What Can You Compete in at BPA?
With over 90 categories to choose from, there’s sure to be a competitive event to your interests.
The goal of the Workplace Skills Assessment Program is to provide all students with the opportunity to demonstrate workplace skills learned through business education curricula. Students prepare for and compete in contests under six Assessment Areas including: Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design, Management, Marketing & Communication, and Health Administration.
Finance
Business Administration
Management Information Systems
Digital Communication and Design
Management, Marketing and Communication
Health Administration
Middle Level
Virtual Events
Finance (100's)
S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(100) |
Fundamental Accounting |
S |
| Assessment of entry-level accounting principles utilizing manual procedures. Contestants analyze, journalize, post transactions and prepare financial reports/statements. | ||
|
(105) |
College Accounting |
PS |
| Assessment of entry-level basic accounting principles utilizing manual procedures. Contestants analyze, journalize, and update accounts in order to prepare financial reports/statements. | ||
|
(110) |
Advanced Accounting |
S |
| Assessment of intermediate and advanced accounting principles utilizing manual procedure. Contestants analyze, journalize, and update accounts in order to prepare financial reports/statements for partnerships and corporations. | ||
|
(115) |
Advanced College Accounting |
PS |
| Interpret and analyze sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporate financial accounting data using manual methods. | ||
|
(125) |
Payroll Accounting |
S | PS |
| Process payroll data using manual payroll procedures. Contestants calculate earnings, complete payroll registers, update employee records, journalize payroll entries, and prepare payroll income tax forms. | ||
|
(135) |
Managerial Accounting |
PS |
| Focus on strategic decision-making related to cost analysis and cost management. | ||
|
(145) |
Banking & Finance |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate and apply fundamental knowledge of the banking industry. This entry-level event tests the contestant’s knowledge of bank operations, bank services, loans, credit administration, and customer service. | ||
|
(150) |
Financial Analyst Team |
S | PS |
| Use analytical and problem solving skills to make decisions and recommendations using financial reports, both internal and external. The team analyzes and interprets reports from a business case study. At state and national level, teams will be presented with an additional element to the scenario that requires revision of their final presentation. | ||
|
(155) |
Economic Research Individual |
S |
| One economic research topic is selected by the National Center and provided at the beginning of the school year. The contestant will conduct research on the topic and present findings in a research paper, an oral presentation, and respond to questions from a panel of judges. | ||
|
(160) |
Economic Research Team |
S |
| One economic research topic is selected by the National Center and provided at the beginning of the school year. The team will conduct research on the topic and present findings in a research paper, an oral presentation, and respond to questions from a panel of judges | ||
|
(165) |
Personal Financial Management |
S | PS |
| In this contest contestants will answer objective questions dealing with concepts and perform calculations related to the financial topics of credit, saving, investing, personal income tax, risk management and insurance, and retirement planning. Contestants will analyze financial scenarios to predict outcomes, advise use of financial instruments and determine the proper financial planning. | ||
|
(190) |
Financial Math & Analysis Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| This competition assesses knowledge of math concepts. Contestants solve practical math problems related to work and consumer issues. |
Business Administration (200's)
S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(200) |
Fundamental Word Processing |
S | PS |
| Evaluate entry-level skills in keyboarding and document production. | ||
|
(205) |
Intermediate Word Processing |
S | PS |
| Evaluate intermediate skills in word processing and document production. | ||
|
(210) |
Advanced Word Processing |
S | PS |
| Evaluate advanced-level skills in word processing and document production. | ||
|
(215) |
Integrated Office Applications |
S | PS |
| Evaluate advanced-level skills in information technologies and the integration of software applications. | ||
|
(220) |
Basic Office Systems & Procedures |
S | PS |
| Evaluate fundamental skills in office procedures, records and file management, and document production. | ||
|
(225) |
Advanced Office Systems & Procedures |
S | PS |
| Evaluate advanced skills in office procedures, records and file management, and document production. | ||
|
(230) |
Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications |
S | PS |
| Create and design spreadsheet applications that include variables, reports, and formats. Contestants enter and format data, enter and copy formulas, and print full documents or cell contents. | ||
|
(235) |
