Player FAQs

1. What is LifeSmarts?
2. What is LifeSmarts -- the ultimate consumer challenge?
3. How many students make up a team?
4. How many rounds are there in the competition?
5. Do I have to complete all rounds of the competition at one time?
6. Is LifeSmarts available in my state?
7. When and where are the in-person competitions held in my state?
8. My state does not have a coordinator. May I still compete online?
9. What are the rules for state in-person competitions?
10. Do I have to register to play the game?
11. I competed last year. Do I have to register again this year?
12. Are there study guides available?
13. Do I have to register to take the practice quizzes?
14. Do I have to register to take the daily quiz?
15. Where can I find the daily quiz?
16. How often can I take a daily quiz?
17. I don't have an adult coach/I know an adult who would like to become a coach. What should I do?
18. What is the difference between Varsity and Junior Varsity LifeSmarts?
19. May I compete in LifeSmarts if I am not a student?
20. May I compete in LifeSmarts if I am being home schooled?
21. I lost my username and/or password. How do I retrieve it?
22. Is there any advance information available about LifeSmarts Nationals?

1. What is LifeSmarts?

LifeSmarts is an educational tool that develops the consumer and marketplace knowledge and skills of teens. LifeSmarts teaches teens consumer literacy in Personal Finance, Consumer Rights & Responsibilities, Technology, Health & Safety and the Environment. The LifeSmarts program year runs on the standard academic year - Septmber to April - to complement classroom curricula.

2. What is LifeSmarts -- the ultimate consumer challenge?

LifeSmarts -- the ultimate consumer challenge, is an online competition available to all US students in 6th-12th grade. With the support of an adult coach, students form an online team, use the practice tools available on this Web site, and then compete in the online competition. Teams with qualifying scores are then invited to an in-person competition organized by their state's LifeSmarts State Coordinator, where teams compete for the title of LifeSmarts State Champion. State Champion teams are then invited to compete at the LifeSmarts National Competition to compete for the National LifeSmarts Champion title.

3. How many students make up a team?

To compete in the online competition, there must be a minimum of 4 students per team. There is no maximum number of students allowed on an online team. For in-person competitions, teams are made up of 4 students and are allowed 1 alternate player.

4. How many rounds are there in the competition?

There are 3 rounds to the online competition.Round 1 - Individual Questions. Round 2 - Team Questions. Round 3 - Challenge Round.

5. Do I have to complete all rounds of the competition at one time?

No. After completing each round, you will have the option to review your answers and immediately begin the next round, or save it and complete it later. You must complete all 3 rounds for your score to be included in your team's score.

6. Is LifeSmarts available in my state?

LifeSmarts is available to teens in every US state through the online competition. Check out your state program for competition information or to connect with your state's LifeSmarts State Coordinator, or view your state competition schedule.

7. When and where are the in-person competitions held in my state?

State competition locations and dates vary by state, and take place from mid-November to mid-March. You can find the location of your state competition by visiting your state LifeSmarts program page.

8. My state does not have a coordinator. May I still compete online?

Yes. The highest scoring online team in your state will be invited to represent your state at the National Championship.

9. What are the rules for state in-person competitions?

Please click here for state rules and regulations.

10. Do I have to register to play the game?

Yes, you must register to compete in the LifeSmarts online competition.

11. I competed last year. Do I have to register again this year?

Yes, you must re-register for each new program year.

12. Are there study guides available?

Yes, you may view them once you have logged in.

13. Do I have to register to take the practice quizzes?

Yes, you may take the quizzes once you have logged in.

14. Do I have to register to take the daily quiz?

No. (More information forthcoming)

15. Where can I find the daily quiz?

(More information forthcoming)

16. How often can I take a daily quiz?

You may take daily quizzes as often as you like.

17. I don't have an adult coach/I know an adult who is interested in becoming a coach. What should I do?

If you know an adult who is interested in becoming a LifeSmarts coach, please direct them to the Coaches Home Page.

18. What is the difference between Varsity and Junior Varsity LifeSmarts?

The Junior Varsity program is for 6th-8th grade students. The Varsity program is for 9th-12th grade students.

19. May I compete in LifeSmarts if I am not a student?

No, LifeSmarts is available to students in 6th-12th grade or equivalent.

20. May I compete in LifeSmarts if I am being home schooled?

Yes, home schooled students in 6th-12th grade may compete in LifeSmarts.

21. I lost my username and/or password. How do I retrieve it?

Visit the Lost Password page to have it emailed to you, or ask your coach to retrieve it from the Coach's Corner.

22. Is there any advance information available about LifeSmarts Nationals?

The National Consumers League hosts the annual LifeSmarts National Championship in a major city each Spring. Please check here for current information.