The SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards for specific competitions are revised and distributed each fall. There are times when competition updates need to be shared prior to national conference. Those updates are listed here, so it’s important to check this site often to ensure that competitors are prepared for the national competition.
Important: The competition updates listed below provide members with the latest information about themes, clarifications, professional development test study guide, national competitor online submission/testing requirements and more. A competition update covers anything that is not listed in the official SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards and that a competitor and/or advisor needs to be aware of and bring and/or complete for the national competition. State-specific competition updates are not published on the national website.
SkillsUSA Competitor Keys to Success: visit our webpage to review the National Competitor Checklist that outlines important competitor resources and requirements.
Note: No live animals or biohazardous materials are allowed as part of any competition.
Note for competitors who have devices that connect to Internet: The Wi-Fi Internet access in the Georgia World Congress Center (where the SkillsUSA Championships are held) is predominately available only on the 5GHz band. Please ensure the device you are bringing for your competition can connect to a 5GHz band. It is recommended that competitors test their device prior to arriving for NLSC, and, if applicable, bring an appropriate 5GHz adaptor.
SkillsUSA Championships national competitors must complete their online submission(s) by June 6, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. Check the current SkillsUSA Technical Standards and updates listed below to learn more about any required national pre-conference online submissions. The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024. State-specific competition pre-conference requirements are not published on the national website.
The SkillsUSA Professional Development Test for national competitors will be conducted pre-conference via the SkillsUSA Online Testing Platform. All national high school and college/postsecondary competitors are required to complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, except for those entered in Action Skills, Building Maintenance, Community Action Project, and Employment Application Process. As a reminder, all middle school competitors are exempt from the national online resume and SkillsUSA Professional Development Test.
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 2023-24 school year is: SkillsUSA: No Limits.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
Click the link to download the instructions for the Automated Manufacturing competition’s required software download, installation, and additional pre-conference resources.
Spot Repair: (Added on 1-2-24)
Color Tinting (Added on 1-8-2024)
The national technical committee has released the following update for the competition. National contestants must bring a printed copy of their S/P2 Automotive Safety and Automotive Pollution Prevention certificates to the orientation meeting. Access to S/P2 e-learning program is provided free of charge to national competitors that do not currently have access to the S/P2 platform. The deadline for free access to complete the certification requirements is June 21, 2024, 5 p.m. CT.
The technical committee for Baking and Pastry Arts has released the following information in preparation for NLSC 2024.
2-23-24 Update
National competitors will be evaluated on their professional portfolio, two haircut/styles, and a creative design. Manikins will be provided onsite by the National Technical Committee for the 2024 National Barbering Competition. One (1) manikin will be used by competitors to recreate a total of two (2) haircut and styles from photograph. These photographs will NOT be published anywhere prior to the national competition. One (1) manikin with a beard will be used for a creative design, this manikin is different from the one used for haircutting portion.
The technical committee for the Barbering competition has provided the following resource to prepare for NLSC 2024:
11-1-23 Update
The barbering competition 2024 theme for the creative freestyle design is Ocean/Marine.
10-13-23 Update
The technical committee provided the following clarification: Creativity is evaluated in the creative cut and beard design, while haircutting is evaluated in the recreation of men’s haircuts from a photograph. Competitors will be expected to duplicate a minimum of two (2) haircuts from a photograph. Each haircut and style must be completed within a 45 minute time limit.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
Transportation will be provided for a mandatory competitor industry tour at SCM Woodworking Technology. Competitors should report at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to the lobby outside of the Sidney Marcus Auditorium in GWCC building A for escort to the GWCC transportation depot. Advisors are welcome to participate in the industry tour, transportation space permitting. SCM is a leading manufacturer of woodworking machinery and technology solutions for the small shop to the large production manufacturer.
Updated 5-8-2024
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official (i.e., CTE administrator, principal, instructor, etc.) on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [competitor’s name] meets the safety training requirements as outlined in the national technical standards for the SkillsUSA Championships Cabinetmaking competition. Both the instructor(s) and the competitor certify that [competitor’s name] has received instruction and has satisfactorily passed examination on the safe use of the hand and power equipment that may be used in the competition. We understand that competitors will be removed from competition if proper training has not been provided, and/or they are using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.
The Career Pathways Showcase technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Career Pathway Showcase [Pathway Name] competition. The team members are/were enrolled in the following program of study or course [list applicable program/course(s)]. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.”
1-29-24 Update
The technical committee for the Career Pathways Showcase competitions has provided the following resource to assist in identifying the correct competition to enter based on the program of study and pathway.
The Career Pathways Showcase technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Career Pathway Showcase [Pathway Name] competition. The team members are/were enrolled in the following program of study or course [list applicable program/course(s)]. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.”
