Leadership Development Contests
Action Skills A five- to seven-minute demonstration of an occupational skill in an area in which a student is training. Contestants use examples, experiments, displays or practical operations to clearly explain their skills using contestant-prepared visual aids.

Community Service The community service competition evaluates local chapter activities that benefit the community. SkillsUSA chapters present their best community service project for the year. Contestants are evaluated on a notebook which reports their chapter's community service project and on a live presentation, which is given to a panel of three judges.

 Employment Application Process
Tests the contestant's readiness in applying for employment and their understanding of the process. The contest is available to students who are classified under the provisions of Public Law 105-17, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1997. The competition includes completing an application and interviewing with the judges. Their resume and portfolio are used during their interviews.

Extemporaneous Speaking
Requires contestants to give a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic with five minutes of advance preparation. Contestants enter the preparation area one at a time where they are given a speech topic. They are judged on voice, mechanics, platform deportment, organization and effectiveness.

 

Job Interview
Divided into three phases: completion of employment applications; preliminary interviews with receptionist; and, in-depth interviews. Contestants are evaluated on their understanding of employment procedures faced in applying for positions in the occupational areas for which they are training.

Job Skill Demonstration A
Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. Competitors in Job Skill A must demonstrate a career objective in an occupational area that is included in one of the contest areas of the SkillsUSA Championships.

Job Skill Demonstration Open
Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training or outside of their training program.  Any technical skill may be demonstrated.

Occupational Health and Safety
Students demonstrate the safety and health endeavors of their respective technical programs by putting together a scrapbook that highlights important programs, activities and events related to their school's health and safety program. The competition encourages chapters to be active in all phases of SkillsUSA. The health and safety activities of the chapters are evaluated on the planning and organization of four projects and the final outcome of those projects. Students are interviewed and scrapbooks are scored by a panel of judges based on the quality and content of the scrapbooks and on the candidates' presentation during the interview process.

Pin Design
Students present their state-winning pin along with their artwork and participate in an oral presentation regarding all aspects of their creation of the design. He/she will explain how the pin represents the state, its unique qualities and why another SkillsUSA student or adult member would want to wear it.

Prepared Speech
Requires students to deliver a speech five to seven minutes in length on a common theme established by National SkillsUSA early in the school year. Contestants are evaluated on their ability to present thoughts relating to a central theme clearly and effectively, and on voice, mechanics, and platform deportment.

Promotional Bulletin Board
Judges bulletin board displays created by SkillsUSA chapters based on the annual SkillsUSA theme. The bulletin boards promote SkillsUSA, career and technical education in general, and related occupational information. An accompanying notebook documents the development and construction of the bulletin board. An oral presentation explains the process, purpose and educational value.

Occupationally Related Contests

First Aid/CPR
Evaluates contestant's ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR (Adult/AED, Child and Infant CPR) first aid Medical emergencies. There is also a written exam. All skills are judged on nationally accepted standards identified from any of the following organizations: The American Red Cross, The American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute and The National Safety Council.

Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
The Health Occupations Professional Portfolio contest recognizes students for their successful development of a professional portfolio. The competition evaluates the ability of the students to present themselves to a prospective employer. The contestants will show the use of the portfolio use effective communication skills in presenting. The contest consists of two parts: a portfolio notebook and a live presentation by the contestant.

Medical Math
Contestants demonstrate their knowledge of general math concepts used in the healthcare fields. They complete a written test that may include the use of ratio/proportion, dosage calculation, metric and household equivalents, Roman numerals, abbreviations, and general math including percentages, among other medical math-related problems.

Medical Terminology
To evaluate the knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations of an individual preparing for employment in the health occupations fields.

Principles of Technology
Evaluates contestants' understanding of basic technical concepts/principles of the applied sciences and ability to demonstrate and explain the concept/principle in action and application. Any technical concept may be demonstrated, provided it is related to the principles of technology curriculum and incorporates basic principles of the applied sciences.

Related Technical Math
On a written test, contestants demonstrate skills required to solve mathematical problems commonly found in the skilled trades and professional and technical occupations. Skills demonstrated include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals; applied word problems; percentages; ratio proportions; averages; area; volume; metric measures and traditional (Imperial) measures and trigonometry.

Tech Prep Showcase
Recognizes outstanding Tech Prep students for their ability to present, through the design and construction of a display, the application of skills and education brought about through Tech Prep career training. Students perform a professional team presentation applying the appropriate technology associated with the Tech Prep program. A team consisting of three students enrolled in the same recognized Tech Prep program must present the project.

