SAS Certified Specialist Machine Learning Using SAS Viya Quick Facts (2026)
Certification Guide · Exam Overview · Quick Facts
Prepare for the SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning Using SAS Viya (A00-406) with this concise exam overview covering Model Studio workflows, domain breakdowns, question types, logistics (90 minutes, 50–55 questions, 62% pass), study topics, and hands‑on steps to build, assess, and deploy supervised ML models in SAS Viya.
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SAS Certified Specialist Machine Learning Using SAS ViyaA00-406SAS A00-406 examSAS Viya certificationSAS Model Studio exam overview
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
SAS Certified Specialist Machine Learning Using SAS Viya Quick Facts
The SAS Certified Specialist Machine Learning Using SAS Viya exam empowers you to showcase your knowledge in building, comparing, and deploying advanced predictive models using SAS Viya. This overview provides the key facts and focus areas to help you prepare efficiently and confidently for success.
How does the SAS Certified Specialist in Machine Learning Using SAS Viya advance your analytics expertise?
This certification validates your ability to work with SAS Model Studio to create, tune, interpret, and operationalize machine learning models. It’s designed for those who want to master SAS Viya’s integrated platform, using automation and visual tools to accelerate data transformation, model development, feature selection, and deployment. Passing this exam confirms your readiness to bring machine learning workflows from concept to production within SAS Viya’s collaborative environment.
Who Should Earn the SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning Using SAS Viya Credential?
The SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning Using SAS Viya certification is perfect for professionals who want to prove their expertise in applying machine learning pipelines using the power of SAS Viya. It’s especially suited for:
Data scientists, analysts, and statisticians eager to expand their predictive modeling and automation skills
Machine learning engineers and AI practitioners wanting to demonstrate proficiency in SAS Viya’s advanced analytics platform
Technical professionals looking to validate their ability to prepare, build, assess, and deploy supervised learning models
This certification signals to employers that you can drive real value from data by building, assessing, and deploying ML models using enterprise-grade SAS tools.
What Career Opportunities Can This SAS Certification Unlock?
With this credential, you’ll be prepared for roles in analytics and machine learning that rely on SAS Viya. Typical job titles include:
Machine Learning Specialist
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Predictive Modeler
AI Analyst
Earning the certification not only enhances your SAS credibility but also positions you as a valuable contributor in sectors like finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing where predictive modeling is business-critical.
What Exam Code Represents This SAS Viya Machine Learning Test?
The official exam identification code is A00-406. This exam covers supervised machine learning pipelines in SAS Viya and measures your mastery of every major function within SAS Model Studio, from data preparation to model deployment.
How Many Questions Are on the A00-406 Exam?
The exam features 50 to 55 multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Each question is designed to evaluate both your conceptual understanding of machine learning principles and your hands-on experience using SAS Viya.
You’ll be tested across a range of domains, ensuring you can demonstrate proficiency in data sourcing, model building, and model assessment. The mix of question types keeps the exam dynamic and applications-focused.
How Long Do You Get to Complete the SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning Using SAS Viya Exam?
You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the A00-406 exam. This timing is carefully structured to give you enough opportunity to analyze each scenario and apply your practical knowledge of SAS Viya pipelines.
Effective time management is key—most test-takers find it helpful to answer straightforward questions first and revisit longer scenario-based items afterward.
What Is the Passing Score?
To earn the certification, you’ll need a minimum passing score of 62%. SAS uses scaled scoring and statistical equating to ensure fairness, meaning that consistent performance across all tested domains will lead you to success.
If you thoroughly understand each exam objective—from data preparation to model deployment—you’ll be well-positioned to achieve this score.
How Much Does the SAS A00-406 Exam Cost?
The exam cost is $180 USD in most countries. This fee accesses your official attempt through SAS and Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctored environments.
Students, educators, and academic partners may qualify for special discounts that make certification even more affordable and accessible.
What Languages Is This Exam Available In?
The SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning Using SAS Viya exam is currently offered in English. Because SAS maintains international testing partnerships, you can take the exam either online or in-person almost anywhere in the world.
How Long Is the Certification Valid For?
Your certification stays valid for five years. This generous validity period ensures that your credential remains relevant to employers while still encouraging ongoing professional growth and familiarity with SAS Viya updates.
What Core Domains Make Up the A00-406 Exam Blueprint?
