Flagship Credential

Board-Certified Principal
Instructor Track

The advanced credential for experienced barre instructors ready to demonstrate mastery through a live Board Review examination.

$1,497
24-month course access · 3-year directory status · All 4 specialties included · Board Review
Apply for Principal Track View all credential levels

The IBBFA Principal Instructor designation is a board-certified advanced credential offered by the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association (EST. 2008). At $1,497, the Principal Track includes 24 months of course access to all four specialty modules (Prenatal and Postnatal, Special Populations & Contraindications, Ballerobica, Advanced Barre), a Board Preparation session, and a comprehensive Board Review examination conducted by an IBBFA Master Instructor. Upon passing, instructors receive 3-year Active directory status. Candidates must hold a current CBI credential, have a minimum of one year of professional instruction experience, and complete at least 2 of 4 specialty modules. Already have CBI? The Principal Upgrade is available for $897. The Principal designation is verifiable through IBBFA's public credential registry and IBBFA course programs are approved for continuing education credits by ACE (3.5), NASM (1.9), AFAA (28), ISSA (35), CanFitPro (15), NPCP (35), and AUSactive (8).

What's Included in the Principal Track

Everything you need to earn the Board-Certified Principal Instructor designation — in one comprehensive package.

All 4 Specialty Modules

Full access to Prenatal and Postnatal Barre, Special Populations & Contraindications, Ballerobica (High-Energy Barre), and Advanced Barre. A $1,500 standalone value. Complete at least 2 of 4 to qualify.

Board Preparation Session

Live group session with an IBBFA Master Instructor. Review examination format, expectations, and areas of emphasis before your Board Review.

Board Review Examination

Comprehensive live examination with an IBBFA Master Instructor — not an online quiz. This is what makes the Principal designation meaningful to employers.

Principal Designation

Upon passing, you receive the IBBFA Principal Instructor designation, updated registry profile with 3-year Active directory status, priority directory placement, and the right to display the Principal credential badge.

24-Month Course Access

Twenty-four months of access to all Principal resources, curriculum, and specialty modules. Your Active directory status lasts 3 years from the date you pass the Principal exam.

Public Verification

Your Principal credential is verifiable at ibbfa.org/verify. Employers, studios, and clients can confirm your board-certified status instantly.

Principal Track vs. Standalone Specialties

4 Specialties Separately
$1,500
Prenatal/Postnatal $375 + Special Pops $375 + Ballerobica $375 + Advanced $375
VS
Principal Track (All-Inclusive)
$1,497
All 4 specialties + Board Prep + Board Review + Principal designation + 3-yr directory
All four specialties plus Board Prep, Board Review, and the Principal designation — for less than standalone specialties.

Already Have Your CBI?

The Principal Upgrade gives existing CBI holders access to all four specialty courses, Board Preparation, and the Board Review examination — without repurchasing the CBI curriculum you've already completed.

Payment plan available: 3 × $310/month

$897
Principal Upgrade
Upgrade to Principal →

Principal Requirements

The Principal Track is designed for experienced instructors who have already earned their CBI and want to formalize their advanced expertise through a board-certified process.

These requirements ensure that Principal Instructors represent a meaningful step above entry-level certification — the same approach used by organizations like ACE and NASM for their advanced credentials.

Questions about eligibility? Contact us — we're happy to discuss whether the Principal Track is the right next step for you.

  1. IBBFA Certified Barre Instructor (CBI) — completed and passed
  2. 1 year professional experience — minimum one year in barre, Pilates, dance, or group fitness instruction
  3. Complete 2 of 4 specialties — all four specialty modules are included in your tuition; choose any two to complete
  4. Board Preparation session — attend the live group preparation session with a Master Instructor
  5. Pass Board Review examination — comprehensive live examination with an IBBFA Master Instructor

The Board Review Process

The Board Review is what separates IBBFA Principal from other barre credentials. It's a live, comprehensive examination — not an online quiz.

1. Enroll & Begin Specialties

After enrolling in the Principal Track, you immediately get access to all four specialty modules. Start with any specialty that interests you — or one that aligns with your current teaching practice. Complete at least two.

2. Board Preparation Session

Once you've completed your specialty requirements, schedule your Board Preparation session. This is a live group session with a Master Instructor who walks you through the examination format, areas of emphasis, and what examiners look for.

3. Board Review Examination

The Board Review is a comprehensive live examination conducted by an IBBFA Master Instructor. It evaluates your knowledge across anatomy, technique, programming, scope of practice, and the specialty areas you've completed. This is what makes the Principal credential meaningful — it's verified competency, not just course completion.

4. Principal Designation

Upon passing, you receive your IBBFA Principal Instructor designation with 3-year Active directory status from your exam pass date. Your registry profile is updated to reflect your new credential level, your specialties are listed, and you receive priority placement in the instructor directory.

5. Pathway to Master

Principal Instructors who complete all four specialties, a teaching practicum, and the Master examination can advance to Master Instructor — IBBFA's highest earned credential, with the designation of authorized trainer and Board Examiner.

Principal Track FAQ

How long does it take to complete the Principal Track?
Most candidates complete the Principal Track in 3–6 months, depending on how quickly they work through their specialty modules. You have 24 months of course access, so there's no rush. The Board Review is scheduled when you've completed your specialty requirements and attended the Board Preparation session.
What if I already have specialty certifications?
If you've already completed IBBFA specialty certifications as standalone purchases, those count toward your Principal requirements. You still receive access to all four modules in the Principal Track (for review or to complete additional specialties), and you'll proceed directly to the Board Preparation and Review once you meet the 2-of-4 completion requirement. If you already hold CBI, the Principal Upgrade at $897 gives you everything except the CBI curriculum you've already completed.
What does the Board Review examination involve?
The Board Review is a comprehensive live examination with an IBBFA Master Instructor. It covers anatomy and physiology, barre technique, class programming, scope-of-practice knowledge, and content from your completed specialty areas. The format includes knowledge demonstration, practical application scenarios, and scope-of-practice decision-making. It's rigorous by design — this is what gives the Principal designation its value. See our examination standards for more detail.
What if I don't pass the Board Review?
Candidates who don't pass the Board Review receive detailed feedback on areas for improvement. A 30-day waiting period is required between attempts, and the retake fee is $99. Your 24-month course access means you can continue studying and schedule a re-examination when you're ready.
Is the Principal credential recognized by CEC providers?
Yes. IBBFA course programs including the Principal Track are approved for continuing education credits by ACE (3.5), NASM (1.9), AFAA (28), ISSA (35), CanFitPro (15), NPCP (35), and AUSactive (8). The Principal Track's specialty content and Board Review earn additional CEC hours beyond the base CBI credential.
Can I apply without a full year of teaching experience?
The one-year professional experience requirement ensures Principal candidates have real-world context for the advanced material. The experience can be in barre, Pilates, dance, or group fitness instruction — it doesn't have to be exclusively barre. If you're close to the one-year mark, contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Is a payment plan available?
Yes. The Principal Track is available at 6 × $225/month. The Principal Upgrade for existing CBI holders is available at 3 × $310/month. Payment plans are slightly higher than the one-time price to account for deferred revenue. All payment plan enrollees receive immediate access to the full program.

Ready to Earn Your Principal Designation?

Join experienced instructors who've elevated their careers with IBBFA's flagship board-certified credential. $1,497 — all four specialties, Board Review, and 3-year directory status included. Payment plans available.

Apply for Principal Track — $1,497 View all credential levels

Already CBI certified? Upgrade to Principal for $897 → · Not yet CBI certified? Start with CBI at $599 →