Competition Format
Event structure.
Preparation
10 minYou receive a printed scenario card describing a business situation. Read carefully, identify the core problem, and outline your recommended approach. No outside materials allowed.
Role-Play with Judge
Up to 10 minThe judge acts as a business professional (customer, manager, or owner). You present your analysis and recommendations, field questions, and demonstrate your grasp of relevant performance indicators.
Transition / Wrap-Up
Included in 10 minConclude with a clear summary of your recommendations. The judge may ask 1–2 follow-up questions before scoring your role-play.
Performance Indicators
What you'll be tested on.
Financial statement analysis
Capital budgeting (NPV, IRR, payback period)
Risk management and mitigation
Business financing options (debt vs. equity)
Cash flow management
Investment principles and portfolio theory
Financial planning and forecasting
How to Prepare
Preparation framework.
01
Master the Performance Indicators
Download the PI list for your cluster and BA Core from deca.org. Learn the definition of each PI and be able to apply it in a business scenario.
02
Build a scenario framework
Use a consistent opening structure: re-state the situation, state your recommendation, explain the reasoning, address any concerns. Practice until it's automatic.
03
Practice with sample scenarios
DECA posts sample role-plays on deca.org. Time yourself. Film your practice. Review your vocabulary and professionalism.
04
Take practice exams
Use the Practice Exams on this hub. Focus on missed questions and trace each one back to a specific PI.
05
Compete in chapter/district competitions
Nothing replaces reps. Use every qualifier to refine your scenario approach and test comfort under pressure.
Sample Scenario Themes
Representative topics.
Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.
Recommending whether to lease or purchase equipment
Evaluating a capital investment proposal
Advising on optimal capital structure
Preparing a cash flow projection for a new venture
Explaining how to reduce accounts receivable days
Assessing the financial viability of expansion
Competition Tips
Notes from experienced competitors.
Practice calculating and interpreting common financial ratios fluently.
Know the time value of money, expect scenarios that reference NPV or payback period.
Be prepared to explain the risk-return tradeoff in plain language to a non-technical judge.
Scenarios often reward a structured 'problem → analysis → recommendation' format.
Ready to prep for BFS?
Practice exams for Finance · Review Finance + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.