Pole Instructor Certification -  Online Training

Home > FAQ > Pole Instructor FAQ > Can I Get My Pole Instructor Certification Online?

I've been taking pole dancing classes for a couple of years now and I love it! I really want to get a certification and start teaching but I live in a small town and there's no place that offers certification courses. Is there somewhere I can get my pole instructor certification online?
~ Jasmine

Introduction

If you’re looking to become a certified pole fitness instructor, you basically have two options. The first is to attend an in-person training, but if you live in a smaller city or town like Jasmine, this may not be an option. And even if there is a training opportunity nearby, or one you could travel to attend, it may not work with your schedule.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of pole instructor certification courses now being offered online. Not only is this a great option if you can't get to a live training, it's also perfect for those who just prefer the flexibility of learning from home.

On this page you'll find all the important details you need to know about online pole instructor certifications, including a growing list of online certification programs from around the world. There are lots to choose from, and Your Pole Pal wants to help you find the one that best matches your goals, budget, and needs.

• How does online certification work?

• Why enroll in an online certification program?

• What to look for in an online certification program

• Is online certification right for you?

• Tips for choosing YOUR best online course

• Listing of pole instructor certification online courses

How Does Online Certification Work?

While every online program is different, most employ several different tools to help you master the material you need to become a successful pole dance instructor.

These tools can include:

• Video Modules - These might cover topics such as warm-ups, pole techniques, progressions, safety, and other information best presented via video demonstration.

• Written Materials - Manuals tend to address theory such as anatomy basics, cueing, teaching tips and techniques, lists of pole dance moves, etc.

• Assessments - These usually take the form of written tests and quizzes, as well as practical evaluations. Practical evaluations may be done via submission of a recorded video, via a live Zoom session, or possibly in person, if a hybrid option is offered.

• Support - Instructor feedback, student forums, chat rooms or live Q&A video calls are all common methods of delivering support during your training program.

There are three basic ways online programs can be delivered:

1. Online and self-paced.
   You'll be sent a link to access your course materials online, and you'll progress at your own pace. When it's time to be evaluated, you'll submit a written exam or a quiz. For practical skills you'll likely be asked to send in a video of yourself performing a warm up, a series of pole dance moves that have been taught, or teaching a volunteer "student" what you've learned. If you have questions you'll either submit these to your instructor via email, or there might be a student forum where you can post questions and get replies from instructors.
   
   
2. Online but on a set schedule.
   Upon registration, you'll receive a schedule of classes that will be delivered via Zoom or using some other type of video conferencing. You'll attend these classes from home, using your computer or device. This type of format allows students to ask questions live and interact with the instructor and other students, but it also means you won't have the flexibility of a fully self-paced online program.
   
   
3. Hybrid
   This method of delivery is a combination of online and in person attendance. Typically, you'll study from home most of the time, but you'll either have the option, or will be required, to do your practical evaluations and assessments in person. This option still offers flexibility, but you may need to be able to attend some in-person sessions.

However the program you choose is structured, you will typically study written and video material, be assessed on your learning, and at the completion of your program, you'll receive a certificate confirming your attendance and competence to teach the material presented in the course.

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Why Enroll in an Online Pole Instructor Certification Course?

There are plenty of reason to get your pole instructor certification online. Chief among these are flexibility, affordability, and the ability to learn from anywhere in the world.

Most online programs also let you learn at your own pace, and many will continue to provide access to the learning materials even after you've successfully completed your course.

Finally, even if there is a certification course close by, you might choose to do your pole instructor certification online simply because you'll have access to many more options, and there might be a certification program you prefer over the one that's being offered locally.

Let's take a closer look at each of these reasons you might want to take an online course:

• Flexibility - Studying for your certification online allows you to fit the course into the rest of your life, instead of the other way around. Whether you have a work or school schedule to accommodate, or a family to care for, online learning lets you take things at a pace that's right for you.

• Affordability - Online pole instructor certification is typically less expensive than attending a course in person. Particularly with material that is posted online, vs presented live, the cost to distribute the material is less, since it only needs to be produced once and can be consumed by many students over time. For this reason, online courses have a lower overhead than those that are delivered in person. Most online certification programs will pass on this cost savings to students. You'll also save  money on travel and hotel costs, and you won't have to take time off work to attend a live training.
  
• Access from Anywhere - If you have vacation plans or are traveling to attend your cousin's wedding during the time you're studying for your certification, you can continue to log in and access your course content wherever in the world you might be.

• Self-Paced Learning: Many online pole instructor certification programs are self-paced, which allows you to progress through the material at a speed that's right for you. If you need to take a pause because your kids are sick this week, you can pick up again when things are back to normal. Need to review something again to make sure you've mastered it? No problem, just go back and re-watch a video or review a lesson in your manual. Write your exams and sending in your videos for evaluation when YOU feel ready.
  

• Broader Selection - By taking your pole instructor certification online, you'll be able to choose from international programs you might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. If there's a particular expert instructor you want to learn from, or a specific certification you want to get, online learning opens up these opportunities for you.

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What to Look for in an Online Program

With any certification program, there are some basic things you'll want to look for when weighing your options. This is no different with online programs, but there are a couple of other aspects that will apply to online pole instructor certifications. Here are some things to keep in mind as you assess the various programs:

• Accreditation/Recognition - Is the course you're considering recognized by any professional fitness or dance associations? This may or may not be important to you personally, but a program that is accredited means you'll be able to apply for continuing education credits upon successful completion of the course. It also means that the course material has been evaluated by an accrediting body, which may instill greater confidence in you and/or your future students.
  
  Be aware that online courses may be accredited by different associations. If continuing education credits are important to you, you'll want to ensure you register for a certification course that is accredited in the country or region where you plan to teach.
  

• Comprehensive Curriculum - A good online pole instructor training program should cover a number of topics in addition to pole moves and how to teach them, particularly at the beginner level. For example, look for modules on warm up/cool down, safety and injury prevention, spotting, cueing, and class management.
  

• Variety of Levels & Specialties - Some online instructor training courses tend to focus more on beginners, while others offer training for all levels up to advanced polers. Many also offer additional specialties like spinning pole, teaching children and youth, etc. While it's not necessarily a negative thing if a program only offers beginner certification, you'll want to ensure that the variety of courses being offered suit your current needs, as well as any future teaching goals you may have.
  

• Ongoing Access - Once you complete the program, will you continue to have access to the training materials (videos, manuals, etc)? You may find you need to refer back to something you learned in your course, or you want to continue practicing and improving some of the pole dancing moves you were taught. A course that provides ongoing access to the course materials may be something you consider important.

• Continuing Education/Upgrades - Some online certification programs offer discounts on additional courses you take with them, beyond the beginner level or after your first course. Others allow you to do upgrades or add-ons, whereby you receive additional certifications for completing additional "mini-modules." If you think you might want to further your education after taking a beginner level course, you'll want to see if the program you're considering offers these types of benefits.

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Is Pole Instructor Certification Online Right for You?

Doing a pole instructor certification online isn't right for everyone, but it might be right for you. Let's take a look at what it takes to succeed with online learning, as well as who this method is best suited for.

• Are you self-motivated and disciplined? No matter what the subject matter, independent learning requires that you be able to devote a certain amount of time and energy to studying, practicing, and submitting the required course materials. Self-discipline also comes into play; for best results you'll need to set a schedule and stick to it.

• Do you have support from your family/household? You'll need quiet time to review lessons, study for quizzes and tests, and possibly record videos of yourself to submit for evaluation. If there are other people living in your home, have you discussed the requirements of your course, the time commitment, and what kind of schedule you plan to set for yourself? Do you feel comfortable setting boundaries with your spouse, kids, roommates or others with whom you share living space?
  

• Do you already have some pole experience? You certainly don't need to be an expert pole dancer, but if you have zero pole experience you'll likely be at a disadvantage. More importantly, if you're thinking about getting your pole instructor certification online, but you've never been near a pole yourself, you'd be wise to consider your motivation and the likelihood that you'll stick with the course. Perhaps you'd be better off enrolling in an online course to learn pole dancing first, then move on to an instructor training program if you want to progress to teaching.

