3-D Visualization and Animation
Mimics the real world production environment where creative output must be accomplished within specific timeframes, resources and design constraints. This is a two-person team event. Contestants must produce high quality images and an animated short subject using 3D computerized images. Students are tested on their technical knowledge, production skills and creative/artistic abilities, take a preliminary written exam and do storyboarding (visual planning).
Advertising Design
Tests technical skills and creative aptitude just as though contestants worked for an ad agency. In addition to a written test, competitors will re-create a given advertisement on the computer. Competitors are judged on their accuracy, proficiency with industry standard software and ability to meet the given deadline. Contestants also compete in a creative portion of the competition. The creative portion involves the application of creative thinking and development of a design problem. Layout, drawing and illustration skills are used, as well as their ability to create vibrant, effective designs using the computer.
American Spirit
A notebook contest documenting SkillsUSA chapters' community service and citizenship projects that demonstrate a belief in the American way of life and the purposes of SkillsUSA.
Architectural Drafting
Contestants will use their drafting skills to solve an Architectural problem. The problem includes a written test, a hand sketch, a computer-generated problem and a problem that may be solved using EITHER board drafting or CAD.
The contest tests the contestants' problem solving abilities, not simply their CAD skills.
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 plus the written test.
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 and hip and jack rafters, install drywall and baseboard moldings and window trim. Contestants will be judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship and the proper use of tools and equipment.
Chapter Business Procedure
Student teams of up six members will demonstrate the knowledge of parliamentary procedure in both a written exam and a team demonstration. The written exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions related to materials found in Robert's Rules of Order - Newly Revised. Order a copy here. Scores are averaged and included as part of the team's overall score. During the presentation, the team will demonstrate the running of a typical business meeting using a standard order of business. During the presentation, the team must properly insert into the order of business the secretary's minutes, treasurer's report and business items identified by the technical committee. In addition to the debate and transaction of the business items, teams will also properly demonstrate at least 6 different parliamentary procedure motions, including at least one of each of the following: main, privileged, subsidiary, incidental and motions that bring back issues to the floor. Minutes of the demonstration will be read by the secretary upon completion of the demonstration.
Chapter Display
Selects the outstanding promotional exhibit designed and constructed by SkillsUSA student members. The display is built around and articulates a common theme established annually by SkillsUSA.
Collision Repair Technology
The competition requires contestants to repair a metal fender using metal finishing techniques and plastic body filler, refinishing a panel including blending using new paint systems, structural damage analysis including vehicle body alignment, plastic identification and repair, GMA welding to the standards of the I-CAR Welding Qualification Test, estimation of a collision damaged vehicle, and an ASE written exam and interview. Contestants will be judged on the overall appearance of the finished product, speed and proper safety practices.
Commercial Baking
Challenges contestants to meet production and quality standards expected by industry. Students must scale, mix, prepare and bake six products (including breads, rolls, Danish, cookies and pies) and demonstrate cake-decorating skills. They must deliver a quality, salable product while working efficiently and under job-like conditions.
Community Service
Evaluates local chapter activities that benefit the community. SkillsUSA chapters present their best community service project for the year to a panel of judges. Contestants are evaluated on: (1) a notebook reporting the chapter's community service project and, (2) A live presentation by a chapter team of two to three members. The team may be a mix of high school and college/postsecondary students.
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.
Cosmetology
Students will demonstrate their skills in haircutting, hair styling and long-hair design in four separate tests. All work is performed on mannequins so everyone begins with the same model and the same type of hair. Contestants will recreate 2 women's' and 1 men's' haircut from a finished photo. A display of creativity is seen in the long-hair segment of the competition where these future salon professionals demonstrate their own design skills. A parade finale closes the contest with each contestant walking down the stage with their completed mannequins to present to the audience.
Culinary Arts
A six-hour competition, encompassing both hot and cold food preparation and presentation. Contestants are rated on their technical culinary skills, sanitation and food safety techniques, and above all, the quality of their prepared items, particularly their creative presentation.
Customer Service
Evaluates students' proficiency in providing customer service. The contest involves live, role-playing situations. Contestants demonstrate their ability to perform customer service in both written and oral forms including telephone and computer skills, communications, problem solving, conflict resolution and business etiquette.
Diesel Equipment Technology
Contestants cycle through fourteen stations testing basic engines; troubleshooting engines; electrical-electronics; chassis; transmissions; carriers; hydraulic systems; vehicle inspection; fundamental failure analysis; brake systems; air-conditioning; general shop skills; job interview skills; and a written test.
Engineering Technology
A team of three students demonstrates their ability to design an innovative engineering project and present those ideas along with a display and live model. During the presentation, students are judged on their performance as a professional team, presentation of their project to a panel of judges from the engineering field, their storyboard presentation model, and the overall effect of the presentation.
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.
Firefighting
The Firefighting contest evaluates the contestant's preparation for firefighting careers through hands-on skill demonstrations and both written and oral presentations. Areas tested include: safety; breathing apparatus; fire streams; ladders, ropes, knots and hoses; fire control; ventilation; emergency medical care and rescue; and protecting fire cause evidence. Contestants are evaluated using standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
First Aid/CPR
Evaluates contestant's ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR and first aid. There is also a written exam. All skills are judged on nationally accepted standards identified by the American Red Cross for first aid emergencies and the American Heart Association for CPR. AED scenario for college/postsecondary contestants will be added.
Health Knowledge Bowl
Tests teams of four students on their collective knowledge of health occupations. Teams are judged on speed and accuracy answering questions in nine categories from the National Health Care Core Skill Standards: (1) Academic Foundations; (2) Communication; (3) Systems; (4) Employability Skills; (5) Legal Responsibility; (6) Ethics; (7) Safety Practices; (8) Teamwork; and, (9) Health Maintenance.
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 O
Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. Competitors in Job Skill B must demonstrate a career objective in an occupational area that is not included in one of the contest areas of the SkillsUSA Championships.
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.
Nurse Assisting
Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in performing patient care, personal care and standard infection control procedures in basic nurse assisting, including CPR. These include the ability to use and identify equipment; manipulation of medical materials in taking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, and weight; testing urine for sugar and acetone; and applying acuwrap to an ankle. Contestants should be familiar with basic anatomy, communication skills, legal/ethical issues and employment skills.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
A teamwork and oral presentation contest that evaluates teams' understanding of the symbolic representation of the colors and assembled parts of the SkillsUSA emblem. Each team includes seven registered members in the roles of president, vice president, parliamentarian, reporter, treasurer, secretary and optional officer. The contest is a demonstration of the SkillsUSA Opening and Closing Ceremonies conducted according to the script and description as printed in the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards 2005-2007.
Outstanding Chapter
The Outstanding Chapter consists of activities students have been involved with during the school year. Activities consist of chapter meetings, leadership training, publicity, community projects, professional development, program of work, awards, local and state competition, and other chapter selected activities. Each activity is documented according to guidelines and submitted in a scrapbook for judging. A student representative is interviewed at the SkillsUSA Championship events.
Photography
Contestants demonstrate their ability to use digital SLR's, image editing software (Adobe Photoshop) and professional studio lighting. Students perform on-site photography, portrait studio lighting & posing, process and print digital photos and submit two 11x14 or 16x20 mounted & matted photographs in advance of the contest to be judged and displayed at the competition. Contestants are evaluated on their mastery of entry-level job skills.
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.
Plumbing
Contestants "rough-in" hot and cold water lines with copper to a water heater and the sanitary drainage waste and vent lines with cast iron and PVC plastic for a water closet, a lavatory, a washer box and a floor drain. Water pipes are pressure tested on completed projects. Professional plumbers and pipe fitters judge the contestants on the basis of accuracy, workmanship, proper selection and use of tools and supplies, and proper safety practices.
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.
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.
Preschool Teaching Assistant
Contestants will demonstrate their ability to prepare and implement learning activities for children 3 to 5 years old. Contestants are required to write a lesson plan. They will demonstrate their understanding of the unique age-related learning characteristics of young children and the relevant social interactions as they implement the lesson. Contestants will read a preschool book. They will take a written test of their knowledge of child development and effective teaching strategies.
Promotional Bulletin Board
Judges bulletin board displays created by SkillsUSA chapters. The bulletin boards promote SkillsUSA, career and technical education in general, and related occupational information. An oral presentation is also included.
Quiz Bowl
The Quiz Bowl tests a team of 5 competitors' ability to quickly respond to questions covering the areas of academic knowledge, professional development and current events. The participants respond to a question by activating a buzzer system. The teams receive one point for a correct answer and lose a point for each incorrect answer. The active rounds (preliminary and finals) are 100 questions each.
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.
Technical Computer Applications
Contestants will be expected to demonstrate installation, configuration and use of DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/XP/2000 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. Microsoft Office and other integrated office suites could be used. The contest will include an oral presentation demonstrating the students' ability to communicate with others, the hands-on skills demonstration, and up to one hour will be allowed for a 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).
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; 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.