Keep Your Skills Sharp

Uploading digital documents—such as scanned binders or portfolios—allows technical committees to review scorable components before the event. Failure to upload in the correct format may result in point deductions. Physical copies must still be presented on-site for review.

• Guide to Scanning Multiple Page Documentation

While the use of the provided resume template is optional, all competitors must follow the naming convention, save their file as a PDF, and adhere to page limits.

A printed resume may be brought on competition day; however, failure to upload the resume in advance will still incur a penalty. Be sure to review the Technical Standards as some competitions also require a printed copy.

Resources include:

• SkillsUSA Championships Resume Guide
• College/Postsecondary Sample Resume
• High School Sample Resume
• Middle School Sample Resume
• Resume Template – Microsoft Word
• Resume Template – Google Doc

These rubrics integrate SkillsUSA technical standards into the classroom and help develop workforce readiness skills. Reviewing the sample rubric for your event can provide useful insights into judging expectations.

• 2026 Sample Leadership and Occupational Rubrics

The Technical Standards indicate which events require a competition-specific knowledge test. The type (online, paper, or onsite) and the deadline are determined in collaboration with national partners. Competition updates will notify national competitors if their competition-specific knowledge test will be administered pre-conference.

• All national competitors must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test (PDT) prior to NLSC.
• Deadline: May 28, 2026, by 5 p.m. ET.
• Competitors should use the SkillsUSA PDT Study Guide to prepare.
• NOCTI Proctor Test Agreement (Available March 2026)
• Each competitor will receive personalized login credentials.
• Reminder: Using another competitor’s credentials will result in a zero for the test.

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) does NOT accept direct shipments to its physical address. Shipping must be arranged independently through a commercial carrier—both delivery to and return from Atlanta.

Shipping is not an automatic process; consideration should be made for potential expenses when shipping competition materials using a commercial carrier. SkillsUSA will not be held responsible for improperly labeled shipments, shipping damage, lost shipments, and/or delayed delivery. SkillsUSA is not responsible for locating lost shipments if items are shipped directly to GWCC.

• Competition Materials Move-In Instructions (Available March 2026)
• Competition Materials Shipping Instructions (Available March 2026)

• All national competitors are required to upload their resume prior to NLSC by the published deadline. Additional pre-conference requirements may be outlined in the Technical Standards or as competition-specific updates.
• Online submissions must be completed by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
• Review both the SkillsUSA Technical Standards and competition-specific updates to determine your pre-conference submission requirements.
  • Competitors that are required to submit a Safety Training Verification Letter and miss the upload deadline must bring a printed copy to orientation for verification. Note: A 10-point penalty per missing submission will be assessed, even if a hard copy is later provided.
  • Requests for accessibility accommodations must be approved by the Office of Workforce Development prior to the event. A verification letter must be uploaded to the Competitor Materials Portal. Visit the SkillsUSA Accessibility webpage for more info.
• Registered national competitors will receive their competitor number and login credentials via email by May 5, 2026.
• If login credentials are not received or if technical issues arise, contact the SkillsUSA Customer Care Team at:
  • Email: customercare@skillsusa.org
  • Phone: (844) 875-4557

This topic is to be addressed by competitors in the SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2025-26 school year is: SkillsUSA: Champion Your Future.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Beginning at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), the 3D Visualization and Animation competition will include a Middle School division. All competition guidelines outlined in the official SkillsUSA Technical Standards apply to Middle School teams. Middle School advisors and competitors should review the current technical standards to ensure full understanding of all rules, procedures, and expectations for the event.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Tips and Reminders for National Competitors’ Demonstrations

To ensure a successful demonstration and adhere to SkillsUSA standards, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• The designated demonstration area will be marked with tape, measuring 8′ x 12′ on the floor.
• Both the competitor and all demonstration materials must remain within this 8′ x 12′ space. Points will be deducted for any violations, including materials, easels, presenters, models, or chairs extending beyond the marked area.
• Competitors are responsible for setting up their demonstrations. A model and/or assistant may assist only if the setup or dismantling involves heavy or large items.
• Models and assistants must be active, registered, and paid SkillsUSA student members. Model clothing should include a business appropriate white dress shirt or polo shirt, black dress slacks, and black dress shoes (non-skid and completely enclosed; no open-toe or open-heel). SkillsUSA Championships General Regulations, 2024-26, pages 16-17.
• Any pre-recorded sounds or words used as part of visual or auditory aids should not be distracting. Additionally, pre-recorded audio cannot replace the competitor’s speech—only the competitor’s live presentation will be evaluated.

By following these tips, competitors will meet SkillsUSA standards and expectations for a professional and effective demonstration. Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by April 2026.

