Run for National Office

Business Professionals of America » Student, Chapter, and Advisor Resources » Resources for Students » Run for National Office
A national officer candidate campaigns at the rally at NLC Members running for office can read 101 Tips for Running for Office updated by the 2011-2012 Secondary National Officer Team.

Are you a potential national officer? A brief review of the requirements will encourage you. The national officer experiences the ultimate appreciation of Business Professionals of America membership, and chapter members will experience greater involvement through their officer member. Candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and personal qualifications.

Click here to download the 2012 National Officer Candidate Handbook.


Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a student enrolled in a state-approved business and/or office education program (Secondary Division).
  • Does not need to be a full-time business and/or office occupations student as long as enrolled in state-approved program with a career objective in business or office occupations or business education (Post-secondary Division).
  • Have a 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale; the average shall include all subjects taken the previous year and the first semester or quarter of the current year.
  • Be an active member of the state association.
  • Be a national member in good standing by February 15.
  • Be currently serving or have served as an elected officer of a local, regional/area, or state association.
  • Must have permission of his or her state association to run for national office.
The 2009-10 Secondary National Officer Team


Personal Qualifications

  • Ability and time to perform the duties of the office.
  • Dedication to demands of the office.
  • Determination to conduct a vigorous campaign.
  • Willingness to develop leadership and management skills.
  • Self-discipline to devote the necessary time and effort to the requirements of national office.
Advisors play an important role in the work of a national officer. The partnership that is essential between advisor and national officer is pivotal to success in every activity.


Officer Candidate Guidelines

If you’re serious about running for national office, you’ll need the National Election Procedures Handbook. This booklet will provide the details you will need to know about running for office. It contains obligations for both the advisor and the candidate, comments from former national officers, and election rules and regulations. The local advisor and prospective national officer should be familiar with the general regulations that govern the nominations and election of national officers. Therefore, it is imperative that you check with your state advisor for state eligibility guidelines on becoming a national officer candidate representing your state. The responsibility for selecting a national officer candidate is vested in the state association. Only members that meet the following criteria are eligible to be candidates for national office:
  1. Meet the criteria set forth by their state association
  2. Meet the qualifications set forth in the National Election Procedures Handbook
  3. Selected by their state association