Each listing includes whether the contest is individual or team-based, along with the maximum number of entries allowed per college. Availability may vary based on participation.
Descriptions below are general summaries intended to help students, advisors, and institutions understand each competition. For official rules and requirements, refer to the SkillsUSA Technical Standards.
Browse Competitions
Test-Only Events
These events are written knowledge assessments that evaluate technical understanding without a hands-on performance component. Competitors complete an industry-based examination designed to measure knowledge, critical thinking, and career readiness. They are included under their categories below.
Medical Math
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: Test Only
Description: Competitors demonstrate mathematical skills commonly used in healthcare professions, including dosage calculations, measurements, conversions, and problem-solving.
Medical Terminology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: Test Only
Description: Competitors demonstrate knowledge of medical vocabulary, anatomy, physiology, abbreviations, diagnostic terminology, and healthcare language used by medical professionals.
Leadership Competitions
Action Skills
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Demonstrates personal, workplace, and independent living skills.
American Spirit
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Recognizes patriotism and citizenship.
Career and Technical Educator
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate instructional excellence through a lesson presentation, professional interview, and supporting documentation that showcase effective teaching practices, student engagement, and career and technical education leadership.
Chapter Business Procedure
Format: Team of 6
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Tests parliamentary procedure.
Chapter Display
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 1 team per college
Description: Showcases chapter activities.
Community Action Project
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Focuses on community impact projects. Requires a letter from an appropriate school official on school letterhead stating that the competitor is classified under the provisions of Public Law 105-17, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1997, for participation.
Community Service
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Highlights service initiatives.
Employment Application Process
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Evaluates job readiness skills. Requires a letter from an appropriate school official on school letterhead stating that the competitor is classified under the provisions of Public Law 105-17, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1997, for participation.
Extemporaneous Speaking
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 2 individuals per college
Description: Tests impromptu speaking.
Job Interview
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Demonstrates interview skills.
Job Skill Demonstration A
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Demonstrates a technical skill.
Job Skill Demonstration Open
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Open skill demonstration.
Occupational Health and Safety (Multiple)
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Focuses on workplace safety.
Occupational Health and Safety (Single)
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Individual safety knowledge.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Format: Team of 7
Maximum Entries: 1 team per college
Description: Demonstrates official ceremonies.
Outstanding Chapter
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Recognizes chapter excellence.
Pin Design
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: Open entry
Description: Designs official conference pin.
Prepared Speech
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 2 individuals per college
Description: Delivers a prepared speech.
Promotional Bulletin Board
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Creates promotional display.
Quiz Bowl
Format: Team of 5-7
Maximum Entries: 1 team per college
Description: Academic team competition.
T-Shirt Design
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: Open entry
Description: Designs a themed t-shirt.
Occupationally Related Competitions
Career Pathways Showcase: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams develop and present a project that highlights innovation, technical knowledge, and career opportunities within the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career pathway.
Career Pathways Showcase: Arts and Communication
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams showcase projects emphasizing communication, media, design, and creative career pathways.
Career Pathways Showcase: Business Management and Technology
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams present innovative projects demonstrating business, management, entrepreneurship, and technology skills.
Career Pathways Showcase: Health Services
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams present projects focused on healthcare careers, patient care, wellness, and health science innovation.
Career Pathways Showcase: Human Services
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams develop and present projects highlighting careers dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities.
Career Pathways Showcase: Industrial Engineering Technology
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate engineering, manufacturing, automation, and industrial technology concepts through a project presentation.
Customer Service
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate professionalism, communication, customer interaction, and problem-solving skills through workplace scenarios.
Engineering Technology – Design
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams solve engineering design challenges while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and technical problem-solving skills.
Entrepreneurship
Format: Team of 4
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams develop and present an innovative business concept while demonstrating entrepreneurship, planning, marketing, and financial decision-making.
Facilithon – Leadership in Facility Management
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate knowledge of facility operations, maintenance management, sustainability, and leadership in facility management.
First Aid/CPR
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate emergency response, CPR, first aid, and patient assessment skills using current industry standards.
Health Knowledge Bowl
Format: Team of 4
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams compete in a fast-paced quiz competition covering healthcare knowledge, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care concepts.
Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors present a professional portfolio demonstrating leadership, career preparation, technical skills, and professional growth in healthcare.
Medical Math
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: Test Only
Description: Demonstrates mathematical skills commonly used in healthcare professions, including dosage calculations, conversions, and problem solving.
Medical Terminology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: Test Only
Description: Assesses knowledge and application of medical vocabulary, abbreviations, anatomy, physiology, and healthcare language.
Principles of Engineering/Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Evaluates understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, technology systems, and technical problem-solving.
