Schools That Certify Sports Agents

With so many professional athletes earning more money than ever before, the need for reliable representation is greater than ever. But becoming a sports agent isn't easy. There are no schools that certify sports agents. Instead, most leagues and players associations control agent certification themselves, and guidelines for application vary.

  1. General Certification Requirements

    • In general, potential agents will need at least a four-year degree in a field related to sports management. Common degrees that sports agents hold are in the areas of business, marketing and public relations. A number of schools in the United States offer programs in sports management, but obtaining this degree in no way certifies you or guarantees that you'll have a leg up on the competition. Many professional sports agents will also have postsecondary degrees in law. Most leagues charge a fairly large fee simply for the right to apply to become an agent, and applications are not always available if, for example, the league already has all the agents they need.

    National Football League

    • Becoming a certified agent for players in the National Football League is a lengthy and involved process administered by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). First, a potential agent must have both an undergraduate and a postgraduate degree. The postgraduate degree must be a master's or a law degree. The applicant must then pay a fee in excess of $1,500 simply to apply to become an agent. Aspiring agents must attend a two-day seminar at the end of which they must successfully complete a written examination. (All data reflect 2011 requirements.)

    National Basketball Association

    • Agent certification for the National Basketball Association is handled by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Certification involves filling out an application and paying the necessary fees. A $100 application fee must be paid along with the prospective agent's $1,500 annual dues. A four-year undergraduate degree in addition to a postgraduate degree, preferably in law, are required. Applicants must submit a copy of the highest educational diploma they have received, as well as a transcript of their grades from that institution. (All data reflect 2011 requirements.)

    Major League Baseball

    • The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) controls agent accreditation. Prospective agents first fill out an application form and submit a nonrefundable fee of $500. There are two types of certifications given out by the MLBPA: general and limited. Limited certifications are for recruiters and client maintenance services providers. Anyone intending to advise players in contract negotiations must apply for general certification. Agents fall into this category. (All data reflect 2011 requirements.)