Your Path to States
Starts Here.

District Qualifying Events are the first step toward the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Championships, allowing members to demonstrate their knowledge and earn a place at the state level. Through online qualifying exams in trade knowledge, employability skills, and safety, competitors put their preparation to the test as they work toward advancing to the State Leadership & Skills Conference and continuing their SkillsUSA Championships journey.

DISTRICTS

District Qualifying Events

What: District Qualifying Events — SkillsUSA Championships Qualifying Competition
When: February 24–March 11, 2027, based on your school’s assigned district
Cost: Contestants & State Officer Candidates — $50.00 per person; Teachers/Advisors — FREE
Key Registration Info: Registration opens January 8, 2027; registration closes February 5, 2027

The District Qualifying Events are the first competitive step toward the Massachusetts SkillsUSA Championships, giving members the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and earn a qualifying position at the state level. SkillsUSA Massachusetts facilitates six district events in late February through early March, with students participating in online written examinations based on their assigned district.

District competition evaluates competitors through three written exams focused on Trade Knowledge, Employability Skills, and Safety. Contestants are assessed on their understanding of their occupational area, relevant Technical Standards, and career-ready knowledge. Students in leadership events highlighted as district-qualifying contests must also earn the required placement at the district level before advancing to the State Leadership & Skills Conference.

