Zumba Instructor Trainings FAQs

Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions about Zumba Instructor Trainings. Click on the Table of Contents above to preview all the questions and get redirected to the answer you are looking for!

The first step is to attend a Zumba® Basic 1, Jump Start Gold™, or Jump Start Kids & Kids Jr.™ Instructor Training. To view the dates and locations of upcoming trainings, visit our Become an Instructor page. There are no prerequisites to becoming a Zumba Instructor, although a fitness or dance background is always a plus. Anyone 18 years or older may attend a Zumba Instructor Training.

If you are new to Zumba, select Become an Instructor to find our introductory training courses and see the available training options!

If you are having trouble signing up or have special circumstances, our support team is ready to help! Contact Us

To view a list of all Intro Trainings, Specialties, and Skill Development Trainings, please select View All Trainings. You will be able to search by location, training type, and format.

Please also keep in mind that Specialties and most Skill Development Trainings have requirements such as a Zumba Basic 1 license and are exclusively available for ZIN members. Click into each training type to find out more information about what you will learn in the training, to see the requirements, and what the training includes.

You'll find all currently scheduled Zumba® Instructor Trainings posted on our website! Go to zumba.com and in the top-right corner, hover over Become an Instructor and then select the Find a Training link. Here, you can search for trainings by a specific location, training type, language, and/or format. If you do not find a training that works for you, check back often as we frequently add new training courses. You can also add your name to the waiting list and be the first to know about future trainings in your area.

Yes, a participant must be 18 years or older to attend any Zumba® Instructor Training. A 15, 16- or 17-year-old may attend a Zumba Basic Instructor Training on their own, but they must have a letter from their parent, and both the parent must sign the liability form at the Instructor Training. If you are 15, 16, or 17 years old, contact the trainer for your Instructor Training to coordinate receiving the letter from your parent and having the liability form signed at the Instructor Training.

Yes! Not only is there a demand, but you can easily create more of a demand. Many Zumba® Instructors created a demand in their area simply because there were not many Zumba Instructors available in their area, and people wanted to try out the Zumba program. When the buzz spread, these instructors were suddenly in high demand.

If you have a training promotional code, please remember to add it before finalizing your training registration. When you enter your payment information, look for the designated promo code field, type or paste your code, and click on the Apply button to activate the discount.

If you encounter an error message when applying a promo code, please follow these common troubleshooting tips.

After submitting your registration, you will receive an email confirming that the registration is complete. Expect a second email about a week before the Instructor Training from the ZES. He or she will explain any logistical details such as parking, lunch, schedule, etc.

If you register for and complete your Basic 1 training, you will receive a certificate of completion, and your license will be valid for six months from the date of your training.

As with any reputable occupation, a professional is expected to keep up-to-date on industry knowledge and stay fresh with their industry skills. Zumba wants its instructors to be the best in the industry and maintain a high level of expertise and proficiency. To help instructors attain and maintain this status, Zumba provides numerous opportunities for continuing education. To maintain an active license beyond the 6 months, joining the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) is essential.

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 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.

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.

If you are unable to attend your instructor training course, there are multiple options available for you! You can transfer, place your credits on hold, or cancel the registration directly from the website.

Please view our article Instructor Training Course Changes for more information on:

If you have a conflict, we highly recommend that you take an Instructor Training at another time when you can stay for the entire duration. Zumba® Instructors are highly regarded, and we want to be sure you receive the utmost level of training before you leave. There is a great deal of information packed into the Instructor Training. If you leave early, you may not feel completely prepared. A ZES may decide if you can leave up to 30 minutes early, but that would be on a case-by-case basis.

You should bring a towel, water, a sweatshirt, a healthy snack, and lunch. The right type of shoe is key to easy-flowing movement, so you should wear good, supportive shoes such as cross-trainers or dance-specific sneakers. Wear shoes that do not have a lot of tread at the bottom and are meant for medial/lateral/twisting motion. Although we provide an instructor manual, bring a notebook and pen to take additional notes.

Still image cameras are allowed. Video or DVD motion pictures are not allowed.

Zumba Fitness, LLC, in conjunction with the host facility, will determine if an Instructor Training should be canceled due to inclement weather. If an Instructor Training is canceled, the participants will be notified by 8 PM the evening before the Instructor Training. If the Instructor Training is not canceled but the weather becomes treacherous overnight, the Zumba® Education Specialist (ZES) will send an email to participants in the morning. In any event, a participant should not take any risks to their safety. If the Instructor Training is canceled, the ZES will contact each participant to discuss options for transfer or refund. If the Instructor Training is not canceled, and a participant cannot make it due to inclement weather in their area, the ZES will contact the participant after the Instructor Training to discuss options. (Please note that Zumba Fitness, LLC is not responsible for travel fees incurred or lost due to inclement weather.)

There are several ways to renew your license:

Option 1: Become a member of the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN)! The Zumba® Instructor Network is a membership program created to give you ongoing support necessary for career development. ZIN members receive new music every month and choreography every other month, product discounts, marketing materials, discounted liability insurance, and much more. Best of all, it extends your Zumba® Basic 1 license for as long as you are a member in good standing! ZIN members generally find that the fee for the monthly membership multiplies itself in generated revenue, helping them to build a profitable business. Click here for more information about ZIN!

Option 2: Retake a Zumba® Basic 1 instructor training course - Every Zumba Education Specialist provides a new and different insight into the Zumba experience. By retaking the Zumba Basic 1, you'll not only renew your license, but you'll also get a fresh perspective on teaching Zumba classes.

Option 3: Take a Jump Start Gold™ or Jump Start Kids™ instructor training course - With our Jump Start introductory courses, you can regain your license to teach Zumba®classes and have the potential to earn a license for one of our specialities, either Zumba Gold or Zumba Kids & Kids Jr.. (Keep in mind, to obtain the specialty license, you must also join the Zumba Instructor Network, ZIN™.)

