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Research & Education Association (REA) is an organization of educators, scientists, and engineers specializing in various academic fields. Founded in 1959 with the purpose of disseminating the most recently developed scientific information to groups in industry, government, high schools, and universities, REA has since become a successful and highly respected publisher of study aids, test preps, handbooks, and reference works.
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ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book provides you with comprehensive preparation for the CLEP Principles of Marketing CBT. Inside you will find a concise review of material typical of a one-semester introductory course in marketing, as well as tips and strategies for test-taking. We give you three full-length REA practice tests, all based on the official CLEP subject exam. Our practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the CLEP CBT. Following each practice test you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you more completely absorb the test material.
ABOUT THE EXAM
Who takes CLEP exams and what are they used for?
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) examinations are usually taken by adults who have acquired knowledge outside the classroom and wish to bypass certain college courses and earn college credit. The CLEP Program is designed to reward students for learning-no matter where or how that knowledge was acquired. The CLEP is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program in the country, with more than 2,900 colleges and universities granting credit for satisfactory scores on CLEP exams.
Although most CLEP candidates are adults returning to college, many graduating high school seniors, enrolled college students, and international students also take the exams to earn college credit or to demonstrate their ability to perform at the college level. There are no prerequisites, such as age or educational status, for taking CLEP examinations. However, because policies on granting credits vary among colleges, you should contact the particular institution from which you wish to receive CLEP credit.
There are two categories of CLEP examinations:
1. CLEP General Examinations, which are five separate tests that cover material usually taken as requirements during the first two years of college. CLEP General Examinations are available for English Composition (with or without essay), Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and History.
2. CLEP Subject Examinations, which include material usually covered in an undergraduate course with a similar title. The CLEP Principles of Marketing CBT is one of 29 subject examinations.
Who develops and administers the exams?
The CLEP is developed by the College Entrance Examination Board, administered by Educational Testing Service, and involves the assistance of educators from across the United States. The test development process is designed and carried out to ensure that the content and difficulty of the test are appropriate to the college level.
When and where is this exam given?
The CLEP Principles of Marketing exam is administered each month throughout the year at more than 1,400 test centers in the U.S. and can be arranged, on request, for candidates abroad. To find the test center nearest you and to register for the exam, you should obtain a copy of the free booklets CLEP Colleges and CLEP Information for Candidates and Registration Form. These booklets are downloadable and are available at most colleges where CLEP credit is granted, or by contacting the CLEP Program at:
CLEP Services
P.O. Box 6601
Princeton, NJ 08541-6601
Phone: (609) 771-7865
Website: http://www.collegeboard.com
Military personnel and CLEP
CLEP exams are available free-of-charge to eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees. The College Board has developed a paper-based version of 14 high volume/high pass rate CLEP tests for DANTES Test Centers. Contact the Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist for more information. You can also visit Collegeboard.com for details about CLEP opportunities for military personnel.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
What do I study first?
It's best to read over the course review, along with our suggestions for test-taking, first. Then take Practice Test 1 to pinpoint your area(s) of weakness.
For details on how to utilize your study time, follow our Independent Study Schedule in the front of this book. The schedule is based on a six-week program, but can be condensed to three weeks if necessary by collapsing each two-week period into one.
In effect, this book offers a blueprint for how to put yourself in the best possible position for success on the CLEP CBT. Follow it all the way the through, and you'll be well on your way to a good score!
When should I start studying?
It's never too early to start studying for the CLEP Principles of Marketing exam. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Last-minute cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with it.
Format and Content of the CLEP CBT
The CLEP Principles of Marketing CBT covers material that is usually taught in an introductory college course in marketing. This type of course is commonly known as Basic Marketing, Introduction to Marketing, Fundamentals of Marketing, Marketing, or Marketing Principles. Such a course-and thus, the exam itself-covers the role of marketing in society and within a firm, understanding consumer and organizational markets, marketing strategy planning, marketing institutions, the marketing mix, as well as topics like international marketing, ethics, marketing research, services, and not-for-profit marketing. The CLEP candidate is also expected to have a basic knowledge of the economic, demographic, social/cultural, political/legal and technological trends that undergird a competent understanding of marketing.
The CLEP Principles of Marketing CBT features 100 multiple-choice questions, each with five possible answer choices, to be answered in 90 minutes. As with most standardized tests, there are actually several unique forms of the CLEP CBT used during a given test administration.
The approximate breakdown of topics on the exam is as follows:
7-12% The role of marketing in society, including the historical development of marketing in the United States, the U.S. economy, ethics, not-for-profit marketing and international marketing.
10-15% The role of marketing in a firm, including the marketing concept, planning and strategy and research (competitive, economic, political/legal, sociocultural, and technological).
25-30% Target markets, including demographics and consumer behavior, demand estimation and forecasting, and marketing segmentation, positioning, and business-to-business markets.
45-55% The marketing mix, including product and service management, pricing policies and methods, distribution logistics, promotion (mass mediated, personal selling, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing, and Internet marketing).
ABOUT OUR COURSE REVIEW
This book begins with a comprehensive review of marketing principles which is designed to acquaint you with the type of information that you are most likely to encounter on the exam.
The review covers all major theories and terms of introductory marketing. It is divided into nine major sections and presented as follows:
1. The Marketing Environment
2. Marketing Research
3. Target Markets
4. Product Planning and Management
5. Distribution Systems
6. Wholesaling and Retailing
7. Promotional Strategy
8. Pricing Policies and Strategies
9. Marketing Applications in Special Fields
By studying this review and taking the practice tests in this book, you will be better able to determine your strengths and weaknesses in the subject of marketing and put yourself in the best possible position to score well on the CLEP Principles of Marketing CBT.
SCORING YOUR PRACTICE TESTS
How do I score my practice test?
The CLEP Principles of M...
