The competition-specific updates and competitor preparation instructions listed below provide members with the latest information about themes, clarifications, the professional development test study guide, national competitor online submissions, testing requirements, and more. A competition update includes information not already published in the official SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards but that a competitor and/or advisor must know for the national competition. State specific competition updates are not available on the national website.
Important Notes (Updated 12-17-2025)
Competitor Keys to Success and General Resources (Updated 7-24-2025)
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 required attire listed in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards outlines the minimum clothing expectations for each competition, including color specifications and the requirement for closed-toe shoes. These requirements establish a consistent baseline across all contests; however, advisors and competitors are responsible for selecting specific clothing and footwear that also meet industry expectations, OSHA guidelines, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the trade area.
Competitors should choose garments and shoes that are not only compliant with the technical standards but also appropriate for the tasks commonly performed within their industry. For example, in a trade area where participants routinely work on ladders, such as electrical and other building trades, competitors should select work pants that allow safe movement and do not create snagging hazards, along with sturdy, slip-resistant work shoes or boots that provide adequate support and traction for climbing. For example, the appropriate work shoes for a telecommunications worker include a style boot with steel or composite toes, puncture-resistant construction, and sturdy, slip-resistant outsoles that provide adequate support and traction.
Advisors and competitors are encouraged to review both the technical standards and typical industry PPE requirements to ensure clothing selections support safety, professionalism, and successful performance in a competitive environment.
Competition-specific updates will be posted here as needed. These updates will be published as soon as they are finalized by the technical committees. Competitors are responsible for reviewing these updates to ensure they have the most current information regarding pre-conference requirements.
Note: If a competition requires an online, competition-specific knowledge test as part of the pre-conference requirements, instructions for completing the test will also be listed below as part of the competition-specific updates.
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:
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
Featheredge Prime and Block
Spot Repair:
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.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Beginning with the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), competitors will be required to submit a video explanation of their creative cut and beard design as part of their pre-conference online submission requirements. This video submission is in addition to and a complement of the written description of the creative design inspiration outlined in the Technical Standards.
Creative Design Video Submission Requirement
Each competitor must submit a video that explains their creative design concept. The video should describe the inspiration behind the design and highlight key features.
Video Requirements:
Submission Deadline:
All online submissions must be completed by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
Updated 8-4-2025
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
2026 Competition Theme
The competition theme for the 2026 Creative Freestyle Design is Space.
Competitors are encouraged to base their designs on space-related elements such as rockets, spaceships, planets, solar systems, galaxies, astronauts, satellites, comets, stars, asteroids, UFOs, aliens, the moon, the sun, or space stations. These examples are suggested but not limited—creative interpretation of the Space theme is encouraged.
Rule Clarification: “No Guards”
To clarify the intent behind the rule stating “no guards”:
Detachable blade clippers and adjustable blade clippers are allowed. This aligns with the traditional tools and practices within the history of barbering. The key distinction is that detachable blades are not being used as a substitute for guards. They function similarly to adjustable clippers—offering a range from closed to open—rather than mimicking guard lengths like #4 or #5.
Adjustable clippers may still use their lever to transition between lengths, just as a detachable clipper user may switch blades. This is consistent with standard barbering techniques.
Ultimately, regardless of the tool, competitors will still need to demonstrate skill using clipper-over-comb methods to sculpt and shape. These expectations are rooted in the official Barbering guidelines, which we continue to follow.
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 national technical committee has provided the following resource to prepare for NLSC 2026:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
New Requirement: Beginning with NLSC 2026, teams must prepare a portfolio.
New National Competition Schedule:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
New Requirement: Beginning with NLSC 2026, teams must prepare a portfolio.
New National Competition Schedule:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
New Requirement: Beginning with NLSC 2026, teams must prepare a portfolio.
New National Competition Schedule:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
New Requirement: Beginning with NLSC 2026, teams must prepare a portfolio.
New National Competition Schedule:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
New Requirement: Beginning with NLSC 2026, teams must prepare a portfolio.
New National Competition Schedule:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
New Requirement: Beginning with NLSC 2026, teams must prepare a portfolio.
New National Competition Schedule:
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.
The national technical committee hosted a January 2025 student and advisor competition webinar for Chapter Display. The recorded session is being republished as a preparation resource for teams.
This webinar is led by the National Technical Chair and provides best practice guidance to support competitor success. Topics covered include:
Teams and advisors are encouraged to review this resource as part of their competition preparation.
Updated 7-24-2025
Tips and Reminders
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:
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2026:
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.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2026:
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
The following information is provided to clarify the timeline for implementation of the updated American Heart Association (AHA) CPR & Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Guidelines as they relate to SkillsUSA Championships competitions.
For the 2026 competition year, all SkillsUSA competitions that include First Aid and/or CPR knowledge, or skills will continue to follow the current 2020 AHA CPR & ECC Guidelines. This transition period allows instructors adequate time to complete the required AHA guideline update training, which must be completed by February 28, 2026.
The 2025 AHA CPR & ECC Guidelines become mandatory for instruction beginning March 1, 2026, at which time all instructors must use the updated AHA course materials when teaching CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support (BLS) courses.
To ensure consistency and fairness for competitors during this transition period, the 2025 AHA guidelines will be adopted for SkillsUSA Championships competitions beginning with the 2027 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC).
Additional guidance will be shared as needed. Competitors, advisors, and technical committees should continue to reference the applicable SkillsUSA Technical Standards and official competition updates for the most current requirements.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Required Pre-Conference Online Submission – Design Templates
Competitors in Graphic Image Sublimation are required to design print-ready artwork and submit a complete design template package as part of their pre-conference online submission requirements. The submitted file will serve as the transfer artwork the competitor will use to print products onsite during the competition.
What to Submit
Important Notes
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.
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:
Format for Citing Generative AI:
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 resources to prepare for NLSC 2026:
Middle School Portfolio Guidance
Middle school competitors will follow the same competition guidelines; however, their materials may
focus on career exploration rather than formal work experience. Advisors and students are encouraged to review the Middle School Portfolio Guidance resource for tips on preparing age-appropriate portfolio content.
Clarification for job posting:
Competitors should research actual job or internship listings to identify a position within their occupational training area. The skills and qualifications listed in the posting should guide their responses on the job application and during the interview. Job listing resources include, but are not limited to, a local job board, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn, or SkillsUSA Pathful Opportunity Board.
Guidelines for Resume, Cover Letter, and Reference Letters
These documents are intended to reflect the competitor’s own skills, experiences, and professional voice. They are scored components of the competition and are evaluated as evidence of the student’s readiness for employment, professionalism, and communication skills.
Role of Teachers and Advisors
Teachers and advisors may provide guidance and instructional support, including:
Use of Professional Writing Services
Ethical Use of AI and Other Tools
Consistent with SkillsUSA’s ethical use of AI guidance, competitors may use AI or other tools in limited, transparent ways, such as:
AI tools may not be used to generate entire documents or content that are submitted as the competitor’s own work without disclosure. Any AI use must be acknowledged, and the competitor remains responsible for the accuracy and originality of the content. This aligns with SkillsUSA’s Integrity Policy and Ethical Use of AI recommendations.
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 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.
Updated 7-24-2025
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
Please come prepared to ensure a smooth and successful start to your competition experience.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Per the SkillsUSA Technical Standards, no combustible or hazardous chemical compounds, toxic materials, or substances requiring special ventilation or cleanup are permitted in competition areas.
For this reason, any demonstration involving hair coloring, lightening, or similar chemical services must use simulated products rather than actual chemical formulations. A simulated product that complies with existing safety restrictions (e.g., conditioner, colored gels, or water-based mock products) is appropriate for use during the demonstration.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Per the SkillsUSA Technical Standards, no combustible or hazardous chemical compounds, toxic materials, or substances requiring special ventilation or cleanup are permitted in competition areas.
For this reason, any demonstration involving hair coloring, lightening, or similar chemical services must use simulated products rather than actual chemical formulations. A simulated product that complies with existing safety restrictions (e.g., conditioner, colored gels, or water-based mock products) is appropriate for use during the demonstration.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
The game manuals for the 2026 Mobile Robotics Technology competition are available below:
Teams competing in the national Mobile Robotics Technology competition must submit a digital copy of their engineering notebook as part of their pre-conference online submission requirements.
Updated 8-4-2025
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.
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 updates for NLSC 2026:
Ethical Use of AI and Original Design Requirements
To maintain the integrity of the SkillsUSA Championships and uphold industry expectations for creative professions, all competitors must follow the guidelines below regarding originality, copyright compliance, and the ethical use of AI tools.
Original Design Requirement
All entries must be the competitor’s own original concept, created during the current school year. Designs that replicate, closely imitate, or infringe upon copyrighted materials, including AI-generated content derived from copyrighted sources, are subject to disqualification.
Ethical Use of AI
Judges will award points based on the originality of the design and the competitor’s authentic contributions.
Scoring Emphasis on Originality
Competitors will be evaluated on:
Entries that lack originality or include uncredited AI assistance may receive reduced scores or be disqualified.
Affidavit Submission Requirement
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. Competitors in Pin Design are required to submit an affidavit letter (8.5″ x 11″) saved as PDF that includes:
Originality and proper documentation are essential for full scoring consideration. Competitors should carefully follow these requirements to ensure compliance with SkillsUSA standards and to demonstrate authentic technical ability, ethical practice, and personal integrity.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Clarification on Time Requirements
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
An inconsistency exists in the current technical standards where the Scope lists a 5–7 minute speech and the Competencies list a 3–5 minute speech.
For all competition purposes, the Competition Guidelines section is the governing source. Competitors must follow the 5–7 minute time requirement as stated in the competition rules.
The time range appearing in the Competencies section reflects a minimum classroom instructional expectation and does not override competition procedures.
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 updates for NLSC 2026:
Reminder the national Quiz Bowl competition question sources will be drawn from the following areas:
LifeSmarts questions focus on five core consumer education areas: consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance, and technology. Free preparation resources and sample questions are available at LifeSmarts.org.
As part of SkillsUSA’s enhanced member benefits, competitors are strongly encouraged to use SkillsUSA Pathful as a preparation resource. SkillsUSA Pathful offers curated learning content that aligns well with professional development topics assessed in Quiz Bowl and provides valuable support for competition readiness and broader career skill development.
Competitors and advisors should also review the 2024–26 National Technical Standards for Quiz Bowl for additional details regarding competition scope, structure, and expectations.
Updated 7-24-2025
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
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:
Click the link to download the SkillsUSA Robotics USAR Challenge Guide 2026.
The basic tools listed under ‘Supplied by a Competitor’ in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards serve as a suggested guide. Each team may customize its tool assortment to meet the specific needs and requirements necessary to successfully construct and maintain its challenge robot.
Teams have the option to purchase and utilize robot kit(s) referenced in the 2026 challenge guide or any commercially available robotics building platform. The Pitsco Education kit’s materials list serves as a replacement for the “bill of materials” currently found in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards.
Updated 10-31-2025
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:
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.
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.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee has provided the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Ethical Use of AI and Original Design Requirements
To maintain the integrity of the SkillsUSA Championships and uphold industry expectations for creative professions, all competitors must follow the guidelines below regarding originality, copyright compliance, and the ethical use of AI tools.
Original Design Requirement
All entries must be the competitor’s own original concept, created during the current school year. Designs that replicate, closely imitate, or infringe upon copyrighted materials, including AI-generated content derived from copyrighted sources, are subject to disqualification.
Ethical Use of AI
Judges will award points based on the originality of the design and the competitor’s authentic contributions.
Scoring Emphasis on Originality
Competitors will be evaluated on:
Entries that lack originality or include uncredited AI assistance may receive reduced scores or be disqualified.
Affidavit Submission Requirement
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. Competitors in Pin Design are required to submit an affidavit letter (8.5″ x 11″) saved as PDF that includes:
Originality and proper documentation are essential for full scoring consideration. Competitors should carefully follow these requirements to ensure compliance with SkillsUSA standards and to demonstrate authentic technical ability, ethical practice, and personal integrity.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.
The Technical Committee has provided the following clothing clarification for NLSC 2026:
The required attire listed in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards identifies the minimum clothing expectations for all competitors, including color requirements and the use of closed-toe shoes.
For the Telecommunications Cabling competition, national competitors must select work pants and footwear that also meet industry expectations, OSHA guidelines, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for this trade.
Because tasks in this industry frequently involve working from ladders, competitors should choose clothing and footwear that support safe ladder use. This includes:
Competitors should review both the technical standards and typical PPE expectations for the telecommunications field to ensure they select clothing that is safe, appropriate, and competition ready.
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:
The technical committee has provided the following update to the Equipment and Materials section of the Technical Standards for NLSC 2026:
The 4½” grinder will no longer be supplied by competitors. The national technical committee will provide all grinders required for the competition. Personal grinders are not permitted and may not be used at any point during the national event.
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).
Clarification on Chemical Treatments for the Welding Sculpture Competition: