Collegiate DECA case studies are changing, and competitors should be prepared for more than just a new role-play. While many familiar parts of the role-play remain, the 2026 format places a stronger emphasis on how you think, applying business concepts, and developing a solution.
Some of the most familiar parts of the case study remain in place. Competitors will still have:
- 30 minutes to review the individual case studies or 60 minutes for team events.
- 15 minutes to present their solution to the judge(s).
- Performance indicators that connect directly to the case study.
The 2026–2027 Case Study Changes at a Glance
- Career Competencies are a new part of the evaluation.
- Performance Indicators should be applied, not just answered.
- Your solution should be unique, practical, and effective.
- Your reasoning matters.
- Workplace Readiness is now being evaluated.
- Competitive event topics have also been updated.
So, What Has Changed?
The biggest changes come from how competitors are evaluated. Our previous formats focused heavily on demonstrating the Performance Indicators and presentation skills. The new 2026 format expands the evaluation to look more closely at how competitors apply performance indicators, concepts, and solve the problem.
1. Career Competencies Matter
The new format introduces three Career Competencies:
- Critical Thinking: Think critically to understand and solve problems.
- Communication: Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason.
- Decision Making: Consider the impacts of decisions.
These are now being evaluated with the Performance Indicators.
2. Your Solution Should Be Unique, Practical, and Effective
The new format clearly identifies three qualities of a strong solution:
- Unique: Demonstrate original thinking and new perspectives.
- Practical: Develop an actionable solution that works in a real-world setting.
- Effective: Create a solution that achieves relevant outcomes.
This means competitors should think beyond just simply answering the key performance indicators in the case study. Your idea(s) should be something a business could actually implement in real life.
3. Apply Your Performance Indicators
This may be the biggest shift for competitors. Competitors are expected to connect their Performance Indicators and Career Competencies directly to the case study. Competitors should then use them to develop their solutions and ideas.
4. Explain Your Reasoning
The new rubric places greater emphasis on the reasoning behind your ideas. Strong competitors should be able to explain why their recommendations make sense and support their ideas with appropriate business concepts and evidence.
5. Understanding the Levels of Evaluation
So, what does this look like during your presentation? The new rubric evaluates competitors across four levels: Novice, Developing, Proficient, and Exemplary. Think of these levels as a progression of how well you understand and apply what you know.
- Novice: You are just getting started. Your answers may be basic or uncertain.
- Developing: You understand the information, but you may not be fully connecting it to the case study.
- Proficient: You use what you know to solve the case study and clearly explain your reasoning.
- Exemplary: You think like a professional. You go beyond, make strategic decisions, and handle challenges.
The goal isn't simply to know your Performance Indicators. The goal is to apply them, explain your thinking, and use them to create a solution.
6. Workplace Readiness Is Part of the Evaluation
The new rubric also evaluates Workplace Readiness. Competitors are expected to demonstrate the skills of an effective professional.
This includes showing skills like:
- Adaptability
- Professional communication
- The ability to respond to new or unpredictable challenges
- Confidence in making and explaining decisions
Overall, the 2026–2027 changes are about going beyond simply knowing your Key Performance Indicators. Competitors should focus on applying their knowledge, explaining their reasoning, and developing solutions that are unique, practical, and effective. With Career Competencies, WorkplaceReadiness, and updated event topics now part of the competition, preparations should focus on thinking like a real business.
