CNN released its criteria for the next Republican presidential primary debate next month, revealing that the 2016 hopefuls will have three ways to make the cut to participate on the main debate stage. The debate takes place on Dec. 15, 2015 at 9 p.m. ET in Las Vegas, Nevada

Unlike the first four debates, the fifth presidential primary debate allows candidates to participate based on their polling numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire, which are both early voting states. In previous debates, only GOP candidates with significant national polling numbers were allowed to participate in the primetime debate, while others with low numbers were designated to the undercard debate. Some candidates, however, failed to qualify for either debate.

According to the criteria for CNN's Dec. 15 presidential debate in Las Vegas, candidates can qualify for the debate as long as they average at least 4 percent in Iowa or New Hampshire polling. They can also make the cut by averaging at least 3.5 percent in national polls. The network added that it will only consider polling data conducted between Oct. 29 and Dec. 13.

As of Friday, 9 out of the 14 candidates would qualify for the Nevada debate: Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who did not qualify for the last main debate hosted by the Fox Business Network.

CNN also announced that it, along with sponsors Facebook and Salem Media, will hold a second debate for Republican candidates who don't make the cut for the main stage.

To qualify for the undercard debate, candidates must reach at least 1 percent in four separate national, Iowa or New Hampshire polls that are recognized by CNN. If it had to be deteremined who would be designated to the earlier debate on Friday, then the that stage would include Gov. Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, Sen. Lindsey Graham and former Gov. George Pataki. Meanwhile, Gov. Jim Gilmore would not qualify for either stage.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the upcoming debate, along with CNN correspondent Dana Bash and conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.