Points can be earned at some 40 ITU events held annually including; Triathlon World Championships, Triathlon World Cup, Regional Championships and International Races. In 1999, the best 7 points races from any combination of the events (including a maximum of 4 International Races) will be added to each athletes ranking. Athletes may compete in more than seven events. There is no minimum number of events necessary to maintain a ranking. At Regional Championships only athletes representing National Federations of the region may earn points. 

Beginning in 1999, a "quality of field" factor has been added to the awarding of points. Athletes must finish within 8% of the winners time for women and 5% of the winners time for men, regardless of their place. 

Starting January 1, 1997, all athletes began the ITU Triathlon World Rankings with zero points. Points earned are cumulative to 2 May, 2000. That is, points earned in 1997, 1998, 1999 and the first months of 2000 will be included in the 2 May, 2000 ranking that determines Olympic qualification. (Selection to be determined by the NOC.) World Ranking Points are awarded to the top 50 finishers at the ITU Triathlon World Cup and ITU Triathlon World Championships, top 15 finishers at Regional Championships and top 10 finishers at International Races, provided they finish within 8% (women) or 5% (men) of the winners time.