NCAA Eligibility Center registration (athletes only)

Overview

If you plan to play NCAA Division I or Division II athletics in college, this is non-negotiable. You must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have your high school submit your transcript regularly throughout junior and senior year. Failing to register means you cannot compete, even with a scholarship offer.

Who Needs This

• Any student hoping to be recruited by a D1 or D2 college
• Any student who wants to be on a D1 or D2 team roster, including walk-ons
• D3 athletes do not need Eligibility Center registration but should still register as a placeholder

How to Register

1. Visit eligibilitycenter.org
2. Create a Certification Account (for D1/D2 recruits) - $100 domestic fee, $160 international
3. Fee waivers available for students on free/reduced lunch - ask your counselor
4. Provide education history, amateurism questions, and sports history

Core Courses Requirement

NCAA requires 16 specific core courses:

• D1: 4 years English, 3 years math (Alg I or higher), 2 years natural science, 1 additional year English/math/science, 2 years social science, 4 additional core-course years
• D2: 4 years English, 3 years math, 2 years natural science, 3 additional English/math/science, 2 years social science, 2 additional core-course years

Your core-course GPA must be 2.3 (D1) or 2.2 (D2) minimum. Courses must appear on the NCAA approved list for your high school: eligibilitycenter.org/courselist.

Test Scores

• D1: Test-optional as of 2025 (policy extended through 2026-27)
• D2: Test-optional as of 2025
• Still submit scores if you have them - they may improve your core-GPA sliding-scale eligibility

Transcripts

• Your high school must send official transcript after junior year (before senior year)
• Final transcript sent after graduation

Recruiting Calendar

NCAA has strict contact rules by sport. Key dates:

• June 15 after sophomore year: Many D1 sports can begin receiving recruiting communications
• September 1 of junior year: Most D1 sports allow direct contact
• Check ncaa.org recruiting calendar for your specific sport

Parent Involvement

• Parents cannot create the account for the student, but can assist
• Parents manage amateurism questions together with the student
• Keep records of any compensation or benefits received from sports

What If I Get Injured or Decide Not to Play?

You can cancel your certification. No harm done. Better to have it and not need it than miss a recruiting window.