Recognized Preparation Programs
Your training program. Our credentialing standard. A partnership that serves every instructor.
IBBFA Recognized Preparation Programs are barre training programs whose curricula have been validated against IBBFA's published competency standards. Graduates of recognized programs save $100 on the IBBFA certification examination ($199 vs $299 standalone). Program recognition is issued by the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association (EST. 2008), the credentialing authority for barre fitness instruction with over 7,000 certified instructors across 40+ countries. IBBFA course programs are approved for continuing education credits by ACE, NASM, AFAA, PMA, ISSA, CanFitPro, and REPS. This model mirrors professional credentialing standards — the exam validates competency, and recognized programs prepare candidates for success.
What Is a Recognized Program?
An IBBFA Recognized Preparation Program is a barre instructor training program whose curriculum has been reviewed and validated against IBBFA's published competency standards. Recognition means your graduates enter the IBBFA certification exam knowing their training has covered every assessed competency domain.
Program recognition does not replace individual IBBFA credentialing. Graduates still pass the IBBFA examination to earn their CBI credential. But recognized program graduates can be confident their training prepared them — and they save $100 on their exam fee as a result.
This is the same model used across professional certification: nursing schools prepare students for the NCLEX. Accounting programs prepare for the CPA. Recognized barre programs prepare for the IBBFA exam. The exam is the credential — how you prepare is your choice.
Benefits for Training Providers
What IBBFA program recognition means for your training business.
"Prepares for IBBFA Exam" Badge
Display the official IBBFA recognition badge on your website, marketing materials, and social media.
Listed on ibbfa.org
Your program featured on the IBBFA website — visible to prospective students researching barre certification worldwide.
$100 Exam Discount for Graduates
Your graduates qualify for the IBBFA exam at $199 (vs $299 standalone) — a meaningful benefit that sets your program apart from competitors.
IBBFA Proctor Network
Access to IBBFA's proctor network for on-site exam administration at your facility — a premium student experience.
Pass Rate Reporting
Track your graduates' exam performance with detailed pass rate analytics — evidence your curriculum works.
Continuous Pipeline
Every graduate becomes an exam candidate — creating a continuous pipeline of IBBFA-certified instructors from your program.
Hosted Partnership Option
For international and specialty programs: IBBFA hosts your course content on BarreCertification.com — our LMS, our infrastructure, your curriculum. Ideal for non-English markets and regional training providers who want world-class course delivery without building their own platform.
All students must pass the IBBFA exam to earn their credential — potentially in their own language. You focus on teaching; we handle enrollment, payments, hosting, and credentialing.
Ideal for: non-English markets, regional training providers, programs wanting LMS infrastructure.
Program Recognition Requirements
Training programs seeking IBBFA recognition must demonstrate alignment with our published competency standards. Requirements are designed to ensure graduates are adequately prepared for the IBBFA certification examination.
- Minimum 35 contact hours — Online, in-person, or hybrid delivery accepted
- Coverage of all 6 competency domains — Anatomy, technique, class design, cueing, safety, scope of practice
- Qualified lead instructors — IBBFA Principal credential or equivalent professional experience (5+ years)
- Student assessment methodology — Internal evaluations aligned with IBBFA competency framework
- Graduate tracking and reporting — Maintain records of graduates and their exam outcomes
- Annual compliance review — Curriculum update documentation and ongoing alignment verification
Programs that do not yet meet all requirements can apply for provisional recognition while making curriculum adjustments. IBBFA provides a detailed gap analysis and timeline for full recognition.
Program Recognition Pricing
Founding year pricing available for programs approved in 2026.
Full program recognition for your first year: listed on ibbfa.org, IBBFA badge, $100 exam discount for graduates, proctor network access, pass rate reporting, and curriculum review.
All recognition benefits continue. Annual compliance review included. Ideal for boutique and regional training programs.
All recognition benefits continue. Annual compliance review included. For established programs with high graduate volume.
The $500 founding rate is available exclusively for programs approved during 2026. All recognized programs include: listing on ibbfa.org with logo and link, official IBBFA recognition badge, $100 exam discount for all graduates ($199 vs $299), proctor network access, pass rate analytics, co-promotion in IBBFA communications, and annual compliance review. For hosted partnership pricing, contact programs@ibbfa.org.
Currently Recognized Programs
The IBBFA program recognition initiative is launching in 2026. We are currently accepting applications from training providers worldwide.
Be among the first IBBFA Recognized Preparation Programs — founding year rate of $500 available for a limited time.
Apply now or email programs@ibbfa.org.
Application Process
Submit Application
Complete the program recognition application with curriculum documentation. No application fee — the $500 founding year rate covers everything.
Curriculum Review
IBBFA reviews your curriculum against published competency standards. Typical review period: 4–6 weeks.
Virtual or On-Site Review
If applicable, IBBFA conducts a virtual session or site visit to verify teaching methodology and student experience.
Decision & Feedback
Formal decision letter with detailed feedback. If gaps are identified, IBBFA provides a specific remediation plan and timeline.
Recognition & Launch
Once approved: listed on ibbfa.org, badge provided, $100 graduate exam discount activated, proctor access enabled, co-promotion begins.
Partner With the Credentialing Authority
Give your graduates a credential that employers recognize and instructors value. Founding year rate: $500.
Apply for Program Recognition →Or email us directly: programs@ibbfa.org