Competition Format
Event structure.
Portfolio
Submitted before competitionPrepare a sales portfolio documenting your sales approach, product/service knowledge, customer analysis, and sales tools.
Preparation
10 minReview the scenario card describing the sales situation, the customer profile, and your product/service context.
Sales Presentation
Up to 10 minDeliver a consultative sales presentation to the judge (acting as the customer). Use need-identification, feature-benefit selling, and handle objections professionally.
Performance Indicators
What you'll be tested on.
Personal financial planning (budgeting, saving, investing)
Investment products and risk tolerance
Tax planning basics
Retirement and insurance planning
Needs analysis and consultative approach
How to Prepare
Preparation framework.
01
Read DECA's official guidelines thoroughly
Each written event has a specific format outlined in the DECA Guide. Page limits, required sections, and formatting standards must be followed exactly.
02
Choose a meaningful, real-world topic
Judges reward authentic research with measurable data. Choose a topic you can actually research and document well.
03
Start the written entry early
Plan for multiple drafts. Have your advisor and peers review it. Written entries are scored before you arrive, they determine whether you advance.
04
Prepare a tight 10-minute pitch
The presentation is your highlight reel. Practice a structured opening, a concise walk-through of key findings, and a strong close.
05
Anticipate Q&A deep dives
Judges will probe your data sources, methodology, and assumptions. Know every number in your entry and why you made each decision.
Sample Scenario Themes
Representative topics.
Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.
Advising a young professional on building an investment portfolio
Helping a client evaluate insurance coverage options
Creating a debt repayment and savings plan
Advising on retirement account contributions
Competition Tips
Notes from experienced competitors.
Your portfolio demonstrates preparation; the role-play demonstrates live advisory skill, both must be strong.
Show empathy and client-focus: ask questions, listen before recommending.
Ready to prep for FCE?
Practice exams for Finance · Review Finance + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.