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Credit Sprint's Guide to the CLEP® Principles of Marketing Exam

The exam at a glance

About 100 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Some are unscored pretest questions, so do not worry if a few look unfamiliar.
Scores run from 20 to 80. The American Council on Education recommends credit for a 50, worth 3 semester hours, but each college sets its own score and credit amount.
The content is split into four areas: the role of marketing in society (about 8–13%), the role of marketing in an organization (about 17–24%), target marketing (about 22–27%) and the marketing mix (about 40–50%).
Expect application questions: a short scenario and a choice of the best term, strategy or tool.

Check your college's CLEP® policy first: the score it requires and the course it gives credit for. Search your registrar's site for "CLEP".
Check whether the college accepts CLEP® for your major or only as an elective.
Modern States offers free courses and exam vouchers for many CLEP® exams. Check the current offer on their site.

Test centers are often on college campuses. Bring an approved photo ID.
At-home exams use remote proctoring with an equipment check, an ID scan and a room scan before you start.
Read the official at-home testing requirements well before exam day.

Pace yourself: 90 minutes for about 100 questions is under a minute each. Answer what you know, flag the rest and come back.
There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question.
Read the last line of a scenario question first, so you know what it asks (a term, a strategy or the best next step).

Scores sent to colleges can take a couple of weeks to arrive, and the college may need more time to post credit.
If you do not pass, you must wait three months before retaking the same exam.
Use the wait: your mistakes notebook and a fresh study plan will be ready.

Sources: CLEP® Principles of Marketing · At-home CLEP® exams · Modern States. Policies change; confirm details on the official CLEP® site.