Individual · On-site CAD drawing
CAD Foundations
You will use design software to draw an engineering part accurately.
What you make or do
- Create two-dimensional engineering drawings for a problem supplied at the conference.
- Save your completed drawing as a PDF on a labeled USB flash drive.
This year’s challenge
No separate annual theme is posted. You receive the actual design problem at the conference.
How the competition works
Before the event
Practice interpreting technical drawings and using your CAD software. Bring your computer, software, blank USB drive, and any permitted printed references; you do not bring a finished competition drawing.
First round
After setup, work independently for two hours on the supplied drawing problem. Judges evaluate your work and may ask you questions.
How the event finishes
There is no separate semifinal challenge listed. Allow an additional hour for the final evaluation process.
Know before you choose: You must be able to export the drawing to PDF yourself. National TSA does not provide internet access for your CAD software.
How your work is scored
Judges assess the correct views, line types, dimensions, title block, and use of CAD tools. Completion time breaks ties.
Official files to keep
- Download the full event guide (PDF)
- Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)
- Download the general rules (PDF)
- Download the complete guide with the forms appendix (PDF)
Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.
Guide evidence: 109–114. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.
Interested in this event?
Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.
Start my competition notes