Our live training events are conducted all over the U.S., in Mexico and New Zealand, and are based on demand. We offer Live Group Certification Trainings as well as offering Live Private Certification. We are also offering virtual group certification trainings via Google Meet or Zoom. Click here to see our current schedule If you are interested in a Live Training but do not see one that you would be able to attend, please contact us and let us know what city you live in as well as any cities you would be willing to travel to. As soon as there is enough interest in your area, one of our Master Trainers will come out to conduct a training! If you are close to a location or traveling to a location in which one of our Master Trainers resides, you can also contact them directly to find out their plans for a group training or to inquire about a private training.
We offer our various methods for our certification trainings so you can choose the method that is best for YOU!
Live Trainings:
We offer both in-person and virtual (Zoom) 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 Guided Trainings:
Training and certification is done 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. Throughout the course, you will submit assignments and videos to your Master Trainer for feedback and assessment. You will need access to a static pole and must be able to film and upload your videos for assessment. Your Master Trainer is with you every step of the way!
Self-Study (No-Guidance) Trainings:
Are you already a seasoned instructor? With our Self Study Trainings, you can study the material on your own and submit your physical assignments to us via video. This is really meant for seasoned instructors and polers as it does not provide any guidance beyond the online training materials and you are limited to two attempts for your physical submission. Please contact us for more information if you prefer this option.
At the Pole Fitness Alliance (PFA), we don’t just certify instructors--we create confident, skilled leaders who know how to teach engaging, results-driven pole classes with safety and precision.
As the first-ever pole instructor continuing education and certification course, PFA has been a pioneer in the industry. For 17 years, we’ve been developing, refining, and honing our course materials to ensure that our training remains the gold standard in pole fitness education. Our years of experience mean you’re learning from the best, with a curriculum built on proven techniques and industry-leading knowledge.
Unlike programs that churn out certifications with little oversight, we take a personalized, hands-on approach to ensure every instructor is truly ready to lead--not just on paper, but in practice.
Why Choose PFA?
✅ Flexible Training Options: With self study, online support, virtual group training, and live in-person sessions, you can train at your own pace with expert guidance every step of the way.
✅ Beyond Certification Support: Once certified, get class plans, teaching tools and access to exclusive instructor meetups where you can refine your skills and grow with a like-minded community.
✅ Globally Recognized & Respected: Earn CECs with ACE, NASM and AFAA, setting yourself apart as a trusted, knowledgeable pole instructor in the fitness industry.
If you're serious about teaching and want a certification that fully prepares you for success, PFA is where your journey begins.
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
SINEFYD
CEDPRO
Entrenador Pro
You must successfully complete Level 1 before beginning Level 2 and you must successfully complete Level 2 before beginning Level 3. Current Instructor Members can register in the Instructor Tools in the My Membership section of the PFA website.
If you are not a current instructor member, you can register in the Certified Non-Member information in the My Membership section of the PFA website. If you aren't registered on our website or you can't find the link, you can click here for the Level 2 Certification information and registration. NOTE: If you have not passed your Level 1 Certification prior to purchasing the Level 2 Certification, your course will be cancelled and your payment refunded.
We offer refunds within the first three days of purchase, provided that a Master Trainer has not been assigned and no assignments have been submitted. Once a Master Trainer is selected and coursework has begun, we are unable to process refunds.
Our goal is to ensure you have a valuable learning experience. If you have any concerns, please reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to assist you in making the most of your certification journey.
Courses Purchased After March 15, 2025:
• Self-Study: You have 12 months from purchase to complete your exams.
• Guided Online: You have up to 18 months to review the materials before selecting your Master Trainer. Once a Master Trainer has been selected, you will have 6 months of trainer access..
• Live: Live training is scheduled within a structured timeframe, and exams are completed during the live training.
Courses Purchased Prior to March 15, 2025: For the online courses, you have up to 12 months from the purchase date to complete your certification course, but the vast majority of students finish in under four months (and some within a single month). We allow an excess of time to finish the course to allow for life events and minor illnesses. If you have an injury, illness or pregnancy that will keep you off the pole for more than three weeks, you may submit a doctor's note to "freeze" your course until you are able to resume your coursework.
If you are injured during your course timeframe, you may submit a doctor's note to [email protected] to "freeze" your course until you are able to resume your coursework. Please do so as soon as you are injured, as retroactive "freezes" are not permitted. Otherwise, if you are unable to complete the course within the required timeframe, you will be able to select an extension or upgrade in order to complete the course.
If you would like to receive your Level 1 Certification, we strongly suggest that you are comfortable with basic spins and climbs before beginning the course as you are limited to one year to complete the course. If you are unsure about your level, we recommend that you begin with PFA Premium to familiarize yourself with the Level 1 materials and moves. After passing the Level 1 Certification you will be given access to the Level 2 registration links. Pre-requisites for Level 2 include a basic inversion, shoulder dismounts, figure 4 layback, inverted pike and a basic butterfly.
You will have to demonstrate proficiency with basic spins and climbs to pass the certification. If you have not poled or are not comfortable with basic spins and basic climbs, we recommend starting with the PFA Premium Membership to familiarize yourself with everything that will be required for your certification.
We currently offer Level 1 and 2 as fully online certification courses. Due to the higher level of moves and spotting requirements for Level 3, the Level 3 course is being offered as a "partial online" meaning that you could complete the majority of the course online, but would have to complete your spotting assessment live with one of our Master Trainers, which should take about 30 - 60 minutes.
Level 2 Pre-requisites:
Basic requirements to take the Level 2 Online Training and Certification course include:
PFA (or PoleMoves) Level 1 Certification
Access to a static pole that will support spins, climbs, and inverted moves
A video camera or smartphone with a video camera
Ability to upload videos to a sharable location such as YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.
With Level 2, we begin teaching inverted (and therefore higher risk) moves. As this training is being done remotely, we must require the following prerequisites in order to participate in this course. If you do not already have a solid ability to perform the following moves, you MUST have access to a local instructor who can spot you and work with you while you perfect them:
Basic Inversion
Shoulder Dismount
Figure 4 Layback
Inverted Pike
Butterfly
In addition, you will be practicing spotting these and other Level 2 moves. To complete the assignments, you must also have a volunteer to practice with who is already competently able to do these moves. We do not condone learning and practicing spotting techniques on someone who does not already know how to perform these moves as it poses too great a risk to both the trainee and the volunteer.