SkillsUSA Competitor Checklist
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Review the SkillsUSA Technical Standards
These are the official rules and regulations for each competition, and they are included as a benefit of membership.
In addition to the rules for all national competitions, the standards include an overview, lists of technical skills and knowledge required, clothing requirement, and eligibility and equipment lists.
To access the Technical Standards, members both students and advisors, can navigate to SkillsUSA Pathful.
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Complete Pre-conference Requirements
Competitors are responsible for reviewing the current SkillsUSA Technical Standards for their competition and regularly checking both the GeneralNationalCompetitor Updates and Competition-Specific Updates sections on the SkillsUSA website.
Competitors must complete all required national pre-conference online submissions by the published deadlines. Note: All national competitors are required to upload their resume prior to NLSC by the published deadline. Missing a submission deadline will result in a penalty and/or loss of points for the applicable submission; however, competitors are still eligible to compete in their event.
Pre-conference online submissions: Deadline June 3, 2027, 5 p.m. ET
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Complete Your Online Test(s)
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-specific updates will notify national competitors if their competition-specific knowledge test will be administered pre-conference. All national competitors must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test (PDT) prior to NLSC.
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 as a competition-specific update.
Pre-conference online testing: Deadline June 17, 2026, 5 p.m. ET
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Review Competition-Specific Updates
Competition-specific updates will be posted 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 and applicable competition-specific updates.
Updates are posted frequently leading up to NLSC. Please check back regularly!
Note: State-specific competition updates are not available on the national website.
Wi-Fi access at NLSC is primarily provided on the 5 GHz band. Competitors are responsible for ensuring their devices are compatible with 5 GHz networks. If needed, bring a compatible 5 GHz Wi-Fi adapter.
Computers must have all required, fully licensed software pre-installed and tested before arriving at the competition. Unless specifically authorized by the national technical committee, internet access is not permitted during the competition. For maximum reliability, it is recommended that all required software be capable of running offline. Competitors must also have administrative rights to their computers to make any required system changes before the competition begins.