The certification test is divided into three weighted domains that mirror the lifecycle of a supervised ML project in SAS Viya:
Data Sources (30–36%)
Building Models (40–46%)
Model Assessment and Deployment (24–30%)
These domains provide a cohesive structure for your study plan—covering the complete analytics workflow from start to finish.
What Types of Questions Can You Expect?
The A00-406 exam includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions. You may encounter single-best-answer selections, multiple-response prompts, and conceptual case-style items based on SAS Viya’s Model Studio.
Each question reinforces comprehension of machine learning theory combined with the ability to properly apply SAS functions and nodes.
Are There Any Official Prerequisites?
There are no required prerequisites for taking the exam, but SAS recommends that candidates have prior experience with:
SAS programming or analytics tools
Basic machine learning and statistical concepts
Hands-on familiarity with SAS Viya’s Model Studio environment
A few weeks of guided practice and exploring pipelines in SAS Viya will significantly enhance your readiness.
What Topics Should You Focus Your Studies On?
When preparing, concentrate on building real confidence in the following areas:
Data Preparation
Feature and Variable Selection
Model Building Techniques
Model Assessment Metrics
Model Deployment
Practical exposure to these steps inside SAS Viya will transform theoretical knowledge into applied mastery.
Which Skills Does This SAS Certification Validate?
This certification verifies that you can:
Manage diverse data sources and prepare them efficiently for analysis
Build, tune, and compare multiple machine learning algorithms
Deploy machine learning models into production pipelines using SAS Viya’s interface
You’ll also showcase your understanding of important ML concepts like overfitting, bias, interpretability, and model monitoring—skills that employers consistently rank as top priorities.
How Difficult Is the SAS Certified Specialist Machine Learning Exam?
This exam rewards not just memorization, but practical ability. It measures your understanding of concepts like sampling, model tuning, and interpretability.
With structured study using hands-on SAS Viya labs, practice questions, and clear topic review, you’ll find the exam both engaging and rewarding—an excellent milestone for advancing your analytics career.
Can I Use Practice Exams to Boost My Preparation?
Yes! Practicing with realistic simulation tests will dramatically improve your familiarity with question wording, pacing, and applied knowledge scenarios.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid Before the Exam?
Some candidates focus too heavily on theory and not enough on SAS Viya’s actual workflow. Stay balanced—ensure you work through tasks like data partitioning, variable selection, and node configuration directly within the Model Studio interface.
Avoid skipping the Model Assessment section; understanding metrics like ROC, bias, and variable importance can often make the difference between passing and excelling.
How Should I Prepare for the A00-406 Exam?
The best preparation combines conceptual learning with hands-on experience. SAS offers e-learning courses, tutorials, and official documentation to reinforce each exam domain.
You can structure your studies using:
SAS official learning paths and labs
Video tutorials and certification webinars
Community discussions and SAS documentation
Personal projects using trial versions of SAS Viya
Applying what you learn through interactive projects is key to ensuring long-term understanding.
Does SAS Offer Practice Tools or Free Resources?
Absolutely. SAS provides an academic trial of SAS Viya, allowing you to build and deploy your own models in a realistic environment. You can also engage with the SAS Certification Community for tips, or attend SAS certification webinars led by experts.
These free and official resources align directly with the A00-406 exam guide, helping you solidify every concept you’ll face on test day.
How Do You Register for the SAS Certified Specialist Exam?
Registration is easy and fully online:
Visit the SAS Certification Manager via Pearson VUE.
Choose the A00-406 SAS Viya Supervised Machine Learning Pipelines exam.
Select an online proctored or testing center booking.
Confirm your exam date, pay the fee, and begin your preparation journey.
Once scheduled, you’ll gain access to key details on exam procedures and result reporting through your SAS profile dashboard.
Where Can I Advance After Earning This SAS Viya Certification?
After conquering this certification, many professionals pursue higher-level SAS credentials such as:
SAS Certified Professional: AI and Machine Learning
SAS Certified Specialist in Forecasting and Optimization
SAS Advanced Analytics Professional certifications
These specialized credentials deepen your expertise and keep your skills aligned with evolving analytical technologies.
Where Can I Learn More About the Official SAS Certification?
This is your ultimate reference for current policies, testing options, and recommended learning paths—all directly from SAS.
By earning the SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning Using SAS Viya certification, you demonstrate your ability to transform data into actionable intelligence using one of the world’s most trusted analytical platforms. With practice, focus, and persistence, you’ll soon be recognized as a certified SAS professional ready to shape the future of machine learning.