A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.

Legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted by a vote of all Division I members at the 1993 NCAA Convention as a key part of the Association's reform agenda. The certification process, led by the institution's chief executive officer, included faculty and staff members. Athletics department personnel also served on the committee and subcommittees responsible for the self-study, thus providing an opportunity for other members of the campus community to learn about and evaluate the athletics program.

Certification examines the athletics department's governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic and fiscal integrity, and commitment to equity. The self-study committee on each campus analyzed those four areas and submitted a report.

The members of the Committee on Athletics Certification are: Otis Chambers, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay; Robert A. Chernak, George Washington University; Tom Davis, Sam Houston State University; Paul Dee, University of Miami (Florida); Kathleen Hallock, Colonial Athletic Association; John Hardt, Bucknell University; Susan Hofacre, Robert Morris College; Jerry Kingston, Arizona State University; Chris Monasch, America East Conference; Paul Risser, Oregon State University; Alfonso Scandrett, North Carolina A&T State University; Andrea Seger, Ball State University; Irene Shea, California State University, Sacramento; James E. Walker (chair), Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Richard L. Wallace, University of Missouri, Columbia; and Brenda Weare, Conference USA.