Members of the National Junior Honor Society are selected in the spring semester of each year by a faculty committee. Students in 6th through 8th grades who meet GPA requirements and demonstrate the pillars of the organization are eligible for application.  Students are selected for induction on these principles.  

• Scholarship 
  Students must first meet this criterion to become candidates for membership. NJHS national policy requires that each chapter set a cumulative GPA as their Scholarship criteria. 
   
  (The minimum Scholarship requirement a chapter may set is a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent cumulative standard of excellence. Each school chapter can set a cumulative GPA requirement above this minimum. The national office cannot require a chapter to lower a properly implemented higher cumulative GPA.) 
   

• Service 
  This involves voluntary contributions made by a student and done without compensation. Chapters can require evidence of service to either the school, the community or both. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion. 
   

• Leadership 
  Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. Chapters can require evidence of leadership from within school or the community or both. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion. 

• Character 
  The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. A chapter’s faculty council may review or consider disciplinary records when evaluating this criterion. 
   

• Citizenship 
  In general, the student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; and respects democracy. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion. 

Students are recognized in an induction ceremony at the end of the year and receive certificates of membership.