The Principles of Marketing CLEP Test features 100 questions the test-taker must complete in 90 minutes. Some of the questions actually are pretest questions that are not included when the program calculates the final score. The scale of the total score ranges from 20 to 80, and the American Council on Education recommends that students get college credit if they earn at least a 50 (see Resource 1). This type of exam is available in both computerized and paper formats at various locations.
To be prepared to take the Principles of Marketing CLEP Test, individuals must understand consumer and organizational markets. These test-takers should have a solid knowledge of technological, social and demographic trends that affect marketing as well. Because the College Board does not differentiate between unanswered questions and questions answered incorrectly when calculating CLEP test scores, you should make an attempt to answer every single question.
About 8 percent to 13 percent of the Principles of Marketing CLEP Test covers the role of marketing in society. Students must answer questions about ethics, nonprofit marketing and international marketing. In addition, 17 percent to 24 percent of the test is on the role of marketing in a firm. This portion of the exam tests students' knowledge of marketing strategy, marketing concepts and the marketing environment. The marketing decision system, which includes marketing information systems and marketing research, also is an exam topic in this category.
Target marketing topics such as positioning, segmentation, consumer behavior and business-to-business markets make up about 22 percent to 27 percent of the Principles of Marketing CLEP Test. Most of the exam -- about 40 percent to 50 percent -- covers a mix of other marketing topics. For example, students must demonstrate their knowledge of pricing policies, branding and integrated marketing communications/promotion. In addition, students are tested on the application of marketing in electronic commerce, distribution channels/logistics and product/service management.