Checkout the ZIN Glossary for a breakdown of frequently used Zumba® terminology.
There are three entry-level Instructor Trainings available to non-Zumba Instructors: Zumba® Basic Level 1, Zumba Jump Start Gold™ and Jump Start Kids & Kids Jr™.
The Zumba Basic Level 1 Instructor Training (also known as Zumba Basic) is a high-energy training session where you'll learn the basic Zumba rhythms as well as multiple variations. This Instructor Training gives you the groundwork you need to teach a Zumba class. Zumba Basic is an absolute thrill, but it's also very intense, so get ready!
If you wish to teach a lower-intensity Zumba class to active older adults, beginners, or special populations, then we recommend you take the Jump Start Gold™ Instructor Training. The Jump Start Gold Instructor Training combines the Zumba Gold® Training with the foundation and formula of a Zumba® Basic Level 1 Training.
The Jump Start Gold™ program addresses the anatomical, physiological and psychological needs crucial to teaching the active older adult population*. It is designed for instructors-to-be who are passionate about teaching Zumba Gold® classes (versus basic Zumba classes) and want to “jump start” their Zumba Gold career. This course allows instructors-to-be to become licensed in both the Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold programs in one extended 10-hour Instructor Training.
The Jump Start Kids & Kids Jr.™ Instructor Training gives you two Zumba® Instructor Licenses — Zumba Basic 1 and Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr. — in a one-day training! You’ll get all the instruction and materials you need to kick start a Zumba® kids program.
To receive the instructor license after the jumpstart training, you must join ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network)
1. Become a ZIN™ Member: Zumba Fitness offers a comprehensive continuing education program to all Zumba® Instructors, the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN™). ZIN Members are constantly receiving new choreography and music to change and update their routines, along with a wealth of marketing materials and ideas to help ensure lifelong success. The benefits are numerous, and of course, ZIN members in good standing are always considered "Current Zumba Instructors," meaning their certificate is always valid as long as they are a ZIN Member. For more information on the ZIN program and its benefits, scroll to the ZIN section below.
2. Retake the Zumba® Basic Level 1 Instructor Training or a Jump Start Gold™ Instructor Training: Every Zumba® Education Specialist (ZES) provides a new and different insight into the Zumba experience. By retaking the Zumba Basic Instructor Training, you'll not only renew your certificate, you'll get a fresh perspective on teaching Zumba classes. The other option is to take a Jump Start Gold™ or Jump Start Kids & Kids Jr™ Instructor Training. This courses review the basic steps and will also renew your license for 6 months. However, only those who join the ZIN™ program will receive a license to teach the Zumba Gold® or Zumba Kids & Kids Jr® format.
After completing the Instructor Training, you can begin teaching whenever you feel comfortable and ready. Every instructor is an independent contractor, which gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, rates, terms, agreements, etc. at any facility you choose. Although the Instructor Training shows you how to teach as well as how to create routines for a Zumba® class, you may need to practice on your own and take time to choose the right selection of music. You may consider borrowing from the DVD/CD set you received at the Instructor Training to get started.
Some fitness facilities require their instructors to have a general group exercise certification. The Zumba® program is considered a specialty certificate, just like pilates or yoga. Ask your local fitness facility what their requirements are in order for you to teach at their facility. You can always obtain a Zumba certificate first and then obtain a general certification. Some facilities may allow you to start teaching Zumba classes as long as you have a Zumba certificate and evidence that you are working to obtain a general certification. Two highly recognized certifications are ACE and AFAA. For details, go to acefitness.org or afaa.com.
1. You can request a refund. If you cancel your registration 21 or more days (i.e. 21, 22, 23 days) before your training date, you will incur a $25 USD cancellation fee. A $75 USD cancellation fee will apply for all cancellation requests received within 21 days or less (i.e. 20, 19, 18 days) from your training date or any time after your training date. If you choose to process your cancellation by phone, an additional $15 USD processing fee will be applied. To proceed with your cancellation, please log in to your account on zumba.com.
2. You can transfer your registration to another training. If you transfer 21 or more days (i.e. 21, 22, 23 days) before your training date, there is a $5 USD transfer fee due at the time of the transfer for self-serve, online transfers. If you transfer less than 21 days (i.e. 20, 19, 18 days) from your training date or any time after your training date, there is a $15 USD transfer fee for self-serve, online transfers. You will also be responsible for any price increases. (For example, if you signed up at an early bird rate and the new training is at a rush rate, you will be charged the difference in addition to the transfer fee). If you choose to process your transfer by phone, an additional $15 USD processing fee will be applied. To proceed with your transfer, please log in to your account on zumba.com.
3. You can place your training fees on hold and use them toward a future training within one year of your original registration date. If you transfer 21 or more days (i.e. 21, 22, 23 days) before your training date, there is a $5 USD transfer fee due at the time of the transfer for self-serve, online transfers. If you transfer less than 21 days (i.e. 20, 19, 18 days) from your training date or any time after your training date, there is a $15 USD transfer fee for self-serve, online transfers. You will also be responsible for any price increases. (For example, if you signed up at an early bird rate and the new training is at a rush rate, you will be charged the difference in addition to the transfer fee). If you choose to process your transfer by phone, an additional $15 USD processing fee will be applied. After one calendar year from the date you submitted your original registration form, your ability to transfer expires and you forfeit your funds that were on hold. To proceed with your transfer, please log in to your account on zumba.com.