Advanced Spreadsheet Applications |
S | PS |
| Develop effective solutions to business problems using many of the advanced features within the Microsoft® Excel skill standards. | ||
|
(240) |
Database Applications |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate database development skills to include: object creation, data analysis, formula creation, and reporting features used in a variety of database scenarios. | ||
|
(245) |
Legal Office Procedures |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge of legal terminology and skills needed to prepare legal documents and function effectively in a law office. | ||
|
(255) |
Administrative Support Team |
S | PS |
| The team will function as an office staff to produce a variety of business documents. | ||
|
(260) |
Administrative Support Research Project |
S |
| One administrative support topic is selected by the National Center and provided at the beginning of the school year. Contestants will conduct research on the topic and present findings in a research paper, an oral presentation, and respond to questions from a panel of judges. | ||
|
(265) |
Business Law & Ethics |
S | PS |
| This contest will test the student’s knowledge and skills in the areas of ethics, law, business law, and personal law. | ||
|
(290) |
Administrative Support Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
Management Information Systems (300's)
S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(300) |
Computer Network Technology |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge in fundamental networking concepts including network architecture, standards, topologies, protocols, and security. | ||
|
(305) |
Device Configuration & Troubleshooting |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of device configuration, maintenance, and management as a computer technician. | ||
|
(310) |
Server Administration Using Microsoft® |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental network management and maintenance tasks in a Windows® network. | ||
|
(315) |
Network Administration Using Cisco® |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental network management tasks in a CISCO® environment. | ||
|
(320) |
Computer Security |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental security management tasks in Windows® and Linux® networking environments. | ||
|
(325) |
Network Design Team |
S | PS |
| Analyze existing and planned business environments and develop a strategy for the implementation of a network infrastructure that addresses the business needs of the scenario provided. At state and national level, teams will be presented with an additional element to the scenario that requires revision of their final presentation. | ||
|
(330) |
C# Programming |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge of working with C# syntax, programming logic, program development, system design concepts, database, designers and objects. | ||
|
(335) |
C++ Programming |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge of working with structured designs, algorithms, and OOP methodology using the C++ language. | ||
|
(340) |
Java Programming |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge of working with structured designs, algorithms, and OOP methodology using the Java Programming language. | ||
|
(345) |
SQL Database Fundamentals |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental database development and administrative concepts including SQL scripting. Competencies addressed in this event will mandate the contestant use a high-end database product such as MS SQL Server®, the focus of this event, in order to acquire the necessary skills; however, skills sets addressed are transferable to any database product such as Oracle® or MySQL™. | ||
|
(350) |
Linux Operating System Fundamentals |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate your ability in hardware & system configuration, system operation & maintenance, security, automation & scripting, and troubleshooting & diagnostics within the Linux Operating System. | ||
|
(355) |
Python Programming |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge of working with structured (procedural), object-oriented, and functional programming using the Python programming language. | ||
|
(390) |
Computer Programming Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate general knowledge of the computer programming industry. | ||
|
(391) |
Information Technology Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate general knowledge of the information technology industry. |
Digital Communication and Design (400's)
S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(400) |
Fundamental Desktop Publishing |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge and skills in using desktop publishing software to create a variety of business documents. | ||
|
(405) |
Advanced Desktop Publishing |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge and skills utilizing Illustrator®, or InDesign®, software to create a variety of interactive documents. | ||
|
(410) |
Graphic Design Promotion |
S | PS |
| Develop a theme, illustrate the theme in a logo design, and then utilize the logo in a promotional flyer. | ||
|
(415) |
Fundamentals of Web Design |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental web design coding and syntax to include CSS. | ||
