About IBBFA

The International Ballet Barre Fitness Association has been the premier credentialing authority for barre fitness instruction since 2008.

The International Ballet Barre Fitness Association (IBBFA) was founded in 2008 to establish professional credentialing standards for barre fitness instruction. IBBFA has since 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 maintains rigorous certification standards and its credentials are recognized for continuing education credits by ACE, NASM, AFAA, PMA, ISSA, CanFitPro, and REPS.

Our Story

IBBFA began in 2008 when its founders recognized a gap in the fitness industry: barre instruction was growing rapidly, but there were no credentialing standards for the instructors teaching it. Studios hired based on personality and auditions, not demonstrated competence. There was no way for an employer to verify whether an instructor had actually completed rigorous training — or just a weekend workshop.

The founding team set out to build what the barre industry was missing — a credentialing authority modeled after the organizations that had professionalized other fitness disciplines. ACE for personal training. NASM for corrective exercise. Yoga Alliance for yoga instruction. IBBFA would do the same for barre.

From a single flagship studio, IBBFA developed its curriculum, formalized evaluation criteria, and began certifying instructors. In 2012, the program expanded online, making IBBFA certification accessible to instructors worldwide. Today, IBBFA has certified over 3,000+ instructors across 40+ countries and operates the only public credential verification registry in barre certification.

IBBFA Timeline

2008 — Founded

IBBFA established. Began developing barre fitness curriculum and training methodology. Opened flagship training studio.

2008–2010 — In-Studio Training

Trained instructors through in-person certification programs. Formalized the scope-of-practice framework that would become central to all IBBFA credentials.

2010–2012 — Standards Formalized

Established formal certification standards and evaluation criteria. Developed the examination process and curriculum structure that forms the foundation of today's programs.

2012 — Online Program Launched

Launched the online certification program, making IBBFA credentialing accessible to instructors worldwide. This marked the beginning of IBBFA's global reach.

2012–2024 — Global Growth

Certified 5,000+ instructors across 40+ countries. Established CEC recognition partnerships with ACE, NASM, AFAA, PMA, ISSA, CanFitPro, and REPS. Built the instructor directory.

2025 — IBBFA 2.0

Launched the five-tier credential hierarchy (CBI, Specialty, Principal, Master, Fellow), the public credential verification registry, the Board Review examination system, and the $99/year registry maintenance model.

5,000+
Instructors Certified
40+
Countries
2008
Year Founded
5
Credential Tiers
7
CEC Provider Partnerships

Our Mission

"To establish and maintain professional credentialing standards for barre fitness instruction worldwide — ensuring that IBBFA-certified instructors represent verified competence, professional boundaries, and career-ready qualification."

Rigor

Credentials must mean something. Our examination process, maintenance requirements, and public verification system exist because standards without enforcement are just suggestions.

Safety

Every IBBFA credential includes scope-of-practice training. Instructors learn when to modify, when to adapt, and when to refer — protecting both participants and practitioners.

Transparency

We operate the only public credential verification registry in barre certification. Anyone can verify any instructor's credential status at ibbfa.org/verify — free, instant, no login required.

We Are Not

  • A course seller or training provider
  • A branded barre method or franchise
  • A fitness studio or studio chain
  • A weekend workshop program
  • A single-certificate training company

We Are

  • A credentialing authority and standards body
  • An independent certifying organization (EST. 2008)
  • The operator of a public credential verification registry
  • A multi-tier credentialing system with Board Review examinations
  • Recognized by 7 major CEC provider organizations

What is Barre Fitness?

Barre is a full-body workout format that blends principles from ballet, Pilates, and functional fitness. Classes use a ballet barre for balance and resistance, incorporating isometric holds, small-range movements, and bodyweight exercises to build strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance.

Originally developed by Lotte Berk in the 1950s and popularized in the United States through studios like The Bar Method, Pure Barre, and Barre3, barre has grown into one of the most popular group fitness formats worldwide. Its low-impact nature makes it accessible to a wide range of participants, including prenatal clients, seniors, and those recovering from injury.

The rapid growth of barre fitness created a need for professional credentialing standards — which is exactly why IBBFA was founded in 2008. Without consistent standards, the term "certified barre instructor" could mean anything from a 200-hour comprehensive program to a two-hour online module. Our credential programs and certification standards exist to solve this problem.

Leadership

IBBFA is led by credentialed professionals committed to maintaining the highest standards in barre fitness instruction.

Founder & Director
IBBFA Master Instructor
Founded IBBFA in 2008 to establish professional credentialing standards for barre fitness instruction. Oversees curriculum development, examination standards, and organizational direction.
Board of Examiners
IBBFA Master Instructors
IBBFA's Master Instructors serve as authorized Board Examiners for Principal candidates. Each Master has completed all four specialty certifications and a rigorous teaching practicum.
Healthcare Advisory Panel
Medical Curriculum Reviewers
IBBFA curriculum is reviewed by healthcare professionals for anatomical accuracy. Our advisory panel ensures that scope-of-practice training reflects current medical best practices.

Interested in joining IBBFA's advisory board? Contact us.

Recognized for Continuing Education by

ACE NASM AFAA PMA ISSA CanFitPro REPS

Join the IBBFA Community

Over 5,000 instructors across 40+ countries have earned their IBBFA credentials. Start with CBI or apply for the Board-Certified Principal Track.

Enroll at BarreCertification.com Explore IBBFA Credentials