IBBFA Approved Programs

Training programs that meet IBBFA curriculum standards — preparing graduates for IBBFA credentialing.

IBBFA Approved Programs are barre training programs that have been reviewed and recognized for alignment with IBBFA curriculum standards. Graduates of approved programs have completed coursework consistent with the core competency areas required for IBBFA credentialing, including anatomy, barre technique, class design, cueing, safety, and scope-of-practice training. Program approval is issued by the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association (EST. 2008) and reviewed periodically to ensure ongoing compliance.

What Is an Approved Program?

An IBBFA Approved Program is a barre instructor training program whose curriculum has been reviewed and recognized as meeting IBBFA's educational standards. This designation is for training providers — studios, academies, and educational institutions — that prepare students for careers in barre fitness instruction.

Program approval does not replace individual IBBFA credentialing. Graduates of approved programs still complete the IBBFA certification examination to earn their CBI credential. However, approved program graduates can be confident that their training has covered the core competency areas IBBFA assesses.

This model is similar to how nursing schools receive accreditation but graduates still take the NCLEX, or how accounting programs are recognized but graduates still sit for the CPA examination.

Benefits for Training Providers

What program approval means for your training business.

01

Third-Party Validation

IBBFA approval is an independent validation that your curriculum meets industry credentialing standards — a differentiator when marketing to prospective students.

02

Student Confidence

Students know that completing your program prepares them for IBBFA certification — the recognized professional credential for barre instruction.

03

IBBFA Directory Listing

Approved programs are listed in the IBBFA directory, visible to prospective students searching for recognized training providers in their area.

04

IBBFA Approved Badge

Display the "IBBFA Approved Program" badge on your website and marketing materials — linking back to IBBFA.org for verification.

Program Approval Requirements

IBBFA reviews training programs for curriculum alignment with the six core competency areas assessed in the CBI certification examination. Programs must demonstrate adequate coverage of each area.

Program approval is reviewed periodically. IBBFA reserves the right to revoke approval if a program no longer meets curriculum standards.

Questions about eligibility? Contact us to discuss your program.

  1. Curriculum covers all 6 competency areas — anatomy, barre technique, class design, cueing, safety, and scope of practice as defined by IBBFA curriculum standards
  2. Minimum instructional hours — program must meet minimum hour requirements for each competency area
  3. Qualified instructors — program instructors hold relevant professional credentials in fitness, exercise science, or related fields
  4. Scope-of-practice integration — curriculum includes explicit scope-of-practice training, contraindication recognition, and referral protocols
  5. Assessment component — program includes formal student assessment (not participation-only)
  6. Curriculum submission for review — complete curriculum documentation submitted to IBBFA for evaluation

Currently Approved Programs

Training programs that have been reviewed and recognized by IBBFA for curriculum alignment.

Approved Programs Directory — Coming Soon

The IBBFA Approved Programs directory is currently being built. Training providers interested in program approval can apply now.

Apply for Program Approval

Program Approval FAQ

Does program approval replace individual IBBFA certification?
No. Program approval recognizes that a training program's curriculum aligns with IBBFA standards. Graduates still complete the IBBFA certification examination individually to earn their CBI credential. This is the same model used by most professional credentialing bodies.
Is there a fee for program approval?
Contact us for current program approval pricing. Fees cover the curriculum review process and are separate from individual student certification fees.
Can online training programs apply?
Yes. IBBFA reviews both in-person and online training programs. The review focuses on curriculum content, instructional quality, and assessment rigor — not delivery format. Online programs must demonstrate the same competency coverage as in-person programs.
How long does the approval process take?
The review process typically takes 4–6 weeks after complete curriculum documentation is submitted. IBBFA may request additional information or revisions during the review. Contact us to begin the process.

Apply for Program Approval

Have your barre training program reviewed and recognized by the premier credentialing authority in barre fitness instruction. EST. 2008.

Apply for Program Approval Review IBBFA Standards