Match won 3–0 or 3–1: 3 match points for the winner, 0 match points for the loser
Match won 3–2: 2 match points for the winner, 1 match point for the loser
Direct qualification
Host country, Bulgaria, qualified for final round directly.
First round
First round was held 7–9 January 2016. 6 teams competed in 2 first round tournaments consisting of 3 teams. The winners of each pools qualified for the second round.
Second round was held 31 March – 3 April 2016. 28 teams competed in 7 pools of 4 teams. The winners of each pools qualified for final round. The 2nd placed teams of each pool and the best 3rd placed team qualified for the third round.
Third round will be held 8–10 July 2016. 8 teams will compete in 2 pools of 4 teams. The winners and runners-up of each pools will qualify for the final round.