Each chapter may register competitors according to the participation limits established for each contest, with additional opportunities available to chapters achieving 100% SkillsUSA membership. Qualifying scores determine who advances from each district to the Massachusetts SkillsUSA Championships, making Districts an important opportunity for students to put their preparation to the test and take the next step toward competing at the state level.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS
01
Before Registration
Registration opens January 8 and closes February 5, 2027.
Review the District Qualifying Event Checklist
Review the District Qualifying Event information before beginning registration so students, teachers and families understand the online testing process, participation limits, deadlines and competition expectations.
Share the District Contest Details
Review the current District Contest Details with students and instructors. The contest listing identifies which competitions participate in District Qualifying Events, the number of available entries and total participation allowances for each contest.
Identify Your District Contestants
Identify interested contestants and fill the available competition spots. Most contests allow three competitors or teams per chapter. Chapters with 100% SkillsUSA membership may enter a fourth competitor in eligible events at half the registration cost.
Register Team Members Together
For team events, make sure every team member is registered in the same correct competition. Review the District Contest Details carefully for the required team size before completing registration.
Confirm SkillsUSA Membership & Chapter Eligibility
To be eligible for District competition, each student must be a paid-in-full SkillsUSA member in good standing. Chapter financial obligations to SkillsUSA Massachusetts must also be paid in full.
Prepare State Officer Candidates
State Officer Candidates should submit the required application by January 31, 2027. Candidates will participate in the District process through interviews and required examinations.
STATE OFFICER APPLICATION →
Complete Participant Release Documentation
Provide each participant, including advisors, the required SkillsUSA Conference Registration, Personal and Liability Release documentation for completion and signatures before the District event.
02
Register for Districts
Complete online registration before February 5, 2027.
Register All District Contestants
Register each contestant in the correct District competition through the SkillsUSA Massachusetts registration system. Double-check contest names carefully before completing your selections.
Register State Officer Candidates
Register approved State Officer Candidates as part of your District delegation after the candidate application requirements have been completed.
Register Selected State Participants
Register your National Anthem Singer, State Pin Design contestant, State T-Shirt Design contestant and National T-Shirt Design contestant if your student has been selected as the winner by the State Office.
Register Advisors, Aides & Administrators
Register all advisors, aides and administrators connected to the District event. Teachers and advisors attend District Qualifying Events free of charge.
Prepare Adaptation for Achievement Forms
Complete an Adaptation for Achievement Form for participants who require accommodations during online testing. Submit the required documentation to the State Office as part of the registration process.
ADAPTATION FORM →
Complete the Group Acknowledgement
After collecting the required signed forms from students and advisors, complete and submit the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Group Acknowledgement and Chapter Advisor Certification.
GROUP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT →
Registration Submits Automatically
District registration is automatically submitted once your selections are completed. There is no separate submit button, so review every contestant and contest carefully before the deadline.
03
Review & Finalize
Verify registration, forms, payment and testing materials.
Review District Registration for Accuracy
Review the online registration and make sure every intended contestant and adult participant has been registered.
Confirm Every Contest
Make sure every contestant is registered in the correct competition, all team members are together in the correct contest and every participant's name is spelled correctly.
Confirm Adaptation Forms
Make sure all required Adaptation for Achievement Forms have been completed and submitted for contestants who need accommodations during testing.
Submit Required Changes
Use the current Changes Form for permitted corrections. Follow the posted deadline carefully. Additional participants may not be added through the Changes Form; only team substitutions are permitted.
Access the District Registration Invoice
Access the District registration invoice through the online registration system and provide it to your school's business office for payment.
Submit District Payment
District registration is $50 per contestant or State Officer Candidate. Teachers and advisors attend free of charge. Ensure payment is made to SkillsUSA Massachusetts and mailed to 501 Paramount Drive, Raynham, MA 02767.
Watch for Your Competition Packet
District competition materials will be shipped to your school from the State Office before your assigned testing date.
Review the Packet Contents
Your packet should include the Attendance Roster, testing process instructions for proctors, Clothing Assessment Guidelines, contestant codes aligned to each registered contest and any additional information needed for competition day.
04
Prepare for Competition Day
Follow the State Office testing instructions for your assigned District date.
Know Your District Testing Date
District 1 tests February 26; District 2 tests February 25; District 3 tests February 24; District 4 tests March 11; District 5 tests March 10; and District 6 tests March 9, 2027.
Review the Competition Day Email
Review any final instructions or updates sent by the State Office in the Competition Day Email before testing begins. Share all relevant updates with test proctors and participating contestants.
Make Sure Contestants Take the Correct Test
Proctors must verify that every contestant is using the code associated with the competition for which they are registered. Carefully confirm each student's contest before they begin testing.
Review the Attendance Roster
Use the school's District Attendance Roster to verify registered contestants. Immediately report any drops, spelling corrections or permitted team substitutions to the State Office.
Review Clothing Assessment Guidelines
Review each contestant's attire and follow the Clothing Assessment Guidelines included with the District testing materials.
Understand the Three District Exams
District competition consists of three online written exams: Trade Knowledge, Employability Skills and Safety. Contestants should be prepared for all required portions of the District process.
Prepare for the Content Exam
Content exams assess topic knowledge, knowledge of the Technical Standard for the contest and, when applicable, familiarity with the SkillsUSA POWERR formula for speeches and presentations. The POWERR component does not apply to Job Interview.
Use Available Study Guides
Encourage contestants to review available Employability Skills and Safety study guides. Updated Content Exam study guides are scheduled to be released beginning January 1.
Report Testing Irregularities
Inform District Headquarters or the State Office of testing irregularities, including unusual test questions, suspected cheating, multiple browser windows, technology issues or a fire drill occurring during testing.
If a Contestant Is Logged Out
If a contestant is unexpectedly logged out, District tests are designed to return the contestant to the point where they left off after logging back in.
Watch for Weather Updates
If inclement weather may affect a District Qualifying Event, advisors should call the SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Office at (508) 738-2474 and listen to the recorded message for updates. Cancellations or changes will also be posted through SkillsUSA Massachusetts social media and maskillsusa.org.
Understand Advancement to States
District qualifying scores determine advancement to the Massachusetts SkillsUSA Championships. Qualifying competitors move forward according to the participation and advancement structure established for their contest.
05
Forms & Documentation
Required District participant forms and candidate documentation.
CONFERENCE FORMS
RELEASE
Conference Registration, Personal & Liability Release Form
Required conference registration and liability documentation for SkillsUSA Massachusetts District Qualifying Event participants.
OPEN FORM →
RELEASE
Participant Release & Emergency Medical Authorization
Participant release and emergency medical authorization documentation for District participation.
OPEN FORM →
CERTIFICATION
Group Acknowledgement & Chapter Advisor Certification
Complete the required group acknowledgement and Chapter Advisor certification after collecting participant documentation.
OPEN FORM →
FORM
Adaptation for Achievement
Advisor documentation for requesting appropriate accommodations or adaptations for District Qualifying Event participants.
OPEN FORM →
DISTRICT PARTICIPATION
APPLICATION
State Officer Candidate Application
Required application materials for eligible members pursuing SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Office during the 2027 election cycle. Applications are due January 31, 2027.
STATE OFFICER APPLICATION →

