FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions
Accounting I (Two entries, may not have completed more than one semester of accounting) –
one hour test based on accounting (journaling, classifying accounts, terminology, types of
ownership, posting, income statement, balance sheet, worksheet, bank reconciliation, payroll,
ethics)
Accounting II (Two entries)
two hour test based on accounting (journaling, classifying accounts, terminology, types of
ownership, posting, income statement, balance sheet, worksheet, bank reconciliation, payroll,
ethics, corporate accounting; includes an objective and a performance part)
Banking & Financial Systems (One team of 2-3) – One hour objective test taken together
(objectives: banking concepts & practices, government regulations, terminology, impact of
technology on financial services, types and differences between institutions, ethics, careers,
taxation) and the team is given a situation and must present their solution to a panel of judges
in 7 minutes or less.
Business Calculations (Two entries) – One hour objective test based on: consumer credit, markups and discounts, data analysis, interest rates, payroll, investments, taxes, bank records,
insurance, ratios and proportions, depreciation, inventory.
Business Communication (Two entries; 11th and 12th grade) – One hour objective test based on:
written & oral communication concepts, grammar, reading comprehension, editing &
proofreading, word definition & usage, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, digital
communications.
Business Ethics (One team of 2-3) – Team is given an ethical dilemma and has 20 minutes to
prepare and argument. Team must present their argument in 7 minutes or less. All team
members must speak.
Business Financial Plan (One team of 1-3) – Financial plan must be created before the contest
and sent to the judges. Must include cover page, be bound, have a cover, and more.
Scenario:
You want to open your own independent sports memorabilia retail store called Sports Zone
where you can sell spirit clothing and merchandise for local teams as well as for college teams
and professional sports. You also live within 75 miles of the three NCAA colleges with active
athletic programs and a city with NFL, NBA, and MLB franchises. While the bulk of your
merchandise will be centered on the teams in your area, you also want to have merchandise for
many other college and professional teams. The local schools also would like you to stock spirit
items for their local sports teams. You also want to be the supplier of uniforms for local
recreation leagues. You would like to open your retail store in your local shopping mall which is
looking to fill a vacancy for a 6,500 square foot store. You will need to purchase all the
inventory of your licensed clothing and merchandise and will need to have an area to fulfill
orders for the local school and recreation teams.
FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Business Law (Two entries)–One hour objective test based on: contracts, sales, business
organization, bailments, bankruptcy, insurance, trade regulation, product and personal liability,
wills, consumer protection, torts, ethics)
Business Math (Two entries, only for 9th and 10th grade) – One-hour objective test based on:
basic math concepts, consumer credit, data analysis and probability, fractions, percentages,
discounts, decimals.
Business Plan (One team of 1-3) –Team must create a business plan as well as present their plan
to a group of judges if they reach the final round of competition. Plan must include: executive
summary, company description, industry analysis, target market, competitive analysis,
marketing plan & sales strategy, operations, management & organization, long-term
development, financials, and appendix.
Business Presentation (One team of 2-3) –Team will create a presentation based on the
following topic: Create a presentation on the dangers of texting and driving to present to the
senior class. This presentation will be given before the prom and graduation activities.
Business Procedures (Two entries) – One-hour objective test based on: human relations,
technology concepts, communication skills, decision making, career development, business
operations, database management, and ethics.
Client Service (One entry) – Interactive simulation. 10 minutes before the simulation you are
given a scenario. You have 5 minutes to demonstrate how you would solve the problem.
Computer Applications (One entry)–One-hour objective test and two hour production test
(most students take much less than two hours). Tested over: basic computer terminology,
computer application knowledge, document formatting rules, netiquette, grammar,
punctuation and proofreading as well as creating databases, spreadsheets, presentations,
business graphics, and word processing.
Computer Problem Solving (Two entries) – One-hour objective test based on: personal
computer components, operating systems, laptop and portable devices, networks, security,
safety and environmental issues, and printer and scanners.
Cyber Security (Two entries) –One hour objective test based on: computer attacks, network
security, e-mail security, firewalls, intrusion detection, public key, authentication, disaster
recovery, physical security, forensics security, cryptography.
