market.

One of the key advantages of Workday is its seamless integration of HR and financial functions, providing a holistic view of the organization's workforce and financial performance. This integration not only improves collaboration between departments but also enables better decision-making based on real-time data insights. Workday's scalability and flexibility make it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, looking to optimize their operations and drive success.

The Role of Certification in Professional Development 

Obtaining Workday Pro certifications significantly boosts the value of the individual. It's like earning a Master's or Ph.D. in a specific Workday discipline. Those with these certifications are highly sought after in the industry, as organizations venturing into Workday implementations require expert guidance. Many are new to Workday and lack experience with HR systems.

The combination of Workday training, hands-on experience, and certifications provides reassurance to Workday implementors, knowing that they have the expertise to bridge any knowledge gaps. These Pro certifications not only enhance earning potential but also make the individual more attractive in the competitive market for Workday professionals.

Prerequisites for Workday Certification 

Requirements for pursuing Workday certification are specific and include being associated with a Workday Partner company. Eligible individuals can include those actively administering Workday functions within their organization, consultants supporting Workday clients, or individuals employed directly by Workday. Typically, the high costs associated with certification are covered by the company, based on the employee's role and career trajectory. Additionally, prior hands-on experience with Workday is a prerequisite for pursuing certification.

Employment Requirements

Companies often have strict requirements for employees seeking Workday certification due to the high costs associated with the courses. These prerequisites typically include a proven track record of prior experience working with Workday, a current role that involves supporting Workday initiatives within the organization, and a history of strong performance in their current position. By setting these criteria, companies ensure that individuals pursuing certification are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with being a Workday Pro. This approach not only guarantees a return on investment for the company but also highlights the importance of expertise and dedication in the field of Workday implementation and management.

Understanding Workday Partner Companies

Workday Partner Companies (WPC) play a crucial role in the recruitment and sourcing of highly skilled IT professionals to support Human Management System (HMS) platforms like Workday. These consulting agencies, including reputable firms such as ALKU, Tech Systems, and Cognizant, specialize in identifying and engaging top talent to meet the evolving needs of organizations implementing Workday solutions.

When WPCs seek out Workday professionals, they are looking for individuals with a deep understanding of Workday functionalities and a proven track record of success in supporting implementations and operational excellence. Once a consultant is recruited for a contract assignment with a partner company, they become an integral part of the WPC team, working under the employment agreement established between the WPC and the client organization.

This collaborative approach ensures that Workday professionals not only have the expertise and experience required to drive successful implementations but also have the support and resources provided by the WPC to excel in their roles. By partnering with reputable WPCs, organizations can access a pool of highly qualified professionals who are dedicated to delivering exceptional results in the realm of Workday implementation and management.

Exploring Certification Paths in Workday

When exploring the various certification paths available in Workday, it's essential to understand the different options for both Workday HCM and Financials certifications. For Workday HCM certifications, there are multiple specialized areas of discipline to consider, including HCM Core, Advanced Compensation, Talent Management, Payroll, and Integration. It's recommended to start with the HCM Core certification as a foundational step and then progress to more specialized areas based on your career goals and interests.

Similarly, for Workday Financials certifications, it's crucial to grasp the certification levels and take the necessary prerequisite training courses. Familiarizing yourself with finance management tools used in Workday can be a valuable resource for reviewing exam content and preparing effectively. Utilizing the Workday community as a companion resource for exam preparation, taking practice tests, and analyzing results can help improve your performance in the certification exam.

Workday HCM Certification

There are various HCM certifications available, each focusing on a specific area of expertise:

• HCM Core
• Advanced Compensation
• Talent Management
• Payroll
• Integration

Starting with HCM Core provides a solid foundation before progressing to specialized certifications. Once approved by your company, enroll in the necessary training courses through the Workday academy, take the certification exam, and continue training with each new Workday release to maintain your certification status annually. Utilize Workday forums and the community to stay updated on upcoming releases.

Workday Financials Certification

Just like with HCM core certifications, it's essential to grasp the certification levels, complete prerequisite training courses, and delve into the finance management tools used in Workday for a comprehensive understanding of exam content. Leveraging the Workday community as a valuable resource for exam preparation, taking practice tests, and analyzing results can significantly enhance your performance in the certification exam.

Benefits of Being Workday Certified

While previous experience may not be a prerequisite for launching a career with Workday (WD), the combination of hands-on experience and acquiring Workday certifications in relevant skill areas can significantly enhance both internal and external advancement opportunities. With Workday rapidly establishing itself as the industry standard Human Management System (HMS) globally, seasoned Workday professionals are in high demand for lucrative projects. The accumulation of training, certifications, and practical job experience not only boosts earning potential but also paves the way for long-term career progression within the Workday ecosystem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Obtaining Workday certifications can be a game-changer in your career trajectory within the Workday ecosystem. These certifications serve as the key to unlocking a world of opportunities, allowing you to transition from entry-level roles to more advanced positions such as Coordinator, Specialist, Senior Specialist, Administrator, Manager, Senior Manager, Director, and beyond. With each certification earned, you not only enhance your expertise in specific functional areas but also open doors to a wider range of career advancement opportunities within the Workday landscape.

By strategically acquiring Workday certifications in various disciplines, you can broaden your skill set and increase your marketability as a seasoned Workday professional. This progression not only boosts your earning potential but also solidifies your position as a valuable asset in the competitive market for Workday experts. As the demand for certified Workday professionals continues to rise, having these certifications under your belt can set you apart from the competition and position you for long-term success in the field of Workday implementation and management.

Salary and Market Demand

With the increasing demand for Workday professionals in the industry, being certified in Workday has become a valuable asset that can significantly impact one's career trajectory. As organizations continue to adopt Workday as their preferred Human Management System (HMS), the need for individuals with expertise in Workday functionalities and certifications has never been more crucial. This high demand has led to competitive salaries being offered to certified Workday professionals, making it a lucrative field to pursue.

Having Workday certifications not only enhances one's earning potential but also serves as a valuable bargaining chip within existing roles centered around Workday disciplines. Employers are willing to invest in certified professionals who can bring added value to their organizations through their expertise in Workday implementations and operations management. By obtaining these certifications, individuals can position themselves for salary negotiations and career advancement opportunities within the competitive market for Workday experts.

The Certification Process: Training and Exams

Assess your current role by exploring the WD academy to identify which certification aligns with your career objectives and experience. Review the prerequisite training courses for your chosen certification program. Efficiently study and organize course materials, utilizing your company's WD test environment for practical application of training scenarios. Take advantage of practice tests, quizzes, and assessments to grasp the content and format, and engage with the WD community forums to connect with others on the certification journey. To obtain certification, exams require a minimum passing score of 80%.

Training Options for Workday Certification

For individuals pursuing Workday certification, there are various training options available to cater to different learning preferences and schedules. Online instructor-led training through the Workday (WD) academy provides a structured and interactive learning experience, allowing participants to engage with instructors in real-time and benefit from their expertise. Additionally, on-site instructor-led training at Workday training facilities offers a hands-on approach, immersing learners in a conducive environment for skill development and practical application of course content.

For those who prefer a more flexible learning pace, independent learning and Learn on Demand courses are self-paced and accessible virtually. This option allows individuals to customize their learning journey, progress through training modules at their own convenience, and revisit challenging topics as needed. With the freedom to study at their own pace, participants can absorb the material more thoroughly and ensure a comprehensive understanding of Workday functionalities and certification requirements.

Who Can Benefit from Workday Certification?

Various roles within Workday administration can greatly benefit from obtaining Workday certifications. Workday offers a range of modules such as Recruiting, Learning, Payroll, Compensation, Benefits, Time & Attendance, Core HCM, Succession Planning, Integrations, Reporting & Analytics, Security Admin, and Dashboards, each requiring specific skill sets to effectively manage the platform. By acquiring certifications, individuals can seamlessly transition between different roles aligned with Workday's functional areas, enhancing their career opportunities and expertise within the Workday ecosystem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, possessing Workday certifications along with hands-on experience significantly enhances one's market worth. Individuals equipped with the right skills, practical knowledge, and Workday certifications are poised to thrive in today's job market and pave the way for a successful career trajectory.

Exploring various avenues to discover Workday consultant job opportunities is essential. Our ALKU experts have found success in networking with Workday professionals on platforms like LinkedIn and Dice. Many consultants in the ALKU network are referred by trusted connections within the network itself. We rely on our knowledgeable experts to connect with other experts in the field.