Find Your District. Start Your Exam.

01
DISTRICT ONE
District 1 Chapters
Schools assigned to SkillsUSA Massachusetts District 1.
  • Blue Hills RTHS
  • Cape Cod Regional Technical HS
  • Greater New Bedford RTHS
  • New Bedford HS
  • Old Colony RTHS
  • Plymouth North HS
  • Plymouth South HS
  • Silver Lake Regional High School
  • South Shore Vocational Technical High School
  • Taunton HS
  • Upper Cape RTHS
QUALIFYING EXAMS
District 1 Qualifying Exam Page
Access the online District Qualifying Exams assigned to District 1 competitors.
OPEN DISTRICT 1 EXAMS →
02
DISTRICT TWO
District 2 Chapters
Schools assigned to SkillsUSA Massachusetts District 2.
  • Attleboro HS
  • Bristol Community College
  • Bristol Plymouth RTHS
  • Brockton HS
  • Dighton-Rehoboth RTH
  • Diman RTHS
  • Durfee High School
  • Southeastern RTHS
  • Tri-County RTHS
QUALIFYING EXAMS
District 2 Qualifying Exam Page
Access the online District Qualifying Exams assigned to District 2 competitors.
OPEN DISTRICT 2 EXAMS →
03
DISTRICT THREE
District 3 Chapters
Schools assigned to SkillsUSA Massachusetts District 3.
  • Assabet Valley Technical HS
  • Keefe Technical School
  • Lynn Vocational Technical Institute
  • Madison Park Technical Vocational High School
  • Medford HS
  • Minuteman Regional High School
  • Minuteman Technical Institute
  • Northeast Metro Technical HS
  • Quincy High School
  • Rindge School of Technical Arts
  • Somerville HS
  • Weymouth High School
QUALIFYING EXAMS
District 3 Qualifying Exam Page
Access the online District Qualifying Exams assigned to District 3 competitors.
OPEN DISTRICT 3 EXAMS →
04
DISTRICT FOUR
District 4 Chapters
Schools assigned to SkillsUSA Massachusetts District 4.
  • Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
  • Greater Lawrence Technical School
  • Greater Lowell Technical School
  • Nashoba Valley RTHS
  • Salem High School
  • Shawsheen Valley Technical School
  • Whittier RTHS
QUALIFYING EXAMS
District 4 Qualifying Exam Page
Access the online District Qualifying Exams assigned to District 4 competitors.
OPEN DISTRICT 4 EXAMS →
05
DISTRICT FIVE
District 5 Chapters
Schools assigned to SkillsUSA Massachusetts District 5.
  • Bay Path RTHS
  • Blackstone Valley RTHS
  • Leicester High School
  • Leominster CTEi
  • Montachusett RTHS
  • Pathfinder RTHS
  • Tantasqua Regional HS
  • Worcester Technical HS
QUALIFYING EXAMS
District 5 Qualifying Exam Page
Access the online District Qualifying Exams assigned to District 5 competitors.
OPEN DISTRICT 5 EXAMS →
06
DISTRICT SIX
District 6 Chapters
Schools assigned to SkillsUSA Massachusetts District 6.
  • Chicopee Comprehensive HS
  • Chicopee High School
  • Franklin County Technical HS
  • Gateway Regional HS
  • Lower Pioneer Valley Career Tech
  • McCann Technical School
  • Pittsfield/Taconic High School
  • Putnam Technical Academy
  • Springfield High School of Science and Technology
  • Smith Vocational & Agricultural HS
  • Westfield Technical Academy
QUALIFYING EXAMS
District 6 Qualifying Exam Page
Access the online District Qualifying Exams assigned to District 6 competitors.
OPEN DISTRICT 6 EXAMS →

SkillsUSA
Championships

Donna McMahon, Director dmcmahon@maskillsusa.org
Dr. Kristine Smith, Associate Director ksmith@maskillsusa.org
Building and Transportation Cluster
Event Cluster

Building &
Transportation
Cluster

Building Trades A
  • Commercial Roofing (Limited Demonstration) Applies roofing layout, material installation, safety and jobsite practices in a commercial roofing setting.
  • Industrial Motor Controls Tests wiring, troubleshooting and control-circuit skills used with industrial motors and electrical systems.
  • Masonry Demonstrates brick and block layout, mortar work, measurement and construction craftsmanship.
  • Sheet Metal Measures, lays out, fabricates and assembles sheet-metal components using industry tools and techniques.
  • Electrical Construction Wiring Installs and troubleshoots electrical systems while following plans, codes and safe wiring practices.
Building Trades B
  • Cabinetmaking Builds and finishes a cabinet project using accurate layout, machining, assembly and woodworking techniques.
  • Carpentry Demonstrates framing, layout, measurement and construction skills through a hands-on carpentry project.
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Tests HVAC installation, service, troubleshooting and system-knowledge skills.
  • Painting & Design Technology Demonstrates surface preparation, finishing, color application and decorative painting techniques.
  • Plumbing Installs and assembles piping systems using proper measurements, fittings, tools and plumbing practices.
Building Trades C
  • TeamWorks A team construction challenge combining carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical skills on one coordinated project.
Metal Trades A
  • Automated Manufacturing Teams plan and produce a manufactured part using CAD/CAM, CNC equipment and production processes.
  • CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer Creates and verifies CNC programs for two-axis turning operations using machining specifications.
  • CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer Develops CNC programs for three-axis milling operations from drawings and machining requirements.
  • CNC 5-Axis Programmer (Limited Demonstration) Programs complex multi-axis machining operations using advanced CNC planning and toolpath strategies.
  • CNC Programmer Applies machining knowledge to create, interpret and troubleshoot CNC programs for manufacturing tasks.
Metal Trades B
  • Mechatronics Teams integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and automated-control systems to solve technical challenges.
  • Welding Performs multiple welding processes while demonstrating setup, technique, safety and weld quality.
  • Welding Sculpture Designs and fabricates an original metal sculpture using welding, cutting and finishing techniques.
Transportation Service Trades A
  • Automotive Refinishing Technology Prepares and refinishes vehicle surfaces while demonstrating color matching, spray techniques and safety.
  • Criminal Justice (Public Safety) Applies public-safety procedures, communication, decision-making and criminal-justice knowledge in practical scenarios.
  • Collision Damage Appraisal Evaluates vehicle damage and prepares an accurate repair estimate using collision-industry procedures.
  • Collision Repair Technology Repairs damaged vehicle structures and panels using body repair, measuring and refinishing preparation skills.
  • Power Equipment Technology Diagnoses and repairs small engines and outdoor power equipment using mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Transportation Service Trades B
  • Automotive Service Technology Diagnoses and services automotive systems through hands-on mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting stations.
  • Diesel Equipment Technology Troubleshoots and services diesel engines, electrical systems, brakes, hydraulics and related heavy-equipment components.
  • Marine Service Technology Diagnoses and services marine engines and boat systems using mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting skills.
Health and Technology Cluster
Event Cluster

