Welcome to the 2021 State Career Development Conference! Pennsylvania DECA is excited to provide our premier event virtually this year with exciting opportunities for networking, competition, and leadership.
This site will serve as a portal to allow you quick access to all of this year’s key events and resources.
Virtual Event Portal
The virtual event portal is where the fun happens! Interact with fellow DECA members, watch live and on-demand workshops, attend the General Sessions and awards shows, and participate in exclusive “DECA After Dark” membership events!
To join, download the “PA DECA” app on iPhone or Android and tap on this year’s event. You can also visit the event portal by clicking on the Web Portal button below.
If you used the PA DECA app last year, you can log in with your same username and password.
Competition Websites
Event Instructions
State Officer Elections
Competition Info - Individual Series/Team Decision Making
You will be provided a window for competition by your chapter advisor. This window is when you will be able to complete your test & role play.
To prevent compatibility issues, do not complete the role play or test on a mobile phone (iPhone, Android, etc.)
Test
- You will have 60 minutes to take a 100-question written test in your cluster area. During the test, you may not use any outside aids or study materials. The test is closed-notes.
- Login information for the test will be provided by your chapter advisor.
- Once directed to begin testing, log into the testing website at https://www.answerwrite.com/deca/pa. DO NOT log in or begin testing until instructed by your chapter advisor.
- If you leave the exam window for any reason during your test, your test will automatically submit.
- Once you have received confirmation that your test was submitted successfully, you can log out and exit your web browser.
- For a step-by-step guide of test instructions, click here.
Role Play
- Individuals will complete 2 role-plays. Teams will complete only one.
- Login information for the role play will be provided by your chapter advisor. For teams, the designated “team captain” will submit the video on behalf of your team.
- Your advisor will provide you with a window to complete your role play in.
- You will have 10 minutes (individuals) or 30 minutes (team) to view your role play scenario. During this time, you should prep your role play.
- Once the time has elapsed, you will have 2 hours to record and upload a video of your presentation to Google Drive. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
- Your video must be no greater than 10 minutes in length (individuals) or 15 minutes in length (teams).
- Your video must be completely unedited. You may not use any type of title slides, transitions, sound effects, or virtual backgrounds.
- You may use notes during your presentation but may not use any cue cards or tele-prompting.
- You must be dressed in professional business attire.
- Your video must be completed entirely in one recording.
- Failure to follow these instructions may result in an automatic 15-point penalty. If your video is unable to be viewed by the judge, your score may result in a zero.
- For a step-by-step guide of instructions, click here.
Competition Info - Principles Events
- You will be provided a window for competition by your chapter advisor. This window is when you will be able to complete your test & role play.To prevent compatibility issues, do not complete the role play or test on a mobile phone (iPhone, Android, etc.)Test
- You will have 60 minutes to take a 100-question written test in your cluster area. During the test, you may not use any outside aids or study materials. The test is closed-notes.
- Login information for the test will be provided by your chapter advisor.
- Once directed to begin testing, log into the testing website at https://www.answerwrite.com/deca/pa. DO NOT log in or begin testing until instructed by your chapter advisor.
- If you leave the exam window for any reason during your test, your test will automatically submit.
- Once you have received confirmation that your test was submitted successfully, you can log out and exit your web browser.
- For a step-by-step guide of test instructions, click here.
Role Play
- Login information for the role play will be provided by your chapter advisor.
- Your advisor will provide you with a window to complete your role play in.
- You will have 10 minutes to view your role play scenario.
- Once the time has elapsed, you will have 2 hours to record and upload a video of your presentation to Google Drive. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
- Your video must be no greater than 10 minutes in length.
- Your video must be completely unedited. You may not use any type of title slides, transitions, sound effects, or virtual backgrounds.
- You may use notes during your presentation but may not use any cue cards or tele-prompting.
- You must be dressed in professional business attire.
- Your video must be completed entirely in one recording.
- Failure to follow these instructions may result in an automatic 15-point penalty. If your video is unable to be viewed by the judge, your score may result in a zero.
- For a step-by-step guide of instructions, click here.
Competition Info - Personal Financial Literacy
- ou will be provided a window for competition by your chapter advisor. This window is when you will be able to complete your test & role play.To prevent compatibility issues, do not complete the role play or test on a mobile phone (iPhone, Android, etc.)Test
- You will have 60 minutes to take a 100-question written test in your cluster area. During the test, you may not use any outside aids or study materials. The test is closed-notes.
- Login information for the test will be provided by your chapter advisor.
- Once directed to begin testing, log into the testing website at https://www.answerwrite.com/deca/pa. DO NOT log in or begin testing until instructed by your chapter advisor.
- If you leave the exam window for any reason during your test, your test will automatically submit.
- Once you have received confirmation that your test was submitted successfully, you can log out and exit your web browser.
- For a step-by-step guide of test instructions, click here.
Role Play
- Login information for the role play will be provided by your chapter advisor.
- Your advisor will provide you with a window to complete your role play in.
- You will have 10 minutes to view your role play scenario.
- Once the time has elapsed, you will have 2 hours to record and upload a video of your presentation to Google Drive. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
- Your video must be no greater than 10 minutes in length.
- Your video must be completely unedited. You may not use any type of title slides, transitions, sound effects, or virtual backgrounds.
- You may use notes during your presentation but may not use any cue cards or tele-prompting.
- You must be dressed in professional business attire.
- Your video must be completed entirely in one recording.
- Failure to follow these instructions may result in an automatic 15-point penalty. If your video is unable to be viewed by the judge, your score may result in a zero.
- For a step-by-step guide of instructions, click here.
Competition Info - Written Events
You will be provided a window for competition by your chapter advisor. This window is when you will be able to complete your test & presentation.
If your event includes a written component, this must be submitted to your advisor prior to January 22nd. Your advisor may have an earlier date requirement, so check with your advisor for the exact details.
To prevent compatibility issues, do not complete the presentation upload or test on a mobile phone (iPhone, Android, etc.)
Test (some events)
- You will have 60 minutes to take a 100-question written test in your cluster area. During the test, you may not use any outside aids or study materials. The test is closed-notes.
- Login information for the test will be provided by your chapter advisor.
- Once directed to begin testing, log into the testing website at https://www.answerwrite.com/deca/pa. DO NOT log in or begin testing until instructed by your chapter advisor.
- If you leave the exam window for any reason during your test, your test will automatically submit.
- Once you have received confirmation that your test was submitted successfully, you can log out and exit your web browser.
- For a step-by-step guide of test instructions, click here.
Presentation
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- Login information for the presentation upload will be provided by your chapter advisor. The designated “team captain” should log in to the system.
- Your advisor will provide you with a window to upload your presentation.
- You will create a 15-minute video presentation explaining your written report. During this video, you will address the key points of your presentation just like you would in an in-person presentation.
- You may use any type of editing in your video. You may embed videos, charts, PowerPoint graphics, or other visuals. We encourage you to be as creative as possible when explaining your project to the judge.
- Because you are pre-recording a video, the judge will not have the opportunity to ask you questions or directly interact with you.
- You will need to upload your video presentation to Google Drive and place the link into the competition sustem. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
- For a step-by-step guide of presentation upload instructions, click here. (Note: the timer will not exist because you are not doing a timed role play event. However, the screens and instructions are very similar.)
Competition Info - State-Only Events
Logistics/Materials Handling (LOG/LMH) will take place using the format of Individual Series. Please reference that info section for more information.
All other state-only event information will be sent to your chapter advisor.
Tips for Success
We understand that virtual competitions present unique challenges. Until we can meet together in-person again, here are some tips that should help you make the most out of competition.
Be Timely
Don’t wait until the last minute to compete! Competition officially closes at 8pm on February 5th, but your advisor will likely set an earlier deadline for your chapter. Get started early and beat the rush.
Test Your Technology
Many issues with technology can be resolved by testing things before you go into competition. This helps particularly with video recording, especially if you’re part of a team. We recommend getting together with your team-members and making a practice video. Figure out what works and identify what technology you will use before starting competition. Pennsylvania DECA’s ability to provide technical support becomes limited once the competition window starts.
Get Creative
Whether you’re in a Written or Role Play event, there are ways that you can be creative in your presentation. Think of ways to impress the judge and stand out from the crowd. Even the smallest touches can go a long way between distinguishing you from your competition.
Support
If you need support during competition, please contact your chapter advisor.
Advisors: please reference your Welcome Emails for additional information.