Over the years the selection process has changed. It began with the schools selecting representatives from their school to participate and then they had personal interviews before a panel of judges usually the morning of the announcement.

Orientation was added to the program in 1981. The two Saturdays before the 4th of July announcement, the contestants toured the historic district and attractions. Also added was a 20 question written test on Hannibal and Mark Twain. Final judging was held on July 3rd and the announcement followed the Hannibal Chamber sponsored frog jump.

In 1987 contestants the test format was changed to 20 questions with written answers and 10 questions with true or false answers.

1992 brought changes to the contest that is still being used today. The contest was opened to all 7th grade students who lived in the Hannibal Public School District. 100 students applied that year. Teachers then narrowed the field to 40 students who prepared a speech. These speeches were performed before a panel of judges who again narrowed it to 20. Contestants took a written test on Mark Twain and Hannibal and had personal interviews before a panel of judges. This panel narrowed the field to 5 boys and 5 girls. An orientation period and final judging followed this selection. The final judges selected the "official Tom and Becky".

Present day the contest runs from February to July 4th each year. Invitations are still sent to all seventh grade students residing in the Hannibal Public School District and home school students are also encouraged to participate. Throughout the selection process three informational meetings are conducted. Interested students sign up through their school or at the chamber office. Their teachers then evaluate the students on interpersonal skills, scholastic standing, citizenship, and responsibility. Students then present to a panel of 11 judges a short speech on why they would like to be a Tom or Becky. Judges select 12 boys and 12 girls to move on to the semi-finals. The contestants then take a written test on Mark Twain and Hannibal and had personal interviews before a panel of judges. This panel narrows the field to 5 boys and 5 girls. Contestants prepare their costumes and participate in a 2-day orientation period where three judges observe them to see how they interact with each other and visiting tourist, aptitude for the job, manners, and their ability to portray the character, items in their bags, the engagement scene, and costume. On July 3rd, three out of town judges observe the contestants in the historic district during the morning and in the afternoon they conduct personal interviews of all 10 finalist. These judges select the "official Tom and Becky".