We would like to provide a quick disclaimer that this playbook is from sheer anecdotal experiences and does not guarantee success in a competitive event or anything else we cover in this playbook. The links and contacts we provide may give more comprehensive advice. We do hope our guidance is helpful to you, and we hope you enjoy the information!

Objective Tests

FBLA offers an objective test for any subject, including business, finance, marketing, and more. There is an objective test event for everyone, and it is a great option for those who prefer testing-based competition versus presentation-based events.

FBLA also offers “Intro” events only for freshmen and sophomores, which are great for those just starting out in high school competitions. Note that members can compete in any event regardless of grade except upperclassmen in “Intro” events… so follow your passions!

How To Win (Do’s and Don’ts)

Again, accuracy is everything. Knowing the content of your event and being prepared is your best bet. Also, our best advice is not to lie and be honest with yourself. If you get a score you don’t like during practice, just know it is PRACTICE.

Practice is the time to make mistakes, and as long as you figure out where you went wrong, you can look back when you shine at the state and laugh at your old mistakes.

Do’s

• Know your event and what topics show up on tests.
• Look at official event guides and the sample questions that FBLA puts out.
• Google “[insert event] practice test” and really dig for the resources that best fit your needs… there is some really great stuff in those sketchy links….
• During competition, don’t stress, it isn’t about you vs the person next to you. It just you vs the test in front of you. Crush that test!

Don’ts

• Pick an event you don’t like or an event “just because no one else does it”.
• Procrastinate and start studying the night before.
• Christmas tree your whole test…
• Expect to place, sometimes stuff happens and just know that one test doesn't define you and your worth.

Strategic Tips

On competition day/the day before, my best advice is:

• Don’t pull an all-nighter studying.
• Before your competition, fuel yourself in the morning and review any last-minute study material.
• Know where you are going before your competition, and be early! (Also, you must be in the dress code to be allowed in the testing room! You could be denied to test for not wearing a blazer)
• When you test, bubble as you go and skip questions you don’t know. You could even mark lightly on your scantron for questions you have no clue about or are unsure of so you can easily go back to the question later. Just remember to erase all the stray marks afterward!!