Get Certified as a Base and Advanced SAS Programmer Pinchao Ma June 12 th 2014

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 2 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 3 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 4 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 5 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 6 Exams Details and Registration On-line Registration SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 64 multiple-choice and short-answer questions Passing score: >= 70% Duration: 110 minutes SAS Advance Programming for SAS multiple-choice and short-answer questions Passing score: >= 65% Duration: 2 hours

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 7 Preparation Methods  Three options: Instructor-led training Self-paced e-learning Self-study on the exam-preparation books published by SAS Institute Inc

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 8 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 9 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 10 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; Total=Total + Cost; run; A. keep Total; B. retain Total 0; C. Total = 0; D. if _N_= 1 then Total = 0; Answer is “B"

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 11 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

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 12 After Certification Exams  Receive a Score Report immediately  Welcome and Certificate

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 13 Useful Resources

09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 14 09/10/2015 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 14 My Contact Info Pinchao Ma CS Recruit Statistics Canada