Competition Overview

Roleplay events combine a 100-question multiple-choice exam with an on-the-spot problem-solving scenario. Competitors receive a case study, have a short preparation period, and present their solution to a judge, demonstrating their knowledge and communication skills. There are three main types of roleplays:

• Principles Events – For first-year members, introductory business concepts.

• Individual Series – Career-specific events in areas such as marketing, finance, hospitality, or marketing.

• Team Decision Making – Teams of two analyze and solve a business challenge together.

Scores from the exam and roleplay are combined to determine advancement, with the exam counting for one-third and the roleplay for two-thirds of the total score. Top performers at regionals (for principle and team events) qualify for the State Career Development Conference (SCDC), and the best at state advance to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

To find the event that best matches your strengths and interests, visit the DECA website and review the official guidelines for each roleplay.

The D.E.C.A. Method for RP's

For every roleplay, make sure to use the DECA Method for every PI by doing the following: 

Define 

Make sure you know the exact information of what you're explaining. Even if you're not completely sure, just define what you're about to explain. This allows the judge to focus on what you're going to explain. 

(EX: Ideally a market economy would be an economy where the government has little to no say about what is bought, sold, or made.) 

Example

This is arguable the most important part of your explanation and should always take up the most time. Be specific in your examples and make sure to be able to use examples that will be able to applicable to multiple situations.

(EX: Modern day command economies resemble those of our own in the United States, and of our allies like Canada and  Australia.) 

Connect

Make sure your example is relevant and matters to your prompt and definition. You want your whole explanation to be cohesive and smooth. 

(EX: As your director of marketing, I think it is important to realize what type of economy we're in because we need to realize what kind of competition we have and which laws we need to follow.)

Above and Beyond

How are YOU going to stand out from the competition? Make sure to showcase your creative side. This could mean in how you're presenting or the impromptu prompts you create. 

(EX: As you can see on this chart I've made you... We have X, Y,  and Z competitors, because we're in a market economy...) 

Closing With B.E.T. On Success

When closing a presentation, when applicable, don't forget to BET on success by explaining: 

Budget

All projects require money. Judges want to make sure you remember it does, and they'd like to see how you're getting the biggest bang for your buck. A way to show them you know what you're doing is by budgeting. You don't have to show them exact numbers, like $36,578. Instead, you can stay a little broader by using percents. 

(EX: 60% manufacturing, 30% marketing, 10% miscellaneous) 

Evaluate

Just because you have a project going doesn't automatically mean it's going to be a success. You know it's a success because you have a way to measure it. Present to your judge how you're going to measure the rate or amount of success. 

(EX: Percent of ticket sale increase after your advertising campaign)

Timeline

Have a schedule ready. Make sure you know what you're going to do at which point of time. Judges hate it when they think you're just going to stand there and hope those numbers change! How are you going to make it change? Who does what? When does this happen? Have a timeline prepared to answer all these questions. 

(EX: In two weeks, we'll have a prototype done for you to see. And we'll be able to test it on the market before the end of this month. You can expect an email from me about our progress next week.) 

Prepared/Written events require students to complete in-depth projects over several months that combine research, strategic planning, and professional presentations. Competitors work in teams of up to three to develop a written report and deliver a 15-minute presentation to judges.

Scores from both the written report and presentation are combined to determine advancement. Everyone qualifies for the State Career Development Conference (SCDC), and the highest scorers at state advance to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

To find the event that best matches your strengths and interests, visit the DECA website and review the official guidelines for each event.

Resources for Exams

• Quizlet ; Quizlet

If you'd like additional outside help, we highly recommend checking out Go For Glass, an organization designed by DECA students for DECA students. 

Real Advice from Finalists – Practical, proven tips from people who’ve been on the ICDC stage.

Easy-to-follow guides, links, and resources all in one place.