Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never judged History Day before. Is that okay?
Absolutely! We welcome veteran judges as well as new judges. Every Contest begins with a training session run by the State Office. Judging teams will consist of a mix of veteran and first-time judges.
What qualifications are needed to be a History Day judge?
No qualifications are required to judge a History Day event. However, judges should possess an interest in history and be comfortable interacting with students. Judging involves evaluating projects with a critical eye, making decisions and offering students constructive feedback on their work.
What is the "second round" and do I have to stay for it?
In some cases, a category has so many entries, there need to be two rounds. The first round sends 2-3 top finishers into a "final" round. One member of each judging team must stay after the initial judging process to participate in the final round with members from other teams in your category. You will need to decide with your judging partner(s) who will be your group representative. This final round judging team will decide the final rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd place).
What kinds of questions should I ask the students?
Questions asked during the judging process should give students the opportunity to talk about what they learned while creating their project. The Contest is the students' day to shine! The judge should never talk more than the student or make them feel as though they have not done enough research. Questions about their research process, sources used, inspirations for the topic, and what they liked about the project are all appropriate questions.
How do I sign up to become a judge?
You can sign up on our website by going here and filling out the form. You will be asked which regional event(s) you plan to judge. A confirmation email with instructions will be sent to you about two weeks before the event, and an e-mail reminder will be sent a few days before the event.
Absolutely! We welcome veteran judges as well as new judges. Every Contest begins with a training session run by the State Office. Judging teams will consist of a mix of veteran and first-time judges.
What qualifications are needed to be a History Day judge?
No qualifications are required to judge a History Day event. However, judges should possess an interest in history and be comfortable interacting with students. Judging involves evaluating projects with a critical eye, making decisions and offering students constructive feedback on their work.
What is the "second round" and do I have to stay for it?
In some cases, a category has so many entries, there need to be two rounds. The first round sends 2-3 top finishers into a "final" round. One member of each judging team must stay after the initial judging process to participate in the final round with members from other teams in your category. You will need to decide with your judging partner(s) who will be your group representative. This final round judging team will decide the final rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd place).
What kinds of questions should I ask the students?
Questions asked during the judging process should give students the opportunity to talk about what they learned while creating their project. The Contest is the students' day to shine! The judge should never talk more than the student or make them feel as though they have not done enough research. Questions about their research process, sources used, inspirations for the topic, and what they liked about the project are all appropriate questions.
How do I sign up to become a judge?
You can sign up on our website by going here and filling out the form. You will be asked which regional event(s) you plan to judge. A confirmation email with instructions will be sent to you about two weeks before the event, and an e-mail reminder will be sent a few days before the event.
