Skip to main content

National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

NOCTI and Nocti Business Solutions (NBS) | Evaluated Learning Experience

Retail Merchandising (4253)

Formerly Retail Merchandising (4153)
Course Category: 
Length: 
Varies.
Location: 
NOCTI and NBS proctored test centers throughout the United States.
Dates: 
September 2012 - Present.
Instructional delivery format: 
Proficiency exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Students will be able to: explain the concept and purpose of advertising and cooperative advertising; list forms of advertising media and the advantages and disadvantages of each; apply effective verbal and telephone communications, including proper grammar and vocabulary; prepare basic written reports and presentations; follow oral and written directions; describe nonverbal communication; plan, schedule themes, and arrange effective and attractive displays; explain the use and effect of visual merchandising; use safety precautions when setting up displays; characterize how merchandising impacts a retailer' s perceived image; explain the role of wholesalers and distributors; operate point-of-sale terminal/calculator; receive incoming stock, verify invoice accuracy, process inventory for sale; process returned/damaged inventory; explain functions of store space planning, maintenance, and cleanliness; discuss the concept of the marketing mix and segmentation and the buying process; describe benefits of technology in retailing; describe digital pricing and inventory systems; compare advantages and disadvantages of electronic payment to the retail establishment; characterize how technological changes impact a retailer' s perceived image; describe various forms of digital retail technology (e.g., Internet, cellular, rewards cards, social media); compare advantages and disadvantages of " brick and mortar" versus online businesses; display knowledge of the concept of supply and demand; distinguish between consumer wants and needs; explain the concept of opportunity cost; describe the concept of global opportunities related to goods and services; define characteristics of economies related to government involvement; explain the importance of positive customer relations; determine the customer/client needs and buying motives; discuss product knowledge; contrast sales approaches (e.g., greeting, " soft" sell, up-selling); close a sale and provide customer maintenance activities; interpret business policies to customers/clients and handle customer complaints and issues; follow OSHA and safety standards; define personality traits and skills important to retailing (e.g., positivity, enthusiasm, creativity, organizational skills); promote a positive company image; describe appropriate professional appearance; respect diversity; exhibit business ethics and maintain confidentiality; follow policies and procedures; demonstrate team and interpersonal relationships; identify leadership traits; solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentage problems pertaining to business/retailing; make change with or without change indication; calculate amount of purchase, discounts, and special charges for purchases; complete sale transactions, including  cash, check, charge, and sales tax; apply the concepts of commission sales and sales quotas; open/close out register/terminal and prepare deposit slips; calculate price changes; state the advantages and disadvantages of small business ownership; explain franchising and other types of business ownership (e.g., partnership, corporation); and explain trademarks, patents, copyrights, and brand names. Performance Component: Inventory Check-In (16%), Cash Handling (22%), Handling Customer Returns (17%), Product Knowledge and Selling (20%), and Virtual Cash Drawer Closing of a Retail Business (25%).

Instruction: 

NOCTI and NBS exams assess individuals' end-of-program knowledge and skills in an online proctored proficiency examination format. In addition, some programs administer a NOCTI/NBS performance component test to assess application of skills.

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Principles of Retailing, Promotion in the Merchandising Environment, Retail or Retail Merchandising (5/12) (5/17 revalidation) (12/21 revalidation). NOTE: An additional 1-2 credits may be awarded based on successful completion of the Performance Component when given in conjunction with the written proficiency examination.

Top