The national technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for NLSC 2026:

Color Tinting

• Color Tinting Trailer Briefing English
• Color Tinting Trailer Briefing Spanish
• In Booth Plan English
• In Booth Plan Spanish
• Color Tinting SkillsUSA Online Study Guide English
• Color Tinting SkillsUSA Online Study Guide Spanish
• Color Wheel – Observation – Assessment of Sprayout English
• Color Wheel – Observation – Assessment of Sprayout Spanish
• HPC21 Process
• HPC21 SDS English MX
• HPC21 SDS Spanish MX
• U9K PDS English
• U9K PDS Spanish
• U9K SDS English
• U9K SDS Spanish

Featheredge Prime and Block

• Featheredge Prime and Block Scenario
• GLA_151-170_30672747_SDS
• GLA_934-10_30777406_SDS
• GTME_GP_934-10_Aerosol_TDS
• GTME_GPS_151-170_TDS

Spot Repair:

• Information Sheet Spot Repair Segment
• DC2000+NXT+Ultra+Velocity+Clearcoat+8.1.23
• DC2000+NXT+Ultra+Velocity+Clearcoat+8.1.23rev_ES
• ENVIROBASE High Performance Waterborne Basecoat 06 25
• ENVIROBASE High Performance Waterborne Basecoat Spanish 06 25_ES

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

AST 6.0 — Perform suspension and steering related tasks identified in the Automobile Suspension and Steering Task List (ASE Test 4)

6.1. – Perform pre alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height

6.2. – Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.

6.3. – Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations

6.4. – Dismount, inspect and remount tire on wheel

6.5. – Balance tire and wheel assembly

6.6. – Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss

6.7. – Repair tire using an internal patch

6.8. – Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.

6.9. – Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure.

6.10. – Identify and inspect steering components

6.11. – Identify and inspect suspension components

6.12. – Use reference materials provided

6.13. – Use tools provided to complete the above tasks.

The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2026:

National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.

In addition to completing the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, national competitors in Baking and Pastry Arts must also complete two (2) online third-party assessments by the published deadline. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to registered competitors from the test vendor by May 15.

Updated 7-24-2025

The technical committee has released the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Mannequin Information for National Competition

The technical committee provides mannequins for use during the national competition. If this requirement changes, competitors will be responsible for supplying their own mannequins. Please note that the specific type or brand of mannequin will not be disclosed in advance unless competitors are required to bring their own.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

Tips and Reminders

1. Purpose and Theme Connection:
   • When preparing the Chapter Display description required for Section 3.b.2 of the binder documentation, ensure the Purpose is detailed.
   • Place special emphasis on its alignment with the current theme and its relevance to the SkillsUSA Framework.
2. Design and Shipping Logistics: demonstrate your SkillsUSA Framework | Workplace Skills: Planning, Organizing and Management
   • Plan for size and weight: Design the display to minimize shipping challenges.
   • Anticipate shipping costs: Plan for potential expenses when shipping the display to the National Leadership and Skills Conference using a commercial carrier. Click the links below to research shipping crate construction best practices.
     1. FedEx How to Ship Using Crates
     2. Uline Standard Wood Crate Sizes
   • Modular components: Incorporate modular elements that can be assembled on-site to form the final full-size display.
   • Ease of transport and setup: Ensure the display is easy to transport, set up, and tear down.
   • Functionality and creativity: Maintain a balance between functionality and creativity, ensuring the design is both efficient and visually impactful.

The use of any device to generate haze or smoke is strictly prohibited in all competitions.

By following these tips, teams can create a practical and impressive display, meeting SkillsUSA standards and expectations.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Beginning at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), the Commercial sUAS Drone competition will include a middle school division. All competition guidelines outlined in the official SkillsUSA Technical Standards apply to middle school teams. Middle school advisors and competitors should review the current technical standards to ensure full understanding of all rules, procedures, and expectations for the event.

The technical committee has released the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Mannequin Information for National Competition

The technical committee provides mannequins for use during the national competition. If this requirement changes, competitors will be responsible for supplying their own mannequins. Please note that the specific type or brand of mannequin will not be disclosed in advance unless competitors are required to bring their own.

The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2026:

• Crime Scene Investigation Competition Resource

The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2026:

• Criminal Justice Competition Resource

The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2026:

National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.

In addition to completing the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, national competitors in Culinary Arts must also complete an online third-party assessment by the published deadline. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to registered competitors from the test vendor by May 15.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

The required pre-conference briefings, timeline, and submission link for the online short film will be published here. The first digital cinema national competition briefing will be held in April and is an overview of the pre-conference requirements and timeline. The film prompt will be published in May and national competitors will have approximately one week to complete the pre-conference assignments.

• Employment Application: Competitors will complete the online job application by appointment following the orientation session.
• What to Bring: Competitors should bring a printed copy of their resume and portfolio, as these materials may be used to complete the application.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

• The esthetics fantasy theme is Animal Kingdom.

