What Is Required to Become a Sports Agent?

A sports agent is responsible for marketing athletes and negotiating their contracts with the teams they play for and products they endorse. Negotiating a salary entails getting more money, making provisions for possible injuries and determining the length of a contract. Sports agents meet with coaches, managers, owners and marketing executives on behalf of athletes. Agents usually represent more than one client, and spend much of their days networking and recommending business and athletic decisions to their clients.

Business Skills

A sports agent's primary responsibility is making money for his clients, and it is important for him to be knowledgeable about business management, investments and financial risk analysis. Anyone looking to become a sports agent is required to understand the market and how his clients' skills will benefit teams, so that they can get the best deals for their clients.

Communication Skills

Because agents are constantly in contact with teams, executives and clients, it is essential that prospective sports agents develop excellent communication skills. Agents are in continuous negotiations with clients and teams. Agents may be dealing with several negotiations and clients at one time, and developing the ability to multitask can be key to the future success of an agent.

Requirements

Any potential sports agents are required to know how to draw up contracts, negotiate settlements and advise athletes on their long- and short-term professional and financial goals. Because representing athletes is a very competitive business, sports agents must acquire the ability to pitch prospective clients and sell them on what they and their agency have to offer.

Education

Many sports agencies require that applicants have at least a bachelor's degree in marketing, business or sports management from an accredited university. Further education, while not required, can be beneficial for individuals interested in becoming a sports agent. Most sports agents have a law degree or MBA, which gives them an advantage in money management and writing contracts. The website Become-a-Sports-Agent.com offers training for individuals that have a desire to enter this field. This website offers courses on Players' Union requirements, sports agents rules and regulations and registration within a state.

Certification

There is no one certification that will allow someone to become a sports agent. Anyone interested in becoming a sports agent needs to become certified in the specific league they are interested in representing. According to the NFL Players Association, an applicant must meet minimum educational requirements or have relevant experience to be considered for certification. To become certified, a prospective applicant must attend a yearly three-day seminar and pass an examination at the end of the third day.