Get Certified!
We offer various methods for our certification trainings so you can choose the method that is best for YOU!
The Pole Fitness Alliance curriculum is approved by the following organizations:
As with any type of recognized sport, the only way to show potential employers that you are qualified to teach is to acquire a certification. This shows them that you have received the proper training and helps them feel confident that you know how to teach safely, and you will not put your students in danger. The credentials of these organizations will help you stand out from other instructors who have not been certified, or whose certification has not been vetted by the appropriate organizations.
Live Trainings
Group Certification: We can set these training and certification courses up for your studio or you can join one that is already scheduled on the PFA calendar! Check our calendar or contact your nearest Master Trainer for a heads up on upcoming trainings in your area.
Private Certification: Our Master Trainers are happy to do a private training and certification. Find your nearest Master Trainer here.
Online Trainings
Certification: We offer training and certification via our revolutionary online system! You are paired with a Master Trainer who oversees your progress throughout the course to ensure you are on the right track and understanding the material.
Your Master Trainer is with you every step of the way!
CEC: If you are fitness certified and would like to gain continuing education credits, we offer online CEC courses. This does not include guidance or certification but will provide CEC credits for the major fitness organizations.
Hybrid Trainings
Are you already a seasoned instructor? Or are you someone who would prefer a combination of live and online?
With our Hybrid Certification Trainings, you can study the material on your own before having a live session with your Master Trainer. It's up to you how much you want to do on your own and how much you want to do live. This can save you time and money if you don't need guidance or give you the best of both worlds if you do!
Level One
Our Level 1 course is where everyone begins. Successfully completing this course will certify you to teach beginner pole classes and will provide you with the foundation you will need to certify to teach more advanced classes as well.
Our Level 1 course covers over 100 moves including spins, tricks, holds, transitions, climbs and floor work PLUS modifications and variations!
In this training you will learn how to teach and demonstrate proper posture and grips for spins, floorwork, transitions, basic climbs, and holds. You learn basic spotting techniques appropriate for this level, effective ways to communicate the mind-body connection, and standards for teaching safe basic pole moves. You will also learn numerous stability, strength and mobility exercises, and how to count music and cue movement. Additional topics include the science of pole movement, basic anatomy and anatomical considerations, classroom and teaching tips, how to lead effective warm ups and cool downs, how to create basic choreography, how to handle accidents and emergencies and so much more!
Level 1 Prerequisites: The certification courses focus on how to teach pole as well as perfecting your technique. The courses do not teach you "how" to pole. In order to succeed with certification, you should already be comfortable with basic spins (fireman variations, hook spins, chair spin), the basic climb, the side climb, and the jasmine. If you have not learned these moves yet and you are unable to work with a live instructor, we suggest enrolling in the PFA student membership and completing the Jasmine video class series prior to enrolling in the certification program.
Level Two
Our Level 2 course builds on the foundation set by our Level 1 course and certifies instructors to teach intermediate pole classes.
In addition to learning to teach more advanced pole movement (including inversions, more advanced ascents and descents and more advanced holds), Level 2 goes deeper into anatomy, the science of pole and using physics to your advantage, sports training, spotting more challenging moves, using PFA groups and switches to create combinations and basic gymnastics.
Instructors who successfully complete this course will understand the physics involved with static pole and will be able to safely spot students and teach one arm spins, combination spins and reverse grabs. Instructors will also be able to recognize which moves should be taught first based on progression recommendations.
Level 2 Pre-requisites: In order to succeed with Level 2 certification, you must have your Level 1 Certification and should already be comfortable with Level 2 moves including the Basic Inversion, Shoulder Dismount, Figure 4 Layback, Outside and Inside Leg Hangs and the Butterfly.
Level Three
Successful completion of the Level 3 training and certification course provides certification to teach advanced pole classes.
Building on the first two levels, Level 3 will help instructors develop their ability to move clients through a series of moves and dismount the pole through an aerial handstand (aka Handspring). Shoulder mounts, aerial inversion, and shoulder dismounts will be perfected.
Instructors will also work more with the Pole Fitness Alliance Groups and Switches which gives simplicity to creating seemingly complex combinations.
Level 3 Pre-requisites: In order to succeed with Level 3 certification, you must have your Level 1 and 2 Certifications and should already be comfortable with Level 3 moves including one-handed spins (including reverse grabs), shoulder mounts, the caterpillar climb, the extended butterfly, various brass monkey entrances, and the aerial handstand (aka handspring).
Acro Pole
Our Acro Pole course is a specialty course available to instructors who have completed Levels 1 - 3 and which focuses on the acrobatic/gymnastics form of pole. Phase 1 focuses on stability, strength, and agility through balancing and basic gymnastic skills. In this training you will learn correct spotting, cueing, and demonstration of high level static pole tricks and techniques. This moves that will be covered are dynamic in nature and include variations of tumbles, flips, grip switches, and hand balancing on and off of the pole. This training will also cover how to deliver verbal and non-verbal cues for proper technique, how to correctly spot students for elite level tricks, and provide demonstration with the knowledge of anatomy, proper dismounts, progressions and safety precautions. Phase 2 focuses on flexibility.