PTK is a national junior college honorary scholastic society. Members are chosen through election by the chapter and a faculty committee on a basis of scholarship, leadership and character.

To be eligible for membership, a student must have completed a term or semester in a junior college and have carried fifteen hours per week, twelve of which must be in the arts and sciences; must have a 3.5 GPA; must be of good moral character and possess recognized qualities of leadership; must be in the upper ten percent of the regularly enrolled student body. 

PTK is open to students in the technical and vocational programs as well. Developmental classes do not count towards  membership.