Want to Compete at an NCAA School?
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college.
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College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework. International college-bound student-athletes planning to enroll at a Division III school must also receive an amateurism-only certification from the Eligibility Center.
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To get started, review the three account options and choose the one that's right for you! You'll only need to create one account with the Eligibility Center. Starting with the free Profile Page is best practice, as you can transition it later to the Certification account needed for your circumstances.
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Who should create this account?
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Amateurism-Only Certification Account
Who should create this account?
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Academic and Amateurism Certification Account
Who should create this account?
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Below are some items you should have with you as you create an account at eligibilitycenter.org
Registration_Checklist.pdf (ncaa.org)
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Search our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about becoming an NCAA student-athlete. Additionally, check out these NCAA Recruiting Facts!
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Finally, if you are wondering How to Get Recruited and Earn an Athletic Scholarship, click here!
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The following resources are designed for high school student-athletes, parents, coaches and other who help students successfully navigate the initial-eligibility process: Educational Resources - NCAA.org
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Want to Compete at an NAIA School?
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
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When it comes to collegiate athletics associations, how do you know which is the best fit for your institution? It comes down to priorities. If your school wants to be nationally competitive at a reasonable price, while driving enrollment and supporting the school’s bottom line, the NAIA is the best association for you. For more information about the NCAA vs. NAIA, click here.
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Is it your goal to play college sports? It's never too early to start planning! With over 250 schools across the country, the NAIA can help you find the perfect fit for your athletic college career. The NAIA is the ONLY athletic association that serves the interests of small colleges through holding national championships and by driving student athlete enrollment and financial sustainability. Read to learn more about the NAIA Advantage.
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1. Get Pre-Eligible
Register with NCSA and showcase your future eligibility status as early as your first year in high school.
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The NAIA has partnered with NCSA College Recruiting, the world’s largest collegiate athletic recruiting network. NCSA serves as the official North American recruiting services partner of the NAIA. Register now to use the NAIA Pre-Eligibility Indicator Tool which allows prospective student-athletes to showcase their future eligibility status to NAIA member institutions as early as their first year in high school.
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2. Get Eligible
Take your life and your game to the next level. Register with PlayNAIA, the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility.
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PlayNAIA.org is the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university. Register now to make sure your eligibility is in order, increase your opportunity for scholarships, and show coaches you are ready to play.
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3. Find your NAIA School
Search by sport, location, school size and more!
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4. Get ready to play!
Play the sport you love while earning your degree.
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2023 NAIA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete​
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