Top 11 SAS Data Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a SAS Data Analyst are important for the job market because they demonstrate expertise in the field and show potential employers that the individual is qualified to do the job. Certified SAS Data Analysts have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with large datasets, understand complex data structures, identify patterns, and provide insights from data. With this certification, employers can be sure that they are hiring someone who has been trained in the latest technologies and techniques used in data analysis. Additionally, certifications give job seekers an edge over other applicants as they demonstrate their commitment to their profession.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for SAS Data Analysts and explains how they can help to advance a SAS Data Analyst's career.

What are SAS Data Analyst Certifications?

SAS Data Analyst Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s comprehensive knowledge and skills in the SAS programming language. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in data analysis and statistical modeling using the SAS platform. SAS Data Analyst Certification validates an individual’s ability to analyze, manipulate, and interpret data from various sources. It also proves an individual’s understanding of the fundamentals of the SAS language, including syntax rules and programming concepts.

This certification provides numerous benefits for those who pursue it. For example, employers are more likely to hire certified individuals because they are seen as having a better understanding of the software tools and techniques used in their industry. This certification also gives individuals an edge when seeking advancement within a company or organization since it shows that they have mastered sophisticated data analysis techniques. Additionally, certifications can help increase earning potential since certified individuals often command higher salaries than non-certified ones. Finally, having this certification can give individuals access to exclusive job opportunities since many companies prefer candidates with this credential when hiring for data analyst roles.

Pro Tip: When preparing for SAS Data Analyst Certification, take advantage of the free practice exams available online. These tests can help you identify areas where you may need additional study and give you an idea of what to expect on the actual exam. Additionally, be sure to review the topics covered in the certification exam so that you have a better understanding of what is expected from you.

Related: What does an SAS Data Analyst do?

Top 11 SAS Data Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to SAS Data Analysts today.

1. SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional

SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional is a certification program offered by SAS, the world’s leading analytics software provider. This certification is designed to validate an individual's expertise in advanced analytics and data science. It demonstrates that the individual has the skills necessary to apply advanced analytics techniques to solve complex business problems.

The certification requires candidates to pass two exams: SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Exam A and SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Exam B. Both exams are four hours in length and cover topics such as predictive modeling, machine learning, text mining, optimization, forecasting, data visualization, and more.

To get this certification, candidates must first complete the prerequisites for each exam. These prerequisites include having a minimum of two years of experience working with SAS software and completing a course on advanced analytics from SAS or an approved training provider. Once the prerequisites have been completed, candidates can register for the exams through the SAS website.

The cost of the SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Certification Program varies depending on where you take your exams. The cost of taking both exams at a Pearson VUE testing center is $1,500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. SAS Certified Predictive Modeler Using SAS Enterprise Miner

SAS Certified Predictive Modeler Using SAS Enterprise Miner is a certification program offered by SAS Institute. It is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop predictive models using SAS Enterprise Miner software.

The certification covers topics such as data preparation, model building, model validation, and deployment of predictive models. To become certified, individuals must pass two exams: SAS Certified Predictive Modeler Using SAS Enterprise Miner 14.3 and SAS Certified Advanced Predictive Modeler Using SAS Enterprise Miner 14.3.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete both exams. The cost for the certification depends on your country of residence and whether you are taking the exam online or in person. In the United States, the cost for both exams is $450 USD when taken online or $550 USD when taken in person.

To obtain the certification, individuals must register for each exam through the SAS website and then take each exam at an authorized testing center or online proctored environment.

3. SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling

SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling is a certification offered by SAS Institute Inc. This certification is designed to validate the skills of professionals who use SAS software to analyze data and build predictive models.

The exam for this certification consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes. The topics covered in the exam include basic regression, logistic regression, ANOVA, experimental design, time series analysis, forecasting methods, and multivariate analysis.

To get certified as a SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. You can register for the exam online or through an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of the exam is $180 USD.

