Any technical concept from the Principles of Engineering foundation course or Introduction to Engineering Design foundation course may be demonstrated, provided it is related to principles of technology and incorporates basic principles of the applied sciences. As part of the contest a paper is prepared and presented followed by a technical demonstration where the knowledge, underlying theories, and applications of the chosen principle(s) in action and application is demonstrated In the contest and students are evaluated on their overall presentation, physics knowledge, delivery style, primary point of communications, illustrations used, verbal techniques/ poise, introduction/ending, self confidence, technical writing skills and oral skills.

In SkillsUSA's Related Technical Math contest contestants demonstrate skills required to solve mathematical problems commonly found in the professional and technical occupations through a written test. 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. Math skills developed in the PLTW Pathway to Engineering courses would help prepare students for this contest.

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

PLTW’s Capstone Course in Engineering Design and Development has strong correlation to SkillsUSA's Engineering Technology contest. Both the PLTW course and the SkillsUSA contest involve a team of students analyzing a given problem and then designing, building, testing and presenting live functioning prototype engineering project.

Both the course and contest judge the quality of clear, concise communication skills, especially in oral presentation. Both share the following constituent pedagogical elements in achieving desired results.

• Problem analysis
• Creative thinking/innovation
• Research
• Planning
• Design process
• Storyboarding
• Data collection and analysis
• Market research, including economic and cultural influences and aesthetics
• Cost analysis
• Prototyping
• Assessment
• Resume writing

Safety protocols are imbedded in the orientation and judging of Engineering Technology and all SkillsUSA contests.

PLTW's Capstone course appears to emphasize technical and expository writing skills more than does SkillsUSA's Engineering Technology contest. PLTW's course has a larger documentation trail. SkillsUS's contest appears to evaluate professional comportment in presentation more than PLTW's course.