How to Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor

Co-authored by Marilin Karst

Last Updated: February 5, 2024 Approved

Zumba is a fitness program that combines elements of salsa, merengue, samba, reggaeton, and hip-hop with other aerobic exercises. If you love dancing to Latin beats, have an upbeat attitude, and want to help other people get in shape, then you're a great candidate for Zumba instruction! Read this article to learn how.

Part 1

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Getting Licensed

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Visit the Zumba Academy training website. Because Zumba is a trademarked exercise program, you will have to be licensed through the Zumba Academy.
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Enroll in the proper training programs. The first step in attaining your Zumba fitness instructor license is to enroll in one of the following courses:^{[1]
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- Zumba Basic Steps Level 1: This course will teach you the foundation for teaching Zumba. You will learn the four basic dance elements: merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton, and how to apply the various dance moves you learn to the songs you choose for your class.
- Jump Start Gold: This course will teach you how to teach Zumba to an older audience, and how to target the physical and psychological needs of your students.
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These courses are a combination of lectures and practical training to give you the skills you will need to teach Zumba. Once you have completed the training course, you will be granted a one-year license to teach Zumba. This license will have to be renewed over time if you want to continue teaching.^{[2]
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Licenses to teach Zumba last for one year, and should be promptly renewed upon expiration if you want to continue teaching.^{[3]
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Part 2

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Other Considerations

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Practice Zumba. Before you can teach Zumba, you will have to first master the style and choreography of the fitness program. If you haven't already, enroll in a Zumba class and attend at least 3-5 days per week.
- Be sure that you can keep up with Zumba classes of all different levels before you consider teaching a class. You must be in excellent physical condition to teach this or any other exercise class.
- Take Zumba classes at different studios and with different instructors. This will help you pick up on the various techniques, and choose what kind of teacher you want to be. Pay attention to which classes seem to attract the biggest group of students, and notice unique elements (whether it is the dance moves, music choice, or overall energy) that that particular instructor brings to the table. That's a good way to see what style you like. Try speaking with the instructor and ask them if they can share some tips as well.
- It's extremely important to have great communication with your classroom. Make eye contact with your participants and make sure that you're delivering the class for them more than for yourself.
- Be sure to learn how to read your class well. Ask for feedback and do your best to make everybody feel welcome and comfortable.
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Consider where you want to teach Zumba. Remember that requirements for teaching Zumba may vary between different studios and/or gyms. Some studios will accept a Zumba licensing on its own, but others may require you to have a group fitness instructor license as well.^{[4]
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- Contact the person who is in charge of group fitness instruction at the gym or studio that you plan on teaching at. Set up a meeting with this person, and find out what certifications you need (if any) other than the Zumba license.
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Consider getting CPR certified. While this requirement may vary between gyms, it is a good idea to be CPR certified if you are teaching a fitness class in the case of an emergency.
- Register for a CPR training course through the American Red Cross in your area. Be sure to properly renew your certification as needed.

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Am I required to know CPR in order to be a licensed Zumba instructor?

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It depends on your employer. Some require knowledge of CPR i order to teach Zumba, while others do not. However, it is strongly recommend that you know CPR if you're teaching any fitness class for the safety of those attending.

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Can I get Zumba certified online?

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No, you must take a Zumba Instructor Training session held by the Zumba companies. You can find dates and addresses online, and see where classes are being held near you. You need to be 18 or older before becoming an instructor.

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Where in Texas can I get certified and licensed?

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Look at Zumba.com for training classes in your area.

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Membership in the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) is optional. Joining gives you access to choreography, music, marketing materials, discounts on Zumba trainings and the chance to network with other Zumba instructors.

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If you have a certification through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), taking a Zumba class may earn you continuing education credits.

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Consider getting licensed to teach one or more variations of traditional Zumba: Aqua Zumba, which takes place in a swimming pool, Zumba that focuses on body-toning, and Zumbatomic, a kids' version of Zumba. Explore the different courses that are available through the Zumba Academy to determine your interests.

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