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Guidance » NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA Eligibility Center

The NCAA Eligibility Center is a governing body responsible for certifying academic and amateur eligibility for prospective college student-athletes in the United States. This certification is required for high school athletes who wish to participate in NCAA Division I or Division II sports. The Eligibility Center ensures that these students meet academic standards and maintain amateur status, which is crucial for balancing both athletics and academics in college sports.

Key Functions of the NCAA Eligibility Center:

  1. Academic Certification: The Eligibility Center reviews a student-athlete's high school transcripts, test scores, and coursework to verify they meet the minimum academic requirements. These standards include specific core course requirements, a minimum GPA, and test scores based on sliding scales for Division I and II.

  2. Amateurism Certification: The center evaluates a student-athlete's amateur status to confirm they have not profited from their athletic skills. This check ensures that they have not accepted payment, signed contracts, or engaged in activities that would make them a professional, which is crucial for preserving the amateur nature of college sports.

  3. Guidance and Support: The Eligibility Center provides resources and guidance for high school athletes, their families, and counselors on the eligibility process. It helps students understand eligibility requirements, timelines, and how to stay compliant throughout high school.

Process for Certification

High school athletes typically start the eligibility process by registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center, ideally in their junior year. They submit academic records, standardized test scores, and complete an amateurism questionnaire. The Eligibility Center then reviews these materials and determines if the student meets NCAA standards.

Importance of the Eligibility Center

The Eligibility Center serves as a bridge between high school and college sports, helping maintain the integrity of collegiate athletics by ensuring that student-athletes are both academically prepared and retain amateur status before competing at the collegiate level.

 

For more information on how to become a collegiate student-athlete, please take a look at the booklet found below or click the button on the right of the page to take you to the NCAA Eligibility Center Website.