Becoming a Student-Athlete
Each year, nearly 8 million high school students play sports. Only a small percentage will compete in college athletics. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the student-athlete experience in sixth grade or already being recruited, preparation matters. Learn where you fit, explore opportunities across college sports, including emerging sports and adaptive sport pathways, and discover resources to help guide your journey.
What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
The NCAA provides a pathway to college sports for student-athletes across Divisions I, II and III. The NCAA Eligibility Center helps college-bound student-athletes understand and complete the academic and athletics eligibility steps needed to compete at an NCAA school.
Initial eligibility certification determines whether you may practice, compete and receive athletics aid during your first year as a full-time college student. Requirements vary by division, so it is important to understand the path that applies to you.
NCAA Colleges and Universities
Student-Athletes
NCAA Teams
NCAA Championships
Your Path to NCAA Eligibility
Think you might want to play at an NCAA school? Let’s get you there – step by step.
Create the account that is right for you and begin your eligibility journey.
Understand the academic and athletics standards needed to compete at an NCAA school.
Learn how recruiting works, what coaches can do and what steps may apply to you.
EFind answers, forms, checklists and important Eligibility Center terms.
Already have an account? Log in
IMPORTANT: Register Early
Students desiring to compete at any NCAA school must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students may register at any age. While students registering as early as sixth grade should consider creating a free Profile Page, students registering in eighth grade should consider selecting a certification account.
Any students who want to compete at an NCAA Division I or II school will need to select the Academic and Athletics certification account. For students planning to participate at NCAA Division III schools, international students should select the athletics certification account, and domestic students should select the Profile Page.
Early registration will help you avoid delays, ensure you know which documents should be submitted, and keep you informed about your status.
Stay on Track in High School
Your Path to Eligibility
Whether you have already registered or are just getting started, explore the information below to understand eligibility requirements and plan your next steps.
Initial Eligibility Requirements
Initial eligibility standards help prepare you for college sports and ensure fair competition. All student-athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, with account requirements based on your division and student type. Learn the academic and athletics requirements to make sure you’re on track.
Your Division Options & Academic Requirements
Choose the division that fits your academic and athletic profile.
Divison I
Highest level of competition. Athletic scholarships available. Academic and Athletics Certification required.
Division II
Balanced focus on academics and athletics with unique eligibility requirements. Partial scholarships available. Academic and Athletics Certification required.
Division III
Emphasizes academics and overall college experience. No academic certification required, but amateurism standards apply. Profile Page (domestic) or Athletics Certification (international) Account required.
Additional Pathways to Eligibility
Paralympics & Adaptive Sports
Student-athletes with disabilities can explore:
- College adaptive sport opportunities
- Team USA pathways
- Connect with U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committees
Student-Athlete Experience
Being an NCAA student-athlete is about more than competition. From health and wellness resources to opportunities to build your personal brand and prepare for life after college, NCAA schools support student-athletes on and off the playing surface.
Health, Safety & Performance
Explore the physical and mental health resources availalble to support student-athletes throughout their college experience.
Name, Image & Likeness
Learn how NCAA name, image and likeness opportunities work, including resources to help you understand your rights, responsibilities and available support.
Additional Benefits
Discover the wide range of benefits available to NCAA student-athletes, including academic support, career development and financial resources.
Still Need Help?
Contact the Eligibility Center Customer Service team
| Domestic and Canadian students (except Quebec) | 877-262-1492 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET – Mon. through Fri. |
| International and Quebec students | International Contact Form |
| High School Counselors (PIN required) | 877-622-2321 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET – Mon. through Fri. |
| NCAA Compliance Administrators | Membership Portal |