Health &
Technology
Cluster

Health Occupations A
  • Health Knowledge Bowl Teams answer health-science questions covering anatomy, terminology, careers and core healthcare knowledge.
  • Medical Assisting Demonstrates clinical and administrative skills commonly performed in medical offices and outpatient settings.
  • Nurse Assisting Performs essential patient-care skills while demonstrating safety, communication and professional nursing-assistant practices.
  • Practical Nursing Applies practical nursing knowledge and patient-care skills through written and hands-on clinical scenarios.
Health Occupations B
  • Basic Health Care Skills Demonstrates foundational patient-care, safety and communication skills used across healthcare occupations.
  • Biotechnology Knowledge Bowl (Limited Demonstration) Teams demonstrate knowledge of biotechnology concepts, laboratory practices, terminology and applications.
  • Dental Assisting Performs chairside, infection-control and dental-office procedures used in professional dental assisting.
  • First Aid/CPR Responds to emergency scenarios using first aid, CPR and appropriate safety procedures.
Health Occupations C
  • Health Occupations Professional Portfolio Presents a professional portfolio highlighting healthcare preparation, experiences, skills and career readiness.
  • Medical Math Solves healthcare-related calculations involving dosage, measurement, conversions and applied medical mathematics.
  • Medical Terminology Demonstrates understanding of medical vocabulary, word construction, abbreviations and healthcare terminology.
  • Early Childhood Education Plans and presents developmentally appropriate learning activities while demonstrating child-development and classroom skills.
Occupational Support Trades A
  • Principles of Engineering Applies engineering design, problem-solving, measurement and technical reasoning to an assigned challenge.
  • Engineering Technology Uses engineering concepts, design processes and technical tools to solve applied technology problems.
  • Technical Computer Applications Completes workplace-style computer tasks using common productivity, data and digital communication tools.
  • Web Design Creates a functional, user-focused website using design principles, coding and digital-content skills.
Occupational Support Trades B
  • Information Technology Service Diagnoses, configures and supports computer hardware, operating systems, networks and end-user technology.
  • Computer Programming Designs and writes computer programs to solve defined problems using logical and efficient coding practices.
  • Cybersecurity Identifies, analyzes and responds to cybersecurity challenges involving systems, networks and digital security practices.
  • Internet of Things Builds or configures connected-device solutions using sensors, networking, programming and data communication.
  • Internetworking Configures and troubleshoots network devices, addressing, routing, switching and connectivity.
  • Telecommunications Cabling Installs, terminates and tests copper and fiber cabling using telecommunications standards and tools.
Occupational Support Trades C
  • Facilithon Explores facilities-management skills through problem solving, teamwork and real-world building-operations scenarios.
Technology Events
  • Electronics Technology Builds, measures and troubleshoots electronic circuits using schematics, instruments and component knowledge.
  • Mobile Robotics Teams design, build and program a mobile robot to complete assigned autonomous and driver-controlled tasks.
  • Robotics & Automation Technology Integrates robotics, sensors, controls and automation systems to complete technical production challenges.
  • Urban Search & Rescue Teams design and operate a robotic system to navigate simulated search-and-rescue tasks and hazards.
Design and Service Cluster
Event Cluster

Design &
Service
Cluster

Service Occupation A
  • Baking & Pastry Arts Produces baked goods and pastries while demonstrating preparation, timing, sanitation and presentation skills.
  • Culinary Arts Prepares a multi-component culinary menu while demonstrating knife skills, cooking methods, sanitation and presentation.
  • Restaurant Service Demonstrates dining-room service, guest interaction, table setup and professional hospitality skills.
Service Occupation B
  • Cosmetology Performs professional hair, nail and related cosmetology services while demonstrating technique, sanitation and client care.
  • Esthetics Demonstrates skincare consultation, facial services, makeup and sanitation practices used by esthetics professionals.
  • Natural Hair & Braiding Performs natural-hair styling and braiding techniques while demonstrating sectioning, control, sanitation and finished design.
  • Nail Care Performs professional manicure and nail-service techniques with emphasis on sanitation, safety and finished appearance.
Commercial Design A
  • Advertising Design Creates a visual advertising solution that communicates a clear message through layout, typography and design.
  • Audio/Radio Production Teams plan, record and edit an audio production using scripting, performance and sound-production techniques.
  • Photography Creates and presents photographic work demonstrating composition, technical control, editing and visual storytelling.
  • Television Production Teams plan, shoot and edit a video production while demonstrating storytelling, camera, audio and post-production skills.
Commercial Design B
  • 3D Visualization and Animation Creates three-dimensional models and animated visuals using digital design, rendering and storytelling techniques.
  • Additive Manufacturing Designs and prepares a part for 3D printing while applying CAD, manufacturing and production-planning skills.
  • Architecture Drafting Produces architectural drawings and plans using drafting standards, design information and CAD tools.
  • Technical Drafting Creates precise technical drawings from specifications using drafting conventions, measurement and CAD software.
Commercial Design C
  • Graphic Communications Completes print-production tasks involving design, prepress, color, output and graphic communications workflow.
  • Graphic Imaging Sublimation Creates and produces sublimated graphics while demonstrating digital design, color management and transfer-production techniques.
  • Screen Printing Technology Prepares artwork and produces screen-printed graphics using setup, registration, ink and production techniques.
Leadership and Training Cluster
Event Cluster

