NCAA Agent Certification
In order to represent Division I men’s basketball student-athletes as they weigh their professional prospects without negatively impacting their remaining eligibility, an agent must be NCAA certified by the Enforcement Certification and Approvals Group.
NCAA-certified agents may represent student-athletes whose basketball season has concluded and who have requested an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee at UAC@nba.com, while allowing those student-athletes to retain their NCAA eligibility.
Why NCAA Agent Certification Exists
In 2018, the Commission on College Basketball reported that NCAA student-athletes needed earlier professional advice to determine whether it is in their best interests to declare for the NBA draft or return to college. As a result, the NCAA agent certification program was created.
The program is designed to protect student-athletes, support informed decision-making and help ensure that agents representing Division I men’s basketball student-athletes meet NCAA certification standards.
Who Must Be Certified
Agents must be NCAA certified before representing Division I men’s basketball student-athletes who are weighing their professional prospects and seeking to maintain remaining NCAA eligibility.
To become NCAA certified, an agent must:
- Be certified by the NBPA for at least three consecutive years and be in good standing.
- Maintain professional liability insurance that covers agent activities.
- Create or log in to an NCAA Certified Agent Portal account.
- Submit an application in NCAP.
- Successfully complete the required background check.
- Pay the nonrefundable application fee.
- Respond to any NCAA requests for information within 10 days of being notified.
- Complete the required educational component.
- Pay the certification fee.
- Conduct agent duties in compliance with NCAA requirements.
- Reapply the following year using the same NCAP user account.
Application Dates
The NCAA agent certification application is available in the NCAA Certified Agent Portal from August 1 at midnight to September 30 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time for the following draft season. For example, the application period for the 2026 NBA Draft was August 1 to September 30, 2025.
Late submissions are traditionally not accepted. Failure to apply while the application is available will require the agent to wait until the next year’s application period.
Under unique circumstances, ECAG may allow late applications up to 30 calendar days after the application closes. Late fees apply.
Education Componenet
Once the application and background check are initially reviewed by the NCAA, the agent will be notified that they need to complete the appropriate educational component.
Certification and Directory
Agents eligible for certification after completing the required educational component will be notified and required to log back in, upload a photo for the directory, confirm the accuracy of their directory contact information and pay the required certification fee. Once certification fees are received, the agent’s information will be added to the NCAA online directory.
NCAA certification is valid from the date the agent is added to the directory each year until the following September 30.
Protect the Game
Creating an environment of trust and collaboration between member schools/conferences and the NCAA’s enforcement staff is vital to making sure the schools that follow the rules are not disadvantaged by their commitment to compliance. The NCAA’s enforcement development staff works with member schools and their athletics department to identify issues and concerns affecting college sports, and to encourage the reporting of potential violations as early as possible.
“Protect the Game” drives dialogue about upholding the integrity of college sports, focusing on the responsibilities of the membership and the NCAA.
Coaches, athletic administrators, and athletes play an important role in helping the membership identify threats to the collegiate model that may impact the landscape of college sports.
How can you help?
The NCAA, parents, coaches, and players alike have a shared interest in ensuring the integrity of college athletics and helping Protect the Game.
If you witness anything suspicious that is a potential NCAA rules violation you are encouraged to report it.
Information regarding potential rules violations can be reported by calling the NCAA at 317-917-6008.
Agent Information for Student-Athletes
Resources
Need Help?
If you have questions, contact the Enforcement Certification and Approvals Group at 844-562-6201 or through the NCAA email contact form.