4. SAS Certified Data Scientist

SAS Certified Data Scientist is a professional certification from SAS Institute, Inc. that recognizes individuals who have achieved mastery of the skills and knowledge required to become a successful data scientist. The certification requires passing an exam that tests your ability to use SAS software to analyze data and create predictive models. The exam covers topics such as data exploration, data manipulation, data visualization, predictive modeling, and machine learning.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to prepare for the exam depending on your background and experience with the SAS software. To get certified, you need to pass the SAS Certified Data Scientist Exam which is offered in both online and in-person formats. The online exam is 90 minutes long while the in-person exam is 3 hours long.

The cost of the SAS Certified Data Scientist Exam varies depending on where you take it. It costs $180 USD if taken online or $300 USD if taken in person.

5. SAS Certified Big Data Professional

SAS Certified Big Data Professional is a certification program offered by SAS Institute. It is designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge to work with big data in a variety of industries. The certification is designed for experienced data professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in working with large-scale data sets and analytics tools.

The SAS Certified Big Data Professional exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To become certified, you must first purchase an exam voucher from SAS Institute. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on your country or region, but typically ranges from $180-$250 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for an online proctored exam at Pearson VUE or take an in-person proctored exam at a local testing center.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email confirming your certification status as well as instructions on how to access your digital badge and certificate.

6. SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9

SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 is a certification program designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in the use of the SAS programming language. It is intended for individuals who have a basic understanding of SAS programming and need to demonstrate their proficiency in the language. The certification requires passing a two-hour, multiple-choice exam.

The exam covers topics such as data manipulation, report writing, SQL processing, macro processing, and other advanced SAS programming techniques. To become certified, an individual must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The exam can be taken online or at one of many proctored testing centers around the world. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $180-$250 USD.

7. SAS Certified Visual Business Analyst Using SAS Visual Analytics

SAS Certified Visual Business Analyst Using SAS Visual Analytics is a certification program offered by the SAS Institute. This certification validates an individual’s ability to use the powerful analytics capabilities of SAS Visual Analytics to create and explore data visualizations, build reports, and uncover insights from data.

It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the certification exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 90 minutes. The exam fee is $180 USD.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam with Pearson VUE and then complete the online training course provided by SAS Institute. Once you have completed the training course, you will receive a voucher code that can be used to purchase the exam at Pearson VUE. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from SAS Institute via email.

8. SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer Using SAS 9

SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer Using SAS 9 is a certification program designed to demonstrate your expertise in the use of SAS software for clinical trials programming. The certification validates your knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of clinical trials programming, including data management, analysis, and reporting.

In order to become certified, you must pass two exams: the SAS Base Programming for Clinical Trials exam and the SAS Advanced Programming for Clinical Trials exam. Both exams are computer-based and take approximately four hours each to complete.

To get started on your way to becoming a SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer Using SAS 9, you will need to register with Pearson VUE, which is an online testing provider. Once registered, you can purchase vouchers for each exam from Pearson VUE or directly from SAS Institute. Each voucher costs $180 USD plus applicable taxes.

Once you have purchased the vouchers, you can schedule your exams at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world. You will need to allow up to four weeks for scheduling and completion of both exams before receiving your certification results.

9. JMP Statistical Discovery Software from SAS Certification

JMP Statistical Discovery Software from SAS Certification is a powerful analytics and visualization tool that can help you explore, analyze, and visualize data. It enables users to quickly identify relationships, trends, and patterns in their data. With JMP, you can create interactive graphics and reports that help you better understand your data.

How long does it take to get it?

It typically takes 1-2 business days to receive the software after purchase.

How to get it?

You can purchase JMP Statistical Discovery Software from SAS Certification online or through an authorized reseller. You will need to provide your contact information and payment details before the software is shipped.

How much does it cost?

The cost of JMP Statistical Discovery Software from SAS Certification varies depending on the version purchased. The basic version costs $1,995 USD while the professional version costs $4,995 USD.