• No access to local certification options? This is a reality for many pole people who want to start teaching, since there are relatively few certification programs and even fewer that are offered in person. If you're passionate about getting your pole instructor certification, online might be your only option, even if you know you lack self-discipline and your kids are going to be interrupting you every 5 minutes. Life happens, so you'll need to weigh your options as well as the pros and cons. Maybe it's going to take you longer to get through your course, but if online learning is your only choice, and you want that certification badly enough, you may need to accept some compromises.

• Do you prefer or need flexibility in learning? If you have work or family commitments that make traveling to an in-person training challenging; if you work shifts or have an erratic schedule; or if you're just a bit of a free spirit and don't like being boxed in, online learning might be best for you.

Remember, even within the online certification sphere, there are still options that might work better for your unique situation. For example, being able to attend Zoom sessions where you can interact live with the instructor might suit you better than watching recorded videos where you don't have the ability to interact in real time.

A hybrid program that allows for the majority of your learning to take place online, complemented by one or more in-person sessions held over a single day or weekend, could also be a good option.

If in doubt, be sure to speak with the lead instructor or program coordinator for any of the online pole instructor certification courses you're considering. Your pre-enrollment questions should be welcomed and answered thoroughly to your satisfaction, so you can make a decision that's right for you.

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Tips for Choosing YOUR Best Online Course

When it comes to choosing the best online certification program, the answer isn't necessarily the same for every person. Your work and family situation, learning preferences, and budget are all factors that will determine which course best meets your needs. Here are a few tips to help you evaluate the different programs so you can find the best fit for YOU.

• Look for a match with your experience level
  The first thing you'll want to do is eliminate any programs that don't offer courses suitable for your level. For example, if you're an advanced pole dancer, you'll probably be frustrated taking a course that addresses teaching skills, but only covers beginner pole moves. In that case, rather than a course that combines pole dancing skills and teaching skills in the same course, you may be better off to look for a program that offers teaching skills as a separate module, so you can take a pole course that better matches your current level.

• Review the curriculum
  Don't just rely on a brief course description to inform your choice; rather, take the extra few minutes to read the details on what exactly is covered in the curriculum for any course you're considering. Reviewing the curriculum should give you a much more detailed understanding of what to expect.

• Read reviews
  Most pole instructor certification online courses will include reviews and testimonials from former students on their site. Keep in mind however, that a course provider is only going to include glowing reviews on their website. That's why it's a good idea to search out other reviews from trusted sources like Trustpilot, in order to get a more well-rounded perspective and even out any biases.
  
  
• Do you need CECs?
  If you already hold a fitness instructor certification, the continuing education credits (CECs) offered by some pole instructor training programs may be important to you. Check to see if these are offered, and if the training program has been accredited by the same body under which you hold your fitness instructor certification so that you can get credit for taking the course.

• Cost
  Although typically less expensive that in person training, costs can vary quite a bit for different online certification programs. Part of the variability will be due to differences in the course content, length of the program, whether there is a hybrid option, etc. But if cost is a significant factor for you, you'll want to compare carefully, to be sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.

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Pole Instructor Certification - Online Training Courses to Choose From

All of the online pole instructor certification courses listed below have been reviewed to ensure the information shown is correct at the time of writing. Start by reviewing each listing and note those that seem to be a good fit. You can then check the website for your shortlisted options to get more details and arrange to speak to the course director if you have additional questions.

Although the information below has been reviewed for accuracy, Your Pole Pal does not have specific information about any of these courses. For questions about any program, please contact the course director using the website link provided with each listing.

If you know of an online pole instructor certification program not listed here, or if you offer one, please get in touch so Your Pole Pal can add your program to this list.

The programs listed below are shown in alphabetical order.

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Summary

Getting your pole instructor certification online offers maximum flexibility in your journey towards teaching pole. While they may not provide the same hands-on experience as live trainings, online programs are more budget-friendly while still offering an excellent educational experience that allows you to learn at your own pace.

With the right program, you can gain the skills and confidence you need to teach safe, effective, and empowering pole fitness classes. Use the list above to explore your options, and choose the certification that fits you best. Your Pole Pal wishes you much success on your journey to becoming a pole dance instructor!

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