The SkillsUSA Championships brings together industry and labor representatives, educators, and the public to watch students compete in leadership and hands-on skill events for a full day. The SkillsUSA Championships begin at the local level with contests in classrooms nationwide. Winners advance through district and state competition, and the best of the best make it to the national event. Students benefit no matter how they place in their contests. They test their skills, frequently make job contacts, and have a chance for recognition. District, state, and national winners receive gold, silver, and bronze medallions, scholarships, tools, and other awards
The official regulations for the national events are published in the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards to download to anyone joined as a Professional member. Texas Regulations, free to download; includes the guidelines Texas Only competitions.
SkillsUSA Texas offers competitions in the following categories: Job Exhibits, Skilled and Technical, Leadership Development, Occupationally Related, Technical Information Assessments (State Conference Only), Middle School and Texas Only.
The National Career Clusters® Framework provides a vital structure for organizing and delivering quality career and technical education (CTE) programs through learning and comprehensive programs of study. In total, there are 16 Career Clusters in the National Career Clusters Framework, representing more than 79 Career Pathways to help students navigate their way to greater success in college and career. The current SkillsUSA Championships national career competitions are listed under each Cluster heading. In addition to the 16 Career Clusters established for CTE training programs, SkillsUSA has established an additional Leadership Competition Cluster where related skills are demonstrated in a competitive setting. These 24 leadership competitions are open solely to SkillsUSA members, regardless of their training program area. Therefore, these leadership competitions are not listed in any of the national Career Cluster frameworks associated with a comprehensive program area of study.
2026-2027 Contest Season Updates
Additional competition options found in the Texas Regulations for contests that are eligible at district and state only.
National competitions offered at the district and state level: verify supplies or equipment the contestant should provide before attending the event.
National Contest Theme:
The topic to be addressed by contestants in the 2026-2027 SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions is our theme, “Level Up.”
Texas Only Contest Theme:
3-D Nail Art, Nail Art, Career Promotional Demonstration, Commercial Baking Job Exhibits, and Web Design Job Exhibit theme “Stars, Stripes & Sparkle.”
New Texas Only Contests 2026 – 2027:
- Robo Rodeo (Battle Bots) (MS, HS, PS)
- Game Jam (MS, HS, PS)
- Sticker Showdown (MS)
- Welding Quiz Bowl (HS, PS)