Master Anaplanner vs Solution Architect

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RahulPhadnis
RahulPhadnis Member, ALL USERS, Partner Posts: 5 New Contributor
in Anaplan Community

Hi,

 

During a recent Partner Connect session in APAC, my colleague heard an interesting comment that Master Anaplanner tag is not as important as having a Solution Architect certification. Would like to hear thoughts from the people here. Do you recommend doing the SA certification as well?


Thanks,

Rahul

Comments

  • Sayontan
    Sayontan Member, ALL USERS, Partner, Certified Master Anaplanner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 3 Certified Master Anaplanner

    As I consider it-
    Master Anaplanner means you are expert in syntaxes and modelling in Anaplan. You have expertise over all model tricks and ensure a rapid growth of team and deployment of projects.
    Solution Architect means you are responsible for end to end deployment of project. This involves all phases from requirement gathering to support (skills which develop with lot of project experience). 
    I have both certifications having worked in the platform since 2013, however I would admit that both have their own distinct value.

    In the end your client's happiness matters the most!

  • larissa_lowe
    larissa_lowe Member, ALL USERS, GroupMember, Partner, Certified Master Anaplanner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 5 Master Anaplanner of the Year

    Great conversation, folks!

     

    I am both a SA and MA. Interestingly, Anaplan heavily promotes MAs, but completely overlooks SAs. For MAs - there are accolades at CPX, nice chairs and treats, a community listing, etc, etc. For SAs - absolutely nothing. However, I agree with earlier comments that SA is more qualified to suggest, design and to prove a bigger picture end-to-end solution, and map a path for MA's skillful execution.

     

    Cheers,

    Larissa

  • RahulPhadnis
    RahulPhadnis Member, ALL USERS, Partner Posts: 5 New Contributor

    Having now completed both certifications, I agree with you on the SA certification exam. The only contrast was that it is very contextual as compared to the MA exam. However, it did not seem to me that I was being tested on any mutually exclusive topic to those already tested in the MA exam.

     

    Personally, within the Anaplan ecosystem, I would rather be branded as a certified MA than a certified SA. The MA program seems to be a more robust, structured and evolving.

  • lejaon
    lejaon Member, ALL USERS, Partner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 4 Master Anaplanner of the Year

    In a typical engagement, SA leads the discussions and architect the model.  MA best ensures that the model is built according to the plan and is executed with best practice in mind.

     

    To me...

     

    MA requires prereq courses and hours and an exam revolved around techniques of building a model.  They know the models inside and out as a result.

     

    SA exam was more about dealing with an engagement and all related parties and the overall picture of a project.  They know what has worked in the past and what hasn't worked; so they can solution a product that best fits what the client is looking for.  Therefore, typical SAs go through multiple engagements across multiple industries to gain that knowledge and know-how. 

     

    Few of my clients have become MAs already while model builders who have worked with me for the past few years are not yet SA certified.  So I feel it's a little backwards that SA is a requirement to becoming a MA.

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