topic Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM? in SAS Software for Learning Community

Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

u64416860 — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 09:44:12 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am a beginner in SAS and I want to learn Base SAS from scratch.
My goal is to move into Clinical Data Management (CDM) roles.

I have recently created my SAS account and joined SAS Communities.
Could you please suggest:
1. Free official SAS courses for beginners
2. Which topics I should learn first (DATA step, PROC, SQL, etc.)
3. How to practice SAS using free SAS software

Any guidance or learning path would be really helpful.

Thank you in advance.

Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

quickbluefish — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:58:39 GMT

What’s your past experience, if any, with data and programming?

Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

MarkusWeick — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:21:37 GMT

Hi @u64416860, as first steps I recommend the free SAS course „SAS ® Programming 1: Essentials“ using the free „SAS ® OnDemand for Academics“ cloud application for the exercises.

Also have a look at the exam guide for the Base Programming Specialist – Exam.

For some statistical SAS application you could take the free course Statistics 1: Introduction to ANOVA, Regression, and Logistic Regression.

After that you should have the basis for deciding about your next steps.

Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

u64416860 — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:55:02 GMT

Hello Team,
I hope you are doing well. I am a beginner who is interested in learning
Base SAS for Clinical Data Management. I would like to know the recommended
learning path, available training programs, duration, fees, and whether you
provide placement support or internship options for freshers.
My background is in microbiology/chemistry and I have basic programming
knowledge. I am looking for a course that can help me start a career as a
Clinical Data Manager or Clinical SAS Programmer.
Please share the next steps and any guidance you recommend for a beginner.
Thank you,
Poojitha m

Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

MarkusWeick — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:46:59 GMT

Hi @u64416860 ,

have a look at the “SAS Clinical Trials Learning Subscription” to get a wider perspective. It costs USD 2.000 for 12 months and offers all the courses you need for the certification exam “SAS Certified Professional: Clinical Trials Programming Using SAS 9.4”. (USD 180 exam fee).

Look also at the SAS ® Global Certification Program. With the subscription above you would also cover the courses for the two exams „SAS Certified Specialist: Base Programming Using SAS 9.4” and “SAS Certified Professional: Advanced Programming Using SAS 9.4” which could be nice milestones on your learning path.

Nevertheless I would advise to take first the free steps from my other reply to get a feeling for the learning formats you prefer, as SAS live classes may be another (more expensive) option for you.

Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

MarkusWeick — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:59:31 GMT

And a really good investment for you might be the book "SAS For Dummies" by Chris Hemedinger.

Re: Beginner in SAS – how to start learning Base SAS for CDM?

Shailendrasinh — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:18:30 GMT

I am a burgeoning data professional currently specializing in SAS programming. I have completed the SAS Programming 1: Essentials course and am proficient in using SAS Studio to perform data manipulation via DATA steps and generating summary reports using PROC MEANS and PROC FREQ. My goal is to apply these skills to help [Company Name] streamline their data reporting and ensure data integrity.