The SAS Global Certification program hit a significant milestone this year by awarding the 50,000^th SAS credential.

The program has come a long way since its launch 14 years ago. You can now validate your SAS skills in a variety of credentials including:

• SAS Programming
• Analytics
• Administration
• Data Management
• Business Intelligence

“Employers are looking for these credentials because it ensures an advanced level of SAS knowledge and has proven to increase productivity,” said Terry Barham, SAS Global Certification Manager. “Professionals seek them out because they recognize that it sets them apart from the competition.”

Konstantin Lang, a statistical analyst for a German pharmaceutical company, earned the 50,000^th credential when he received his Advanced Programmer for SAS 9 credential in late December.

Already certified in base programming, Lang said the advanced certification has given him a higher level of proficiency in SAS programming expertise which has paid off at work.

“The base programming credential helped me understand how SAS works,” said Lang. “The advanced programming was more in-depth, especially with MACRO and SQL code. It really made me more efficient and accurate in my job,” said Lang.

Lang is like a lot of other certified professionals who juggled preparing for the exam while working a full-time job. The recent university grad said it was well worth it, though it meant he had to sacrifice other pursuits as well -- like a girlfriend.

“I studied hard for about three to four weeks before the exam and had to do most of my studying after work,” said Lang.

To help prepare, Lang used the SAS Certification Prep Guides, which he found to be a comprehensive resource that covered most of the objectives tested on the exam. The quizzes, Lang said, really helped him retain the material and identify areas for further study.

Though Lang’s company encouraged him to get both his base and advanced programming credentials, he was also motivated by personal goals.

“I didn’t just get it for the job,” said Lang. “It was also to make me a better programmer and more familiar with SAS.”

The credentials have taken him to the next level at his current job and will undoubtedly benefit him throughout his career. So what’s next for Lang? Maybe a girlfriend.

Ready to reach your milestone? Start by learning more about SAS Certification.