There’s a lot of fitness terminology floating out there that can occasionally be confusing, especially to those new to fitness. In this post, we are specifically addressing the definitions of what it means to be a “Certified” vs. “Licensed” instructor in a fitness program. *Note that this definition only applies to the fitness industry; the medical field and other industries may define certified vs. licensed differently.
CERTIFIED: An exam (written or practical) must be passed before you can say you are certified to teach a specific format. Fitness formats may choose to have a written and/or practical exam.
BollyX® is a certification since all instructors who are teaching BollyX® are required to pass an exam prior to teaching. Since BollyX® is a dance format, we have a practical exam alongside a written one. Our exam involves trainees physically dancing with rhythm, visually pre-cueing, and demonstrating the wide squat (as if they’re teaching a class) in order to obtain their Certification to teach. Other formats may require trainees to film themselves teaching a full 60-minute class in order to pass.
Written exams for kickboxing, Pilates and other dance formats may include questions about the brand’s format, muscle groups used for specific exercises, the targeted heart rate range , and/or identifying musical counts. BollyX’s written exam focuses on our format, playlist set-up, safety concerns, interval training principles as well as pre-cueing.
Even though one has passed the exam and has obtained a certification to teach, it doesn’t mean the learning is over. A reputable fitness program provides their instructors with continuing education, workshops and resources so that they can continue to improve and grow as fitness professionals. BollyX has a mentorship program that begins after the exam is submitted. Each person going through BollyX training will have a Regional Trainer or Community Mentor for guidance as they prepare to launch their first BollyX class. For many, this is their first time teaching any group fitness classes, so learning the ins and outs of the group fitness industry from your mentor is extremely helpful as well.
Pros: As a Fitness Manager/Owner, you know the instructors you audition have a specific level of qualification since they have passed an exam prior to the audition. As an instructor, you have the confidence in your skill set since you know you have passed an exam.
Cons: You may get asked to resubmit the exam or parts of the exam and may have a delayed start in teaching your first class while working on specific teaching skills.
Examples of other specialty fitness formats that offer certifications include (not a comprehensive list): Les Mills programs (BODYPUMP™, BODYCOMBAT™, etc.); MOSSA (Group Power, Group Kick, etc.); STOTT PILATES™; ISCA (Kick Box, Boxing); WERQ®; CrossFit®; and U-JAM Fitness®
LICENSED: There is no exam involved in a fitness program that provides instructors a license to teach after a training. Once someone registers and attends the training for that specific program, they walk out with their license to teach. While there is no exam required to begin teaching a licensed fitness program, these programs also do provide continuing education to their licensed instructors. Examples of other specialty fitness formats that offer licenses include (not a comprehensive list): Zumba®, MixxedFit® and Pound®.
Pros: Can audition for jobs immediately after the training once your choreography is learned.
Cons: As a Fitness Manager/Owner, you need to audition each instructor since there will be a lot of variability from instructor to instructor.
With regards to a group exercise specialty format (vs. a general group exercise certification), you want to let Group Fitness Managers know whether you are a certified instructor, or a licensed instructor. It will let them know that you had to pass an exam to demonstrate specific skills in order to become an instructor. BollyX® chose to be a certification, instead of a licensure, in order to provide a system of feedback so that instructors could learn the skills needed to nail auditions and teach successful classes. Additionally, participants would receive a consistent class experience no matter who their instructor is since they all know each instructor had to pass an exam in order to teach.
While having to take an exam can be a stressful experience to some, we strongly feel that as fitness professionals, the learning never stops, whether you teach a certified or licensed program. As instructors, we lead the way by showing our students that, as they grow and improve with each class they take, we grow and improve with each class we teach. If you’re working to be a group fitness instructor and have not yet taken the required exam, or are working on a resubmission, don’t give up! It’s all part of your personal journey of growth. Without feedback, or what seems like a setback, we’ll never know what we’re truly capable of. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. The rewards of knowing you worked hard and passed an exam is priceless.
Reminder: when writing your resume or printing your business cards, be sure to write that you are a Certified BollyX Instructor!