This study was conducted to determine the professional competence levels of recreation department students studying in the faculties of sport sciences. The research group consisted of 157 volunteer students (82 female, 75 male) enrolled in the recreation departments of the faculties of sport sciences at Fırat University and Munzur University in the 2024–2025 academic year. The “Personal Information Form” and the “Professional Competence Scale for Recreation Specialists (RUİMYÖ)” were used as data collection tools to assess the students’ professional competences. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25 software. Frequencies and percentages were reported for qualitative variables, and the normality of quantitative variables was evaluated with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Since the condition of normal distribution was not met, differences between the scale and sub-dimension scores and two-category qualitative variables were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test, while those with more than two categories were analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis H test. As a result, it was determined that students aged 21 and above scored higher in management and event management, while regarding grade level a significant difference emerged only in leadership (2nd year > 1st year). Students in the higher-income group scored higher in leadership and equipment–competence. In addition, active participation in recreational activities was associated with higher scores across all professional competence sub-dimensions. These findings suggest that practice-based learning processes and the physical/academic infrastructure of universities may play an important role in professional development. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.