Skilled and Technical Sciences Contests

Audio/Radio Production
The Audio/Radio Production contest is designed to challenge contestants in two-person teams to produce a 60 second audio production/radio commercial. The team has a limited/specific amount of time over a two-day period to write their script, gather natural sound, record voiceovers and edit their spot. They then burn their production to an audio CD. The contestants are judged on the professionalism of their production, the quality of the audio and the conveyance of the information to the listener.

Automated Manufacturing Technology
The contest evaluates teams for employment in integrated manufacturing technology fields of computer aided drafting/design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical controlled machining (CNC). CAD operators construct the part geometry; the CAM operator generates the tool paths; and the CNC operator sets up and machines the part. Plotting is not a scored event; however the contestants must be able to generate a plot file that will be used to send their data to the plotter.

Automotive Refinishing Technology
The competition includes a series of workstations designed to assess skills in surface preparation; spray gun operation; paint mixing, matching and applying; solving paint application problems; determining finish defects, causes and cures; and utilizing safety precautions. The competitor will also complete an interview, a written estimate, and an ASE written exam.

Automotive Service Technology
Contestants will demonstrate their ability to perform jobs and skills based on the task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Workstations consist of on-vehicle, simulations, bench and component testing and a written test. Contestants will be judged on technical competency, accuracy, quality, safety and ability to follow directions. There are thirteen skill stations including the written test.

Basic Health Care Skills
Contestants will demonstrate their knowledge and ability to perform entry-level procedures or skills based on the following list of core standards: Academic Foundations, Communication Skills, Career Opportunity Concepts and Systems, Employability and Teamwork, Ethical and Legal Issues, Safety Practices. Performance will be evaluated through various stations involving written, verbal and skills testin. eferences: Diversified Health Occupations, Seventh Edition by Louis Simmers, Thomson-Delmar Learning and National Health Care Foundation Standards.

Broadcast News Production
The contest is comprised of four student members. Two students serve as the news anchor team, one student will serve as the team’s director/technical director, and one student will serve as the floor director.  Each team will have two hours to write and produce their rundown before assigned contest time. Teams will produce and complete a three-minute newscast as if it were live. Teams are evaluated on their broadcast writing ability, voice quality, diction, timing and pacing and performance techniques.

Cabinetmaking
Requires the building of a small cabinet from materials and drawings supplied. Contestants are expected to read the drawings, lay out and cut the parts using a table saw, laminate trimmer, hand drill, hinge boring machine and various hand tools. The parts must be accurately assembled, sanded and adjusted to tolerances specified by the judges.

Carpentry
Contestants will frame walls using wood and steel studs, cut and install common rafters, gable end overhang, boxed rake, install sheathing, siding, exterior trim and window trim. Contestants will be judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship and the proper use of tools and equipment.

CNC Milling
The contest will assess the ability to write the CNC program for a part
drawing and materials, determine tool offsets, setting up the machine and producing a part on a milling machine. The contest will include a written test evaluating a contestant's knowledge of Computer Numeric Control machining in such areas as: basic machining skills, CNC programming, setting up a CNC machine, performing mathematical calculations related to CNC, communication and inspection.

CNC Turning
The contest will assess the ability to write the CNC program for a part
drawing and materials, determine tool offsets, setting up the machine and producing a part on a lathe. The contest will include a written test
evaluating a contestant's knowledge of Computer Numeric Control machining in such areas as: basic machining skills, knowledge of CNC programming, setting up a CNC machine, performing mathematical calculations related to CNC, communication and inspection.

Collision Repair Technology
Contestants will demonstrate their ability to perform jobs and skills based on the task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). The competition includes a series of workstations to assess skills in the following areas: metal straightening, welding, plastic repair, and structural analysis. There will be a written test on estimating, structural analysis, and an ASE exam.  The competitors will also participate in an interview. The overall appearance of the finished product, speed and proper safety practices will be judged.

Computer Maintenance Technology
The CMT contest requires contestants to identify and repair computer hardware malfunctions, solve configuration problems, and install common components. In addition, the contestants take the A+ Certification exam. Their score on this exam is used as the basis for the written portion of the contest, and contestants who pass the exam receive their A+ Certification.

Computer Programming
Competition consists of project coding and output, a skill-related written test and an interview. The contestants will receive a packet that includes instructions to the written test and each of the two projects. Each project's specifications are written for Visual Basic, Java, C#, C++ and RPG. The projects will be saved on the Desktop in a folder called "SkillsUSA Contestant#_." All projects will be downloaded to a jump drive or diskette (whichever the student prefers) and transferred to a main station to be printed, both code and screen.

Culinary Arts
The competition will encompass both hot and cold food preparation and presentation. Contestants will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through the production of a four-course menu in a full day competition. The contestants will be rated on their organization, knife skills, cooking techniques, creative presentation, sanitation food safety techniques, and above all, the quality and flavor of their prepared items. The high school competitors will work from one menu with standardized recipes. The college/postsecondary students will work from a market basket format and write their own menu and recipes the night before the competition.

Diesel Equipment Technology
Contestants cycle through fourteen stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, power train systems including chassis, transmissions and carriers. Contestants also demonstrate skills in hydraulic systems, vehicle inspections, fundamental failure analysis, brake systems, air-conditioning systems and general shop skills. Contestants also perform a job interview skills and complete a written test.

Electronics Technology
The contest is divided into five sections: customer service exam, written exam, soldering, breadboarding and troubleshooting. Contestants' will demonstrate their knowledge of analog and digital circuitry; ability to troubleshoot electronic circuits; ability to construct and test experimental circuits; and, ability to design and select circuit components. All aspects of the competition test contestants' abilities to use and calibrate electronic equipment, record and organize data, and demonstrate proper safety practices.

HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)
The contestants will be tested in the following areas: written exam, brazing skills, refrigerant component service, air measurement and troubleshooting, refrigerant recovery and electrical troubleshooting. Various industry equipment may include ice machines, refrigerated display cases, small package HVAC units, furnaces, and split system air conditioning units.

Industrial Motor Control
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of electrical principles, equipment and industry standards as it relates to the design and installation of motor control circuits. Students will demonstrate their skills and abilities in applying that knowledge by properly installing motor control equipment and associated enclosures, raceways, pilot devices and circuitry.

Internetworking
The contest consists of three main parts--networking design, general networking knowledge and hands-on evaluations. The networking design problem tests a contestant's ability to design functionality, scalability, adaptability and manageability of an internetworking system. The online written portion tests the student's complete knowledge of internetworking concepts. The hands-on component demonstrates the abilities of the contestant to make cables, trouble shoot network systems, configure routers, switches and servers, to deliver customer service in a technical assistant center environment. The contestants will find errors in WAN and LAN networks; do an ISP configuration using routers and switches; talk a technician through an error they are having on their network; and, take an online, certification type test. The national contest is based on the most current CCNA certification. As a precursor to WorldSkills event in London 2011 the following will be introduced in Kansas City summer of 2010. Install DNS, create a record, and install active directory services and DHCP, should have knowledge of creating user and group accounts on server 2008. Use this link to receive a 180 day trial version of server 2008: www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/try-it.aspx

Marine Service Technology
The Marine Service Technology contest includes individual skill stations and a written or online test. The hands on test stations include many aspects of 2-stroke and 4-stoke outboard, stern drive and inboard troubleshooting and repair. Students should be proficient in marine application electrical/ignition systems, fuel systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, drive/transmission systems and boat and trailer rigging and repair. The written or online test includes the above listed topics including diagnostics, service and repair of marine accessory items. Contestants will be judged on safe work practices, cleanliness, organizational skills, accuracy, speed and completion of assigned tasks, worksheets and paperwork.

Medical Assisting
Contestants are tested on their skills in the clinical and administrative setting.  They are judged on speed, the use of correct safety measures and their ability to interact personally with a patient.  Skills are inclusive of general office skills, communication skills, patient education, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, terminology, instrument identification, and equipment, as well as on a variety of clinical procedures and techniques. Contestants need to be able to assess a situation in a short period of time and perform a skill required for that situation within the given time limit.

Motorcycle Service Technology
Contestants perform tasks representative of those encountered in a dealership's service department. Technical skills include performing scheduled maintenance tasks; use of service, electrical diagnostic and parts manuals; electrical diagnostics; precision measurement; brake service; chassis/suspension service; fuel delivery system inspection and repair; transmission and drive systems; power train systems; on Buell, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha motorcycles. Judges will look for clean and organized work habits; correct use of reference materials; the ability to follow directions; and good technical skills.

Nurse Assisting
Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in performing personal care, encouraging patient independence, assisting with ambulation, and performing other routine tasks, including standard infection control procedures used in basic nurse assisting. Students will demonstrate knowledge and abilities in CPR, and the measurement of vital signs. Contestants will be familiar with basic anatomy, communications skills, legal/ethical issues and employment skills

Power Equipment Technology
Tests the student's skills in all areas of this technology. They must know and understand both 2 & 4 cycle engines. They should know and understand the related theories that go along with the types of engines that they will come across in the industry. They should also understand drive trains, hydraulic, as well as wiring schematics. Contestants will need to be versed in customer service. As they rotate through the various stations they are judged and scored on both physical and oral skills. They are further tested with their ability to read and follow the job tasks that are given.

