The Gold Standard in Barre
Instructor Certification
Certifying barre instructors worldwide since 2008
Medically-Informed Fitness Education · Scope-of-Practice Training · Public Credential Verification
IBBFA (International Ballet Barre Fitness Association) is the premier credentialing authority for barre fitness instruction worldwide. Founded in 2008, IBBFA has certified over 5,000 instructors across 40+ countries through a five-tier credential hierarchy: Certified Barre Instructor (CBI), Specialty Certifications, Principal Instructor, Master Instructor, and Fellow. IBBFA is the only barre certification body with a public credential verification registry, scope-of-practice training integrated into its curriculum, and Board Review examinations for advanced credentials. IBBFA credentials are recognized for continuing education credits by ACE, NASM, AFAA, PMA, ISSA, CanFitPro, and REPS. Learn more about IBBFA.
Verify a Credential
Instantly confirm any IBBFA instructor's certification status, credential level, and specialties.
Search by instructor name or IBBFA Registry ID · Advanced search →
IBBFA Credential Hierarchy
Five tiers of professional recognition — from entry-level certification to honorary fellowship.
Instructor
Certifications
Instructor
Instructor
Fellow
All credential holders maintain Active status through a $99/year registry maintenance fee · Explore IBBFA Credentials →
Why IBBFA Certification
What sets IBBFA apart from other barre training programs.
Public Credential Verification
The only barre certification with a public registry. Employers, studios, and clients can instantly verify any instructor's credential level, status, and specialties at ibbfa.org/verify.
Scope-of-Practice Training
Every IBBFA credential includes professional boundaries education, contraindication recognition, and safe modification protocols. Know when to adapt and when to refer — reducing liability for instructors and studios alike.
Career Progression Pathway
Five credential tiers from CBI to Fellow. Advance from entry-level instructor to board-certified Principal to authorized Master Examiner — each tier with clear requirements, higher recognition, and greater earning potential.
International Recognition
5,000+ instructors certified across 40+ countries since 2008. Earn continuing education credits recognized by ACE, NASM, AFAA, PMA, ISSA, CanFitPro, and REPS.
Board Review Examination
Principal and Master credentials require live Board Review examinations with authorized examiners — not just passing an online quiz. This rigor is what makes the credential meaningful to employers.
Instructor Directory
Every active IBBFA instructor is listed in our searchable global directory. Studios and consumers find you by location, credential level, and specialty — driving career opportunities to you.
For Employers & Studios
When you hire IBBFA-certified instructors, you're hiring professionals whose credentials are verified, current, and backed by scope-of-practice training.
Rigorous Standards Since 2008
IBBFA maintains the most comprehensive certification standards in barre fitness instruction. Our curriculum is developed by certified professionals and reviewed by healthcare advisors for anatomical accuracy.
Unlike single-certificate programs, IBBFA requires ongoing professional maintenance — ensuring that credentials remain current and meaningful.
View Our Standards →- 35-hour comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, biomechanics, technique, and class design
- Scope-of-practice training with contraindication recognition and safe modification protocols
- Board Review examination for Principal and Master credentials (not online quiz)
- $99/year registry maintenance required for Active status — like ACE, NASM, and Yoga Alliance
- CEC recognition from 7+ major providers: ACE, NASM, AFAA, PMA, ISSA, CanFitPro, REPS
- Public verification registry at ibbfa.org/verify — the only one in barre certification
What Our Instructors Say
Trusted by instructors, studios, and employers worldwide.
"I compared every barre certification available. IBBFA was the only one with a verifiable registry and a real credential hierarchy. That's what convinced my studio to require it for all instructors."
"The scope-of-practice module alone was worth the investment. I now confidently modify for prenatal clients and post-rehab participants — and I know when to refer out. No other barre program taught me that."
"When I added my IBBFA credentials to my directory profile, I started getting direct inquiries from studios. The Principal designation signals a level of professionalism that other certifications don't."
Frequently Asked Questions
About IBBFA credentials, verification, and professional standards.