General Information

How to Navigate a Competition Description

Bpa can be quite confusing for someone who has just joined, but don't worry the competition descriptions are here to help. A competition description gives you a brief explanation about what the event is, along with the skills you will need to succeed in the event. Also included are a list of specifications about the event that describe how that event will go and what it requires you to do in terms of the Region, State, and National level.  

Title: [ (Event Number) (Event Name) (Name will specify "Team") ]

Eligibility: "Secondary" = High School

Competencies: Topics you will be tested on

If it says, "Reference materials are allowed", you can bring your handwritten notes or a textbook! Just no electronics or printed content.

Entries: "Each state is allowed five (5) entries" --> The top 5 winners of state will advance to nationals.

Competition Vs Open Events

In competition events, students may enter enter two events: one team event and/or one individual event, or two individual events. These are the event(s) you sign-up for when you register for BPA. They are the ONLY way you can advance from regional to state and beyond.

In open events, students can enter and compete in any of the open events available. Basically, you can take as many tests as you want in whatever category you want! Open events are tests you can take during competition, on top of your competition event, to earn extra awards and recognition. You CANNOT advance to the next level by placing in an open event, but you will get a medal and the title of a winner at the level you compete in! Students do not need to pre-qualify for open events to compete at the state or national leadership conferences.

How do I know if an event is an open event? See the red circle in the image to the right.

Can I sign-up for an open event as my competition event? No, you can't have an open event as your main competitive event.

When do I take an open event test? At the regional level, we will host an additional testing time at LTHS for students to take all the open events that they're interested in. You will have a few hours to take as many tests as you would like. At state and nationals, they will have a large room full of computers available for you to walk in and take a test at any time.