|
(420) |
Digital Media Production |
S | PS |
| Create a one-to-two (1-2) minute digital media production with consistent theme and slogan based on the assigned topic. | ||
|
(425) |
Computer Modeling |
S |
| Given a scenario or prompt, Computer Modeling will research the topic, create a profile, concept design(s), prototype(s), and final model and/or scene based upon the assigned topic provided. | ||
|
(430) |
Video Production Team |
S | PS |
| Create a three-to-five (3-5) minute video production, based upon the assigned topic. | ||
|
(435) |
Website Design Team |
S | PS |
| The team will work together to create a website based on the assigned topic. | ||
|
(440) |
Computer Animation Team |
S |
| Create a computer-generated visualization animation, not to exceed two (2) minutes, based upon the assigned topic provided. | ||
|
(445) |
Broadcast News Production Team |
S | PS |
| Create a three-to-five (3-5) minute news broadcast, containing two (2) different segments (news stories). | ||
|
(450) |
Podcast Production Team |
S | PS |
| Podcasts usually feature one or more hosts engaged in a discussion about a particular topic or current event. Discussion and content within a podcast can range from carefully scripted to totally improvised. Podcasts combine elaborate and artistic sound production with thematic concerns ranging from scientific research to slice-of-life journalism. Team members will demonstrate their ability to engage a target audience by creating a 3:00 – 5:00 minute podcast on the provided topic. | ||
|
(455) |
User Experience Design Team |
S | PS |
| Marketing in today’s world spans multiple modes of media delivered to the end user via a combination of digital surfaces inclusive of a web presence suitable for desktop and mobile devices, potentially an app, and a social media presence. This event will focus on prototyping digital experiences for a singular brand, with an emphasis on collaboration, designing the user experience, and rationale for design decisions. | ||
|
(460) |
Visual Design Team - Pilot |
S | PS |
| Use team based visual design strategies to create a new brand image for a company. | ||
|
(490) |
Digital Communication & Design Concepts - Open |
S | PS |
| This competition assesses knowledge of web design, animation, digital media, desktop publishing, and coding. |
Management, Marketing and Communication (500's)
S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(500) |
Global Marketing Team |
S |
| Develop a marketing plan that details pricing strategies and promotional plans for a business. | ||
|
(505) |
Entrepreneurship |
S | PS |
| Develop an operating plan and organizational structure to initiate a small business. Competitors are to assume they are presenting their business plan to potential investors at a bank with the objective of securing financing for their business venture. | ||
|
(510) |
Small Business Management Team |
S | PS |
| The team will use strategic planning and problem-solving skills to provide solutions to the business case study provided. At state and national level, teams will be presented with an additional element to the scenario that requires revision of their final presentation. | ||
|
(515) |
Interview Skills |
S | PS |
| Assess proficiency in job search and interview situations. | ||
|
(520) |
Advanced Interview Skills |
S | PS |
| Assess advanced proficiency in job search, interview situations, and portfolio development. | ||
|
(525) |
Extemporaneous Speech |
S |
| Demonstrate communication skills in arranging, organizing, and effectively presenting information orally without prior knowledge of the topic. | ||
|
(530) |
Contemporary Issues |
PS |
| Demonstrate communication skills in arranging, organizing, and effectively presenting information orally without prior knowledge of the topic. | ||
|
(535) |
Human Resource Management |
S | PS |
| Assess interpretation of personnel policies and knowledge of human resource management. | ||
|
(540) |
Ethics & Professionalism |
S | PS |
| Explore the application of ethical frameworks to various aspects used in business today. | ||
|
(545) |
Prepared Speech |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate communication skills in securing, arranging, organizing, and presenting information orally. | ||
|
(550) |
Parliamentary Procedure Team |
S |
| Demonstrate the use of correct parliamentary procedure through a chairperson’s ability to conduct a business meeting in a democratic manner that allows the members of the team to effectively participate. Examine the team’s knowledge of parliamentary procedure through oral questions and the objective test. | ||
|
(555) |
Presentation Individual |
S | PS |
| Assess use of current desktop technologies and software to prepare and deliver an effective multimedia presentation. | ||
|
(560) |
Presentation Team |
S | PS |
| Assess use of current desktop technologies and software to prepare and deliver an effective multimedia presentation. | ||
|
(590) |
Meeting and Event Planning Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| To provide a general competitive event addressing business meeting management which incorporates fundamental concepts accepted as good practices in any business unit including business planning and strategy, organization and execution, trust and transparency. | ||