1-29-24 Update
The technical committee for the Career Pathways Showcase competitions has provided the following resource to assist in identifying the correct competition to enter based on the program of study and pathway.
The Career Pathways Showcase technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Career Pathway Showcase [Pathway Name] competition. The team members are/were enrolled in the following program of study or course [list applicable program/course(s)]. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.”
1-29-24 Update
The technical committee for the Career Pathways Showcase competitions has provided the following resource to assist in identifying the correct competition to enter based on the program of study and pathway.
The Career Pathways Showcase technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Career Pathway Showcase [Pathway Name] competition. The team members are/were enrolled in the following program of study or course [list applicable program/course(s)]. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.”
1-29-24 Update
The technical committee for the Career Pathways Showcase competitions has provided the following resource to assist in identifying the correct competition to enter based on the program of study and pathway.
The Career Pathways Showcase technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Career Pathway Showcase [Pathway Name] competition. The team members are/were enrolled in the following program of study or course [list applicable program/course(s)]. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.”
1-29-24 Update
The technical committee for the Career Pathways Showcase competitions has provided the following resource to assist in identifying the correct competition to enter based on the program of study and pathway.
The Career Pathways Showcase technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Career Pathway Showcase [Pathway Name] competition. The team members are/were enrolled in the following program of study or course [list applicable program/course(s)]. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.”
1-29-24 Update
The technical committee for the Career Pathways Showcase competitions has provided the following resource to assist in identifying the correct competition to enter based on the program of study and pathway.
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official (i.e., CTE administrator, principal, instructor, etc.) on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [competitor’s name] meets the safety training requirements as outlined in the national technical standards for the SkillsUSA Championships Carpentry competition. Both the instructor(s) and the competitor certify that [competitor’s name] has received instruction and has satisfactorily passed examination on the safe use of a portable power saw and other hand and power equipment that may be used in the competition. We understand that competitors will be removed from competition if proper training has not been provided, and/or they are using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.
The Chapter Display technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
The Collision Repair Technology (CRT) technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
Click the link to download the 2024 Commercial sUAS Drone competition guide.
The national technical committee has provided the following resource for completing the online submission requirement for the 2024 NLSC competition. Per the national technical standards: All competitors will prepare a sketch head sheet and identify the color pattern design they will be using in the hair color competition. A digital copy of the completed sketch head sheet must be submitted online prior to the conference. This online submission requirement is in addition to submitting a hard copy during orientation.
4-26-2024 Update
Manikins will be provided onsite by the National Technical Committee for the 2024 National Cosmetology Competition.
4-15-2024 Update
The technical committee for the Cosmetology competition has provided the following resource to prepare for NLSC 2024:
The technical committee for the Culinary Arts competition has provided the following resource to prepare for NLSC 2024:
4-8-24 Update
The technical committee for the Culinary Arts competition has provided the following resources to prepare for NLSC 2024:
3-6-24 Update
The technical committee for Culinary Arts has released the following information in preparation for NLSC 2024.
2-23-24 Update
The Digital Cinema Production technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
All participants are required to bring their fully stocked EMS medical kits for inspection to the competition orientation. Judges will verify the presence of all supplies, seal the kits, and return them to the competitors on the day of the competition.
The technical committee has provided a clarification about the competition resume found on page 8 of the technical standards that states, “EAP 1.0 — Prepare a one-page personal resume”. Per the competition guidelines the resume for this competition may have multiple pages and must include references. This update revises standard EAP 1.0 to now read “Prepare a personal resume”.
The 2024 Esthetics competition fantasy theme is Doll Face.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
Click the link to download the clarification for the SCBA gear needed. Please read the technical standards, as most questions are answered there.
The technical committee has provided the following update to the resource for standard:
BOWL 1.0 — Answer questions from the academic foundations outlined by the National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE) Standards.
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official (i.e., CTE administrator, principal, instructor, etc.) on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [competitor’s name] meets the safety training requirements as outlined in the national technical standards for the SkillsUSA Championships Heavy Equipment Operation competition. Both the instructor(s) and the competitor certify that [competitor’s name] has received instruction in heavy equipment operation and has demonstrated knowledge of the operation, basic machine and maintenance components, and safe usage of equipment and machines that may be used in the competition: Surveying Equipment and Grade Control Systems; Excavators; Wheel Loaders; Haulage Systems (trucks); Skid Steers; Compact Track Loaders; Bulldozers; Compaction Equipment, etc. Both the instructor(s) and competitor certify that [competitor’s name] has completed a minimum of one full semester or equivalent experience of curriculum, including in-seat operation of heavy equipment. We understand that training simulators do not meet the requirement for in-seat operation of heavy equipment and that competitors will be removed from competition if proper training has not been provided, and/or they are using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Signed, [school official].”
The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.
