FAQs: What is DECA? 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DECA? 

DECA is a co-curricular competitive student organization for business students in high school and college. DECA prepares students to be emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.  As an international, non-profit organization, DECA aims to promote career and technical education, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster the development of skills necessary for success in the business world. 

What does “DECA” mean?

The name "DECA" originally stood for "Distributive Education Clubs of America," but it is now commonly referred to simply as DECA.

So... what does DECA entail? 

DECA provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain real-world business experience, and network with professionals in various industries. As a member, you will attend competitive events at the regional, state, and maybe even international level.

HOW IT WORKS:

• Select one of the five business clusters (Marketing, Management, Finance, Hospitality/Tourism, Entrepreneurship) and decide whether you will do an active role-play as an individual or team - or a prepared event. There are also virtual simulations you can do in addition to your event, and the Stock Market Game. 

• Study and prepare for your cluster exam and judged role-plays - coaching and small group study support will be scheduled starting in October 2023. Written events do their research and drafting during this time. 

  • Compete at the local District competition, with an opportunity to advance to States. 

  • Prepared events compete first at States with a chance to advance to ICDC.

How much time should I dedicate to DECA?

It depends! Your event and level of experience are the two biggest factors. 

• If you are new to DECA and not enrolled in a business class, you can expect to spend ~2 hours a week preparing. 

• If you are enrolled in a business class, you can use some time in that class to prepare. 

• If you advance from Districts to States, expect to spend even more time studying. International qualifiers will need the most rigorous preparation. 

What are the events? 

Check out the event guide page for information, as well as these links:

• Events by type and cluster (with links to each event page on DECA.org)

• www.deca.org/compete

Who can join DECA? 

Anyone! We welcome anyone who has the drive, determination, and spirit to take on a challenge and do the work. If you are new to DECA, here’s what you can expect: 

• FRESHMAN YEAR

  • freshmen should compete in Principles of Business Events and spend extra time preparing for the exam and networking with upperclassmen.  First-year underclassmen are not advised to compete in written events.

• SOPHOMORE YEAR

  • First-time sophomores can choose to compete in a Principles event, but can also choose individual series events or join a team decision-making. Year 2 sophomores can choose individual series events or join a TDM. 

• JUNIOR YEAR

  • Depending on your prior knowledge and experience with certain topics, juniors should consider individual or team decision-making events -- or team up on a written event. 

• SENIOR YEAR

  • Depending on your experience in the different DECA areas, you can pick an individual series or team event, or join a team on a written project. Seniors cannot compete in Principles events. 

Why should I join DECA? 

Students who join DECA have the chance to participate in conferences, workshops, community service activities, and other educational programs that enhance their understanding of business concepts and prepare them for future careers.

Many DECA alumni have gone on to pursue careers in marketing, management, finance, and related fields – scholarships and networking opportunities are also integral to the DECA experience.

You should join DECA if...

• You are strongly considering studying for a career in any business field

• You are a problem-solver who likes to take on a challenge 

• You are able to commit to the annual schedule (there are no substitutions or makeups if you cannot compete)

• You want to expand your network and connect with like-minded young professionals