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Frequently Asked Questions


What certifications are offered?

A list of all currently available certification exams can be found on the Credentials and exams page.

What are exams like?

Each exam challenges candidates to apply specific knowledge they have acquired through SAS software training and/or job experience. Computer-based in format, SAS Institute's certification exams are comprised of approximately 60 to 70 multiple-choice questions, depending on exam. Candidates are allotted 2-3 hours, depending on exam, to complete a production exam.

To assure your feedback, SAS Institute certification exams include a feature that allows candidates to comment on specific test questions. Your opinions are important to us and are a critical component of the test development process.

Additionally, SAS Institute requires candidates to accept the terms of the SAS Institute Inc. Certification Program Agreement before taking a certification exam.

What is a beta test?

The beta version of an exam contains more questions than the final version of an exam, and requires more time to complete. Beta candidates will be graded only on those questions selected for final production. Consequently, beta candidates can expect to receive their test results 10 to 12 weeks following the beta period, when the selection process is complete as they are only scored on the items that will be on the final form.

Candidates who take the final version of the exam will receive their score reports immediately upon completing the exam.

Upon successful completion of an exam, you will be awarded the corresponding credential, provided all required exams for that track have been completed.

How can I prepare for an exam?

To help candidates prepare for the exams, SAS Institute offers broad curricula of instructor-based training and e-learning. For more information on exam preparation options, please visit our exam preparation page.

Sample questions available?

Sample questions are available and illustrate the types of multiple choice questions that may appear on the certification exams.

Study guide available?

SAS has developed Web-based preparation guides:

Practice exams available?

Yes, practice exams are available separately and as part of the Web-based preparation guides — SAS Certification Practice Exam: Base Programming for SAS 9 and SAS Certification Practice Exam: Advanced Programming for SAS 9.

How do the Certification Training Guides differ from the Base and Advanced Programming Libraries?

The training guides are geared directly for the certification exams, where the other products are geared to learning SAS. There is a lot of overlap between the products. Therefore, both are actually good tools for preparing but the training guides are the more appropriate tool.

Exam fee?

Within North America and India, the cost associated with an exam offered through Prometric is US $180. Please note that the Predictive Modeling with SAS Enterprise Miner 5.2 exam fee is $250. As an incentive for those taking the SAS data warehousing exams during 2008, the exam fee will be US $100 globally. Act fast, this offer expires December 31, 2008.

Certification exam prices are subject to change. In some countries, different pricing and additional taxes may apply. Please visit www.prometric.com/sas for exam pricing in your country.

Faculty, staff, and full-time students of degree-granting institutions are eligible for a discount on SAS Certification exams. Candidates in the United States receive a 50% discount. International candidates should contact your local office for discount information.

Change of address?

To update your demographic information in the United States and Canada, please contact Prometric at (888) 895-5819. Outside the United States and Canada, please visit www.prometric.com for a list of Prometric Regional Service Center phone numbers.

Retake an exam?

Candidates may attempt each SAS Certified Professional exam up to three times in a twelve-month period, waiting a minimum of 30 calendar days between attempts. Exams that do not comply with the retake examination policy will be considered invalid. Exam retakes require payment of the full exam fee and are not discounted.

Does SAS have a recertification requirement?

The recertification policy applies to those earning the following credentials and requires the professionals to recertify every 3 calendar years: Recertification requires the successful completion of an exam to remain credentialed.

Receive certificate & logo?

Please note successful completion of an exam does not automatically warrant a credential. Some credentials require the successful completion of more than one exam. If you have met the requirement to earn a credential the following will take place: Please allow at least two weeks to receive your e-mails.