Table of Contents
SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Quick Facts
The SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification empowers data professionals to turn complex clinical data into meaningful insights that advance medical research. This overview guides you through exam details and domains to help you focus your preparation and succeed with clarity and confidence.
How the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification supports your clinical research career
This certification validates your ability to apply SAS programming in the context of clinical research, ensuring that study data is managed, analyzed, and reported according to industry and regulatory standards. It demonstrates competence in transforming, analyzing, and validating clinical trial data as well as presenting results with precision and professional rigor. Earning this credential shows you can navigate CDISC standards, regulatory submission formats, and advanced SAS programming techniques to produce reports that meet global expectations in pharmaceutical and biostatistical environments.
Exam Domains Covered (Click to expand breakdown)
Exam Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: Clinical Trials Process (5% of the exam)
Clinical Trials Process
- Describe the clinical research process (phases, key roles, key organizations).
- Derive programming requirements from an SAP and an annotated Case Report Form.
Section summary:
This section covers the foundational concepts of the clinical research process. You will become familiar with the typical phases of clinical trials, the critical functions involved, and how to align programming needs with study protocols and statistical analysis plans. Emphasis is placed on understanding relationships between clinical research stakeholders, including sponsors, regulatory agencies, and data management teams.
You will learn how to extract programming requirements directly from annotated case report forms and SAP documentation to ensure that outputs align with both clinical and statistical goals. By connecting documentation to deliverables, this section lays the groundwork for producing compliant data structures and outputs that satisfy scientific and regulatory expectations.
Domain 2: Clinical Trials Data Structures (10% of the exam)
Clinical Trials Data Structures
- Identify the clinical trials domains.
- Identify key CDISC principals and terms.
- Describe the structure and purpose of the CDISC SDTM data model.
- Describe the structure and purpose of the CDISC ADaM data model.
- Trace data through the full programming process, from raw data to any of the mapped domains.
Section summary:
This domain focuses on understanding CDISC-based data structures that ensure consistency and traceability across all stages of a clinical project. You will explore how the SDTM and ADaM models standardize datasets for regulatory submission, analysis, and reporting. Each data type, from subject demographics to adverse events, fits within a standardized domain that promotes transparency and uniformity.
Through practical examples, you will learn to trace datasets through their full lifecycle, from raw collection to standardized submission layers. Mastering this flow allows you to bridge the gap between clinical operations and statistical analytics while maintaining compliance and clarity throughout the data pipeline.
Domain 3: Regulatory Submissions (5% of the exam)
Regulatory Submissions
- Apply regulatory requirements to exported SAS data sets (SAS V5 requirements).
- Describe the contents and purpose of define.xml.
Section summary:
This domain ensures you understand how regulatory expectations shape submission deliverables. You will gain insight into technical standards such as SAS V5 export requirements and the documentation that accompanies submitted data. Compliance reflects both data integrity and transparency, which are key to supporting regulatory review.
You will also learn how to create and interpret define.xml metadata, which provides regulators with a roadmap for understanding dataset structure, derivations, and controlled terminology. Properly implemented, these submission tools demonstrate the reliability and reproducibility of your work.
Domain 4: Manage Clinical Trials Data (5% of the exam)
Manage Clinical Trials Data
- Access DICTIONARY Tables using the SQL procedure.
- Examine and explore clinical trials input data (find outliers, missing vs. zero values). Use DATA STEP functions and features to find anomalous values or potential errors.
Section summary:
This section focuses on efficiently managing and exploring clinical trial data to ensure accuracy and completeness. You will use PROC SQL and DICTIONARY tables to understand dataset composition, variable characteristics, and metadata relationships. These insights promote a deeper awareness of dataset structure before analysis begins.
You will also practice examining input data for anomalies using DATA step tools. By identifying outliers, differentiating missing and zero values, and evaluating potential data quality issues, you will develop habits of thorough verification that maintain confidence in clinical results.
Domain 5: Transform or Summarize Clinical Trials Data (15% of the exam)
Transform or Summarize Clinical Trials Data
- Derive variables by applying categorization and windowing techniques to existing variables.
- Store dates in a form that is acceptable for use with clinical trials - Determine if dates are stored in accordance with ISO 8601 standards.
- Store dates in a form that is acceptable for use with clinical trials - Use functions to store dates using ISO 8601 standards.
