About the Contest
Founded in 1946, DECA is a long-running international business organisation engaging over 200,000 high school students worldwide every year, renowned for its highly realistic business case simulations.
DECA covers four tracks — marketing, finance, hospitality and entrepreneurship. Its signature format is the Role-Play: students analyse a business case under time pressure and present their solutions live to judges drawn from industry, alongside written projects and prepared presentations, building both business thinking and on-stage delivery.
Winners at each level advance to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), competing with top business students from around the globe. DECA's practical experience is highly recognised in both business applications and career development.
Key Facts
- Founded in 1946, with 200,000+ participants worldwide every year
- Four tracks: marketing, finance, hospitality and entrepreneurship
- Role-play case simulations with face-to-face industry judges
- A pathway to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 9-12
- Contest Time
- Events at all levels from December to April
- Format
- Role-play cases, written projects and live presentations
LighTon Coaching Programmes
DECA 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
DECA 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 DECA suitable for?
Grade 9-12
When is the DECA held?
Events at all levels from December to April
What is the format of the DECA?
Role-play cases, written projects and live presentations
What DECA coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the DECA, 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 DECA?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.