NAIA registration is required for student-athletes who want to compete at an NAIA school. Below, we break down the three NAIA registration steps, the documents you’ll need to submit, and tips to avoid eligibility delays—especially for transfer and international athletes.
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How to register with the NAIA
To register with the NAIA Eligibility Center, athletes must complete three steps:
- Get on the priority list (“short list”) so your file is reviewed on time (typically added by an NAIA coach)
- Create a profile at PlayNAIA
- Submit all required documents (transcripts, test scores, and any additional items that apply).
Step 1: Create an online NAIA profile
NAIA registration starts with building your PlayNAIA profile, which becomes your home base in the academic eligibility process. Any time your status changes, your account is where you’ll see updates.
You can create your profile as early as freshmen year of high school (and no later than senior year). To start, go to PlayNAIA.org and click the “Register Student”.
Plan to do this with a parent/guardian since there’s a registration fee to complete setup. The profile itself usually takes about 10-15 minutes to finish.
Insider tip: Get familiar with your “Current Tasks” list inside your profile. When the NAIA needs something from you—or posts a status update—it typically shows up there. Check it often and complete any open tasks quickly.
Step 2: Send the NAIA Eligibility Center all required documents
To get an eligibility decision, athletes must submit documentation that verifies they meet NAIA academic requirements. In most cases, the two primary records are:
- Official ACT or SAT scores
- Official high school transcript
How to send the NAIA an athlete’s transcript
Best practice: Submit documents as early as you can—ideally well before your first NAIA season begins—because your eligibility decision must be posted before you can compete.
For U.S. high school students: The NAIA’s standard process requires that transcripts (and related items like class rank info and fee waivers) be uploaded by official school personnel through the NAIA High School Portal. If these documents are sent another way, they can be considered unusable for a decision.
That means the athlete should contact their guidance counselor (or other eligible school official) to upload records electronically via the portal.
Transcript sending updates to know: The NAIA has also indicated that U.S. transcripts may be temporarily accepted via mail (from the issuing institution) and through Parchment in certain cases. If your school uses Parchment and an email is required, NAIA instructs schools to use [email protected] (and notes that emailed transcripts sent directly by individuals aren’t accepted).
Mailing address (official transcripts from the issuing institution):
NAIA Eligibility Center, Attn: Transcripts
1200 Grand Boulevard, Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64106
How to send the NAIA test scores (ACT/SAT)
Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency (ACT or College Board)—not via a transcript.
To send scores, use the NAIA code 9876 when registering for (or sending) your ACT/SAT score report.
How to send a class rank letter (if needed)
If you plan to use class rank as part of your eligibility criteria, the NAIA can accept it if it appears on the official transcript.
If class rank is not listed on the transcript, a counselor may need to submit official rank information when uploading records through the High School Portal (for U.S. schools).
International students: If class rank documentation is required, it may be provided as a class rank letter. Requirements are strict:
- Must be on school letterhead
- Must be in a sealed, school-stamped envelope
- Must be signed by the principal/headmaster/vice principal/guidance counselor
For international documentation rules, athletes should use the NAIA’s Documents Required By Country guidance (and follow InCred instructions in Step 3 below).
Step 3: Secure your spot on a “short list” so the NAIA can review your information
To ensure your file is reviewed on time, athletes often need to be on the NAIA “short list” (the priority review list). This is especially important for recruits actively going through the the process who need a decision by a specific date.
In most cases, an NAIA coach adds a recruit to the short list. To do that, the athlete typically provides the coach with their Eligibility Center ID (ECID#), which is found in the athlete’s PlayNAIA profile.
Insider tip: First-time college students going straight to an NAIA school aren’t always required to be on a short list to receive a decision, but being short-listed can help speed up review timing.
What if I’m already a college student?
The NAIA registration process for current college students is very similar to the process for high school graduates. The differences are
- Transfers should list all colleges attended in their NAIA profile.
- Transfers must submit official transcripts from every college attended.
- Transfers generally need to be on an NAIA school’s short list to receive an eligibility decision.
What if I’m an international student?
The NAIA registration process for international athletes requires recruits to take a few extra steps, including:
- In your PlayNAIA profile, list all schools attended and sports participation history.
- Ask your NAIA coach to add you to the short list as early as possible.
- International recruits must complete a credential evaluation through InCred (requires a separate registration). InCred allows electronic uploads, and if records aren’t in English, athletes must provide literal English translations.
- International transfers should send all post-secondary records for evaluation through InCred as well.
How much does it cost to sign up for the NAIA Eligibility Center?
Updated fees (in effect beginning September 15, 2025):
- U.S./Canada high school students (no break): $110
- U.S./Canada students with a break after high school (no post-secondary): $145
- Transfer students: $160
- International students: $170
InCred evaluation fees (separate purchase for international students):
- Basic High School Evaluation: $95
- (Additional evaluation types may cost more depending on post-secondary history.)
This registration fee is generally nonrefundable and covers Eligibility Center services. The NAIA also has a fee waiver system available for U.S. students with demonstrated financial need.
Fee waiver note: Many fee waiver confirmations must be completed by a high school counselor through the NAIA High School Portal, and there are additional rules/exceptions (including situations involving Pell Grant qualification).
Can I get a refund for my NAIA fee?
In most cases, the NAIA registration fee is nonrefundable.
However, refunds may be awarded in very limited situations, such as:
- The athlete previously participated in NAIA athletics
- The athlete competed at a school that was not NAIA-affiliated at the time, but the school is now an NAIA member.
- The athlete overpaid
- The athlete created and paid for duplicate accounts
To request a refund, the athlete or an immediate family member typically needs to call the NAIA Eligibility Center.
How do I contact the NAIA?
Families can contact the NAIA Eligibility Center customer relations team during business hours. Hours vary by season, but the NAIA lists standard Eligibility Center hours and a main phone number: 816-595-8300.
Common ways to get help include:
- Using the NAIA “Contact Us” form within the PlayNAIA system
- Following @PlayNAIA on social media for updates (and to find official support pathways)
Ready to take the next step in recruiting?
Creating your NAIA Eligibility Center account is important—but it’s only one piece of getting recruited. To maximize your opportunities, you also need a plan for how you’ll communicate with coaches, build an athletic resume, and get discovered by programs that fit your goals.
Join NCSA to get recruiting support every step of the way, including:
- A free recruiting profile you can share with college coaches
- Guidance on emailing coaches, highlight videos, and timelines
- Tools to track schools, coach outreach, and next steps
- Expert resources for eligibility, scholarships, and financial aid
Create your free NCSA recruiting profile today and start connecting with college coaches.
