The division was split into three geographical zones, each with 18 clubs:
This situation was changed in the 2005/2006 season, because the number of teams in the Portuguese SuperLiga was reduced, so a major alteration in all football competitions in Portugal occurred. For the 2005/06 season there are going to be four geographical series:
Then, in the Second Stage, the winner of Serie A plays the winner of Serie B to determine the team promoted to the League Of Honour . The same happens to Serie C and D winners.
The last four of all the series are relegated to the Third Division for a number of 16 relegated teams.
