Base Programming Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the old Base Programmer credential?

The old Base Programmer credential was discontinued in June of 2019. If you hold the Base Programmer credential, it will not expire and will continue to be a valid representation of your skill. If you choose to update to the new Base Programming Specialist credential, we offer a shorter, lower cost upgrade exam for people who currently hold the Base Programmer credential, the A00-233 exam.

Will there be a practical Advanced Programming credential?

Yes, there is new practical Advanced Programming Professional credential that was released in June of 2019. Either the old Base Programmer or the new Base Programming Specialist credential will suffice as a prerequisite for the Advanced Programmer credential and the new Advanced Programming Professional credential.

How do we access SAS during the exam?

During the exam, you will be provided with a connection to a remote lab within your exam. The lab will be presented on the right side of the exam, and the questions and instructions are on the left. You can resize the windows so that the lab can occupy most of the screen. After you complete a programming task, you will be presented with a series of short answer questions about the results of your program. These questions will be evaluated to determine your score.

Which SAS interface do I use to program during the exam?

You will have access to your choice of 3 interfaces: SAS Display Manager, SAS Enterprise Guide, or SAS Studio.

Will the exam be all practical questions?

No. This will be a hybrid exam. There will be some practical questions and some standard test questions that do not require a lab. The lab questions are presented first, followed by the standard questions. Practical questions are weighted heavier than the standard questions. Questions that are weighted heavier will be identified on the exam.