A00-250

The SAS A00-250 exam, "Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9.4," focuses on applying SAS to solve business problems using statistical methods. The main points cover a broad range of topics, but can be grouped into these key areas:

1. Data Exploration and Preparation:

• Importing Data: Understanding different data import methods in SAS (e.g., using PROC IMPORT , PROC SQL ).
• Data Cleaning: Handling missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies in data. This includes techniques like imputation and data transformation.
• Data Manipulation: Using SAS procedures and data steps to filter, sort, and aggregate data. This involves understanding SAS data structures and programming syntax.
• Data Exploration: Creating summary statistics (means, medians, standard deviations, etc.), generating descriptive statistics using PROC MEANS , PROC UNIVARIATE , and creating visualizations (histograms, boxplots, scatter plots) using PROC SGPLOT or other graphics procedures.

2. Statistical Modeling and Analysis:

• Regression Analysis: Building and interpreting linear regression models, including understanding assumptions, interpreting coefficients and R-squared, and model diagnostics. Both simple and multiple linear regression are important.
• ANOVA (Analysis of Variance): Performing ANOVA tests to compare means between different groups. One-way and two-way ANOVA are typically covered.
• t-tests: Conducting t-tests to compare means between two groups.
• Correlation Analysis: Measuring the strength and direction of linear relationships between variables.
• Nonparametric Methods: Understanding and applying nonparametric techniques (e.g., Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test) when assumptions of parametric tests are violated.

3. Reporting and Communication:

• Creating Reports: Generating reports using SAS procedures ( PROC REPORT , PROC TABULATE ) to effectively communicate findings.
• Interpreting Results: Clearly and concisely interpreting statistical results in the context of the business problem.
• Visualizing Data: Creating appropriate visualizations (charts, graphs) to support the conclusions drawn from the analysis.

4. SAS Programming Fundamentals:

While not the primary focus, a solid understanding of SAS programming is crucial. This includes:

• DATA Step Programming: Understanding the structure and syntax of DATA steps for data manipulation and creation.
• PROC SQL: Using PROC SQL for data manipulation and querying data.
• Macro Language (Basic): Basic understanding of SAS macros might be required, especially for automating tasks.

In summary: The A00-250 exam tests your ability to use SAS software to perform a complete statistical analysis of a business problem, from data preparation and exploration to statistical modeling, interpretation, and reporting. It emphasizes practical application over theoretical statistical knowledge. Ensure you have strong foundational statistical knowledge and are comfortable working with SAS software and its procedures.