The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2026:

• Firefighting Competition Resource

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Original Game Development:
Teams will be scored on the originality of their game design and the creation of game assets. Points are awarded for technical skills, coding, and creativity demonstrated through original work.

Purchased or AI-Generated Assets:
Teams may use purchased or AI-generated assets; however, they must clearly document and credit each source in their affidavit.

• There is no scoring advantage for using purchased or AI-generated content. Original work will always earn higher scoring consideration.

Affidavit Submission:
Each team must submit a loose-leaf affidavit (8.5″ x 11″) signed by all team members and countersigned by a school administrator, instructor, or SkillsUSA advisor. The affidavit must include:

• A statement confirming the submission is the team’s original work created during the current school year.
• Documentation and credit for any purchased or AI-generated assets used.
• Acknowledgment of any other students who assisted in the project, including a brief description of their contributions.

Format for Citing Generative AI:

• When citing AI-generated content, use the following format:
  “Description of chat” prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, Date of chat, URL.
• Example: “Examples of harm reduction initiatives” prompt. ChatGPT, model GPT-4o, OpenAI, 4 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

For more information on citing generative AI, visit: https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai-updated-revised/

Reminder: Originality and proper documentation are essential for full scoring consideration. Teams should carefully follow these requirements to ensure compliance with SkillsUSA standards and to demonstrate authentic technical ability.

Updated 9-9-2025

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Beginning at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), the Interactive Application and Video Game Development competition will include a Middle School division. All competition guidelines outlined in the official SkillsUSA Technical Standards apply to Middle School teams. Middle School advisors and competitors should review the current technical standards to ensure full understanding of all rules, procedures, and expectations for the event.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Per the national technical standards, the design problem will be posted on the Thursday prior to the competition’s start. Competitors are expected to complete the design before arriving at the competition and will present their design proposal during the competition.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Beginning at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), the Job Interview competition will include a Middle School division. All competition guidelines outlined in the official SkillsUSA Technical Standards apply to Middle School teams. Middle School advisors and competitors should review the current technical standards to ensure full understanding of all rules, procedures, and expectations for the event.

• Middle School Portfolio Guide (Coming Soon ETA 10-15-2025)

Updated 7-24-2025

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

• Job Application: Competitors will complete the job application immediately following the orientation session.
• What to Bring: Competitors should bring a printed copy of their resume and portfolio, as these materials may be used to complete the application.

Please come prepared to ensure a smooth and successful start to your competition experience.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Teams competing in national Mobile Robotics Technology must submit a digital engineering notebook as one of their pre-conference online submission requirements.

• Submit a digital version of their engineering notebook in the Competitor Materials Portal.
• Online submission must be completed by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
• Submission may be provided as either a PDF file or a sharable link to a digital engineering notebook. If submitting a shareable link, it must be set to allow access to anyone with the link.

Teams must also bring a copy (sharable link) of their engineering notebook to the competition.

Available December 2025

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by December 2025.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Update to Skill Performance Requirements

Following a comprehensive review of the competition structure and venue logistics, the Technical Committee has determined that the pedicure skill performance will no longer be included in the competition.

This decision was made due to the physical setup and logistical limitations of performing a pedicure within a convention center environment, which places unnecessary strain on competitors.

As a result, the pedicure station has been removed from the list of evaluated skills. The points previously allocated to this performance have been reallocated to other components of the competition to ensure a balanced and comprehensive assessment of competitors’ technical abilities.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and their discussion paper.

By May 5, all competitors will receive an important email that explains how to access their Competitor Materials Portal.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

• The Active Round for Middle School teams will consist of a total of 50 questions.

The national competitors in Quiz Bowl are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. SkillsUSA Championships national competitors will receive an email with their login credentials by May 5.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Beginning with the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), the competition will introduce the following modifications:

• The number of skill challenges will be reduced from five (5) to three (3).
  • Teams will now complete each skill challenge twice, with the average of the two runs determining their final score.
• For the Main Challenge Course, the format is changing. Instead of two ordnances, there will now be multiple ordnances placed in various locations on the course. Each ordnance will carry a different point value. Teams will have a set time limit to collect and properly dispense as many ordnances as possible during their allotted time. Multiple disposal locations will be available on the course. This course overall size will change to approximately 30’ by 30’.
  • Since teams will complete two course runs, each team member will be required to drive during one of the runs. This change is designed to encourage greater collaboration and engagement between both team members.
• Teams are responsible for knowing how to change the channel on their robot-mounted camera. This may be necessary to prevent interference with other teams’ signals during the competition. Competitors should ensure they understand the camera’s settings and can quickly adjust the channel if instructed by event staff or technical personnel. Failure to operate on an assigned channel may result in loss of video feed.

National competitors in Robotics-Urban Search and Rescue are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test.