Database Design &Applications (One entry) – Objective test and production test. One-hour
objective test based on data definitions, query development, table relationships, form
development, and report generation. One hour production test in which you will have to
demonstrate data entry techniques, basic organizational structure of a database, develop
multiple queries, set up relational databases, edit relationships, and develop reports including
sorting & grouping, inserting graphics, creating headers & footers, and calculating data.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Desktop Publishing (One team of 2)–One-hour objective test and two hour production test.
Objective test covers basic desktop terminology and concepts, desktop application knowledge,
desktop layout rules and standards, message presentation, accuracy, and proofreading.
Production test covers your creation addressing the topic and appropriateness for the
audience, effectively communicating, creative and cohesive graphics, text, and special effect,
appropriate fonts and type sizes, overall creative and appealing layout and design.
Digital Design and Promotion (Team or individual):
prepare graphic design and present to judges
Scenario: You will develop a full promotional package for the Lancaster Youth Center (or you
may substitute a local youth center in your community), a local youth association. This is a safe
place that provides an alcohol, tobacco, and drug free environment for youth to gather, to be
themselves, and to find their voice in the community. The association provides after-school
activities for youth in grades 6-12.
You should have a primary logo design and six supporting designs that show how the logo
would be incorporated in the following:
long horizontal format, a long vertical format, a full page advertisement, a small version of the
logo to go on clothing merchandise, a black and white logo, a three-color logo that could be
used for three-color printing
Digital Video Production (One team of 2-3)–Project and performance based on the following
topic: Create an educational video on the dangers of texting and driving to present at an
assembly program to students at your school.
E-Business (One team of 2-3)–Project and performance based on the following topic: Your FBLA
chapter has been approached by the school’s administration to boost participate at school
events by creating an on-line ticketing system for all school events: sports, music, drama, etc.
The site may be real or fictional. Included in the site should be a navigation bar to allow
participants to view event venues (auditoriums, stadiums, gymnasiums, etc), view upcoming
events, view open seats for each event, select seats, and purchase seats for all events. It also
must offer a shopping cart, pricing, and payment information (including payment options),
mailing options (including local pickup), and security/service information. You are not expected
to have a live payment link.
Economics (Two entries) – One hour objective test based on: economic principles related to the
policies and goals of the U.S. economy, comparison of the American economic system to other
systems, supply and demand, international trade, market structures, investments and interest
rates, monetary and fiscal policy, types of businesses, business cycles, role of government, labor
relations, environment issues.
Electronic Career Portfolio (One entry)– Electronic portfolio is created before district contest
with samples of your work, achievements, and accomplishments. Now includes a performance
event.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Emerging Business Issues (One team of 2-3) – Team gives an argument for or against
(affirmative or negative) the following topic: Marketers are always looking for better ways to
gather information about target markets and increase product sales. With the rise of social
networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, marketers are able to use “a new form of
behavioral targeting – a king of conversational eavesdropping analsys.” The issue has been
raised that these techniques invade privacy. Be prepared to argue the affirmative, that yes,
marketers should be able to collect information via Facebook and LinkedIn; or be prepared to
argue the negative, that no. using information collected from personal posts on Facebook and
LinkedIn is an invasion of privacy.
Entrepreneurship (One team of 2-3) – This event recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate
the knowledge and skills to establish and manage a business. This event consists of an objective
test and a performance component. Team members will take objective test collaboratively and
participate in a role-play event.
Help Desk (one entry; online test and presentation)
Test on ability to provide technical assistance
Health Care Administration (Two entries; online test)
Demonstrate the ability to manage the business side of health services, ensuring the effective
use of resources to ensure the best medical care to the community. These skills include
managing office activities, enhancing communication skills, identifying legal and ethical issues in
healthcare practices, managing financial functions and enhancing employability skills.
Hospitality Mgt. (Two entries; online test)
Hospitality is an important aspect of business and society. This event provides recognition to
FBLA members who have the ability to help other people enjoy both leisure and business travel
and events.
Global Business (one team; online test and presentation)
Demonstrate the ability to recognize the importance of world trade and our global economy.
The global economy is a complex, continually flowing and constantly changing network of
information, goods, services, and cultures. Most nations rely on other nations for natural
resources to supply their needs and wants. Global business also provides new markets and
investment opportunities as well as promotion of better relationships.
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure (two entries; online test; 9th and 10th grade only)
Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of parliamentary procedure along with an
understanding of FBLA’s organization and procedures.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Mgt. Decision Making ( one entry; team of 2-3 people; online test and presentation)
Making critical decisions that provide the right direction and a winning position in today’s
business world is essential to good management. Business executives must make high-quality,
nearly instantaneous decisions all the time. The ability to make the right decisions concerning
vision, growth, resources, strengths, and weaknesses leads to a successful business. It is
management’s responsibility to manage for today and tomorrow, to manage for optimum
efficiency, and to manage to compete in the marketplace.
Mgt. Info. Systems (one entry; team of 2-3 people, online test and presentation)
The ability to design and implement an information system solution to effectively manage vast
amounts of information is a valuable skill that leads to the success of many business entities
today. The use of technology to develop these information systems plays a crucial role in a
business’ ability to compete in today’s business environment.
Mr. FBL (one entry; individual event; online test and interview)
Student must demonstrate leadership qualities, participation in FBLA, and evidence of
knowledge and skills essential for successful careers in business. FBLA recognizes that men and
women compete equally in the workplace. The title “Mr. Future Business Leader” or “Ms.
Future Business Leader” is the highest honor an FBLA member can receive.
Ms. FBL (see Mr. FBL above)
Network Design (one entry, team of 2-3 people, online test and role-playing event)
You will evaluate the needs of an organization and then design and implement network
solutions is a valuable skill in today’s connected workplace.
Parliamentary Procedure (one entry; team of 4-5 people; online test and role-playing event)
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of parliamentary procedure such as how to
make motions, amend motions, adjourn meetings, etc.
Personal Finance (two entries; individual event; online test)
Answer questions related to insurance, budgeting, checking accounts, investments, etc.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Public Speaking I (only 9-10th graders, one entry) – This events recognizes members were are
developing qualities of business leadership by way of public speaking. This event consists of a
four-minute speech. Speech must be business nature and must be developed from one or more
of the nine FBLA-PBL goals. The goals are:
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Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
Create more interest in and understanding of the American business enterprise
Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the
improvement of home, business, and community.
Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
Encourage and practice efficient money management.
Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
Facilitate the transition from school to work.
Public Speaking II (one entry, 11th and 12th grade) – Recognize members who, through public
speaking, demonstrate qualities of business leadership by presenting a well-organized, logical,
and substantial speech. The event consists of a five-minute speech. Must be of business nature,
and be developed from one or more of the nine FBLA-PBL Goals.
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Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
Create more interest in and understanding of the American business enterprise
Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the
improvement of home, business, and community.
Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
Encourage and practice efficient money management.
Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
Facilitate the transition from school to work.
Sports Management (two entries; individual event; online test)
The sports industry is rapidly growing in this country and the world. For an individual to be
successful and effective in this type of work, a core understanding of business and a
comprehensive awareness of sports is necessary to succeed in sports management. This event
provides recognition for FBLA members who possess the basic principles of sports
management.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Spreadsheet Applications (one participant) – This event consists of two parts: and objective test
and a production test. Participants are required to compete all parts to be eligible to win an
award. A one-hour objective test will be administered based on the objective test
competencies. The score received on this portion of the event will constitute 15 percent of the
final event score. One hour will be given for the production test; the score received on this will
be 85 percent of the final event score.
Technology Concepts (Two participants) - Technology is the new competitive edge for business.
