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Statistical Analysis System (SAS)

Information Technology > Business intelligence and data analysis

Description

SAS, or Statistical Analysis System, is a software suite used for advanced analytics, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics. It provides a graphical point-and-click user interface for non-technical users and more advanced options through the SAS language. SAS skills range from understanding basic software functions and syntax to writing complex programs and performing intricate statistical analyses. As proficiency increases, users can automate tasks, optimize code performance, handle large datasets, and integrate SAS with other technologies. Mastery of SAS can lead to the development and implementation of sophisticated data solutions, making it a valuable skill in various industries.

Expected Behaviors

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

At the fundamental awareness level, individuals are expected to have a basic understanding of SAS software and its syntax. They should be familiar with simple data manipulation techniques and basic statistical procedures. However, their knowledge is mostly theoretical and they may need guidance to apply it in practice.

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LEVEL 2

Novice

Novices can write simple SAS programs and import/export raw data files. They can perform basic data cleaning and validation tasks, and use SAS functions. While they can apply their skills to solve simple problems, they still require supervision for more complex tasks.

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LEVEL 3

Intermediate

Intermediate users are proficient in using PROC SQL for data manipulation and can create and manipulate SAS datasets. They understand advanced data manipulation techniques and SAS macros, and can perform complex statistical analyses. They can work independently on most tasks but may need assistance with highly complex problems.

LEVEL 4

Advanced

Advanced users can use SAS/GRAPH for data visualization and automate tasks using SAS macros. They understand advanced statistical procedures and can optimize SAS code for performance. They can handle large datasets and work independently on complex tasks, providing solutions that are efficient and effective.

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LEVEL 5

Expert

Experts can use SAS Enterprise Guide and SAS Studio proficiently. They can develop and implement complex SAS solutions, and understand advanced SAS programming techniques. They can integrate SAS with other technologies and troubleshoot and resolve complex SAS issues. They are capable of working independently on any task, regardless of complexity.

Micro Skills

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

Understanding of the SAS Explorer window
Proficiency in using the SAS Editor window
Familiarity with the SAS Results window
Understanding of SAS libraries
Familiarity with SAS datasets
Proficiency in using SAS procedures
Proficiency in using the SAS toolbar
Familiarity with SAS menus
Knowledge of DATA and PROC steps
Familiarity with INPUT and SET statements
Proficiency in using assignment statements
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LEVEL 2

Novice

Knowledge of SAS statements
Understanding of SAS operators
Knowledge of SAS data types
Understanding of SAS variable naming rules
Understanding of the PDV (Program Data Vector)
Ability to use the OUTPUT statement
Understanding of conditional processing
Ability to use loops
Understanding of PROC PRINT
Ability to use PROC SORT
Understanding of PROC MEANS
Ability to use PROC FREQ
Ability to create new variables
Understanding of variable transformations
Ability to modify existing variables
Understanding of how to handle missing values
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LEVEL 3

Intermediate

Knowledge of SELECT statement
Understanding of JOIN operations
Ability to perform subqueries
Understanding of how to use SQL functions
Knowledge of arithmetic operations
Understanding of conditional transformations
Knowledge of handling missing data
Knowledge of MERGE statement
Understanding of SET statement
Knowledge of macro variables and macro functions
Ability to create and call macros
Understanding of how to use macro loops
Understanding of regression analysis
Knowledge of ANOVA and other variance analysis techniques
Ability to perform multivariate analysis
Understanding of survival analysis
LEVEL 4

Advanced

Knowledge of basic graph types
Knowledge of advanced graph types
Creating macros
Calling macros
Regression analysis
ANOVA
Efficient data step coding
Efficient PROC SQL coding
Data step processing
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LEVEL 5

Expert

Familiarity with the layout and components
Ability to navigate through the interface
Understanding of the project creation process
Ability to manage projects
Understanding of the task concept
Ability to use wizards
Understanding of the code creation process
Ability to execute code
Ability to use snippets

Skill Overview

  • Expert4 years experience
  • Micro-skills61
  • Roles requiring skill4

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