Question 1: What is the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: The SAS Base Certification Exam is a professional certification offered by SAS Institute that tests the knowledge of individuals in the foundational concepts of SAS programming. It is a comprehensive exam that covers topics like data manipulation, data transformation, reporting, and statistical analysis using SAS software.

Question 2: Why should I get SAS Base Certified?

Answer: SAS Base Certification is highly valued in the industry as it demonstrates your proficiency in SAS programming and analytics. It enhances your credibility, validates your skills, and can open up new job opportunities. Employers often prefer candidates with SAS certifications as it showcases their ability to work with SAS software effectively.

Question 3: What are the prerequisites for the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: There are no specific prerequisites for the SAS Base Certification Exam. However, having a basic understanding of programming concepts and familiarity with SAS software will be beneficial. SAS offers resources and training courses to help you prepare for the exam.

Question 4: How can I prepare for the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: To prepare for the SAS Base Certification Exam, you can follow these steps:

1. Review the SAS Base Certification Exam Guide provided by SAS Institute, which outlines the exam objectives and recommended resources.
2. Enroll in SAS Base Programming courses or training programs to gain a deeper understanding of SAS programming concepts.
3. Practice writing SAS code by solving sample problems and working on real-life datasets.
4. Utilize SAS programming manuals and documentation to familiarize yourself with SAS functions, procedures, and data manipulation techniques.
5. Take mock exams or practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement.
6. Participate in study groups or online forums to engage with fellow candidates and exchange knowledge and tips.
7. Stay updated with the latest SAS programming techniques, best practices, and industry trends.

Question 5: Are there any recommended study materials for the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: Yes, there are several recommended study materials for the SAS Base Certification Exam. Some of the popular ones include:

• SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 by SAS Institute
• SAS Certification Prep Guide: Base Programming for SAS 9 by SAS Institute
• Online tutorials and documentation available on the SAS website
• Video tutorials and courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning
• Practice exams and sample questions provided by SAS Institute

Question 6: What topics are covered in the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: The SAS Base Certification Exam covers a wide range of topics. Some of the key areas you need to focus on include:

• Data step programming
• DATA and PROC steps
• Data manipulation and transformation
• Creating and modifying SAS datasets
• Conditional statements and SAS functions
• Combining and merging datasets
• Data summarization and reporting
• Proc SQL and SAS macro programming
• Statistical procedures and data analysis

Question 7: How long is the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: The SAS Base Certification Exam is a computer-based exam that consists of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The duration of the exam is 2 hours, and you are required to complete all the questions within this time frame.

Question 8: How many questions are there in the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: The number of questions in the SAS Base Certification Exam may vary, but typically it consists of around 65-70 questions. These questions assess your knowledge and proficiency in various aspects of SAS programming.

Question 9: What is the passing score for the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: The passing score for the SAS Base Certification Exam is typically set at 70%. However, the actual passing score may vary depending on the difficulty level of the exam and statistical analysis conducted by SAS Institute.

Question 10: Can I retake the SAS Base Certification Exam if I fail?

Answer: Yes, you can retake the SAS Base Certification Exam if you fail. There is no restriction on the number of attempts allowed. However, you need to wait for at least 24 hours before attempting the exam again.

Question 11: How much does the SAS Base Certification Exam cost?

Answer: The cost of the SAS Base Certification Exam may vary depending on your geographic location and other factors. It is recommended to check the official SAS Institute website or contact their customer service to obtain the latest information regarding the exam fees.

Question 12: Is it necessary to attend SAS training before taking the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: No, it is not mandatory to attend SAS training before taking the SAS Base Certification Exam. While SAS Institute offers training courses that can help you prepare for the exam, you can also study and prepare on your own using the recommended study materials and resources. Attending training programs can be beneficial for better understanding and practice, but it is not a requirement.

Question 13: What is the validity period of the SAS Base Certification?

Answer: The SAS Base Certification is valid for a period of three years. After three years, you need to renew your certification by passing a recertification exam or earning additional SAS certifications.

Question 14: How can I schedule the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: To schedule the SAS Base Certification Exam, you need to visit the official SAS Institute website and create an account on the SAS Global Certification Program. Once you have an account, you can select the exam you want to schedule and choose a suitable test center and date based on availability.

Question 15: Can I use reference materials or the internet during the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: No, you are not allowed to refer to any reference materials, books, or use the internet during the SAS Base Certification Exam. The exam is proctored, and any form of external assistance or access to resources is strictly prohibited.

Question 16: How soon can I get the results of the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: The results of the SAS Base Certification Exam are provided immediately after completing the exam. Once you submit your answers, you will receive a pass/fail notification on the computer screen, along with a score report via email.

Question 17: Can I mention my SAS Base Certification on my resume?

Answer: Yes, you should definitely mention your SAS Base Certification on your resume. It is a valuable certification that showcases your expertise in SAS programming and can enhance your job prospects in the field of data analysis, business intelligence, and analytics.

Question 18: What are the career opportunities after passing the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: There are various career opportunities available after passing the SAS Base Certification Exam. Some common job roles include SAS Programmer, Data Analyst, Statistical Analyst, Business Analyst, Research Analyst, and Data Scientist. These roles can be found in industries such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and consulting.

Question 19: Are there any other SAS certifications available?

Answer: Yes, SAS offers a range of certifications beyond the SAS Base Certification. Some of the other popular SAS certifications include SAS Advanced Programmer, SAS Data Scientist, SAS Certified Predictive Modeler, SAS Certified Big Data Professional, and SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional.

Question 20: How should I maintain and update my SAS Base Certification?

Answer: To maintain and update your SAS Base Certification, you need to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. These credits can be obtained by participating in SAS events, attending training programs, teaching SAS courses, publishing papers, or contributing to the SAS community. You need to earn a certain number of CPD credits within the three-year validity period to keep your certification active.

Question 21: Can I mention my SAS Base Certification on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn?

Answer: Absolutely! It is highly recommended to mention your SAS Base Certification on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. It enhances your profile, attracts potential employers, and helps you network with industry professionals in the field of SAS programming and analytics.

Question 22: Can I take the SAS Base Certification Exam online from my home?

Answer: Yes, SAS offers online proctored exams that allow you to take the SAS Base Certification Exam from the comfort of your home or office. Online proctoring ensures exam integrity by monitoring your exam session through a webcam and microphone.

Question 23: Can I use SAS software during the SAS Base Certification Exam?

Answer: No, you are not allowed to use SAS software during the SAS Base Certification Exam. The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of SAS programming concepts, and you need to answer the questions without relying on software tools or environments.

Question 24: Can I reschedule the SAS Base Certification Exam if I am unable to attend on the scheduled date?

Answer: Yes, you can reschedule the SAS Base Certification Exam if you are unable to attend on the scheduled date. However, you need to do so at least 24 hours prior to the exam. Late rescheduling or no-show may result in additional fees or forfeiture of the exam fee.

Question 25: Is SAS Base Certification recognized globally?

Answer: Yes, SAS Base Certification is recognized globally and is highly regarded in the data analytics industry. It is widely accepted by organizations that value SAS programming skills and seek professionals proficient in using SAS software for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting.