Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the Credential Information.

SAS Certified Specialist Base Programming Using SAS 9.4

Credential Name	SAS Certified Specialist Base Programming Using SAS 9.4
Credential Vendor Info	SAS https://www.sas.com/en_us/certification/credentials/foundation-tools/base-programming-specialist.html
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	CS31 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate OR Pearson VUE report
Credential Lead Consultant	Mike Renne michael.renne@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	CS31 SAS Base Programming Honors
Credential as POL	CS31 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Data Science (DTSC) National Academy of Digital Technology and Computer Science (NAFT)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available
Exam Voucher Expiration	1 year
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Computer and Information Research Scientists (15-1221) Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211) Data Scientists (15-2051) Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (13-1161) Operations Research Analysts (15-2031)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Must create an account: https://www.sas.com/en_us/certification/certification-manager.html
Test Site Options and Requirements	SAS partners with CERTMetrics
Testing Environment Requirements	Follow guides: https://www.sas.com/en_us/certification/certification-manager.html
Exam Time Allotment	135 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	725 or above
Retakes	Yes Must repurchase a voucher Must wait 14 days between attempts
Student Accommodations	Yes Reach out to certification@sas.com for specific situations. Common accommodations are to provide a time extension for candidates with conditions such as dyslexia.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	None

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.