A total of 16 teams contested the league, with ASO Chlef as the defending champions.

The league started on 6 September 2011, and ended on 22 May 2012.

[1] While the league was originally scheduled to start on 10 September 2011, the official start date will be 6 September 2011, with a match between JS Kabylie and MC Alger.

The tie was moved up due to the two club's participation in African competition.

[2] Teams promoted from 2010–11 Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2[3] Teams relegated to 2011-12 Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2[4]