Skilled & Technical Competitions
3D Visualization and Animation
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Competitors create three-dimensional digital models and animations that communicate ideas through visualization, rendering, motion, and storytelling.
Additive Manufacturing
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate engineering design, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, production planning, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Advertising Design
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors develop professional advertising materials that demonstrate creativity, branding, typography, layout, and visual communication skills.
Architectural Drafting
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors prepare architectural drawings using industry drafting standards, design principles, CAD software, and construction documentation.
Audio Production
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate professional audio recording, editing, mixing, and production techniques to create high-quality sound projects.
Automated Manufacturing Technology
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate advanced manufacturing skills by integrating automation, robotics, programmable controls, and manufacturing processes to solve real-world production challenges.
Automotive Refinishing Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate vehicle surface preparation, color matching, paint application, refinishing techniques, and safe workplace practices.
Automotive Service Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors diagnose, service, repair, and maintain modern automotive systems using industry-standard tools, equipment, and procedures.
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate aircraft inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair procedures, and aviation safety knowledge.
Baking and Pastry Arts
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors prepare a variety of baked goods and pastries while demonstrating professional baking techniques, sanitation, product presentation, and time management.
Barbering
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 2 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate professional barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, beard design, styling, sanitation, and client consultation.
Building Maintenance
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate skills in general building repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and workplace safety across multiple trades.
Eligibility Note: Requires a letter from an appropriate school official on school letterhead stating that the competitor is classified under the provisions of Public Law 105-17, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), for participation.
Cabinetmaking
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors construct and finish cabinetry and wood products while demonstrating precision measuring, machining, assembly, and finishing techniques.
Carpentry
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate residential and commercial carpentry skills including layout, framing, construction, finishing, and safe tool operation.
CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors create CNC turning programs using precision measurements, tooling selection, machining strategies, and industry programming standards.
CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors develop CNC milling programs using industry-standard programming practices, tooling selection, machining strategies, and precision manufacturing techniques.
CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate advanced CNC programming skills for complex five-axis machining applications requiring precision, efficiency, and technical expertise.
CNC Programmer
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: This competition evaluates each competitor’s ability to plan independently and program jobs for 2-Axis CNC (Computer Numerical Control) turning centers and 3-Axis CNC milling machines, and provide instructions for operators to execute. Competitors program part features and generate NC code using CAM software, troubleshoot G-code programming errors, interpret prints (including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing or GD&T), measure/gauge parts, and demonstrate their theoretical knowledge of CNC turning center and milling machine configuration, setup, and operation.
Collision Damage Appraisal
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors evaluate vehicle damage, prepare repair estimates, identify repair procedures, and demonstrate knowledge of insurance and collision estimating practices.
Collision Repair Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate structural and non-structural vehicle repair techniques, panel replacement, metal finishing, and industry-standard collision repair practices.
Commercial Roofing
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate commercial roofing installation, repair, measurement, material application, and safe work practices using industry standards.
Commercial sUAS Drone
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate commercial drone operation, flight planning, FAA regulations, safety procedures, and mission execution using small unmanned aircraft systems.
Computer Programming
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors solve programming challenges through software development, coding logic, debugging, and algorithm design using industry-standard programming practices.
Cosmetology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate professional skills in hair design, haircutting, chemical services, nail care, skincare, sanitation, and client consultation.
Crime Scene Investigation
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams process a simulated crime scene by documenting evidence, collecting and preserving evidence, and applying forensic investigation techniques.
Criminal Justice
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate knowledge of law enforcement procedures, criminal investigations, courtroom processes, ethics, and public safety practices.
Culinary Arts
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors prepare and present restaurant-quality meals while demonstrating culinary techniques, food safety, organization, knife skills, and time management.
Cybersecurity
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate their ability to secure networks, identify vulnerabilities, respond to cyber threats, and protect digital systems using industry best practices.
Dental Assisting
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate chairside assisting, infection control, radiography, patient care, and administrative skills used in today's dental practices.
Diesel Equipment Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 2 individuals per college
Description: Competitors diagnose, service, and repair diesel-powered equipment while demonstrating knowledge of engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, and preventive maintenance.
Digital Cinema Production
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams create professional video productions while demonstrating planning, filming, editing, storytelling, and post-production techniques.
Early Childhood Education
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate instructional planning, classroom management, child development knowledge, and teaching techniques for young learners.
Electrical Construction Wiring
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate residential and commercial electrical installation, wiring methods, troubleshooting, and compliance with electrical codes.
Electronics Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate knowledge of electronic circuits, troubleshooting, testing equipment, digital electronics, and system repair.
Emergency Medical Technician
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate emergency assessment, patient care, trauma management, and emergency response skills using current EMS protocols.
Esthetics
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 2 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate professional skincare treatments, facial services, sanitation, product knowledge, and client consultation techniques.
Firefighting
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate firefighting techniques, rescue operations, equipment use, emergency response, and firefighter safety procedures.
Graphic Communications
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate skills in print production, layout, color management, finishing processes, and graphic communication technologies.
Graphic Imaging – Sublimation
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate graphic imaging techniques using dye-sublimation printing processes to produce professional-quality products.
Heavy Equipment Operation
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate the safe operation, inspection, and maneuvering of heavy construction equipment.
HVAC/R
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors install, troubleshoot, and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems using industry standards.
Industrial Motor Control
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate knowledge of industrial electrical control systems, motor circuits, troubleshooting, and automation.
Information Technology Services
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate technical support, computer troubleshooting, networking, hardware, software, and customer service skills.
Interactive Application and Video Game Development
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 3 teams per college
Description: Teams design and develop interactive software or video games while demonstrating programming, design, user experience, and creative problem-solving.
Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Home
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate the integration, programming, and operation of connected smart home technologies and IoT devices.
Internetworking
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate network installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and management using industry-standard networking practices.
Marine Service Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of marine engines, propulsion systems, and related marine equipment.
Masonry
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate bricklaying, block construction, stonework, layout, and finishing techniques using industry standards.
Mechatronics
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 1 team per college
Description: Teams integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, robotics, and computer control systems to solve advanced automation challenges.
Medical Assisting
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate clinical and administrative medical assisting skills including patient care, laboratory procedures, and office operations.
Mobile Electronics Installation
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors install, troubleshoot, and integrate electronic systems and accessories in modern vehicles.
Mobile Robotics Technology
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate robotics programming, autonomous operation, troubleshooting, and robotic system integration.
Motorcycle Service Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors diagnose, service, and repair motorcycles while demonstrating technical knowledge and safe work practices.
Nail Care
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 2 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate professional manicure, nail enhancement, sanitation, and client consultation techniques.
Nurse Assisting
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate patient care, communication, safety, infection control, and clinical support skills.
Photography
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate technical and artistic photography skills through image composition, lighting, camera operation, editing, and visual storytelling.
Plumbing
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate residential and commercial plumbing skills including pipe installation, fixture assembly, code compliance, and system troubleshooting.
Power Equipment Technology
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors diagnose, service, and repair small engines and outdoor power equipment while demonstrating safe work practices.
Practical Nursing
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate nursing knowledge, clinical decision-making, patient care, and professional healthcare practices.
Restaurant Service
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate professional dining room service, guest relations, tableside techniques, and hospitality standards.
Robotics and Automation Technology
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate the design, programming, integration, and operation of robotic and automated manufacturing systems.
Robotics – Urban Search and Rescue
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams operate robotic systems to complete simulated urban search and rescue missions while demonstrating engineering and programming skills.
Sheet Metal
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors fabricate, assemble, and install sheet metal components using industry-standard tools, equipment, and safety practices.
TeamWorks
Format: Team of 4
Maximum Entries: 1 team per college
Description: Teams complete a hands-on construction project while demonstrating carpentry, electrical, masonry, and plumbing skills in a collaborative environment.
Technical Computer Applications
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate advanced computer application skills, software proficiency, productivity tools, and technical problem-solving.
Technical Drafting
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors produce precise technical drawings using drafting standards, CAD software, and engineering documentation techniques.
Telecommunications Cabling
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 3 individuals per college
Description: Competitors install, terminate, test, and troubleshoot telecommunications and structured cabling systems using industry standards.
Video Production
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams demonstrate professional video production skills including planning, filming, editing, audio production, and storytelling.
Video News Production
Format: Team of 4
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams simulate a professional newsroom by planning, producing, filming, editing, and presenting a broadcast news segment.
Web Design and Development
Format: Team of 2
Maximum Entries: 2 teams per college
Description: Teams design and develop responsive websites while demonstrating programming, graphic design, user experience, accessibility, and web development skills.
Welding Fabrication
Format: Team of 3
Maximum Entries: 1 team per college
Description: Teams fabricate and assemble complex welded structures while demonstrating blueprint reading, fit-up, welding techniques, and teamwork.
Welding Sculpture
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors combine artistic creativity with advanced welding and metal fabrication techniques to create an original welded sculpture.
Welding
Format: Individual
Maximum Entries: 1 individual per college
Description: Competitors demonstrate industry-standard welding skills through blueprint interpretation, weld quality, fabrication techniques, and safe work practices.