Competition Format
Event structure.
Project Portfolio
Submitted before competitionDocument your community or business project in a portfolio. Include a rationale, planning process, activities completed, evidence of impact, and reflection.
Oral Presentation
Up to 15 minWalk judges through your project: the problem you addressed, what you did, the results achieved, and what you learned.
Q&A
Included in 15 minAnswer questions about your planning process, leadership decisions, and documented outcomes.
Performance Indicators
What you'll be tested on.
Personal financial literacy content (budgeting, saving, credit)
Curriculum design and instructional methods
Pre/post knowledge measurement
Community partnership development
Program scaling and sustainability
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.
Competition Tips
Notes from experienced competitors.
Pre/post knowledge assessments are the strongest evidence of educational impact.
Programs targeting underserved communities tend to score well on need and impact criteria.
Ready to prep for PMFL?
Practice exams for Finance · Review Finance + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.