This article was written based off an interview.

In the competitive world of data analytics, achieving a perfect score on the SAS certification exam is a remarkable feat. Dr. Jayeshkumar Kanani, a resolute data enthusiast from the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER), recently accomplished this milestone. While earning a certification is based on achieving a certain level of competency across the domains being assessed and candidates are not ranked based on score, there is nothing wrong with striving for perfection. We interviewed Dr. Kanani to explore his motivations, preparation strategies, and the value he gained from earning his SAS certification and distilled our conversation into this article. Hopefully, others looking to earn a SAS certification can benefit from Jayeshkumar’s story.

The Motivation Behind the Certification

Jayeshkumar's journey began with a clear goal: to enhance his data analytics skills and boost his career prospects. He recognized that SAS certification is highly regarded in many industries, including the medical field in which he currently works, and would provide him with a competitive edge. "I wanted to validate my skills and knowledge in SAS, and the certification seemed like the perfect way to do that," Dr. Kanani explained. His determination to excel in his field drove him to pursue the certification.

During his research activities in his current role, Jayeshkumar encountered unstructured datasets that led to inefficiencies in conducting analyses and reporting. Initially working with Microsoft® Excel®, he found it time-consuming and often inadequate for handling large-scale, multi-dimensional data. This motivated him to seek advanced tools, and he discovered SAS through online user reviews, which highlighted its suitability for medical statistics
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During his research into tools for data analytics Jayeshkumar also learned R and Python but notes that he found many advantages to using SAS over comparable languages. Two of these advantages are the better handling of missing data as well as improved security features to protect data which is critical in the medical field.

When asked why he chose the Base Programming Specialist certification when other options, such as the Associate Programming Certification available, Dr. Kanani stated that he planned to continue his journey and earn the Advanced SAS Certification and the SAS Professional: Clinical Trials Certification, which he has since achieved.

Preparation Strategies

Preparing for the SAS certification exam requires a strategic approach. For Dr. Kanani, it took about three to four months of thorough preparation. Due to his full-time job and active responsibilities, attending offline classes or live webinars was not feasible. Instead, he turned to the SAS website, which offered numerous learning materials that he could study at his own pace. "The e-learning courses were incredibly helpful. I went through them multiple times to ensure I had a solid understanding of each topic," Jayeshkumar shared.

He started with two key courses: SAS Programming 1: Essentials and SAS Programming 2: Data Manipulation Techniques. Jayeshkumar took advantage of free training offered by SAS as well as a 7-day free trial of paid courses to complete the coursework he needed for his exam. These courses provided a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and included practical exercises, quizzes, and scenarios that helped him build his skills. Jayeshkumar also utilized the SAS Certified Specialist Prep Guide, a book he found invaluable for its step-by-step approach and detailed explanations of programming concepts. Dr. Kanani emphasized the importance of hands-on practice. "I spent a lot of time working on practical exercises. This not only helped me understand the concepts better but also gave me the confidence to tackle the exam questions," he noted.

This is something we tell our candidates all the time…there is no better preparation than practice, practice, practice. For practicing coding techniques, Dr. Kanani utilized SAS On Demand for Academics software, available for free to most users. Additionally, he took advantage of the free SAS practice exam to build his confidence and ensure he was well-prepared.

The Value of Certification

Earning the SAS certification has opened new opportunities for Jayeshkumar, noting that "The certification has significantly boosted my confidence and credibility in the field of data analytics." It has also made him more attractive to potential employers, as it demonstrates his commitment to professional development and his expertise in using SAS software.

In his current role as a pathologist and medical officer, Dr. Kanani has integrated his SAS skills into various critical research projects. These projects include identifying temporal patterns in suicide cases, analyzing the relationship between menstruation and suicidal tendencies in women, and investigating sudden deaths. The preparation he undertook to become certified has enabled him to generate accurate manuscripts for high-impact journals, significantly enhancing the quality and efficiency of his research work.

The familiarity with SAS you gain by preparing for the exam is irreplaceable. "Preparing for the exam deepened my understanding of SAS and its applications. It was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding," Jayeshkumar reflected. The skills and knowledge he gained during his preparation have proven invaluable in his current role, allowing him to tackle complex data analysis tasks with ease.

Advice for Aspiring SAS Professionals

Since earning his certification, Dr. Kanani has been contacted by many of his colleagues in the medical field regarding the exceptional quality of his research papers that he has published. Jayeshkumar has told them that, “[SAS] is incredibly useful for not only generating statistical tests or for reporting, but it also helps you to achieve more accurate and impactful outcomes in research.” Many of Dr. Kanani's colleagues have now set off on their own SAS learning journeys.

Jayeshkumar's journey offers valuable insights for those considering SAS certification. He recommends a self-paced approach, utilizing the wide array of resources available on the SAS website. "Explore the SAS website where SAS has uploaded extensive learning materials. They also conduct live webinars and courses, and there are free tutorials for the certification," he advised. While his journey took more than three months, if someone has more free time, he believes two months could be reasonable to prepare.

He also highlighted the importance of the SAS Certified Specialist Prep Guide and the two key courses he took. "These courses and the prep guide are essential for gaining a perfect score and passing the certification exams," Jayesh emphasized. He also suggested taking advantage of the SAS practice exam to build confidence and ensure readiness for the actual test.

Conclusion

Dr. Jayeshkumar Kanani's journey to a perfect SAS certification score is a testament to his dedication and hard work. I hope his story serves as an inspiration to others who are considering pursuing SAS certification. By setting clear goals, utilizing available resources, and committing to thorough preparation, achieving a perfect score is within reach. Jayeshkumar's success highlights the transformative value of SAS certification in advancing one's career and enhancing professional skills in the ever-evolving field of data analytics.

Learn More

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