Base and Advanced Certifications
SAS® Institute offers a wide range of certifications.
In 2007, after one year working as a SAS programmer, I took the SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 without any preparation.
Nowadays, there are three levels
- SAS® 9.4 Programming Fundamentals (multi-choices)
- SAS® 9.4 Base Programming (performance based)
- SAS® 9.4 Advanced Programming (performance based)
These certifications are mainly of interest for people new in the area who want to provide an indication of their skills on the CV.
It is not mandatory to have passed SAS Fundamental to undertake SAS Base.
Main Topics
SAS Institute provides a PDF for each certification listing the main topics covered.
- SAS 9.4 Programming Fundamental Topics, PDF (Exam Content Guide)
- SAS 9.4 Base Programming Topics, PDF (Exam Content Guide)
- SAS 9.4 Advanced Programming Topics, PDF (Exam Content Guide)
SAS Communities
- SAS Communities: FAQ for students and independent learners
- SAS Communities: Tips and strategies for the A00-231 SAS Base Programming Performance-Based Certification Exam
- SAS Communities: Tips and Strategies for the A00-232 SAS Advanced Programming Performance-Based Certification Exam
- SAS Communities: SAS Certification
Sample Questions
- SAS 9.4 Programming Fundamental – Sample Test, PDF
- SAS 9.4 Base Programming – Performance-based Exam, PDF
- SAS 9.4 Advanced Programming Performance-Based Exam, PDF
- SAS Advanced Programming for SAS 9, PDF (old version)
- Free SAS Certification Practice Exams
Tip Sheet
Books
The books provided by SAS® Institute to prepare the certifications are pretty dense and challenging to understand. So I’m not convinced it is the best solution to prepare for the exam. They are also available on Amazon, etc.
Taking the Exam
You will take part to the exam bei Pearson Vue, a SAS Instiute partner.
Take your SAS exam from home or office : Full requirements and instructions Pearson Vue
Webinar OnDemand: How to Prepare for the … Exam
- SAS 9.4 Base Programming (SAS Programming Specialist)
Accessing Your Certificate
Once you’ve passed the exam, you earn a badge you can add on your Linkedin profile.
- Access to the SAS Certification Manager
- Public directory of SAS badge earners made possible through our partner Credly.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary from $120 (for SAS 9.4 Programming Fundamentals) to $180 (for the two other certifications) in 2024.
There are discount for students…