What Division Should My Quizzers Be In?
Bible Quizzing is more than a competition—it’s a discipleship journey that challenges young people to memorize and apply Scripture. But before jumping into the quiz season, it’s crucial to understand who’s eligible to participate.
Quick Reference Chart for Quizzer Age Requirements
| Beginner | Junior | Intermediate | Experienced |
| Younger than 8 years old on December 31st of year before quiz season begins. | Younger than 12 years old on December 31st of year before quiz season begins. | Younger than 14 years old on December 31st of year before quiz season begins. | Younger than 19 years old on December 31st of year before quiz season begins. |
| No minimum age | No minimum age | 12 years old or older on December 31st of year before quiz season. | 12 years old or older on December 31st of year before quiz season. |
Senior Division Age Requirements
The UPCI Senior Bible Quizzing rulebook outlines age-based criteria that determine eligibility for both divisions: Intermediate and Experienced.
Let’s break it down with examples to make it crystal clear.
General Age Eligibility
To be eligible for any division in the upcoming quiz season, a quizzer must:
- Be single
- Be at least 12 years old by December 31 of the quiz year
- Not yet be 19 years old by December 31 of the quiz year
- Be faithfully attending a UPCI church pastored by a licensed minister
Example: If the quiz season is for 2026, then:
- A child born on December 31, 2014 turns 12 on the cutoff date and is eligible.
- A teen born on January 1, 2007 turns 19 just after the cutoff and is still eligible.
- A teen born on December 30, 2006 turns 19 before the cutoff and is not eligible.
Intermediate vs. Experienced Division
Bible Quizzing offers two divisions to accommodate varying skill levels and ages:
Intermediate Division
- Ages 12–14 as of December 31
- Also includes rookies aged 15–18 who have never quizzed past March 1 in a previous season
Example:
- Ella, born November 15, 2011, turns 14 in 2025 → Eligible for Intermediate
- Noah, born August 2, 2010, turns 15 → Eligible only if he’s a rookie (never quizzed past March 1 before)
- Liam, born May 20, 2009, turns 16 → Not eligible for Intermediate unless he’s a rookie
Experienced Division
- Open to any eligible quizzer aged 12–18
- No rookie requirement
Example:
- Sophia, born March 3, 2012, turns 13 → Eligible for Experienced
- Jackson, born December 30, 2006, turns 19 → Not eligible
Switching Divisions
Quizzers may switch from Experienced to Intermediate before being registered for District Finals, as long as they meet the age requirements.
Example:
- Ava, age 14, starts in Experienced but wants to switch to Intermediate → She can, if she hasn’t registered for District Finals yet.
Rookie Status Explained
A “rookie” is someone who:
- Has never quizzed past March 1 in any previous season
- Is 15–18 years old
Example:
- Ben, age 16, tried quizzing in January but dropped out before March → He’s a rookie and can quiz Intermediate
- Chloe, age 17, quizzed through April last year → Not a rookie
Junior Division Age Requirements
Beginner Division Eligibility
The Beginner Division is designed for the youngest quizzers. There’s no minimum age, but there is an upper limit:
- Must be 8 years old or younger
- Must not turn 9 before January 1 of the quiz year
Examples for the 2026 season:
- Micah, born December 31, 2017, turns 8 on the cutoff = Eligible
- Lily, born January 1, 2017, turns 9 on the cutoff = Not eligible
- Ezra, born March 15, 2018, turns 8 during the year = Eligible
This division is perfect for early learners who are just beginning to memorize scripture and participate in team-based activities.
Junior Division Eligibility
The Junior Division is for slightly older children who are ready for more advanced material and competition:
- Must not turn 12 before January 1 of the quiz year
Examples for the 2026 season:
- Aubrey, born December 31, 2014, turns 11 on the cutoff = Eligible
- Caleb, born January 1, 2014, turns 12 on the cutoff = Not eligible
- Zoe, born July 20, 2015, turns 10 during the year = Eligible
Junior Division quizzers often have a few years of experience and are ready to tackle more verses and tougher questions.
No Minimum Age?
That’s right! There’s no minimum age for Junior Bible Quizzing. If a child is able to memorize Scripture and participate in a team setting, they’re welcome to join – provided they meet the age cutoff for their division.
This flexibility allows churches to start training young minds early, building a foundation for future success in Intermediate and Experienced divisions of Senior Bible Quizzing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding age eligibility ensures fairness and encourages growth in Bible Quizzing. Whether you’re a first-time quizzer or a seasoned veteran, there’s a place for you to thrive.
If you’re unsure which division fits best, talk to your coach or district coordinator – they’ll help you find the right path.
Ready to quiz? Let the Word come alive!