COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (Collegiate)
Computer Applications challenges members to demonstrate their proficiency in using various software tools to manage and communicate business information. Through a production test, members apply skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software to complete practical business tasks efficiently and accurately.
Event Overview
Division: Collegiate
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Production
Event Elements: Production Test
Production Test Time: 2 hours, due by date specified in the SLC Registration Packet
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Management & Entrepreneurship
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism, Technology
Items Competitor Must Provide: Computer for Production Test
Items FBLA Provides: Production Test Tasks
Knowledge Areas
· Spreadsheet Functions and Formulas
· Creating and Formatting with Word Processing
· Developing Slides & Presentations
· Integrating Spreadsheets and Word Processing
· Integrating Presentations and Spreadsheets
Production tests are based on the knowledge areas and competencies outlined for this event. Detailed competencies can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.
State
Eligibility
• FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on February 1 of the current program year.
• Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee to participate in competitive events.
• Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to compete.
• Each chapter may submit one individual or team in this event.
• On the state level, each member can compete in up to three different events in the following combinations: three objective tests OR two objective tests and one performance OR two objective tests and one production or one objective test and two production OR one objective test, one performance, and one production. Students may enter the Christopher Heider, Rob Kelleher, Who’s Who event, and one Chapter event (Community Service, State of the Chapter) in addition to their above chosen events.
• Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, prepare, and set up their presentations.
• Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
• Picture identification (physical or digital: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification, or school-issued identification) matching the conference nametag is required when checking in for competitive events.
· If competitors are late for a production test, the proctor has the sole decision on whether the student will be able to compete.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 4.
Event Administration
· This event has one part: Production Test
Production Test (2 hours)
o Submission Deadline: Production problems must be uploaded in the conference registration system by the date specified in the SLC registration packet.
o The production test is administered and proctored by a faculty or staff member (not an FBLA adviser) at a designed school-site prior to the SLC. Administration procedures for the production test are determined by the state chair/adviser.
o The production test is a set of tasks based on the competencies for the competitor to complete.
o Documents produced for this event must be prepared by the competitor without help from the adviser or any other person.
o Calculators cannot be used on the production test.
o The Production Test Reference Guide (formerly known as the Format Guide), found on the Competitive Events website (www.fbla.org) can be used for the production test.
Scoring
· The rating sheet will be provided on-site along with the production test.
· Production scores will determine the top winners.
· Judges must break all ties. All judging decisions are final. Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
Electronic Devices
· Unless a pre-approved accommodation is in place, all cell phones, smart watches, and headphones must be turned off and put away before competition begins. Any visibility of these devices will be considered a violation of the Honor Code.
National
If you are competing on the national level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/collegiate/competitive-events/