There are many certifications out there, both in-person and online, but not all barre certifications are made equal. This guide is intended to give you an overview of all known certifications that are open to everyone, who they are hosted by and what you will get for your hard-earned money and time. What’s not included in this list are certifications that are provided by barre franchises that require you to teach their specific method once you are certified. For instance, if you are trained by Pure Barre, it’s assumed that you will be teaching at Pure Barre.
Have you done any of the certifications below and want to weigh in on who offers the best training? Leave a comment below. Full disclosure, there are a couple affiliate links on this page. It helps keep this website’s lights on.
Certified by Barreworks
Length:
75 hours
Location:
Online with occasional in-person workshops. Most offline events are conducted in and around Toronto and Montreal, Canada.
Cost:
CAD $1195 per person. They occasionally offer early bird savings for their training program, so be on the lookout for discounts.
The Claim:
They offer immersive and effective training from instructors who have more than a couple decades of experience combined. I used to go to Barreworks classes in Toronto when they had two studio locations, so I can personally vouch that their classes are safe and effective.
I was given access to their training program for a week to see what it was all about. The course was very comprehensive, especially regarding anatomy and exercise science. I appreciated that they focused on safety and modifications for each exercise.
Also, they regularly offer a BIPOC scholarship, awarding $1000 to the successful recipient. This will go toward the full tuition fee for an in-studio Barre Certified by Barreworks course. The recipient’s investment is $395 + hst. Go to their website for more details.
Prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites.
Source: instagram.com/certifiedbybarreworks
Barre Intensity®
Length:
One and two-day training options are available.
Location:
Studios around the globe from Denver Colorado to Dubai, UAE. There is an online certification option as well.
Cost:
One Day training is $349/participant and a Two Day training workshop will cost $449/participant. There is an additional video test out cost ranging from $25 – $90 depending on your prior barre training experience.
The Claim:
Their goal is to provide you with the foundations and support necessary to teach barre fitness wherever you go. Barre Intensity® combines attributes of Pilates, dance, and functional fitness training.
Prerequisites?
Anyone can attend one of the training sessions regardless of their background. Those who have a background in dance, Pilates, yoga, or group fitness instruction will have an easier time fully understanding the information during the training but the manual is created in such a way that all material reviewed during the training can be revisited afterwards. Those attending the Essentials training will need prior barre training experience or extensive group fitness experience coupled with being a barre class student. Set up and execution of the basic barre exercise repertoire are not covered in Essentials training.
Barre Certification from the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association
Length:
35-hour home study course which must be completed within 6 months.
Location:
Online
Cost:
$497
The Claim: Largest and most recognized online certification program in the world!
Exhale
Length:
This is one of the more intensive of any instructor training programs out there. The in person option includes 40 hours of hands-on training with two master trainers. This explains why the cost of the training is steeper than other workshops.
Location:
Various locations in the United States including New York, Boston and Los Angeles
Cost:
$1,995.
The Claim:
Quality instruction at 3X the industry standard that was developed by fitness legends, Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp.
Barre Forte
Length:
2 days
Location:
Denver, CO
Cost:
$669
The Claim:
They will help you master the small movements and controlled principles that differentiate barre from ballet.
Qualifications:
You will be required to hold a current CPR or Group Fitness Certification or plan to do so in the future in order to obtain continuing education units.
Barre Variations Teacher Training
Length:
One-day workshops
Location:
For now, the US and UK and online via live stream
Cost:
$260
The Claim:
The training provides teachers with the foundation they’ll need to teach barre, develop skills to ensure their classes are never boring and be able to find their teaching voice. You’ll be able to develop a unique, effective, creative and challenging barre class with the Barre Variations method.
Photo: barrevariations.com
Barre Where You Are
Length:
1 day/8 hours
Location:
Various locations across North America, UK and beyond
Cost:
$230
The Claim:
Participants will be taught the foundation of barre and how to construct a high-quality and safe class. Exercises will be broken down to ensure students have a thorough understanding of how to execute each movement. The workshop also provides modifications and corrections so instructors will be able to understand how to provide different options to their clients that are safe yet effective. Musicality and transitions will also be taught. Participation is available to anyone with or without a fitness background.
Barre Vida – Instructor Certification
Length:
12 hours
Location:
New York and select cities across the United States with plans to offer online certification beginning in early 2019.
Cost:
$300 for the in-person training. Trainees will also receive access to the online Barre Vida manual with videos and choreography options with playlists.
The Claim:
Beyond preparing you to teach barre, you will be able to get ongoing feedback if you want it.
Regarding Form – BEbarre Teacher Training
Length:
A 120-hour teacher training program
Location:
Berlin, Germany and virtual
Cost:
The tuition is €1785, including taxes. A reduced rate of €1547 applies if you register in advance.
The Claim:
In partnership with BECYCLE – a German-based fitness brand, the 120-hour program focuses on alignment, intelligent sequencing, and body-neutral, inclusive, precise cueing. It also features a standalone 15-hour anatomy course. Their high-repetition, endurance-based approach is designed to be accessible to all. They also have a scholarship program.
Requirements of Qualification:
This course is appropriate for anyone with an interest in movement and a sense of curiosity. In case you’re wondering, the course is entirely taught in English.
Source: instagram.com/becycleberlin
Merrithew – Total Barre Foundation Course
Length:
One day (7 hours)
Location:
Across the United States and Canada
Cost:
$325 for the Total Barre™ Foundation course and $55 per hour for additional training workshops such as pre and post-natal modifications.
The Claim:
Gain the knowledge and confidence to design and teach highly evolved barre classes in any setting.
Requirements of Qualification:
This course is intended for those already working in the fields of fitness or movement who hold a related certification and/or degree, however, all those interested in this material are encouraged to participate.
Related workshops on pre and post-natal modifications and choreographing workouts to music can also be taken for additional training.
Barre Above
Length:
7-hour in-person certification workshop
Location:
Workshops are held all over the United States and Canada
Cost:
$269.99
The Claim:
You’ll receive everything you need to begin teaching classic barre and fusion classes for all types of fitness levels the very next day.
BarreAmped
Length:
Each level requires 2 days of training
Location:
Workshops are held all over the United States, Hong Kong
Cost:
$698 for each individual level
The Claim: Trainees, after going through the training will be equipped to teach multi-level barre classes to clients at any fitness level.
BarreAmped offers Level 1 and Level 2 Certification, along with BarreAmped Boot Camp & Extreme Cardio Certification, BarreAmped Fire Certification, BarreAmped Power Stretch Certification and BarreAmped BOUNCE Level 1 & 2 Certification.
The Barre Experience® Training
Length:
50 hours in-person
Location:
Plainville, MA at The Barre + Yoga Experience, located at 84 Taunton St.
Cost:
Flexible payment options are available, starting at $1395 for one whole payment, or pay in 3 ($1470) or 6 ($1549) equal parts.
The Claim: This intensive course will not only show you the tips and tricks on how to wow your students in the studio and at home but goes beyond the foundational stuff to also teach you about the business of barre. Whether you’re just embarking on your barre journey or you are an experienced teacher looking to diversify your offerings, this training is NASM™, ACE®, and AFAA™ approved and will fully prepare you to teach the method that’s won Best of RI – three years in a row.
Source: The Barre + Yoga Experience
Barre Guild Academy
Length:
8 weeks
Location:
Online
Cost:
$1497 but an early bird discount is usually offered at $997.
The Claim:
Backed by the authentic Lotte Berk-based barre training, the Barre Guild Academy will cover everything you need to know about designing your own classes, the anatomy of the human body, and modifications but will also go into the business of barre. That means that you’ll be able to learn how to market yourself as an instructor once you’re ready to teach.