Successful business leaders must understand the impact of technology and know how to
effectively harness it to drive their business success. A one (1) hour objective test will be
administered based on the competencies listed. Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
Competencies are as follows:
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networking concepts
operating systems and browsers
computer applications & integration
basic technology concepts
telecommunications
Internet safety
computer equipment
Web Site Design (one website) - This event recognizes FBLA members who have developed
proficiency in the creation and design of Web sites. A prejudged Web site developed according
to the topic below must be completed and available for review. Topic: Your local city
government has developed a new focus on youth involvement opportunities for the area’s
young adults. Your local government asks your FBLA chapter to create a Web site that provides
information about local student organizations such as FBLA-PBL and other service-related
organizations. Please profile your FBLA chapter and its activities as well as other local student
groups. This Web site will not only act as an information source for youth who want to become
involved, but it also will serve as a way to make your local government more assessable to
youth. Incorporate one type of social media, which will allow for youth to send feedback or
thoughts to the local government. Social media elements include but are not limited to
Facebook and Twitter.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Word Processing I (One entry, 9th and 10th graders) - Word processing skills are necessary in
today’s world. This event recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate that they have acquired
entry level skills for word processing positions in business. This event consists of two (2) parts:
an objective test and a production test. Participants must complete both parts to be eligible to
win an award.
A one (1) hour objective test will be administered based on the objective test competencies.
The score received on this portion of the event will constitute fifteen (15) percent of the final
event score. Nongraphing calculators will be provided. One (1) hour will be given for the
production test at a school site designated by the state chair/state adviser. The score received
on this portion of the event will constitute 85 percent of the final event score. Tests must be
sent by the state chair/state adviser and received by the national center for judging by the third
Friday in May.
Objective Test Competencies
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document formatting rules and standards
grammar, punctuation, spelling, and proofreading
basic word processing terminology and concepts
word processing applications
Production Competencies
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production of letters and memorandums
reports
tables
résumés
material from rough draft and unarranged copy
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Word Processing II (one entry, 11th and 12th graders) - A high level of word processing skill is a
necessity for employees in productive offices. This event recognizes FBLA members who
demonstrate that they have acquired word processing proficiency beyond entry level. This
event consists of two (2) parts: an objective test and a production test. Participants must
complete both parts to be eligible to win an award. A one (1) hour objective test will be
administered based on the competencies listed. The score received on this portion of the event
will constitute 15 percent of the final event score. Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
One (1) hour will be given for the production test at a school site designated by the state
chair/state adviser. The score received on this portion of the event will constitute 85 percent of
the final event score. Tests must be sent by the state chair/state adviser and received by the
national center for judging by the third Friday in May.
Objective Test Competencies
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document formatting rules and standards
grammar, punctuation, spelling, and proofreading
basic computer concepts
word processing applications
Production Competencies
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production of all types of business forms
letters
memorandums
tables
reports
statistical reports
materials from rough draft and unarranged copy
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Network Concepts (two participants) - Acquiring a high level of familiarization and proficiency in
working with networks is essential in today’s connected workplace. This event provides
recognition for FBLA members who have an understanding of network technologies. A one (1)
hour objective test will be administered based on the competencies listed. Nongraphing
calculators will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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general network terminology
network operating system concepts
equipment for network access (firewall, DSU/CSU, T1, WiFi, etc.)
OSI model and functionality
network topologies and connectivity
network security
Marketing (Team of 2-3 participants, written test first, if score on written test is high enough,
you do a performance event) - Marketing involves the distribution of products and services to
the consumer. This event provides recognition for FBLA members who possess knowledge of
the basic principles of marketing. A one (1) hour objective test will be administered based on
the competencies listed. Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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basic marketing fundamentals (price, product, place, and promotion)
channels of distribution
legal and social aspects of marketing
advertising media to include e-commerce
international marketing
marketing research
marketing/information management
ethics
Help Desk (one entry)- Performance event where you provide technical assistance to others.
Health Care Administration (two entries)-objective test; Healthcare administrators manage the
business side of health services, ensuring the effective use of resources to ensure the best medical
care to the community. These skills include managing office activities, enhancing communication
skills, identifying legal and ethical issues in healthcare practices, managing financial functions and
enhancing employability skills.
Hospitality Management (two entries)-objective test; Hospitality is an important aspect of business
and society. This event provides recognition to FBLA members who have the ability to help other
people enjoy both leisure and business travel and events.