|
(591) |
Management, Marketing and Human Resources Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| Assess knowledge of management, marketing, and human resources concepts. | ||
|
(592) |
Parliamentary Procedure Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| Assess knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Test questions are based on the National Association of Parliamentarians Study Guide for Registration Examination. | ||
|
(593) |
Project Management Concepts – Open |
PS |
| To provide a general competitive event addressing contestant’s knowledge of basic project management practices and terminology that is used independent of a specific methodology. | ||
|
(594) |
Digital Marketing Concepts – Open |
S | PS |
| Assess knowledge of digital marketing concepts |
Health Administration (600's)
S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(600) |
Medical Coding |
S | PS |
| This contest will test the student’s knowledge and skills in the area of medical coding. | ||
|
(605) |
Health Insurance & Medical Billing |
S | PS |
| Assess the student’s knowledge of insurance verification, prior authorization, insurance claim submission, insurance payment posting, and medical billing operations. | ||
|
(610) |
Health Administration Procedures |
S | PS |
| Evaluate knowledge of medical terminology and skills needed to prepare medical documents and function effectively in a medical office. Tests are written using AHDI guidelines and Taber’s or Dorland’s medical dictionaries. | ||
|
(615) |
Health Research Presentation |
S | PS |
| Demonstrate communication skills in securing, arranging, organizing, and presenting information orally on the provided health topic. | ||
|
(690) |
Health Administration Concepts – Open Event |
S | PS |
| Description This contest will assess the student’s knowledge of medical terminology, including but not limited to: prefix, suffix, word roots, the body's systems, confidentiality, and in-patient/out-patient best practices. |
Middle Level (900's)
ML = Middle Level
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(900) |
Financial Literacy |
ML |
| To develop a basic understanding of finance and accounting skills. | ||
|
(915) |
Administrative Support Team |
ML |
| The team will function as an office staff to produce a variety of business documents. | ||
|
(920) |
Digital Citizenship |
ML |
| Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of respectful, responsible and ethical behavior in a digital world. | ||
|
(925) |
Word Processing |
ML |
| Evaluate entry-level skills in word processing and document production. | ||
|
(930) |
Spreadsheet Applications |
ML |
| Contestants will enter and format data, enter and copy formulas, and print full documents or cell contents. | ||
|
(940) |
Digital Game Design Team |
ML |
| Given a specific theme, teams will create a digital game to entertain and educate. Teams may use Scratch®, Tynker®, or other game engines to create the executable game. | ||
|
(945) |
Graphic Design Promotion |
ML |
| Develop a theme, illustrate the theme in a logo design, and then utilize the logo in a promotional flyer. | ||
|
(950) |
Video Production |
ML |
| Create a one to two-minute video based upon the assigned topic. | ||
|
(955) |
Website Design Team |
ML |
| The team will work together to create a Website based on the topic below. | ||
|
(960) |
Visual Design Team - Pilot |
ML |
| Use team based visual design strategies to create a new brand image for a company. | ||
|
(970) |
Entrepreneurship Exploration |
ML |
| To encourage students to have a better understanding of the American free enterprise system, contestants will conduct research on the assigned topic. | ||
|
(975) |
Extemporaneous Speech |
ML |
| Demonstrate communication skills in arranging, organizing, and presenting information orally and effectively without prior knowledge of the topic. | ||
|
(980) |
Prepared Speech |
ML |
| To provide the student an opportunity to demonstrate communication skills in securing, arranging, organizing, and orally presenting information. | ||
|
(985) |
Presentation Team |
ML |
| Assess use of current desktop technologies and software to prepare and deliver an effective multimedia presentation. | ||
|
(990) |
Human Resource Exploration |
ML |
| Assess proficiency in career exploration and interview situations. | ||
|
(995) |
Business Communication Skills Concepts – Open |
ML |
| To develop skills in business communication, including spelling rules, correct spelling of often used business words and correct use of grammar. | ||
|
(996) |
Business Fundamentals Concepts – Open |
ML |
| To develop an overall familiarity with basic business knowledge skills. | ||
|
(997) |
Business Math Concepts – Open |
ML |
| To develop a basic understanding of personal and business-related math skills. | ||
|
(998) |
Computer Literacy Concepts – Open |
ML |
| To develop a basic understanding of computer terminology related to operating systems, hardware components, software applications, and digital citizenship. | ||
Virtual Events (V)
ML = Middle Level, S = Secondary, PS = Post-secondary
| Event # |
Event Title |
Division |
|
(V01) |
Virtual Multimedia & Promotion – Individual |
ML | S | PS |
