40 questions with answers for candidates with 2 years of experience — 5 easy, 34 medium, 1 hard.
What interviewers expect: 2 years experience
Questions move to configuration depth, testing phases, writing functional specifications and handling change requests. You should explain account determination, master data design and how you supported UAT or a rollout. Interviewers look for independence in handling medium complexity tickets and clear communication with business users.
This set is weighted towards Fiori and SAPUI5 Basics (7), Organizational Structure and Master Data (6), S/4HANA Architecture and Landscape (6), ERP and SAP Fundamentals (5).
Functional specifications Testing and UAT Account determination Change requests
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01
What is the role of annotations in Fiori elements?
Annotations are metadata that tell Fiori elements how to show data: UI.LineItem defines table columns, UI.SelectionFields define filter fields, UI.HeaderInfo sets the object title, UI.Facets and FieldGroups lay out the object page, and value help annotations add F4 help. They can be written in CDS views in the back end or in a local annotation file in the app. Changing annotations changes the UI without code.
Clean core means keeping the standard SAP system free of modifications so upgrades are fast and cheap. Extensions are built with released APIs and in-app extensibility (custom fields, custom logic, CDS views) or side-by-side on SAP BTP, instead of changing SAP objects or using unreleased tables. SAP also defines ABAP Cloud as the development model for clean core. It matters most for S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, which allows only released interfaces.
03
Sales orders keep picking a wrong price for a customer. What master data do you check?
I check the customer's sales area data in BP, such as pricing procedure indicator, price group and price list, and the material's sales data, such as material pricing group. Then I check condition records for the customer and material in the relevant condition types and validity dates. Finally I run the pricing analysis inside the sales order to see which condition was found and why others were skipped.
04
How do you schedule a report to run in the background every night?
Create and save a variant for the report. In SM36 define a job name and class, add a step with the program and variant and a user with correct authorizations, and set the start condition as a date and time with periodic value daily. Save the job, then monitor it in SM37. In Fiori, the Application Jobs app does the same for job templates.
05
What are the main integration technologies used with S/4HANA?
S/4HANA integrates through OData and REST APIs, SOAP web services, IDocs, RFC and BAPIs, and events through SAP Event Mesh or Advanced Event Mesh. Middleware such as SAP Integration Suite (Cloud Integration) or older SAP PI/PO maps and routes messages. The SAP Business Accelerator Hub (api.sap.com) lists released APIs. Modern projects prefer released APIs and events over direct table access.
Situation: SAP releases changes every year, and cloud products update quarterly. Task: stay current while working full time. Action: I follow SAP Community blogs and release notes, use SAP Learning Hub or free learning journeys, practice in a trial BTP account, and earn a certification every year or two. Result: I was the first in my team to work on RAP and Fiori elements, which helped us win a new extension project.
Finance: ACDOCA (Universal Journal), BKPF (document header), BSEG (entry view items), SKA1 and SKB1 (GL accounts). MM: MARA (material general), MARC (plant data), EKKO and EKPO (purchase orders), MATDOC (material documents). SD: VBAK and VBAP (sales orders), LIKP and LIPS (deliveries), VBRK and VBRP (billing). Business Partner: BUT000. Knowing them helps in debugging and reporting.
Situation: our team had frequent production defects. Task: improve quality without slowing delivery. Action: I introduced a simple checklist covering naming, performance, error handling and ATC checks, and paired review for every transport. I kept comments respectful and focused on code, not people. Result: production defects from custom code dropped noticeably over two quarters, and juniors learned faster from review comments.
09
A company has two legal entities in India and one in Dubai. How would you design company codes?
I would create three company codes, one per legal entity, because each needs separate legal financial statements. The two Indian codes use INR, an Indian chart of accounts version with GST, and an April to March fiscal year. The Dubai code uses AED with UAE VAT and usually a January to December year. All three can share one controlling area if group reporting needs common cost accounting and settings allow it.
A transport request is a container that records changes made in development, such as configuration or ABAP objects, so they can be moved to quality and production in a controlled way. Workbench requests carry repository objects that are cross-client, and customizing requests carry client-specific configuration. Requests are released in DEV and imported by Basis or a tool such as SAP Cloud ALM or ChaRM. Transaction SE09 or SE10 manages them.
11
A fresher asks which SAP module to choose. How would you guide them?
I would match the module to their background and interest. Commerce, accounting or CA students fit FICO. Supply chain, mechanical or operations graduates fit MM, PP or EWM. Those who like selling processes fit SD. Coders fit ABAP or Fiori development, and system-oriented people fit Basis or security. I would also suggest first learning S/4HANA basics, then one module deeply, plus integration with its neighbour modules.
12
A new user finds Fiori confusing compared to SAP GUI. How do you help?
I show them their launchpad layout and the few apps they need, how to search apps, use filters and save views, and how list report and object page work together. I compare one familiar transaction with its Fiori app side by side. A short quick reference guide and a follow-up after a week usually build confidence, and their feedback helps improve role design.
13
How do Fiori apps get their data from the back end?
A Fiori app is a SAPUI5 web app running in the browser. It calls an OData service exposed by SAP Gateway. The service reads or writes data through CDS views and the RAP framework or older SEGW-built classes, which access HANA tables. Authorization is checked on both the launchpad catalog and the back-end service and data level. Logs in /IWFND/ERROR_LOG help troubleshoot failed calls.
14
What are work processes in an SAP application server?
Work processes are the operating system processes that execute user and system requests. Dialog processes handle interactive steps, update processes write database changes asynchronously (V1 and V2), background processes run batch jobs, enqueue manages locks, and spool handles printing. The dispatcher assigns requests to free work processes. Basis checks them in SM50 or SM66, and long-running dialog steps often point to performance problems.
15
How would you make sure your master data entries are accurate?
Situation: in my training project I had to create fifty customer records. Task: avoid mistakes that would affect invoices. Action: I created a checklist of mandatory fields, verified GSTIN and PAN formats, cross-checked a sample with the source sheet, and asked a peer to review ten random records. Result: we found two typos before go-live, and the final load passed all validation checks.
CVI is the synchronisation framework that links Business Partners with the classic customer (KNA1, KNB1, KNVV) and vendor (LFA1, LFB1, LFM1) tables. In S/4HANA every customer and vendor must exist as a BP. In a brownfield conversion, CVI must be configured and all customers and vendors converted to BPs in ECC before the technical conversion, which is a major pre-conversion task.
17
What is the difference between material type and industry sector?
Material type groups materials with the same business use, such as raw material (ROH), finished goods (FERT), semi-finished (HALB) and trading goods (HAWA). It controls which views are allowed, number range, price control and whether quantity and value are updated. Industry sector, such as mechanical engineering or retail, controls screen layout and field selection. Material type has the bigger impact on processes.
18
What is the role of compatibility views after the S/4HANA simplification?
When SAP removed tables such as BSIS, BSAS, BSID or the old MM stock tables, many custom programs still read them. S/4HANA provides compatibility views (often CDS based) with the old table names, which calculate the data from new tables like ACDOCA or MATDOC. Old SELECT statements keep working, but write access is not possible and performance can suffer, so custom code should be adapted to the new data model over time.
19
The business needs a nightly interface file of open sales orders. How would you build it?
I would write a report that selects open orders using a CDS view or ABAP SQL with proper filters, formats the data to the agreed layout, and writes the file to an application server directory or sends it through SAP Integration Suite. I would add a selection screen with variants, logging with the application log (SLG1), error notifications, and schedule it in SM36 or Application Jobs. Testing covers volume and format checks.
20
What is the difference between freestyle SAPUI5 and Fiori elements apps?
Fiori elements apps are generated from annotations and templates, so they are quick to build, consistent and maintained by SAP when the framework improves, but layout freedom is limited to what floor plans and extensions allow. Freestyle SAPUI5 apps are coded by hand with full control over UI and behaviour, useful for special screens, dashboards or custom interactions, but they need more development and maintenance effort.
21
What is intercompany sales or stock transfer in SAP?
When one company code sells or transfers goods to another in the same group, SAP supports intercompany processes. For a stock transport order, the receiving plant creates a PO, the supplying plant delivers and posts goods issue, intercompany billing posts revenue in the supplying company code, and the receiving company code books the supplier invoice, often through IDocs. Elimination happens later in group reporting.
Document flow shows all documents linked in a process chain, such as quotation, sales order, delivery, goods issue, invoice and accounting document. In SD transactions it is shown with the Display Document Flow button, and in Fiori as related documents or a process flow. It helps users and consultants see the status of each step and quickly find where a process is stuck.
23
What is a purchasing organization and how can it be assigned?
A purchasing organization negotiates prices and conditions with suppliers and is responsible for procurement. It can be plant-specific (one per plant), company-code-specific (covering plants of one company code) or cross-company-code (central purchasing for many company codes, assigned only to plants). A purchasing group represents the buyer or team handling day-to-day purchasing activities.
24
How do you trace a sales invoice to its accounting document?
Open the billing document in VF03 and use the Accounting button, which shows the accounting document, profitability and other documents created. From the sales order, document flow in VA03 shows all subsequent documents. If accounting was not created, the billing has a posting status error, usually account determination; VFX3 lists billing documents not released to accounting so they can be checked and released.
25
Write a basic CDS view entity that shows sales order items with their header data.
A view entity joins header and item with an association and exposes fields with aliases.
@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #CHECK
@EndUserText.label: 'Sales order items'
define view entity ZI_SalesOrderItem
as select from vbap as Item
association [1..1] to vbak as _Header
on $projection.SalesOrder = _Header.vbeln
{
key Item.vbeln as SalesOrder,
key Item.posnr as SalesOrderItem,
Item.matnr as Material,
Item.kwmeng as OrderQuantity,
_Header.kunnr as SoldToParty,
_Header
}
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is software that runs core business processes such as finance, purchasing, sales, production, inventory and HR on one shared database. Businesses use it to remove separate spreadsheets and disconnected systems, so a sales order, a goods issue and the accounting entry all update the same data in real time. The result is one version of the truth, better control, faster month-end closing and easier compliance with tax and audit rules.
SUM (Software Update Manager) is the Basis tool used to update SAP systems and to convert ECC to S/4HANA. DMO (Database Migration Option) is a SUM feature that combines the database migration to HANA and the software update in one run, so a customer on Oracle or DB2 can move to S/4HANA on HANA in a single downtime. Basis teams run test conversions several times before the production run.
28
Write a simple ABAP report that reads purchase orders for a vendor and displays them in ALV.
Select header data with modern ABAP SQL into an inline table, then show it with the SALV class.
REPORT zpo_list.
PARAMETERS p_lifnr TYPE lifnr OBLIGATORY.
START-OF-SELECTION.
SELECT ebeln, bukrs, bedat, lifnr
FROM ekko
WHERE lifnr = @p_lifnr
INTO TABLE @DATA(lt_po).
TRY.
cl_salv_table=>factory(
IMPORTING r_salv_table = DATA(lo_alv)
CHANGING t_table = lt_po ).
lo_alv->display( ).
CATCH cx_salv_msg.
MESSAGE 'ALV error' TYPE 'E'.
ENDTRY.
29
How do you find which Fiori app replaces a classic transaction?
Open the SAP Fiori Apps Reference Library and search with the transaction code, such as ME21N. The results show matching apps with app ID, type, roles, catalogs and required back-end services. In the system, the Fiori launchpad content manager and the app search help find what is already active. Many classic transactions run as SAP GUI for HTML tiles when no native app exists.
Unit testing checks each configuration or development object alone. System integration testing (SIT) runs end-to-end processes across modules such as procure to pay and order to cash, including interfaces. User acceptance testing (UAT) is done by business users to confirm the solution meets their needs. Regression testing checks existing processes after changes or upgrades. Performance and cutover rehearsals (mock runs) are also done before go-live.
31
A transport moved to quality but the configuration is not visible there. What do you check?
I check the import log in STMS to confirm the request was imported without errors (return code 0 or 4). Then I confirm the change was saved in the right request and client, and whether it was client-specific customizing that needs a client copy or import into the specific QAS client. I also check for missing dependent transports, such as a new field or table that the configuration relies on, and object locks in another request.
32
What is cutover and what activities are part of a cutover plan?
Cutover is the move from the old system to the live SAP system. The plan lists every step with owner, timing and dependency: transport of final configuration, opening and closing posting periods, master data and open item loads with reconciliation, freeze of legacy transactions, user and role setup, interface switch-on, and a go or no-go checkpoint. Mock cutovers are rehearsed in advance and a rollback plan is kept ready.
33
A company wants better warehouse control with RF scanners. Which SAP options would you discuss?
I would discuss embedded EWM in S/4HANA for scanner-based putaway, picking and packing with strategies and storage bin control, and decentral EWM if the warehouse is very large or must run independently. For simpler sites, inventory management with storage locations and Stock Room Management may be enough. The choice depends on volume, complexity, automation and budget.
34
What steps do you follow to release and move a transport request?
In SE09 or SE10, check the objects and documentation in the task and request, run consistency and ATC checks if required, release the task, then release the request. Basis or the change management tool imports it into quality following the transport route. After testing and approval, it is imported into production in the agreed window. I record the request number against the ticket or change document for traceability.
SAP Fiori is SAP's design system and user experience for business apps. It follows principles of being role-based, adaptive, simple, coherent and delightful, so each user sees only the apps for their job on any device. Fiori apps are built with SAPUI5 and accessed through the Fiori launchpad. In S/4HANA, Fiori is the target user interface, and the current design language is SAP Fiori with the Horizon theme.
SAPUI5 is SAP's JavaScript UI framework for building Fiori apps. It provides controls such as tables, forms and charts, MVC architecture with XML views and JavaScript controllers, data binding to OData and JSON models, theming and translation support. OpenUI5 is its open-source version. Developers usually build SAPUI5 apps in SAP Business Application Studio or VS Code with SAP Fiori tools.
37
How do you deploy a custom Fiori app to the launchpad?
Build and deploy the app from BAS or VS Code to the ABAP repository as a BSP application with a transport. Create a launchpad app descriptor with semantic object and action, add it as a tile or target mapping in a custom business catalog using the Fiori launchpad app manager or designer, put the catalog in a business role in PFCG with the needed OData authorizations, assign spaces and pages, and test with a user.
38
A user says a tile is missing from their Fiori launchpad. What do you check?
I check whether the user's business role contains the business catalog that holds the app, and whether that role is assigned and active in SU01 or PFCG. Then I confirm the tile is placed on a space and page assigned to the role or that the user can find it in app search. If the tile shows but fails, I check that the OData service is active and that the user has the back-end authorization. Clearing the launchpad cache can also help.
39
Tell me about a time you had to explain an SAP issue to a non-technical business user.
Situation: a sales manager was upset that orders were blocked. Task: explain the cause without jargon. Action: I showed him in simple terms that the customer had crossed the credit limit, so the system stopped the delivery as designed, and walked through who can release it and how. Result: he understood the control, the finance team released valid orders faster, and we added a daily report so his team could see blocked orders early.
Set a breakpoint in the code (session or external breakpoint for web and Fiori calls), or type /h before executing. In the debugger, use single step (F5), execute (F6), return (F7) and continue (F8), watch variables, change values for testing, and view internal tables. Watchpoints stop when a variable changes. In ADT, the Eclipse debugger offers the same. Never change values in production without approval.
Frequently asked questions
What is asked in SAP interviews for 2 years of experience?
Questions move to configuration depth, testing phases, writing functional specifications and handling change requests. You should explain account determination, master data design and how you supported UAT or a rollout. Interviewers look for independence in handling medium complexity tickets and clear communication with business users.
How many questions should I practise before a SAP interview?
Work through all 40 questions here, then the company-wise sets for the employers you are targeting. Quality matters more than count: be able to explain why each answer is right.
Which topics matter most for 2 years of experience?
Focus first on Functional specifications, Testing and UAT, Account determination, Change requests.