[1] The sixteen clubs were divided into two groups that would play in two tournaments.
The two top place teams from each group advanced to the playoffs and the next two top place teams played for the Troféu Washington Rodrigues.
If the same team wins both tournament, they automatically were awarded the title.
The best team not playing in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, B, or C qualified for 2012 Campeonato Brasileiro Série D The 2012 Taça Guanabara began on January 21 and ended on February 26.
The 2012 Campeonato Carioca Finals were contested by Fluminense and Botafogo in a two-legged match at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange.