Bodybuilding Federations Explained: NPC, IFBB, OCB, & More – Criteria, Show Formats, & How to Choose Your Path
If you’re preparing for your first bodybuilding competition—or considering switching federations—understanding the differences between organizations is essential. Each federation has its own judging criteria, show formats, and rules for competitors.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most active federations for Bikini, Wellness, and Fit Model divisions, explain drug-testing policies, outline posing expectations, and walk you through what to expect on show day.
NPC (National Physique Committee)
The NPC is the largest amateur bodybuilding federation in the U.S. and is the only path to earning an IFBB Pro Card.
Drug Testing:
NPC does not drug test. Athletes are judged solely on appearance and presentation.
Bikini Criteria (Full NPC Bikini Rules)
Foundation of muscle to give shape to the body
Full, round glutes with slight hamstring separation
Slight roundness in the delts
Conditioned core
Overall presentation—hair, makeup, suit, and tan—matters
Should not display muscular density like Figure, squared glutes, deep separation, graininess, or striations
Wellness Criteria (Full NPC Wellness Rules)
Athletic physique with more muscle in hips, glutes, and thighs
Upper body developed but less than lower body
Full, round glutes; thick quads and hamstrings
Lean and athletic without Figure-level hardness
Fit Model Criteria (Full NPC Fit Model Rules)
Healthy, athletic, marketable physique with moderate muscle tone
Proportional symmetry from top to bottom
No excessive size or deep separation
Emphasis on beauty, poise, confidence, and runway-style presentation
Hair, makeup, suit, and accessories all count toward the score
IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness)
The IFBB Pro League is where athletes compete after earning a Pro Card through the NPC.
Criteria is similar to NPC but at an elite level, with international competition opportunities.
OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders)
The OCB is a natural federation, requiring athletes to be drug-free for seven years. All athletes undergo polygraph testing before the show, and winners may also be urine-tested.
Banned Substance List:
View OCB Banned Substances
Athletes with prescriptions for banned items can apply for an exemption with documentation before the show.
Bikini Criteria (Full OCB Bikini Guidelines)
Lightly muscled, toned, symmetrical physique
Shoulders with moderate roundness
Quads and hamstrings with toned shape, not overly muscular
Full, round, firm glutes
Some ab definition without deep etching or vascularity
Developed back without being wide or dense
No striations, excessive separation, or vascularity
Wellness Criteria (Full OCB Wellness Guidelines)
The only category where upper and lower body should not be symmetrical.
Lower body dominant—quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves fuller than upper body
Upper body muscular but less developed; no excessive width, density, or striations
Glutes round and hard with visible hamstring tie-in
Thick, sweeping quads and developed hamstrings
Leaner than Bikini but softer than Figure
No graininess, deep etching, or vascularity
Other Notable Federations
While NPC, IFBB, and OCB are the most active in 2025, a few others are worth knowing:
WNBF/INBF – Long-established natural federation with strict drug testing.
WBFF – Fitness-model and glamour-style competition; emphasis on marketability and stage presence.
ABA/INBA/PNBA – Global natural federation with amateur and pro divisions.
Note: The NANBF/IPE is no longer active as of 2025. Athletes looking for similar natural competition should explore OCB or WNBF.
Show Formats: Running Shows vs. Prejudging & Finals
Running Show (OCB, WNBF, many natural federations)
Prejudging and finals happen in one continuous block
Placings decided and awards given without long breaks
Shorter day and less need to peak twice
Split Show (NPC, IFBB)
Prejudging: Morning session where most decisions are made
Finals: Evening show with awards and individual routines
Requires peaking twice in one day; longer event
Why You Should Attend a Show Before Competing
If you’ve never been to a bodybuilding competition, attending one as a spectator is one of the best ways to prepare.
✔ See how each federation runs their events
✔ Observe how promoters manage the day
✔ Experience the show-day atmosphere
✔ Evaluate the level of competition
✔ Learn posing expectations from top competitors
When you attend, note the event flow, how athletes are called out and compared, the pace of the day, and how individual walks are presented. This insight can make your own first show far less intimidating.
Local Show Links (Minnesota)
NPC
OCB
Final Thoughts
Choosing your federation isn’t just about picking a date—it’s about aligning with the rules, judging style, and show-day format that match your goals.
Want to go IFBB Pro? Start in NPC.
Prefer a natural, drug-tested environment? OCB or WNBF may be your best fit.
Love stage glamour and a model look? Consider WBFF or NPC Fit Model.
If you want guidance on picking your federation, perfecting your posing, and tailoring your prep to match judging criteria, book a consultation here.