The Zumba Basic 1 Instructor Training (also known as Zumba Basic) prepares you with the foundation and formula to teach a Zumba class. You will learn the steps to four basic rhythms (merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton); how to put them together into a song; and how to create your first Zumba class. We provide you with all the tools and resources you need to teach a Zumba class. There are no prerequisites.

You will receive the following materials:

Earn a license to teach both Zumba® & Zumba Gold® by learning the foundation of the Zumba® program and how to adapt it for an active older audience.

The Jump Start Gold Instructor Training gives you two Zumba® Instructor Licenses — Zumba® Basic 1 and Zumba Gold® — in a one-day training! You’ll get all the instructions and materials you need to kick-start a Zumba Gold® program. Plus, Jump Start is open to anyone. (Note: To receive the specialty instructor license after the jumpstart training, you must join ZIN™, the Zumba Instructor Network.)

The Jump Start Gold™ training includes:

Earn a license to teach both Zumba® and Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr. by learning the foundation of the Zumba® program and how to use it to instill healthy habits in kids ages 4-6 & 7-11.

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 instructions and materials you need to kick-start a Zumba® kids program. Plus, Jump Start is open to anyone. (Note: To receive the specialty instructor license after the jumpstart training, you must join ZIN™, the Zumba Instructor Network.)

The Jump Start Kids & Kids Jr.™ training includes:

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™.

*Upon completion of either Jump Start introductory training, you will immediately receive your Zumba® Basic 1 license. To obtain the specialty license (either for Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr. or Zumba® Gold), you must also join ZIN, the Zumba Instructor Network. ZIN membership ensures ongoing license validity as long as payments are up to date. This automatic renewal process eliminates the need to retake training, maintaining the instructor’s credentials effortlessly.

The Zumba Gold® Instructor Training is designed for any instructor who wishes to teach the active older adult population or the Zumba® program beginner. Zumba Gold classes effectively address the anatomical, physiological, and psychological needs specific to these populations. It also includes a Zumba Chair Workout.

For access to this training, you must be a member of ZIN™, the Zumba® Instructor Network.

The Zumba Gold® training includes:

This training allows you to teach two new classes: Zumba Kids classes for ages 7-11, and Zumba Kids Jr. classes for ages 4-6. This course teaches you the fun, kid-friendly moves to impress today’s youth – and tomorrow’s Zumba class participants! You’ll learn how to modify Zumba moves to get optimal class response, and receive tips on class management and working with two new audiences. With cool, age-appropriate music and fresh new choreo, Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr. classes are a great way to expand your instructor career and boost your bottom line.

For access to this training, you must be a member of ZIN™, the Zumba® Instructor Network.

The Zumba® Kids +Zumba® Kids Jr. training includes:

The Zumba® Rhythms 2 Instructor Training (also known as Zumba Rhythms 2) covers steps for six more rhythms: belly dance, flamenco, tango, samba, soca, and quebradita.

It reinforces the Zumba formula for success and provides an easy, fun, and effective class for everyone. You'll learn new techniques, network, and share choreography with fellow instructors, as well as enhance your professional status and skills.

For access to the Zumba® Rhythms 2 training, you must be licensed in Zumba Basic 1. (50% off for ZIN™ Members.)

The Zumba® Rhythms 2 training includes:

NOTE: Zumba Rhythms 2 was previously called Zumba Basic 2. We changed the name in 2019, but the content of the training remains the same!

The Zumba® Rhythms 3 Instructor Training (also known as Zumba Rhythms 3) covers steps for four more rhythms: Brazilian Funk, Bhangra, Afrobeat, and Street Heat.

Spice up your classes with 4 brand-new rhythms and dance styles. New beats. New moves. New ways to pack the dance floor!

Zumba® Rhythms 3 is only available to ZIN™ Members.

The Zumba® Rhythms 3 training includes:

No, you do not need to take Zumba® Rhythms 2 before you take Zumba® Rhythms 3. They are not sequential and can be taken in any order as they focus on different rhythms to spice up your classes.

Get the skills to become a rockstar Zumba® Virtual instructor! During this comprehensive 4-hour livestream training, connect with a ZES as you learn the best ways to attract, teach, and engage with students online. Developed by ZES Steve Boedt and a team of experts on the virtual class experience, you’ll learn 3D cueing techniques, how to create meaningful connections with students, marketing and social media tips, movement mapping to maximize your space, and more.

Zumba® Virtual Pro is only available to ZIN™ Members.

On the day of the training, you will receive the following materials:

With Specialties, you can advance your career and add new classes to your calendar!

Specialty Instructor Training courses are only available to ZIN™ Members.

The current ZIN™ Specialty Instructor Trainings are:

Zumba Gold®

Zumba® Kids & Zumba® Kids Jr.

Zumba® Step

Zumba® Toning

Aqua Zumba®

If you know of a facility that might be interested in hosting a Zumba® Instructor Training, ask the potential host to visit zumba.com and click on "Zumba for Gyms." Next, scroll down to "Host a Training" and select the "Get Started" button. Here, the facility can submit a form with all its information. If there is adequate demand in the area and if the facility meets the minimum requirements, they will be contacted by a Zumba Education Specialist.

Zumba Fitness recommends that you wear cross-training or aerobic-style shoes. They provide the cushion and medial-lateral support needed for side-to-side movements. They also have low-traction rubber for easy sliding and turning. Please be careful with running shoes since they use a heavy tread on the bottom and are designed for forward movement. Shop Zumba® dance-fitness shoes now!

The number of calories each person burns per class varies. Depending on your body parameters (type, composition, intensity, range of motion), you can burn hundreds of calories per class.