How to Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

In January 2023, NCAA D1 and D2 dropped the requirement for standardized test scores for full-time student-athletes, meaning you’re not required to send your ACT/SAT scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Contact your NCAA school choice to verify if test scores are still necessary for admission or scholarships.

What to expect when registering with the NCAA

The NCAA Eligibility Center process will take months or years to complete, depending on when you register. Initial NCAA registration will take 15-30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for a Certification Account. Expect to spend around 30 hours throughout high school dedicated to the NCAA Eligibility Center process. Here is a rough breakdown of each part:

2-3 hours – creating your account and completing the amateurism questionnaire
5-10 hours – meeting and checking in with your high school counselor to make sure you are on track regarding the NCAA core course requirements
2-3 hours – coordinating with your high school counselor to make sure your official transcripts are sent to the NCAA

Here is a printable checklist and timeline for the eligibility center process, including how to register with the NCAA.

How much does it cost to sign up for the NCAA Eligibility Center?

NCAA registration for certification accounts cost $100 for U.S. and U.S. territories. This includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. It is the same cost for Canadian athletes. It costs $160 for international athletes. If you qualify for the federal free lunch program, you can have the NCAA fees waived by completing the NCAA fee waiver.

Can I get a refund for my NCAA fee?

All payments to the NCAA are final. However, if you completed a duplicate registration and paid your registration fee twice, you may be eligible for a refund of the duplicate registration fee. Click here to complete and submit an NCAA refund form.

If you are unsure about registering with the NCAA, create a free Profile page and you can easily upgrade that account to a Certification Account when needed.

Insider Tip: Unless you are being actively recruited by NCAA D1 or D2 schools (meaning you have had communication with D1 or D2 college coaches via email, calls, texts or unofficial visits), it is best to create a NCAA Profile page. You can easily upgrade to a Certification Account when the time is right.

Have more questions?

Your NCSA Recruiting Coach can help guide you through the NCAA eligibility process. Log in to schedule a time to talk to your coach.

Not a member? Speak with an NCSA Recruiting Specialist. We’ll help you and your family find out the next steps in your recruiting process and how NCSA can help.