- Reshape SAS data sets with PROC TRANSPOSE.
- Reshape SAS data sets with arrays in the DATA step.
- Calculate change from baseline results.
- Obtain counts of events in clinical trials.
- Use FIRST./LAST. variables.
Section summary:
This domain focuses on transforming raw clinical data into structured datasets for analysis. You will learn to use SAS tools and techniques to reshape, summarize, and derive clinical measures while maintaining consistent data standards. Emphasis is placed on ISO 8601 conventions for date storage and transformations that preserve traceability across datasets.
Topics include creating derived variables, implementing baseline change calculations, applying PROC TRANSPOSE, and summarizing events using SAS programming logic. Developing these skills ensures that analysis-ready datasets meet both scientific precision and regulatory expectations.
Domain 6: Apply Statistical Procedures for Clinical Trials (15% of the exam)
Apply Statistical Procedures for Clinical Trials
- Use SAS procedures to obtain descriptive statistics for clinical trials data (FREQ, UNIVARIATE, MEANS, SUMMARY).
- Given information on data types (categorical vs. quantitative), determine whether a procedure can produce the requested analysis.
- Given sample code from a statistical procedure, identify syntax and/or semantic errors (PROC FREQ, PROC TTEST, GLM, REG).
- Create output data sets from statistical procedures using ODS OUTPUT.
- Create output data sets from statistical procedures using OUTPUT statements or options within a procedure.
- Follow instructions to program for both Safety and Efficacy data.
Section summary:
This domain builds proficiency with statistical procedures that summarize and evaluate clinical trial data. You will apply SAS procedures like FREQ, MEANS, and UNIVARIATE to generate descriptive insights and test hypotheses about efficacy and safety variables. Understanding how data type influences procedural selection reinforces analytical accuracy.
You will also focus on generating output datasets and integrating ODS capabilities for controlled reporting. By working through examples and validating results, you will ensure statistical outputs align with study requirements and clinical research standards.
Domain 7: Macro Programming for Clinical Trials (15% of the exam)
Macro Programming for Clinical Trials
- Create macro variables and set macro parameters.
- Access user-defined and automatic variables.
- Automate repeated tasks by defining and calling macros.
- Use system options to debug macros and display values of macro variables in the SAS log (MPRINT, SYMBOLGEN, MLOGIC).
Section summary:
In this domain, you will develop automation skills that streamline clinical programming workflows. SAS Macro language enables the creation of dynamic programs that reduce redundancy and improve maintainability. You will become comfortable passing parameters, managing variable scope, and invoking reusable routines that adapt to different study contexts.
Debugging macros efficiently forms another essential skill, reinforcing your ability to interpret system feedback and log messages. The result is a confident approach to scalable programming that increases productivity and ensures consistent data handling across projects.
Domain 8: Report Clinical Trials Results (10% of the exam)
Report Clinical Trials Results
- Use PROC REPORT to produce tables and listings for clinical trials reports, applying options to modify report style.
- Use COLUMN statements to select report items and create structured layouts.
- Use DEFINE, BREAK, RBREAK, and COMPUTE blocks for applying logic and summary statistics within reports.
- Use LINE and CALL DEFINE statements to refine content and presentation.
- Produce datasets using the OUT= option.
- Use ODS statements to generate, trace, and customize output in destinations like PDF, RTF, and Word.
- Control graphical settings with ODS GRAPHICS and create plots with PROC SGPLOT or PROC SGPANEL.
Section summary:
This section focuses on creating professional, reproducible tables, listings, and graphs that communicate trial results effectively. You will master PROC REPORT to construct dynamic reports with grouped summaries, calculated fields, and stylistic formatting aligned with sponsor or regulatory expectations.
In addition, you will work with ODS to direct output into multiple file formats and to control the appearance and alignment of graphical content. These tools enable you to produce polished deliverables that clearly convey analytical findings to scientific and regulatory audiences.
Domain 9: Validate Clinical Trial Data Reporting (20% of the exam)
Validate Clinical Trial Data Reporting
- Explain the principles of programming validation in the clinical trial industry.
- Utilize the log file to validate clinical trial data reporting.
- Use programming techniques to validate clinical trial data reporting (PROC COMPARE, MSGLEVEL).
- Determine why two independent validation programs led to a different result.
- Identify elements that are not validated when comparing via PROC COMPARE (titles, footnotes, and attributes such as formats or labels).
- Identify and resolve data, syntax, and logic errors.
Section summary:
The final domain emphasizes validation as the cornerstone of reliable clinical programming. You will learn to design validation approaches that detect inconsistencies, verify accuracy, and ensure analytical reproducibility. Critical validation tools include PROC COMPARE, data-driven checks, and comprehensive log reviews.
You will also explore how to resolve discrepancies between programs or reports by isolating root causes and documenting findings. Completing this section equips you to produce validated, regulator-ready deliverables that demonstrate both technical precision and compliance with quality standards.
Who Should Pursue the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification?
The SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification is perfect for individuals who want to bridge the worlds of data analytics and clinical research. It’s ideal for:
- Statistical programmers working in the life sciences industry
- Data analysts supporting pharmaceutical or medical research teams
- SAS programmers aspiring to specialize in clinical trials data
- Professionals seeking to validate their expertise in CDISC standards and regulatory reporting
- Students or new graduates transitioning into bioinformatics or biostatistics fields
This certification shows employers that you can manage, analyze, and report on clinical trial data with integrity and precision, opening doors to a host of opportunities in healthcare research and regulatory submission analysis.
What Career Paths Can You Pursue With the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Credential?
Holding the SAS Certified Specialist: Clinical Trials Programming Professional credential signals that you’re ready for demanding data roles in pharmaceutical and biotech companies. It can lead to positions such as:
- Clinical SAS Programmer
- Statistical Programmer Analyst
- Data Standards Specialist (CDISC/SDTM/ADaM)
- Clinical Data Scientist
- Regulatory Submission Data Programmer
- Clinical Reporting Analyst
Jobs in this domain often play pivotal roles in ensuring the integrity of research that directly impacts patient safety and helps bring new therapies to market.
What Is the Exam Code for This Certification?
The official exam code is A00-282. When registering through SAS or Pearson VUE, you’ll use this code to schedule your certification assessment. This designation ensures you’re signing up for the correct SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional exam and receiving the appropriate certification upon passing.
How Long Is the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Exam?
You will have a total of 110 minutes (or 1 hour and 50 minutes) to complete the test. Effective time management is key, as the exam contains both multiple-choice and short-answer questions that measure your ability to apply real-world SAS programming concepts.
Plan to allow time to read each question carefully and review your responses before submission.
How Many Questions Are on the Exam?
The SAS A00-282 certification exam includes 60–70 questions. These questions feature a mix of multiple-choice and multi-select formats that test your technical abilities and understanding of clinical data workflows.
Questions may simulate real programming problems encountered in clinical trial programming environments, such as data transformations, statistical analyses, macro coding, and reporting.
How Much Does the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Exam Cost?
The exam costs $180 USD, with fees charged globally in U.S. dollars. SAS also offers academic discounts for students and educators, making certification accessible to those starting their journey in data analytics for clinical research.
The investment pays off quickly—SAS-certified professionals typically enjoy higher salaries and broader opportunities within pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations.
What’s the Passing Score for the A00-282 Exam?
You’ll need to achieve a 68% passing score to earn your certification. Each section of the exam contributes to your total score, which means consistent performance across domains boosts your chances of success. SAS uses a scaled scoring model to ensure fairness and accuracy when evaluating all candidates.
In What Language Is the Exam Offered?
The SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification exam is delivered in English. Familiarity with clinical research terminology and SAS macro syntax in English is beneficial, as it ensures clarity when reviewing code-based and scenario-based questions.
What Are the Prerequisites for the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Exam?
Before sitting for the A00-282 exam, candidates must hold one of the following certifications:
- SAS Certified Specialist: Base Programming Using SAS 9.4, or
- SAS Certified Professional: Advanced Programming Using SAS 9.4
Additionally, SAS recommends at least six months of experience as a clinical trials programmer using SAS software. This hands-on experience helps contextualize the exam’s analytical and programming tasks.
What Topics and Domains Are Covered on the Exam?
The exam blueprint is structured around the main programming areas used in real-world clinical environments. The domains and their weightings include:
- Clinical Trials Process (5%)
- Clinical Trials Data Structures (10%)
- Regulatory Submissions (5%)
- Manage Clinical Trials Data (5%)
- Transform or Summarize Clinical Trials Data (15%)
- Apply Statistical Procedures for Clinical Trials (15%)
- Macro Programming for Clinical Trials (15%)
- Report Clinical Trials Results (10%)
- Validate Clinical Trial Data Reporting (20%)
Together, these domains test your ability to read, transform, analyze, and validate clinical trial data using SAS tools and standards.
What Specific Skills Will You Demonstrate by Earning This Certification?
By achieving this certification, you’ll show mastery in:
- Reading and creating SAS data files
- Applying CDISC SDTM and ADaM standards
- Managing, transforming, and validating clinical datasets
- Using SAS statistical and reporting procedures
- Automating workflows with macros
- Producing submission-ready outputs that adhere to regulatory standards
This proves to employers that you can manage the entire clinical programming lifecycle with accuracy and compliance.
How Difficult Is the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Exam?
The A00-282 exam is designed for those with a strong foundation in SAS programming and clinical data concepts. With proper preparation, hard work, and structured practice, the test feels rewarding rather than daunting. Many successful candidates build confidence by taking mock exams and studying through real clinical trial use cases.
You can strengthen your readiness with these high-quality SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional practice exams, created to simulate the real exam format and clarify the reasoning behind each answer.
How Should You Prepare for the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Certification?
SAS provides excellent training materials and resources to help you excel. Effective study strategies include:
- Hands-on SAS Practice: Work with datasets that mimic real-world clinical data.
- SAS E-learning Courses: Engage with guided learning through the SAS platform.
- Use of the Exam Content Guide: Review tasks and capabilities expected across all domains.
- Webinars and Video Tutorials: Learn directly from SAS experts and certified professionals.
- Community Forums: Join SAS communities where professionals exchange insights and study tips.
Building practical knowledge using validation, ODS, and PROC REPORT examples will make exam questions feel natural and intuitive.
What Types of Questions Can You Expect?
The exam includes scenario-based multiple-choice and short-answer formats requiring analytical and programming skills. Expect to interpret code snippets, identify logical errors, apply statistical concepts, and perform data validation tasks.
Each question aligns with a real-world clinical programming challenge, ensuring relevance to hands-on programming work in pharma and healthcare analytics.
How Can You Take the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Exam?
You can take the exam through Pearson VUE, either online under remote proctoring or at a local testing center. The online option provides flexibility for professionals balancing work and study, while test centers offer a structured, quiet environment for focused performance.
What Are the Recommended Resources for Study?
Explore SAS’s official materials including:
- The Exam Content Guide for A00-282
- SAS Learn Portal for structured online learning paths
- Certification Webinars led by subject matter experts
- ODS and PROC REPORT Tutorials focusing on clinical output generation
Pairing these with practical SAS programming exercises helps reinforce the technical and conceptual knowledge tested on the exam.
How Long Is the Certification Valid?
SAS certifications typically remain valid until a major update or version change. SAS ensures certifications maintain industry relevance, and recertification may be encouraged if significant content or version updates occur in the SAS programming environment.
What Happens After You Pass the Exam?
After earning your SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional credential, you’ll receive a digital badge and official recognition from SAS. This credential enhances your professional profile and can lead to expanded project responsibilities or promotions in clinical data science roles.
Many professionals use this certification as a foundation for pursuing advanced roles in regulatory programming and biostatistics.
What Comes Next After the SAS Clinical Trials Programming Credential?
You might consider advancing your career through specialized certifications or complementary skills, such as:
- SAS Advanced Programming Professional
- CDISC data standards training (SDTM, ADaM)
- Statistical modeling or clinical data management courses
- Data science or AI integration for clinical analytics
Each of these builds upon your SAS foundation, deepening your expertise in healthcare analytics and research programming.
Why Is This Certification Valuable for the Clinical Research Industry?
This SAS credential is globally recognized and demonstrates your ability to support regulatory submissions and data validation with precision. Certified professionals contribute directly to the integrity, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance of clinical trial data—skills always in demand across the biopharmaceutical industry.
Where Can You Register for the Official SAS Clinical Trials Programming Certification Exam?
To register and explore additional details such as scheduling options, eligibility criteria, and official training pathways, visit the official SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification page.
Earning your SAS Clinical Trials Programming Professional Certification is a significant achievement that sets you apart in the world of clinical data analytics. With deliberate study, practical programming experience, and trusted resources, you’ll be well-prepared to demonstrate your SAS expertise and make a lasting impact in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
