How to Get Zumba Certified

(Image credit: Tony Alter)

Have you considered adding Zumba instructor to your personal training resume? Every fitness professional has different interests and goals.

Or, maybe you’re a personal trainer who’s simply considering teaching Zumba group classes to supplement your income. If so, then you might be curious as to how to get Zumba certified.

Zumba classes are exercises classes that incorporate many dance-based movements all timed to upbeat, fast-paced music.

Keep in mind, the Zumba instructor job description is not just limited to having good dancing skills. One of the most critical Zumba instructor requirements is in-depth knowledge on how to lead the class and help them achieve their fitness goals.

To do this, you need to take Zumba trainings and achieve certifications to be eligible for teaching Zumba (using the official Zumba trademarked name and logo).

After all, the owners and managers of fitness centers and health wellness centers you would apply in would want to make sure that you’ve already mastered Zumba’s art.

In this article, let’s discover how to become a Zumba instructor. If you’re ready, let’s get started!

Everything You Need to Know About Zumba Instructor Training

Since you’re entering unfamiliar territory, you may have lots of questions about the type of training you need to take. Here are some of the things you need to know about it:

How hard is Zumba instructor training?

The Zumba instructor training is not a difficult path to walk. Anyone who is 18 years or older is qualified to take the instructor training. However, you can certainly use your fitness or dance background to your advantage.

What is Zumba instructor training like?

To get Zumba instructor certification, you would need to take the basic instruction trainings such as Zumba Basic, Jump Start Gold, and Jump Start Kids + Kids Jr Instructor Training. You can choose from any of these three.

To determine which course you should take, here are their differences:

Zumba Basic Level 1 Instructor Training (also called as Zumba Basic)

Among the three, this is the most high energy Zumba instructor training as this is where you’ll learn the steps to the four basic rhythms in Zumba dances—salsa, reggaeton, cumbia, and merengue).

In addition to steps, you’ll also learn how to put these dance types together in one song, create your choreography, and facilitate your Zumba class.

Jump Start Gold

If you wish to teach older adults, you would need to become a Zumba Gold instructor.

How to become a Zumba gold instructor? You would need to take this specific training course. Keep in mind that there are many special considerations when catering to this age group, especially when it comes to addressing their physiological and psychological needs.

With a 10-hour extension course, you’ll get licenses for both the Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold training programs.

Jump Start Kids + Kids Jr.

After finishing this one-day training, you’ll get licensed for both Zumba Basic and Jump Start Kids + Kids Jr. trainings. In this training, you’ll learn not just the basic Zumba foundations. You’ll also learn the Zumba program foundation and use it in teaching kids aged 4-6 years old and 7-11 years old how to lead a healthier life.

How much is Zumba Instructor Training?

The cost of Zumba instructor training ranges from $225 to $350. Keep in mind that the licenses you’ll get from these trainings are valid only for six months unless you stay in good standing with the Zumba Instructor Network.

The Zumba Instructor Network is a monthly membership program established to provide up-to-date information, ongoing support, certificate renewal services, and continuing education to its members. Its purpose is to ensure that all Zumba certified instructors are up to the same high standard.

How to Find a Zumba Instructor Job

The battle doesn’t end after you’ve completed the trainings. In fact, it’s just the start since you would need to find an instructing job. The easiest way to penetrate the industry is to apply in fitness centers that already hold group classes.

Same with all the other professions, you would need to undergo examinations or interviews. Additionally, you would also need to audition or show off the lessons you’ve learned in your training.

Conclusion

Becoming a Zumba instructor takes some effort, training and experience. However, it’s not difficult to start teaching Zumba once you’ve completed the requirements.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of being a Zumba instructor, you’ll be more confident in taking on part-time jobs in different gyms. Through this, you’ll learn more about what kind of a Zumba instructor you want to be.

Even though you’re already an established instructor, it’s still a must that you take more training to improve your craft further and become a better Zumba coach to your students.