The national technical committee has provided the following update: National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and portfolio. The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.
National competitors have been instructed by the technical committee that the test at the end of the study guide MECP Apprentice Installation Technician course will serve as a pre-test. Note that your access the study guide materials will end once you start the pre-test.
See competition update below from 1-17-2024 for more information about accessing this study guide resource. If you have any questions please contact tech chair, Chris Jack at cnjacklausd@aol.com.
Updated 1-29-2024
The technical committee for Mobile Electronics Installation has provided the following resources to help prepare for the NLSC 2024 competition:
This video below provides an explanation for the new amp tuning station at NLSC. The video explains the process to be used at NLSC and the attached chart corresponds with the video.
1-17-2024 Update
The technical committee for Mobile Electronics Installation has provided the following update to help prepare for the national competition:
SkillsUSA NLSC Alarm Installation Guide
The national technical committee has provided the following update to provide study resources for the Mobile Electronics Installation competition at NLSC 2024.
For the Mobile Electronics Installation competition at NLSC 2024: The user will complete this form requesting access to study resources, and a link to the course and a coupon code will be emailed to them.
The game manuals for the 2024 Mobile Robotics Technology competition are available below:
The technical committee has provided an update for the survey resource referenced on page 5 of the technical standards that states, “The survey form in the technical standards may be used, or a customized survey prepared to fit a chapter’s specific needs may be used.” Teams seeking an example for the Shop/Laboratory Health and Safety Survey can reference the OSHA checklists available within the Small Business Safety & Health Handbook found on OSHA website at: https://www.osha.gov/smallbusiness
Join us for the upcoming NLSC 2024 Opening and Closing Ceremonies Competition Webinar to learn more about what to expect at the national event. A recording of the meeting will be posted here for those who cannot attend.
The Photography technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
The technical committee for the Promotional Bulletin Board competition has provided the following update:
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
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. The national competitor online testing window is May 22 – June 6 . All required online tests must be completed by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6.
The following update has been released for the Robotics and Automation Technology competition:
The Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
3-6-24 Update
The technical committee for the Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue competition has released the following information in preparation for NLSC 2024.
10-26-2023 Update
Click the link to download the 2024 Robotics – Urban Search and Rescue Challenge Guide.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors do not need to bring a drive cleat turner, one will be provided by the technical committee.
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
The national competitors in TeamWorks are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. The national competitor online testing window is May 22 – June 6 . All required online tests must be completed by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6.
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official (i.e., CTE administrator, principal, instructor, etc.) on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the safety training requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships TeamWorks competition. Both the instructor(s) and the competitors certify that [list your team member names] have received instruction and have satisfactorily passed examination on the safe use of the hand and power equipment that may be used in the competition. We understand that competitors will be removed from competition if proper training has not been provided, and/or they are using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Signed, [school official].”
Each team member must upload a copy of the letter that verifies their training. One safety verification letter is acceptable if all team members’ names are identified. The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.
The national technical committee has released the following information for NLSC 2024. Competitors can prepare for the competition-specific written knowledge test using the:
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and a letter from the appropriate school official (i.e., CTE administrator, principal, instructor, etc.) on school letterhead which simply states:
“I certify that [list your team member names] meets the safety training requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships Television (Video) Production competition. Both the instructor(s) and the competitors certify that [list your team member names] have received instruction and have satisfactorily passed examination on the safe use of tripods and other mounts (if used). They also certify that the equipment has been thoroughly inspected and is in safe working condition. We understand that competitors will be removed from competition if proper training has not been provided, and/or they are using the equipment in an unsafe manner. Signed, [school official].”
Each team member must upload a copy of the letter that verifies their training. One safety verification letter is acceptable if all team members’ names are identified. The upload(s) will be completed via SkillsUSA’s secure platform, and the link to the online submission website will be published here on May 22, 2024.
ATTN: Welding Instructors Attending NLSC – WS/Weld-Ed Educators Conference Please see the link below for information regarding the AWS/Weld-Ed Educators Conference to be held June 25, 2024, during the National Leadership and Skills Conference.
https://events.aws.org/educonference
Please reach out to Martica Ventura (mventura@aws.org) for more information.
Updated 5-8-2024
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
The national competitors in Welding are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. The national competitor online testing window is May 22 – June 6 . All required online tests must be completed by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6.
Updated 4-10-2024
The Welding technical committee has released the following updates and an equipment list that will be used for the 2024 national competition:
Plasma Equipment
Miller Equipment
Lincoln Electric
The welding fabrication technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2024:
The welding gas mixture for the GMAW portion of the contest has been changed to 92% Argon/8% Co2.
Updated 5-9-2024
The following update has been released for the Welding Fabrication competition:
Updated 4-30-24
The following update has been released for the Welding Fabrication competition: