DECA events
DECA Event Prep Guides
Pick an event to review performance indicators, judge expectations, tier strategy, and related practice paths.
Practice all DECA eventsprinciples
PMK
Principles of Marketing
PMK is the entry-level DECA marketing event. It tests foundational marketing concepts through a standalone cluster exam. Every marketing-series competitor should master these PIs first -- they form the base for SEM, MMS, and all individual marketing events.
PFN
Principles of Finance
PFN tests foundational finance concepts. Every finance-series competitor (BFS, FTDM, FSO) should master PFN first. The exam heavily weights calculation-based questions at State and ICDC levels.
PHT
Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
PHT is the entry point for hospitality-track competitors. It covers the breadth of hospitality operations from front desk to food safety. Every HLM, QSRM, and HTDM competitor should start here.
PBM
Principles of Business Management and Administration
PBM is the broadest DECA principles event. It tests management fundamentals from planning and organizing to leading and controlling. Strong PBM scores signal readiness for individual-series management events.
individual
ENT
Entrepreneurship
ENT is one of the most popular DECA individual-series events. It tests both entrepreneurial knowledge and the ability to pitch business solutions under pressure. The roleplay scenarios involve advising startups or small businesses.
BFS
Business Finance
BFS goes deeper than PFN into corporate finance, securities analysis, and investment management. The roleplay scenarios involve advising businesses or clients on complex financial decisions.
SEM
Sports and Entertainment Marketing
SEM is consistently the highest-enrollment DECA event. It applies marketing principles to sports, entertainment, and recreation industries. The roleplay scenarios are engaging but require the same structured analytical approach as any DECA event.
HRM
Human Resources Management
HRM tests both HR knowledge and the interpersonal skills needed to advise on sensitive workplace situations. Roleplay scenarios often involve employee conflicts, policy changes, or organizational restructuring.
HLM
Hotel and Lodging Management
HLM applies hospitality knowledge to hotel-specific operations. The roleplay scenarios involve managing hotel operations, resolving guest issues, or developing revenue strategies.
MMS
Marketing Management
MMS tests advanced marketing strategy beyond the principles level. Roleplay scenarios involve developing comprehensive marketing plans, evaluating campaign performance, or resolving marketing challenges for businesses.
QSRM
Quick Serve Restaurant Management
QSRM is the fast-food and quick-service restaurant event. It tests operational efficiency, food safety compliance, and customer service in high-volume environments. Lower enrollment than SEM but highly specialized.
AAM
Apparel and Accessories Marketing
AAM is the fashion retail event. It tests knowledge of apparel merchandising, trend analysis, visual display, and retail operations specific to clothing and accessories. Lower enrollment creates a narrower competitive field.
ACT
Accounting Applications
ACT is the deep accounting event. It goes beyond PFN into journal entries, adjusting entries, financial statement preparation, and managerial accounting. Strong for students who enjoy precise numerical work.
RMS
Retail Merchandising
RMS is the general retail management event. It tests store operations, merchandise planning, customer service, and retail technology. Broader than AAM (which is fashion-specific).
RFSM
Restaurant and Food Service Management
RFSM is the full-service restaurant event (vs QSRM for quick-service). It tests deeper hospitality concepts, wine/beverage programs, fine dining operations, and food cost management at a higher complexity level.
FSO
Financial Services
FSO is the advanced financial services event. It goes beyond PFN into investment analysis, insurance products, retirement planning, and securities regulation. Ideal for students targeting finance careers.
team
FTDM
Financial Team Decision Making
FTDM is the premier DECA finance team event. It tests both individual financial knowledge (via cluster exam) and collaborative problem-solving (via team roleplay). The best teams divide analysis roles during prep time.
HTDM
Hospitality Services Team Decision Making
HTDM pairs two competitors to analyze a hospitality business scenario and present a joint recommendation. The format rewards coordination, clear role division, and deep hospitality knowledge.
BTDM
Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
BTDM pairs two competitors to analyze a retail buying or merchandising scenario. Tests knowledge of assortment planning, vendor negotiation, inventory management, and retail analytics.
MTDM
Marketing Communications Team Decision Making
MTDM pairs two competitors to develop an integrated marketing communications plan. Tests knowledge of advertising, PR, digital marketing, and media planning.
STDM
Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making
STDM pairs two competitors to analyze a sports or entertainment marketing scenario. Tests sponsorship valuation, event marketing, media rights, and fan engagement strategies.
TTDM
Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making
TTDM pairs two competitors to analyze a travel and tourism scenario. Tests destination marketing, travel product development, sustainability in tourism, and visitor experience management.