Photo: instagram.com/andreaisabellelucas
American Barre Technique
Length:
N/A
Location:
Online
Cost:
$299
The Claim:
Gain the knowledge and skills to confidently and comfortably teach barre anywhere.
After becoming an ABT certified barre instructor, participants can pursue advanced training through their Level 2 (Advanced) Instructor and Level 3 (Master) Instructor and Certified Barre Trainer Certification Courses.
SoulBody Teacher Training
Length:
One day/9 hour training.
Location:
Various locations around North America
Cost:
$250-349. Price varies based on location and how early you register.
The Claim:
In this basic 9-hour combination training you’ll learn the SoulBody Barre and SoulBody Unhitched signature method which will allow you to teach both of these classes after passing the practical exam. Note that in order to be “certified,” trainees must subscribe to the quarterly choreography. After receiving your certificate of completion, you’ll be able to register for other SoulBody programs, such as SoulBody Power.
Photo: instagram.com/soulbodyfitnessglobal
Balanced Body Barre
Length:
16 hours over 2 days.
Location:
North America and select countries in Europe.
Cost:
$400-$500 + course materials ($80).
The Claim:
Balanced Body Barre® takes the best of the original Lotte Berk method and updates it with Balanced Body Movement Principles to create the ideal complement to a Pilates practice.
Qualifications:
To receive your certificate of completion participants are required to complete a practical exam.
bootybarre primary instructor training
Length:
2-day workshop
Location:
Locations around the world
Cost:
$595
The Claim:
Their trademarked bootybarre Plus™ and bootybarre Flex & Flow™ formats have been taught at Pilates studios around the globe.
Barre Body Teacher Training
Length:
150 hours over 10 days
Location:
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia
Cost:
$3200 AUD
The Claim:
Participants will be nurtured and guided by some of the most experienced trainers in Australia.
The teacher training program is the most extensive and expensive we have come across.
Barre Eclipse Teacher Training
Length:
Learn at your own pace within a four-month period.
Location:
Online
Cost:
$1495 USD
The Claim:
You might recognize one-half of the husband and wife duo from Alo Moves. Adrienne from @barrewithadrienne on Instagram and her husband Eric have over 7,000 in-class hours with students, and at least 1,000 hours facilitating training material.
Beyond the foundational stuff that comes along with most barre training programs like sequencing, cueing and effective teaching techniques Barre Eclipse promises to go above and beyond with additional content and opportunities to learn.
You’ll learn how to build your own playlists. There’s even an entire section dedicated to memorization and practice teaching. Plus they’ve peppered in assessments throughout the entire course so you can retain what you have learned.
Source: instagram.com/barrewithadrienne
Barre Attack Certification
Length:
A 2-day Foundations Course plus half-day examination workshop
Location:
In studios around Australia
Cost:
$660 AUD for the Foundations Teacher Training and $150 for the Examination Workshop
The Claim:
Class formats are designed to give you complete classes to teach and new ideas to help keep your clients engaged and coming back.
Zen Barre Online Certification
Length:
Self-paced but you must submit a video of yourself teaching a 60 minute Zen Barre® class within 90 days of course completion.
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Location:
Online
Cost:
$295
The Claim:
The purpose of The Zen Barre® Instructor training is to provide a fun, motivating, and inspiring way for men and women to get in shape.
Franchise-specific Training
I should also mention that larger brands like Pure Barre, Barre3 and The Bar Method all have their own training. I didn’t include them in the list because unlike many of the universal certifications mentioned above that would allow you to teach anywhere, the franchise-specific certifications are technically not accessible to the public. The assumption is that if you are being taught their technique then you would be teaching it after you “test out” as they say.
You’ll be taught their specific program and would most likely be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Pure Barre, for example, asks for instructor manuals back once an instructor has decided that they would no longer like to teach at a Pure Barre location.
Do you know of any courses or workshops that should be included? Leave a comment below.
