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Three Easy Steps to NCAA Division III Amateurism Certification

Writer's picture: Darius WillisDarius Willis
Jan 202 min read

If you’re an international student-athlete planning to study and compete at a Division III school in the United States, ensuring your amateur status is critical. The NCAA Eligibility Center streamlines this process with an Amateurism-Only Certification account. Below is a quick overview of the three key steps you’ll need to follow.




 

1. Create Your Account


International student-athletes (both first-year enrollees and transfers) aiming to compete at a Division III institution must start by creating an Amateurism-Only Certification account with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This account is specifically designed to confirm your amateur status, a requirement to play sports at any NCAA Division III college or university.


Why It Matters:

  • Maintains the integrity of collegiate sports.

  • Ensures you’re not receiving payment or benefits that could jeopardize your amateur status.


 

2. Enter Your Information

Once you’ve set up your Amateurism-Only Certification account, you will be prompted to answer a series of questions about your sports participation history. This information helps the Eligibility Center determine your amateur status. In some cases, they may reach out for additional details if your history requires more evaluation.


Tips for Successful Completion:

  • Provide accurate and honest answers about your sports background.

  • Double-check dates, teams, and any organized competition details.

  • Be prepared to share supporting documents if requested.


 

3. Request Your Final Amateurism Certification


After submitting your information, you must request your final amateurism certification for the Eligibility Center to finalize your status. You can do this even if other tasks in your account remain open. However, the date you can request your final certification depends on when you plan to enroll full time at a Division III school:

  • Fall Enrollment: Request your final amateurism certification on or after April 1 before enrolling.

  • Winter/Spring Enrollment: Request your final amateurism certification on or after Oct. 1 before enrolling.


Important Note: The Eligibility Center cannot finalize your amateurism certification until you make the official request.


 

Final Thoughts



Navigating the NCAA Eligibility Center as an international student-athlete doesn’t have to be complicated. By creating your Amateurism-Only Certification account, submitting accurate information, and requesting final certification at the right time, you’re taking the necessary steps toward competing in Division III college sports. Stay organized, keep track of deadlines, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Eligibility Center or your future school’s compliance office if you have questions.




Good luck on your journey to the NCAA Division III competition!



 

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