NCAA Athletic Eligibility Requirements

If you want to play sports at an NCAA Division I or II school, start by registering for a Certification account with the NCAA Eligibility Center. If you want to play Division III sports or you aren't sure where you want to compete, start by creating a profile page at the NCAA Eligibility Center.

To play sports at a Division I or II school, you must graduate from high school, complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses, earn a minimum GPA and earn an ACT or SAT score that matches your core-course GPA. 

Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center for a full list of your high school's approved core courses. Complete 16 core courses in the following areas:

Division I - complete 10 NCAA core courses, including 7 in English, math or natural/physical sciences before your 7th semester

English - 4 years

Math (algebra or higher) - 3 years

Natural/Physical Science (including one year of lab, if offered) - 2 years

Additional English, Math or Natural/Physical Science - 1 year

Social Science - 2 years

Additional Courses (any area listed above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy) - 4 years

Division II 

English - 3 years

Math (algebra or higher) - 2 years

Natural/Physical Science (including one year of lab, if offered) - 2 years

Additional English, Math or Natural/Physical Science - 3 years

Social Science - 2 years

Additional Courses (any area listed above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy) - 4 years

Grade Point Average - the NCAA Eligibility Center calculates your grade point average (GPA) based on the grades you earn in the NCAA-approved core courses. DI requires a minimum 2.3 GPA and DII requires a minimum 2.2 GPA.

Sliding Scale - Divisions I and II use sliding scales to match test scores and GPAs to determine eligibility. The sliding scale balances your test score with your GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher GPA to be eligible. Find more information about sliding scales. 

Test Scores - take the ACT or SAT as many times as you want before you enroll full time in college, but remember to list the NCAA Eligibility Center (code 9999) as as a score recipient whenever you register to take a test. If you take a test more than once, send us all your scores and we will use the best scores from each test section to create your sum score. We accept official scores only from the ACT or SAT, and won't use scores shown on your high school transcript.

High School Timeline

Grade 9 - Plan

• Start planning now! Take the right courses and earn the best grades you can
• Ask your counselor for a list of your high school's NCAA core courses to make sure you can take the right classes. Or, find your high school's list at eligibilitycenter.org/courselist

Grade 10 - Register

• Register for a Certification Account or Profile Page with the NCAA Eligibility Center
• If you fall behind on courses don't take shortcuts to catch up. Ask your counselor for help with finding approved courses or programs you can take.

Grade 11 - Study

• Check with your counselor to  make sure you are on track to graduate on time.
• Take the ACT or SAT, and make sure we get your scores by using the code 9999
• At the end of the year, ask your counselor to upload your official transcript

Grade 12 - Graduate

• Take the ACT or SAT again if necessary, and make sure we get your scores by using the code 9999
• Request your final amateurism certification after April 1
• After you graduate, ask your counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation