In a method of selecting polymerization catalysts, in particular Phillips catalysts for the polymerization of olefins, from a multiplicity of catalysts on the basis of their catalytic properties, a multiplicity of catalyst precursors or catalyst supports are converted in parallel into polymerization catalysts in a pretreatment step in an array of reactors, where the pretreatment comprises at least one thermal treatment step at from 250 to 1200° C. Furthermore, at least one starting material is converted with the aid of the respective polymerization catalysts under prescribed polymerization conditions into at least one polymer product in a polymerization step and, finally, analysis of the polymer product or products is carried out to determine its composition and/or chosen properties. This makes it possible to carry out a thermal pretreatment of polymerization catalysts quickly under defined conditions which can be varied.