Get Certified as a Base and Advanced SAS Programmer
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Transcript of Get Certified as a Base and Advanced SAS Programmer
Get Certified as a Base and Advanced SAS Programmer
Pinchao Ma
June 12th 2014
23-04-20Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada2
Introduction SAS Certified Professional Program has been launched by SAS
Institute, Inc. since 1999
Recognize users who can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of SAS software
Consist of several certifications across a number of functional areas, and the most common two certifications are the Base and Advanced SAS programmer Certifications
As of April 2014, there are ~40, 000 certified SAS base programmer and ~11, 000 certified SAS advanced programmer worldwide
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Benefits of SAS Certifications
Enhance your credibility as a technical professional and earn industry validation on your SAS knowledge
Increase career opportunities and marketability
Enhance and broaden your SAS knowledge
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Coverage of Certification Exams
The SAS Base Programming Exam covers the following areas:
• import and export raw data files• manipulate and transform data• combine SAS data sets• create basic detail and summary reports using SAS procedures• identify and correct data, syntax and programming logic errors
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Coverage of Certification Exams (cont’d)
The SAS Advanced Programming Exam covers the following areas:
• write and interpret SAS SQL code
• create and use SAS MACRO facility
• using advanced DATA step programming statements and efficiency techniques to solve complex problems
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Exams Details and RegistrationOn-line Registration
• http://www.pearsonvue.com/sas/
SAS Base Programming for SAS 9• 64 multiple-choice and short-answer questions
• Passing score: >= 70%
• Duration: 110 minutes
SAS Advance Programming for SAS 9• 60-65 multiple-choice and short-answer questions
• Passing score: >= 65%
• Duration: 2 hours
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Preparation Methods
Three options:
• Instructor-led training
• Self-paced e-learning
• Self-study on the exam-preparation books published by SAS Institute Inc
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SAS Certification Prep Guide
SAS Certification Prep Guide: Base Programming for SAS 9
SAS Certification Prep Guide: Advanced Programming for SAS 9
Notes:• cover all the topics and objectives tested on the exams
• may not completely cover everything that could appear in the exams
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Preparation Strategy
Choose option(s) for preparation
Create a personal plan and aim to pass the exam within several months
Repetitively study the SAS Certification Prep Guide and do the quiz after each chapter
Take extra practice exams offered by SAS
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Sample Exam Question
To accumulate the total value of Cost for the 10 observations in WORK.INPUT, which statement correctly completes the program?
data WORK.TOTAL; set WORK.INPUT; <insert code here> Total=Total + Cost;run;
A. keep Total; B. retain Total 0; C. Total = 0; D. if _N_= 1 then Total = 0;
Answer is “B"
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My Own Experience
~3 months to prepare SAS Base programming certification exam; it is easier than the SAS Advanced certification progamming exam
~3 months to prepare SAS Advance programming certification exam with 3 years working experience
All questions are multiple choice in the previous exams
At least ~ 95% questions are covered by SAS Certification Prep Guide
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After Certification Exams
Receive a Score Report immediately
Welcome E-mail and Certificate
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Useful Resources
http://support.sas.com/certify/
http://support.sas.com/publishing/cert/
http://pearsonvue.com/
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My Contact Info
Pinchao MaCS Recruit
Statistics Canada