CBE Credential Overview 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization administers the Certified Business Economist (CBE) credential in the United States?
- National Association for Business Economics (NABE) (Correct answer)
- American Economic Association (AEA)
- Society of Actuaries (SOA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA Institute)
Correct answer: National Association for Business Economics (NABE)
NABE (National Association for Business Economics) is the professional organization that administers and awards the CBE credential.
Question 2: Approximately how many hours of study are typically recommended to prepare for the CBE examination?
- 50–75 hours
- 100–150 hours (Correct answer)
- 200–300 hours
- 400–500 hours
Correct answer: 100–150 hours
Most CBE candidates report studying approximately 100–150 hours across all exam domains to be adequately prepared.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a key professional benefit of earning the CBE credential?
- It grants a license to practice law in financial disputes
- It demonstrates applied economics competency to employers and clients (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for a graduate degree in economics
- It qualifies holders to sit for the CFA Level I exam automatically
Correct answer: It demonstrates applied economics competency to employers and clients
The CBE signals to employers and clients that the holder has verified, applied economics knowledge relevant to business decision-making.
Question 4: The CBE exam is primarily structured to test knowledge in how many broad content areas?
- 2
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 6
- 10
Correct answer: 4
The CBE covers four broad content domains: microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and business conditions analysis.
Question 5: Which statement about CBE recertification is accurate?
- The CBE is a lifetime credential with no renewal requirement
- CBE holders must recertify every three years through continuing education (Correct answer)
- Recertification requires retaking the full exam every five years
- CBE holders need only pay an annual fee with no education requirement
Correct answer: CBE holders must recertify every three years through continuing education
CBE credential holders must maintain their designation through periodic recertification that includes continuing professional education requirements.
Question 6: Who is the ideal candidate for the CBE credential according to NABE?
- Academic economists publishing peer-reviewed research
- Professionals applying economic analysis in business or policy settings (Correct answer)
- Financial advisors focused solely on equity portfolio management
- Accountants pursuing CPA licensure
Correct answer: Professionals applying economic analysis in business or policy settings
NABE designed the CBE for practitioners who use economic analysis in business forecasting, strategy, policy, and related applied settings.
Question 7: What type of exam format does the CBE use?
- Oral examination before a panel of economists
- Open-book take-home case study
- Multiple-choice computer-based examination (Correct answer)
- Written essay and quantitative problem sets
Correct answer: Multiple-choice computer-based examination
The CBE is delivered as a multiple-choice, computer-based exam administered at approved testing centers.
CBE Credential Overview 2
Which organization administers the Certified Business Economist (CBE) credential in the United States?