Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

Business of Retail Certified Specialist

Credential Name	Business of Retail Certified Specialist
Credential Vendor Info	NRF Foundation Kate Fessler Sr. Director - RISE Up Credential Program 1101 New York Ave., NW., Suite 1200 \| Washington, DC 20005 fesslerk@nrf.com 202-626-8130 https://nrffoundation.org/riseup/credentials/business-of-retail
Implementation Year	2024-2025
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	MM52 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate or badge
Credential Lead Consultant	Felisha Davis felisha.davis@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	MM52 Marketing II
Credential as POL	MM52 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Marketing Management (MMGT)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00 NRF Foundation conducts webinars and has tutorial videos on their websites. They allow any instructor or administrator to take the course and exam, free of charge, whether or not they decide to purchase.
Instructor Training Requirements	None
Exam Voucher Expiration	One year after purchase
Credential Lifespan	3 years
Renewal Options	Yes After three years, the student may submit renewal application plus payment of $25 to extend for three additional years.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers (41-1012) Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes It is the most advanced credential of three: Retail Industry Fundamentals; Customer Service and Sales; and Business of Retail: Operations and Profit.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line
Proctored Environment Required	Yes Anyone who signs the attestation that they will comply with the requirements can proctor an exam (a teacher or administrator at the school). The requirements are as follows: 1. Verify the test taker's name and identification (preferably with a government issued photo ID), ensuring that it matches the learner account for the exam. 2. Supervise students during the entire closed-book exam session: a. Students cannot use any notes, books, or other materials throughout the exam. b. Students only have the exam open on their computers. Web searches are prohibited during the exam session. c. Mobile phones or any other electronic devices are not used. 3. Communicate that students cannot leave the room for any reason during the exam. If they do, they will forfeit their exams and it will be submitted, as-is. 4. Report any exam violations to Kaleidoscope immediately after the exam session. 5. Do not provide guidance, other than technical assistance, during the exam. 6. Get Today's Code, and provide this code to students to activate the exam (exam code changes daily and is available in the instructor/proctor platform).
Test Site Options and Requirements	Any place that the students can be proctored - usually the school
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Purchase a retake for $25 and pass with 70% or higher (same requirement as the initial exam)
Student Accommodations	Yes Recommend giving the process five business days. To request accommodations for a student, use the accommodations request form. After submitting the request, a team reviews it and will typically respond within one business day. The form is also available from RISE Up platform via the "hamburger" menu in the upper left corner under "Request Accommodations for Student". Available accommodations include double time, separate room, logistical provisions (low lighting, white noise), preferential seating, other.
Multilingual Resources*	Yes The exam includes a toggle that can turn on a Spanish-helping translation. The coursework is only in English.
Directory Notes	None

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.