10. SAS Certified Platform Administrator for the Grid Manager Environment

SAS Certified Platform Administrator for the Grid Manager Environment is a certification program from SAS Institute that enables IT professionals to demonstrate their skills in managing and administering SAS Grid Manager environments. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for setting up, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting SAS Grid Manager environments.

The certification exam takes approximately two hours and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting of SAS Grid Manager environments.

To get the certification you must first purchase the exam voucher from SAS Institute’s website. Once you have purchased the voucher you can register to take the exam at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam voucher is $250 USD.

Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your official SAS Certified Platform Administrator for the Grid Manager Environment certificate from SAS Institute.

11. SAS Certified Platform Administrator for the Viya Environment

SAS Certified Platform Administrator for the Viya Environment is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage and maintain the SAS Viya platform. This certification is designed for system administrators, IT professionals, and anyone responsible for managing and maintaining the SAS Viya platform.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning and more.

To earn this certification, you must pass the SAS Certified Platform Administrator for the Viya Environment Exam (A00-415). You can register for the exam at Pearson VUE or via your company's Learning Management System (LMS).

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location. The cost typically ranges from $125-$250 USD.

Do You Really Need a SAS Data Analyst Certificate?

When considering whether or not to invest in an SAS Data Analyst Certificate, it is important to consider the benefits that it could bring. An SAS Data Analyst Certificate provides a certification of knowledge in the SAS software and data analysis tools. This type of certification can indicate to potential employers that you have a strong understanding of the SAS software and how to use it for efficient data analysis.

As more businesses use data analytics for decision-making, having an SAS Data Analyst Certificate can be beneficial for job seekers looking to stand out in a competitive job market. Having this certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess the same level of expertise in using the SAS software and analytical tools. This certification can also demonstrate your commitment to developing your skills in this area, as well as your ability to keep up with new trends and technologies.

In addition, many employers prefer candidates who have obtained certifications from accredited organizations such as SAS Institute, which offers its own certification program. Having an official certificate from such a respected organization can add credibility to your qualifications and show that you are serious about pursuing a career in data analytics.

Overall, obtaining an SAS Data Analyst Certificate can be beneficial for job seekers looking to demonstrate their expertise in this field and stand out from other applicants. It is important to weigh the cost of obtaining such a certificate against the potential benefits it could bring before making any decisions on whether or not to pursue one.

Related: SAS Data Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About SAS Data Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a SAS Data Analyst Certification?

A1. A SAS Data Analyst certification is an accreditation awarded by the SAS Institute to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using their software for data analysis. The certification is designed to help employers assess the skills and knowledge of potential candidates, as well as give professionals a way to demonstrate their capabilities and stay current with changes in the industry.

Q2. How do I become certified as a SAS Data Analyst?

A2. To become certified as a SAS Data Analyst, you must pass an exam administered by the SAS Institute. This exam tests your knowledge of the various components of the SAS software, including Base SAS, Advanced Analytics, and Enterprise Miner. You can find more information about taking the exam on the official website of the SAS Institute.

Q3. What are some benefits of being a certified SAS Data Analyst?

A3. There are many benefits to becoming a certified SAS Data Analyst, including increased job opportunities and higher salaries due to your expertise in using this powerful software for data analysis tasks. Additionally, having this certification may give you access to exclusive resources from the SAS Institute and other companies that use its software.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a SAS Data Analyst?

A4. The length of time it takes to become certified as a SAS Data Analyst varies depending on your experience and level of preparation for the exam; however, most students report needing an average of three months or so for full preparation before taking the test.

Q5. Is there any additional training available after becoming certified as a SAS Data Analyst?

A5: Yes! After becoming certified as a SAS Data Analyst, there are many additional courses offered by both vendors and third-party providers that can help you deepen your knowledge and keep up with changes in technology or best practices in data analysis techniques over time.