SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary
Competition Categories and Descriptions
Explore leadership, occupationally related, skilled and technical, and test-only events available to Tennessee college and postsecondary members.
Each listing identifies whether the event is individual or team-based and the maximum number of entries allowed per college. Availability may vary based on participation, facilities, equipment, and event capacity.
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.
Prepare to Compete
Turn Technical Knowledge Into Career-Ready Performance
Review your event description, connect with your advisor, study the current Technical Standards, and prepare through consistent practice.