SAS Certification Guidance

[sarathmarson]

Hi,

I recently appeared for A00-402 - SAS Viya 3.5 Supervised Machine Learning Pipelines exam. I had prepared well by revising the course Machine Learning Using SAS Viya 3.5 and also the practice tests and also read the contents on the book Machine Learning Using SAS Viya 3.5 in accordance to the exam guide provided in the SAS website. Unfortunately, the exam pattern and the questions were totally different from that I expected and the proportion of scenario based questions were very large than I expected. I scored only 49% and I did not pass the exam. I got only 43% in Data sources, 58% in Building Models and 36% in Model Assessment and management. Could any one guide me/suggest me how should I prepare for the second attempt ? Is there any other useful resources which would be beneficial while learning ? Any help would be highly appreciated. 
Thanks in advance

[Mark2010]

Hello @sarathmarson 

You didn't mention practicing with the the software as part of your prep. This is critical. Experience with the software makes a big difference, book learning is usually not enough. There are a few avenues to get access to SAS Viya Model Studio.

• SAS eLearning (the "Machine Learning Using SAS Viya" course - pricing and promotion vary by region) provides both the training and lab access.
• SAS Viya for Learners for those enrolled in university. - No cost! And SAS Skill Builder provides free access to the Machine Learning training for students as well.
• Coursera Machine Learning Using SAS Viya course provides both the training and lab access at a monthly pricing model. 

[MarkusWeick]

Hi @sarathmarson,

in addition to @Mark2010 tips, I would add the recommendation, to take the detailed content guide (4 pages) seriously. I took the exam this year and found it really helpful to transfer the content guide into an excel sheet and comment or explain each single line.

Best

Markus