Potential members must be enrolled in an accredited institution and have completed at least 12 hours of coursework that can be applied toward an associate degree. Local chapters determine the eligibility of part-time students. Generally, a student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher; however, local chapters may raise GPA standards in accordance with the Phi Theta Kappa constitution.
Moral standards for the society are in place and potential members must adhere to them. For example, anyone currently incarcerated is not eligible. Additionally, an invitation to membership must be received from the chapter within the college the student currently attends.