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Job Interview (one entry) - This event recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate proficiency
in applying for employment in business. This event consists of two (2) parts: a letter of
application, résumé, and a job application form; and an interview. Participants are required to
complete all parts to be eligible to win an award. A letter of application, résumé, and job
application must be submitted in six folders prior to the NLC by the state chair or designee and
received by the national center by the second Friday in May. Each participant must apply for a
business or business-related job at Merit Corporation. The job must be one for which he/she is
now qualified or for which he/she will be qualified at the completion of the current school year.
Introduction to Technology Concepts (two members, 9-10th grade members only) - The
processing of data is important to the successful operation of business. This event provides
recognition for FBLA members who understand the basic principles involved in computer
technology. A one (1) hour objective test will be administered based on the competencies
listed. Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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basic computer principles
terminology
computer application concepts
programming basic concepts o computer equipment
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure (9th-10th graders only, two entries) - This event
recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of parliamentary
procedure along with an understanding of FBLA’s organization and procedures. A one (1) hour
objective test will be administered based on the competencies listed. Nongraphing calculators
will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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parliamentary procedure principles (Through a partnership with the National
Association of Parliamentarians, questions for the parliamentary procedure principles
portion of the exam will be drawn from National Association of Parliamentarian’s official
test bank.)
FBLA Bylaws
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Introduction to Business Communication (2 participants, 9th and 10th graders only) - Learning to
communicate in a manner that is clearly understood by the receiver of the message is a major
task of all businesspeople. This event provides recognition for FBLA members who demonstrate
an understanding of basic communication skills and concepts. A one (1) hour objective test will
be administered based on the competencies listed. Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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grammar
punctuation
spellingo oral communication concepts
reading copmrehension
word definition and usage
numbers
capitalization
Introduction to Business (9th and 10th graders only, two entries) - Students discover the roles of
business in the free enterprise system and the global economy. Students will learn basic
financial concepts of banking, insurance, credit, investments and learn to make sound decisions
as consumers. In addition, FBLA members will learn the real-world impact of technology,
effective communication, and interpersonal skills. A one (1) hour objective test will be
administered based on the competencies listed. Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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characteristics and organization of business
consumerism
money management and banking
career awareness
rights and responsibilities of employees, managers, owners, and government
insurance
economic systems
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Impromptu Speaking (one representative) - The ability to express one’s thoughts without prior
preparation is a valuable asset, as are poise, self-confidence, and organization of facts. This
event recognizes FBLA members who develop qualities of business leadership by combining
quick and clear thinking with conversational speaking. Participants will be given a topic related
to one or more of the following: FBLA-PBL Goals, FBLA-PBL activities, FBLA-PBL current national
programs, current events, and/or relevant business topics. The goals include:
 Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
 Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
 Create more interest in and understanding of the American business enterprise
 Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the
improvement of home, business, and community.
 Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
 Encourage and practice efficient money management.
 Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
 Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
 Facilitate the transition from school to work.
FBLA Principles and Procedures (two participants) - Members in FBLA should be knowledgeable
about the association and the information found in the official publications. This event provides
recognition for FBLA members who are interested in learning about the background and
current information of FBLA.
Overview
A one (1) hour objective test will be administered based on the competencies listed.
Nongraphing calculators will be provided.
Objective Test Competencies
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FBLA organization, bylaws, and handbook
FBLA national awards program
FBLA national publications
FBLA creed and national goals
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FBLA Contest Events & Descriptions (cont.)
Database Design and Application (one entry) - Databases are necessary to organize data and
information in business. This event recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate that they have
acquired entry-level skills for understanding database usage and development in business.
Databases are necessary to organize data and information in business. This event recognizes
FBLA members who demonstrate that they have acquired entry-level skills for understanding
database usage and development in business.
Objective Test Competencies
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data definitions
query developmento table relationship/referential integrity
form development
report generation
Production Competencies
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data entry techniques
basic organizational structure of a database
develop multiple queries
set up relational databases
edit relationships
develop reports including sorting and grouping, inserting graphics, creating headers and
footers, and calculating data
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