What are CDEs designed to test?

CDEs, or Career Development Events, are focused specifically on assessing members' knowledge and skills in various areas related to agriculture. These competitive events encompass a wide range of agricultural topics, including plant science, animal science, biotechnology, agronomy, and environmental science, among others.

Participants engage in practical, on-the-spot assessments that not only test their theoretical knowledge but also their practical abilities to apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. The goal of these events is to prepare students for careers in agriculture by enhancing their skills and consolidating their understanding of specific agricultural disciplines, making option A the most accurate description of CDEs' primary purpose.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of student development and education, do not specifically capture the main focus of CDEs as effectively as the correct choice. Leadership abilities, financial literacy, and agricultural marketing strategies are indeed important components of agricultural education but are not the primary focus of CDEs.