Tools & Resources

NCAA Eligibility Checklist

Navigating NCAA eligibility requirements can be overwhelming for student-athletes and families. This comprehensive checklist helps ensure you meet all necessary requirements to compete at the Division I, II, or III level. Use this as your step-by-step guide to maintain eligibility throughout high school and into college.

Academic Requirements Checklist

Core Course Requirements

Division I Requirements:

• [ ] 16 core courses total
• [ ] 4 units of English
• [ ] 3 units of Math (Algebra I or higher)
• [ ] 2 units of Natural/Physical Science (including 1 lab course if offered)
• [ ] 1 additional unit of English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science
• [ ] 2 units of Social Science
• [ ] 4 additional units from any area above, foreign language, comparative religion, or philosophy

Division II Requirements:

• [ ] 16 core courses total
• [ ] 3 units of English
• [ ] 2 units of Math (Algebra I or higher)
• [ ] 2 units of Natural/Physical Science (including 1 lab course if offered)
• [ ] 3 additional units of English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science
• [ ] 2 units of Social Science
• [ ] 4 additional units from any area above, foreign language, comparative religion, or philosophy

Division III Requirements:

• [ ] No specific core course requirements
• [ ] Meet institution's admission standards
• [ ] Graduate from high school

Grade Point Average Requirements

Division I:

• [ ] Minimum 2.300 core course GPA for full certification
• [ ] 2.000-2.299 core course GPA for academic redshirt (partial qualifier)
• [ ] Below 2.000 core course GPA = not eligible

Division II:

• [ ] Minimum 2.000 core course GPA for full certification
• [ ] Below 2.000 core course GPA = not eligible

Division III:

• [ ] No minimum GPA requirement
• [ ] Meet institution's admission standards

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Test Score Requirements

Division I:

• [ ] Take SAT or ACT
• [ ] Use sliding scale (higher GPA allows lower test scores)
• [ ] Submit scores directly to NCAA Eligibility Center
• [ ] Achieve minimum combined requirements on sliding scale

Division II:

• [ ] Take SAT or ACT
• [ ] Minimum requirements vary based on GPA
• [ ] Submit scores directly to NCAA Eligibility Center

Division III:

• [ ] No minimum test score requirements
• [ ] Meet institution's admission standards

NCAA Eligibility Center Registration

Initial Registration

• [ ] Create account at eligibilitycenter.org
• [ ] Pay registration fee ($90 for US students, $150 for international)
• [ ] Provide personal information (name, address, high school, sport)
• [ ] List all high schools attended
• [ ] Request transcripts from all high schools

Documentation Submission

• [ ] Official transcripts from all high schools attended
• [ ] Official test scores (SAT/ACT sent directly from testing agency)
• [ ] Proof of graduation (diploma or final transcript)
• [ ] International documents (if applicable - translated and evaluated)

Timeline Requirements

• [ ] Register early (ideally junior year)
• [ ] Submit transcripts after each semester/year
• [ ] Final transcript after graduation
• [ ] Allow processing time (4-6 weeks minimum)

Academic Progress Requirements

High School Course Planning

• [ ] Plan courses early (freshman year if possible)
• [ ] Verify core courses with school counselor
• [ ] Maintain challenging schedule throughout high school
• [ ] Avoid non-core courses counting toward requirements
• [ ] Consider summer school if behind on requirements

Grade Management

• [ ] Monitor core course GPA throughout high school
• [ ] Improve grades in core courses when possible
• [ ] Retake courses if necessary (best grade counts)
• [ ] Understand GPA calculation (NCAA uses different calculation than high school)

Testing Strategy

• [ ] Take PSAT/Pre-ACT for practice
• [ ] First SAT/ACT junior year spring
• [ ] Retake tests if scores need improvement
• [ ] Use prep resources (free online options available)
• [ ] Send all scores to NCAA Eligibility Center

Amateurism Requirements

Before College Enrollment

• [ ] Complete amateurism questionnaire in Eligibility Center account
• [ ] Report all sports participation (high school, club, professional)
• [ ] List all benefits received (equipment, travel, coaching)
• [ ] Report prize money over $30 before taxes
• [ ] Avoid professional contracts or agent representation

During High School

• [ ] No salary for sports participation
• [ ] No prize money over $30 before taxes and expenses
• [ ] No benefits beyond actual and necessary expenses
• [ ] No professional team tryouts (after high school graduation)
• [ ] Limited coaching (no private instruction payment)

Permissible Benefits

• [ ] Actual and necessary expenses for competition
• [ ] Awards worth less than $30
• [ ] Recognition items (plaques, trophies with minimal value)
• [ ] Team equipment during season
• [ ] Educational expenses through established programs

International Student-Athlete Requirements

Additional Documentation

• [ ] Credential evaluation through approved agencies
• [ ] English proficiency demonstration if required
• [ ] Passport and visa documentation
• [ ] Academic records from all institutions attended
• [ ] Translation services for non-English documents

Special Considerations

• [ ] Different processing timeline (allow extra time)
• [ ] Higher registration fee ($150 vs. $90)
• [ ] Additional academic evaluation may be required
• [ ] Professional team participation rules may differ
• [ ] Contact NCAA directly for specific situations

Transfer Student Requirements

Previous College Attendance

• [ ] Report all colleges attended (even if no sports participation)
• [ ] Official transcripts from all institutions
• [ ] Academic progress requirements at previous institutions
• [ ] Transfer certification through Eligibility Center
• [ ] Residence requirements may apply

Two-Year College Transfers

• [ ] Associate degree or specific credit hours completed
• [ ] Minimum GPA requirements
• [ ] Core course deficiencies addressed
• [ ] Transfer guide completion requirements
• [ ] Academic year in residence may be required

Timeline and Deadlines

Key Academic Milestones

Freshman Year:

• [ ] Meet with counselor about NCAA requirements
• [ ] Plan four-year course schedule
• [ ] Begin taking core courses
• [ ] Consider NCAA Eligibility Center registration

Sophomore Year:

• [ ] Continue core course progress
• [ ] Take PSAT for practice
• [ ] Register with NCAA Eligibility Center (recommended)
• [ ] Request transcript to be sent

Junior Year:

• [ ] Complete amateurism questionnaire
• [ ] Take SAT/ACT spring semester
• [ ] Send updated transcript to Eligibility Center
• [ ] Begin college recruitment process

Senior Year:

• [ ] Complete remaining core courses
• [ ] Retake SAT/ACT if necessary
• [ ] Send final transcript after graduation
• [ ] Confirm eligibility status before enrollment

Processing Timelines

• [ ] Allow 4-6 weeks for initial transcript processing
• [ ] Allow 2-3 weeks for updated transcripts
• [ ] Plan for delays during peak seasons (spring/summer)
• [ ] Submit early to avoid last-minute issues
• [ ] Contact Eligibility Center if urgent processing needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Academic Errors

• [ ] Don't take non-core courses thinking they count
• [ ] Don't ignore GPA requirements until senior year
• [ ] Don't assume all math courses count as core courses
• [ ] Don't delay core course completion until senior year
• [ ] Don't forget to send transcripts after each term

Registration Errors

• [ ] Don't wait until senior year to register
• [ ] Don't provide incomplete information
• [ ] Don't forget to pay registration fee
• [ ] Don't assume automatic processing
• [ ] Don't ignore communication from Eligibility Center

Amateurism Violations

• [ ] Don't accept money for sports performance
• [ ] Don't sign with agents before college
• [ ] Don't participate in professional tryouts (post-graduation)
• [ ] Don't receive improper benefits from boosters
• [ ] Don't lie on amateurism questionnaire

Division-Specific Considerations

Division I Specific Requirements

• [ ] 10 of 16 core courses completed before senior year
• [ ] 7 of 10 courses in English, Math, or Science
• [ ] Academic redshirt option for partial qualifiers
• [ ] Sliding scale for GPA and test scores
• [ ] Summer courses have specific rules

Division II Specific Requirements

• [ ] More flexible timeline for core course completion
• [ ] Lower academic standards than Division I
• [ ] Full qualifier or non-qualifier (no partial qualifier option)
• [ ] Different sliding scale requirements
• [ ] Academic year in residence for transfers

Division III Specific Requirements

• [ ] No NCAA academic standards (institutional standards apply)
• [ ] No athletic scholarships available
• [ ] Still register with Eligibility Center for transfers
• [ ] Meet institutional admission requirements
• [ ] Focus on academic fit with chosen institution

Resources and Support

NCAA Resources

• [ ] Eligibility Center website (eligibilitycenter.org)
• [ ] NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes
• [ ] Division-specific manuals and guides
• [ ] International student resources
• [ ] Customer service for specific questions

School Resources

• [ ] High school counselor for course planning
• [ ] Athletic director for sports-specific guidance
• [ ] College counselor for application process
• [ ] Teachers for academic support
• [ ] Coaches for recruiting guidance

Professional Resources

• [ ] NCAA-certified consultants for complex situations
• [ ] Educational consultants specializing in athletics
• [ ] Legal counsel for unusual circumstances
• [ ] Test prep services for standardized tests
• [ ] Tutoring services for academic support

Final Verification Checklist

Before Senior Year Graduation

• [ ] Core course requirements met
• [ ] GPA meets minimum standards
• [ ] Test scores meet requirements
• [ ] All transcripts submitted
• [ ] Amateurism questionnaire complete

After High School Graduation

• [ ] Final transcript submitted
• [ ] Eligibility decision received
• [ ] Any conditions addressed
• [ ] College compliance office contacted
• [ ] Enrollment and registration completed

Before College Sports Participation

• [ ] Eligibility certified by NCAA
• [ ] Enrolled in minimum credit hours
• [ ] Academic progress monitored
• [ ] Compliance education completed
• [ ] Insurance and medical clearance obtained

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Academic Deficiencies

If core courses are missing:

• Contact high school counselor immediately
• Consider summer school or online courses
• Verify courses meet NCAA requirements
• Plan realistic timeline for completion

If GPA is below requirements:

• Retake courses for better grades
• Focus on improving core course grades
• Consider academic support services
• Explore Division II or III options

Processing Delays

If transcripts aren't processed:

• Verify they were sent correctly
• Contact NCAA customer service
• Provide additional documentation if needed
• Follow up regularly on status

If eligibility decision is delayed:

• Ensure all requirements are met
• Submit any missing documentation
• Contact both NCAA and college compliance
• Consider backup plans

The Bottom Line

NCAA eligibility is complex but manageable with proper planning and attention to detail. Start early, stay organized, and seek help when needed. This checklist serves as your roadmap, but remember that individual circumstances may require specific guidance from the NCAA Eligibility Center or qualified professionals.

Key success strategies:

• Start planning freshman year of high school
• Register with NCAA Eligibility Center by junior year
• Monitor progress regularly throughout high school
• Seek help early if problems arise
• Keep detailed records of all academic work and sports participation

Remember: Eligibility rules can change, and individual situations may have unique requirements. Always verify current requirements with the NCAA Eligibility Center and consult with qualified professionals when necessary.

For more information on specific academic requirements, see our article on Understanding NCAA Compliance and Amateurism Rules.