Precision Machining Technology
Contestants will compete in NIMS Level I & II manual machining skills and knowledge areas including operation of manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and surface grinders.  Contestant knowledge of CNC programming skills using a PC will be evaluated.  Related knowledge and skill in the areas of engineering drawing interpretation, GD&T, technical math, machining practices, use of precision measuring/hand tools and ability to communicate verbally using proper industry terminology are also part of this competition. 

Residential Wiring
Contestants are required to complete a written test of questions formulated from the latest edition of the NEC, a practical conduit bending exercise and a hands-on installation of a conduit system, cabling system and wiring devices. Working from drawings and specification sheets, contestants are required to install an electrical system common with most residential projects. Judging is based on general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, and adherence to the current national Electrical Code and standard industry safe practices. Contestants knowledge of the materials used in the electrical industry will be tested when they are required to fill an order from a bill of material that will be used to complete the hands-on portion of this contest.

Robotics and Automation Technology
Challenges two-person teams to demonstrate operation of a five-axis servo-robot along with a set of sensors and motorized devices to resolve a simulated production process problem. Teams set up and demonstrate operation of a robotic workcell from a word problem. Contestants are required to create a flow chart and sequence of operation. Teams are also judged on efficiency, speed and teamwork.

Sheet Metal
Contestants are tested on their ability to perform such jobs as connecting sheet metal pieces with drive cleats, spot welding and riveting. Skills tested may include, but are not limited to, straight duct, transition fitting and 45-degree entry tap fitting. Professional sheet metal workers judge contestants on the use of hand tools, correctness of layout and shop safety procedures. Contestants will be judged on accuracy, completeness, and craftsmanship.

TeamWorks
Requires teams of four to build a joint project in three days, demonstrating their preparation for employment in residential construction. Team members must: analyze a project drawing; write an action plan and give a presentation (in which each team member is required to have an active part); and demonstrate their ability to work as a team performing skills in residential carpentry, plumbing, electricity and masonry. They are also judged on cleanliness of jobsite, timeliness of completing the project, and proper ordering and inventorying of tools and equipment.

Technical Computer Applications
Contestants will be expected to demonstrate installation, configuration and use of Windows, Mac OSX and Linux Professional Operating Systems and one or more integrated office suite packages including e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet applications, database applications, web page development, money management applications, presentations applications, internet browser applications, etc. The use of Open source software such as OpenOffice will be preferable. Microsoft Office and other integrated office suites could be used. The utilization of instant messaging, collaboration and social networking software will be required during the contest. Contestants will be expected to perform in teams while demonstrating individual technical skills. The contest will include an oral presentation demonstrating the student's ability to communicate with others, a hands-on skills demonstration, and a one hour time allotted written examination.

Technical Drafting
This contest evaluates contestant's preparation for employment and recognizes outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of technical drafting. The contest will focus on the solution of industry-developed problems by applying appropriate technical drafting skills and tools including computer-aided drafting (CAD).

Telecommunications Cabling
For students interested in voice and data network cabling and installation. This competition tests to worldwide industry standards for data and voice connections, physical and logical networks and signal transmission. Contestants demonstrate skills in reading network design documentation, parts list set- up and purchase, pulling and mounting cable, choosing wiring closets, patch panel installation and termination, installing jacks and cable testing. Both CAT 5/6e and fiber optics cable are presented. The contest stresses safety and working effectively in group environments as well as customer service skills.

Television (Video) Production
Teams of two contestants are required to plan and shoot a one-minute VHS video on location to convey the "theme" of the event. Editing is done in the contest area with special emphasis on professional production of the video by industry standards, quality of audio and video, and adequate conveyance of the "theme" to the viewer.

Web Design
The project will be for each team’s to complete a series of challenges, with a focus on web site usability and accessibility with at least one challenge related to scripting. Each challenge must be documented, clearly demonstrating the skills as outlined in the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards 2010.

Welding
Competitors receive contest drawings and a set of welding procedure specifications. All drawings, welding symbols, and welding terms conform to the latest edition of the American Welding Society standards. Through a series of stations, contestants are tested on various aspects of welding: measuring weld replicas, using weld measuring gauges; laying out a plate and using oxy-acetylene equipment to cut several holes that are checked for accuracy and quality; Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) on steel making welds in various positions using short circuiting transfers; Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) using a shielding gas, making welds in various positions and, using a combination machine capable of providing the correct welding current for shielded metal arc (SMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Competitors complete the steel project and weld an aluminum project in various positions using a variety of filler metals.

Welding Fabrication
A team competition that requires three students from each school to use their welding and fabrication skills to build a designed project from the given material. Each team is required to be skilled in the following welding and cutting processes: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW and OFC. The students are also required to be proficient in using the common tools of a workshop. A theme-based project will be constructed by the students based on the prints drawn by each team.