Leadership &
Training
Cluster

Demonstration Skill Events
  • Action Skills Presents a workplace skill demonstration adapted for students in occupational training programs.
  • Job Skill Demonstration A Explains and demonstrates a technical skill from the contestant's occupational training area.
  • Job Skill Demonstration Open Explains and demonstrates a skill of the contestant's choice using organized instruction and presentation techniques.
Display and Notebook Events
  • American Spirit Award Documents and presents chapter activities that promote patriotism, citizenship, community involvement and SkillsUSA values.
  • Chapter Display Designs a three-dimensional display that communicates SkillsUSA themes, chapter identity and program involvement.
  • Promotional Bulletin Board Display Creates a bulletin-board display that promotes SkillsUSA through clear messaging, design and visual organization.
  • Outstanding Chapter Recognizes comprehensive chapter achievement through documented leadership, service, membership and Program of Work activities.
  • Occupational Health & Safety - Single** Documents an individual occupational safety program focused on hazards, prevention and safe workplace practices.
  • Occupational Health & Safety - Multiple** Teams document a comprehensive occupational safety program addressing workplace hazards, prevention and safety culture.
Freshman Events
  • Career Choice Commentary Presents a freshman-focused explanation of a selected career and the education, skills and opportunities connected to it.
  • Exploratory Project Demonstration Demonstrates an exploratory technical project while explaining the process, tools, skills and learning involved.
  • Safety Poster Design Creates an original poster that communicates a clear workplace or school safety message through effective visual design.
  • Sticker Design Creates an original SkillsUSA-themed sticker concept using clear branding, creativity and production-ready design.
Individual Leadership Events
  • Extemporaneous Speech Delivers an organized speech on a selected topic after a limited preparation period.
  • Job Interview Completes a simulated employment process including application materials, professional communication and an interview.
  • Prepared Speech Delivers a researched and rehearsed speech demonstrating organization, message development and professional presentation.
Occupationally Related Events
  • Community Service Documents and presents a chapter service project demonstrating planning, participation and measurable community impact.
  • Customer Service Responds to simulated customer situations using communication, problem solving and professional service techniques.
  • Entrepreneurship Teams develop and present a business concept including market strategy, operations, finance and entrepreneurial planning.
  • Related Technical Math Solves applied mathematics problems commonly encountered in technical and occupational careers.
Team Leadership Events
  • Career Pathways Showcase** Teams present a project connecting academic, technical and employability skills to a defined career pathway.
  • Chapter Business Procedure Teams conduct a simulated chapter meeting using parliamentary procedure, officer roles and proper meeting practices.
  • Community Action Project Teams present a community-focused project that identifies a need, develops a solution and demonstrates impact.
  • Employment Application Process Completes an employment application and interview-style activities demonstrating job-readiness and professional communication.
  • Opening & Closing Ceremonies Teams perform the official SkillsUSA opening and closing ceremonies with accuracy, teamwork and professional presentation.