Concepts of Business Management

New and improved: This exam has recently been revised to ensure it aligns with the learning outcomes most commonly addressed in business programs, while maintaining the rigor and focus appropriate for industry-driven certification. Note: The Concepts of Entrepreneurship and Management exam was divided into two distinct tests: Concepts of Entrepreneurship and Concepts of Business Management.

Exam Overview

Each A*S*K certification exam contains 100 multiple-choice test items administered online through a secure online testing vendor. Each test item is composed of a self-contained stem and four alternatives, including three plausible, but not defensible, distractors. Examinees have a total of 100 minutes to complete the exam.

Content Focus

All specifications outlined below are estimates. Specific exam content changes frequently and without notice on the basis of continuing item analysis, content validations, and other variables. These specifications are for general information only.

Questions: 100 multiple-choice
Content specifications (projected, approximate percentages):

  • Business Law (BL): 1%
  • Customer Relations (CR): 10%
  • Economics (EC): 13%
  • Emotional Intelligence (EI): 7%
  • Financial Analysis (FI): 7%
  • Human Resources Management (HR): 2%
  • Information Management (NF): 2%
  • Knowledge Management (KM): 2%
  • Marketing (MK): 2%
  • Operations (OP): 23%
  • Professional Development (PD): 5%
  • Project Management (PF): 5%
  • Quality Management (QM): 2% 
  • Risk Management (RM): 1%
  • Strategic Management (SM): 12%

Content Breakdown

All A*S*K exams are based on industry-validated performance indicators. Performance indicators are organized into broad content areas and assigned to one of six planning levels:

Each performance indicator is assigned to one of six curriculum-planning levels that represent a continuum of instruction ranging from simple to complex. The levels can serve as building blocks for curriculum development in that students should know and be able to perform the performance indicators at one level before tackling more complex skills and knowledge at the next level. The levels can also be used as the basis for developing an unduplicated sequence of instruction for articulation between high school and postsecondary business courses.

Specific exam questions are aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy to help ensure that each exam addresses critical performance issues appropriate to industry standards.

What is a LAP? A Learning Activity Package (LAP) is a comprehensive, ready-to-use lesson plan designed to help make your preparation easy, fast, and relevant. Each lesson module addresses a single performance indicator. LAP content is based on the National Business Administration Standards and provides an excellent foundation for A*S*K exam preparation. Since LAPs are based on the same industry validation research as the A*S*K exams, they make great review and study materials to help ensure that your students are prepared to earn their certification. Keep in mind, though, that LAP modules are NOT currently available to address every performance indicator covered on each A*S*K exam.

Performance Indicators

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Badging and Certificates

A*S*K certifications are awarded on the basis of cut scores that represent a level of competence typically expected by industry. While not yet statistically validated, these cut scores are based on experience with comparable exams and with data collected during the content validation. Further, these criterion-based cut scores determine certification independent of other examinees.

Examinees who earn a passing score are recognized as Certified High Achievers, while examinees who score 90% or higher are recognized as Certified Exemplary Achievers.

A*S*K certification includes the appropriate digital badge for individuals earning the certification.

Digital Badge: Concepts of Business Management A*S*K Certification Exam
Badge holder demonstrated an understanding of in-depth skills and knowledge needed by all business management professionals. Skills and concepts assessed focus on business law, customer relations, economics, emotional intelligence, financial analysis, human resources management, information management, knowledge management, marketing, operations, professional development, project management, quality management, risk management, and strategic management.

Exam Performance Data

Statistical data for each A*S*K certification exam are reviewed annually to determine how effectively the overall exam and individual items within the exam are performing. On average, 10% – 20% of the statistically weakest items are replaced. Additional reviews by subject matter experts focus on item validity relative to the research base (standards and performance indicators).

Concepts of Business Management is a new exam, scheduled for initial use in the 2023-2024 school year. Exam performance data will be available beginning in Summer 2024.