Students must participate in their assigned NJAS-affiliated fair.  Region assignments are based on district/consortium location.  Participants are not permitted to participate in NJAS-affiliated fairs outside of one's assigned region, including due to weather or scheduling conflicts. Home school students must attend a regional science fair in the region they reside. 

To qualify for NJAS Science Fair, a student must place in the Top 6 Junior or Senior high division at a regional NJAS-affiliated fair held in the same calendar year as the NJAS competition .