Catholic men 18 years of age or older who join the Knights belong to a council, or local unit. Many 18 to 22 year olds first join the Knights of Columbus in a college council. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

Members who have been in the Knights for six months and have attained Third Degree membership are eligible to join the Fourth Degree Knights. Council 976 belongs to the Columbia Assembly 287.

The Knights of Columbus also sponsors the Columbian Squires, a service and leadership training organization for Catholic young men ages 10 to 18 years old.