| Individual contestants will create a 1:00 to 2:30 minute digital promotion based upon the assigned topic. This national event will be submitted and judged virtually. Awards will be presented at the National Leadership Conference. | ||
|
(V02) |
Virtual Multimedia & Promotion – Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Teams of contestants will create a 1:00 to 2:30 minute digital promotion based upon the assigned topic. This national event will be submitted and judged virtually. Awards will be presented at the National Leadership Conference. | ||
|
(V03) |
Software Engineering Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Teams of contestants will collaborate on the engineering of a computer software application that performs tasks and operations as outlined in the provided topic. Project submissions will consist of software source code and assets in addition to a functional executable version of the application. Submissions will be judged on technical merit by software engineering professionals. Teams will be further required to formally present their project to a panel of judges via videoconference, and the presentation will be judged independently of the project’s technical merits. | ||
|
(V04) |
Web Application Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Teams of contestants will create a database-driven Website with server-side functionality. The team is provided with the opportunity to design, build and present a working web application. Teams will be further required to formally present their project to a panel of judges via videoconference, and the presentation will be judged independently of the project’s technical merits. | ||
|
(V05) |
Mobile Applications |
ML | S | PS |
| Individual contestants will develop a mobile phone and/or tablet application based upon the given scenario. Permitted platforms include and are limited to Google Android™, Apple iOS™, and Microsoft Windows Phone™. The application will be pre-submitted for technical judging. Contestants will then be required to present their application to a panel of technical judges. | ||
|
(V06) |
Promotional Photography |
ML | S | PS |
| Individual contestants will demonstrate their skill and creative vision using a DSLR and image editing. This national event will be submitted and judged virtually. Awards will be presented at the National Leadership Conference. | ||
|
(V07) |
Virtual Cybersecurity/Digital Forensics |
ML | S | PS |
| Demonstrate knowledge of computer security and cybersecurity management tasks in multiple computer and mobile platforms. This national event will be graded and require judged components on-site at the National Leadership Conference. Awards will be presented at the National Leadership Conference. | ||
|
(V08) |
Start-up Enterprise Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Teams of contestants will develop an operating plan and organizational structure to initiate a small business. Teams are to assume they are presenting their products/services to potential buyers. | ||
|
(V09) |
Financial Portfolio Management Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Teams (2-4 members) will enter an investment simulation using an online platform provided by a BPA partner. The simulation will provide the students $100,000 initially, to be used to invest in stocks, mutual funds, and/or bonds. | ||
|
(V10) |
Virtual Branding Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Marketing in today’s world focuses on the combination of digital design, social media, virtual mock-ups, and engaging multimedia experiences. This virtual event will evaluate knowledge and skills utilizing cross-medium branding in a team environment. Teams are recommended to use Adobe Xd®, Adobe Illustrator®, Adobe Dimension®, Adobe Photoshop®, Adobe Premiere (Rush)® or other software that meets the contest specifications. |
||
|
(V11) |
2D Animation Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Create a 2–D animation, at least (1:30) and not to exceed (2:30) minutes, based upon the assigned topic provided | ||
|
(V12) |
Social Media Marketing Campaign Team |
ML | S | PS |
| Develop a social media marketing campaign, following the guidelines outlined in the Style & Reference Manual, that details pricing strategies and promotional plans for a business. | ||
|
(V13) |
Esports Team |
ML | S | PS |
| This contest will test a team’s ability to research and create strategies to effectively compete in a virtual esports competition. Teams will submit a research paper on the provided esports topic, compete in an esports tournament, and create a presentation highlighting strategies used and lessons learned. | ||
|
(V14) |
Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making Team |
ML | S | PS |
| This contest will test a team’s ability to research and make decisions on an ethical challenge. Teams will submit a research paper on the provided case study, complete an objective test, and create a presentation highlighting proposed solutions to the ethical challenge and lessons learned. | ||
|
(V15) |
Virtual Interview and Digital Portfolio Design |
ML | S | PS |
| This contest will assess advanced proficiency in job search, interview situations, and portfolio development in a virtual environment. |
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