Two attempts and still cannot pass Principle of Management CLEP...

[commdiver]

My school requires a 60. I got a 54 the first time and a 59 the second time. I used the Cliff Notes book and took a Peterson's test this time around. I got an 82 on the Peterson's test and thought I was ready. 99% of the CLEP was nothing like what I studied. No questions Taylor, Gilbreth, Fayol, etc. No questions on TQM, 14 points, or anything else. None of the Peterson's stuff was on there either. How am I supposed to study for this exam?

[dcan]

Interesting. I'm scheduled to take this myself tomorrow and spent a lot of time memorizing what you listed. But I also noticed the official practice test was more like your description, i.e. few questions on theories. So I was a bit surprised actually. Normally, I would wonder if they recently changed the test, but my official study guide is from 2011.

Maybe you coincidentally got a different version from other people both times? Have you checked the specific feedback forum? There is a fairly comprehensive study guide (about 15 pages I think) that I've been using. Not sure how accurate it is though compared to the "real" CLEP itself.

Note: I also read through a Management textbook I picked up for $1 at a library sale. It was from 1992 but still somewhat useful. I would think reading through an actual management textbook may help. You could look up the syllabus for the corresponding class at your school and order an older (but not as old as 1992!) used book for a few bucks and read through it.

What specifically are you having trouble with?

[dewisant]

Have you worn out the Specific Exam Feedback thread for this exam? There must be someone who has gone before you on this test, who has tackled similar problems before and who has presented this information there. And, the big key to the IC Flash Cards is not memorizing them, but understanding the information on the Flash Cards and looking stuff up in textbooks and on Wiki if need be.

[commdiver]

I find it hard to believe that I would get a different version both times. I took a look at the specific feedback forum. Some people recommended the Cliff Notes book, which is why I used it. I amazed that they were able to score above a 60.

There is not one specific topic that I had trouble with. The was nothing like what I studied. Should I try REA or Comex next time? My only problem is that both of those books are pretty old too.

EDIT: I did not go through IC. I cannot stand going through hundreds of flash cards like that. I would rather read a book. I may try IC next time, though....

[dewisant]

On the flash cards, don't type anything. Get to a card set, start reading, keep hitting ENTER, and answer the questions by talking to the screen. It's a dialog...just keep the flow going...like reading a book. I have over 7,000 books.

[dcan]

I hear you on the flashcards, sometimes I can barely get through one set. Like dewisant said, you can just keep flipping through them like a book. In fact the study guide from the SF forum is a copy/paste of some of the IC answers.

What was the actual test like? Scenarios? I've heard rumors about that. If so, how long were they?

[commdiver]

I cannot remember much of the test. I was so frustrated that I had not seen any of this before. There was one question on SWOT, a few on some theorists that were not in the Cliff Book (Vroom was one of them), and a few other concepts that I had not seen before.

Dewisant, I might do IC and read the Barron's book (I used their business law one and passed that CLEP with a 60+). What do you think?

[dcan]

Heh, I think Vroom may have been discussed in the Iona College course I listened to through iTunesU.

[dewisant]

I'm not a big fan of the flash cards, but with so many reporting that, "the flash-cards were enough," or that they used the flash cards and a couple of other things to nail the test...you can't argue with success. Do the flash cards because you want and need every advantage. How many tests have you completed so far and what methods did you use?

[commdiver]

Thank you for the help so far. I should have said that earlier, sorry.

Here are my results so far:

Principles of Macroeconomics (70+) - I read The Complete Idiots Guide to Economics, went over the PowerPoint slides posted in the Specific Feedback forum, read the the 5 Steps to a 5 AP book, took three Peterson's tests, and the one from the official guide.

Principles of Microeconomics (60+) - ^ ^ ^ The same ^ ^ ^

Introductory Business Law (60+) - I read the Barron's book, some REA, and this guide.

Analyzing & Interpreting Literature (70+) - I took this one cold.

German Level 2 (70+) - I am fluent...