About the Contest
Business Professionals of America (BPA), founded in 1966, is one of the three major US high school business contests, engaging over 40,000 students worldwide every year in developing workplace skills and leadership.
BPA events span finance, business management, information technology and marketing, in formats including objective tests, case analysis and presentation defence, emphasising the real-world application of professional skills.
Students advance through regional and national rounds to the stage of the National Leadership Conference (NLC). BPA participation and awards systematically demonstrate a student's business acumen and form an important part of business school applications.
Key Facts
- One of the three major US business contests, founded in 1966
- Events across finance, management, information technology and marketing
- Case-driven formats emphasising applied professional skills
- Top students advance to the National Leadership Conference (NLC)
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 9-12
- Contest Time
- Qualifiers December to March; global summit in May
- Format
- Objective tests, case analysis and presentation defence
LighTon Coaching Programmes
BPA Training Courses
Foundation Course
For students new to the contest
- Systematic coverage of the syllabus and key terminology
- Build a solid framework bridging schoolwork and contest level
- Small group or 1-on-1, online and in person
Intensive Course
For students with a foundation aiming at awards
- Past-paper drills with proven question patterns
- Topic training with biweekly tests to adjust priorities
- Progress reports keeping parents in the loop
Sprint Course
For students nearing the exam date
- Full mock exams with question-by-question review
- Targeted gap filling and score-maximising strategy
- Exam mindset and time-management coaching
Tutors
BPA courses are taught by subject-specialist tutors with years of international curriculum and competition experience.
Meet LighTon's Select TutorsTrack Record
- Our students regularly win awards in major contests — results updated continuously
- Students consistently achieve top grades in the matching IB / AP / A-Level subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades is BPA suitable for?
Grade 9-12
When is the BPA held?
Qualifiers December to March; global summit in May
What is the format of the BPA?
Objective tests, case analysis and presentation defence
What BPA coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the BPA, in 1-on-1 or small-group formats, online and in person. Contact us for a free preparation plan and a trial lesson.
Preparing for BPA?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.