• SkillsUSA Championships national competitors will receive an email with their login credentials by May 5.
• Deadline: tests must be completed by May 28, 2026, by 5 p.m. ET.

Teams competing in national Robotics-Urban Search and Rescue must submit a digital copy of their engineering notebook and a video of their competition robot as part of their pre-conference online submission requirements.

• Submit a digital version of their engineering notebook in the Competitor Materials Portal.
  • Submission may be provided as either a PDF file or a sharable link to a digital engineering notebook. If submitting a shareable link, it must be set to allow access to anyone with the link.

• Teams must also bring a copy (sharable link) of their engineering notebookto the competition.
• Teams that continue to adjust and/or modify their robot after the online submission are required to continue documenting their design edits in the engineering notebook. Judges will review these updates onsite.

• Robot Video Submission Requirement: Each team must submit a video of their completed robot along with their engineering notebook. The video should provide a clear demonstration of the robot in operation and highlight its key design features. Judges will use this video to verify that the physical robot corresponds with the design process, concepts, and documentation provided in the engineering notebook.
  • The video must be between 2–4 minutes in length.
  • It must include a 360-degree view of the robot as well as footage of the robot performing at least one task relevant to the competition.
  • The team should briefly introduce the robot in the video, noting any major design elements discussed in the notebook.
  • Videos must be submitted in the designated format and by the official deadline.
    • Maximum file upload size is 100MB (acceptable upload file types include .mp4, .mpg, .mov). If video file size is larger than 100MB then a share link for viewing the video from a public site (like YouTube or Google Drive) can be submitted.
  • Failure to submit a video will result in the notebook evaluation being considered incomplete.
• Online submissions must be completed by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

• Each team has simultaneous access to the required application.
• Competitors can use devices they are most comfortable and familiar with.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

To participate, all teams must bring devices capable of connecting to 5G Wi-Fi internet, which is required for completing competition tasks hosted within the online virtual environment.

Each individual competitor must upload a copy of the team’s acknowledgment letter as part of the national competitor online submission requirements. The letter must be submitted on school letterhead and signed by an appropriate school official (e.g., CTE administrator, principal, or instructor). The letter should include the following statement:

“We acknowledge that [list your team member names] will participate in the SkillsUSA Championships Web Design competition using computer devices that meet the competition’s technical specifications and can connect to a 5G Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, I understand that if a team’s device is unable to connect to the required network or access the virtual competition environment, the team will be unable to compete. Both the instructor and the competitor acknowledge, by agreeing to enter this competition, that SkillsUSA Inc., the national technical committee, and national judges are released from all responsibilities related to technical support or troubleshooting of equipment that fails to meet the required network or performance specifications. SkillsUSA and the Web Design technical committee will not provide technical assistance or replacement devices for competitors whose equipment does not meet these network requirements.

Signed, [school official].” 

All acknowledgment letters must be uploaded by the posted submission deadline. Failure to submit the required letter may result in a 10 point penalty.

Beginning with the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), the Web Design competition will introduce an AI-integrated component to reflect current trends in business and industry. Web use of generative artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding in professional web development environments, and this addition will help competitors demonstrate their ability to evaluate and apply emerging technologies responsibly.

Competitors will not be tasked with using AI tools to create or generate competitive deliverables. Instead, each team will receive an AI-generated website as part of the competition prompt. Teams will analyze the provided site and its source code, validating the content and structure against a defined work order. Competitors will identify and correct errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies to produce a complete, functional, and standards-compliant website.

The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:

1. Toolbox Size Limits: watch the demonstration video that shows packing all the tools on the tool list into a small box.
2. Inspection Tools: watch the training video on how to use the welding inspection tools.
3. Sample competition resource: download the Sample NLSC Competitor Booklet. Disclaimer: this document is for reference only. The national welding project is not limited to the content provided in the sample booklet.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee for the Welding Sculpture competition has provided the following clarification for the 2024-26 Technical Standards competition guidelines 4.e. Projects are to be left unpainted, including primers and other coatings (except for clear coating).

• Naturally achieved, patinas shall be limited to air, water or heat, or any combination thereof. (No chemically enhanced finishes are permitted).
• A penalty of 50 points will be deducted for paint/finish violation.

Clarification on Chemical Treatments for the Welding Sculpture Competition:

• Borax is considered a chemical treatment and is not permitted under competition guidelines.
  • Exception: Borax may be used only during the forge welding process, where it functions as a flux to join steel that has been heated in a forge and hammer-welded together.
• Soot is permitted only when it is a byproduct of the oxyfuel process (heating, cutting, or welding). This soot is naturally produced when the oxygen is turned off and the fuel gas remains on a necessary step in properly shutting down oxyfuel equipment. Therefore, it is considered part of the welding/joining process and not an intentional chemical patina.