Become Certified: Learn More About Our Official Examinations/ Certification Process
The National Dance Teachers Association of America (NDTA) is a member and approved Certifying Organization of the National Dance Council of America, the official governing council of dance and dancesport in the USA.
For Professionals, we administer the Official Examinations to earn the Degrees of
- Associate,
- Masters, or
- Fellow
in American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and/or International Latin styles of dance, as well as Examinations to earn Teacher Certification in Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels of American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, International Latin, as well as Americana, styles of dance.
We also offer traditional Medal Tests for our members’ Students.
Our goal is to continue to provide support, syllabus materials, and assistance to members to enhance their expertise.
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- Why become Certified? How to Become Certified?
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- Certifications Available through NDTA & Certification Process
- For More Information or To Initiate an Examination Process, Contact Us
Why become Certified? How to Become Certified?
Following is an explanation provided on the website of the National Dance Council of America:
“Professional Certification
With the explosion of dance, it is more important than ever to establish high teaching and ethical standards and to distinguish qualified teachers based on training, certification and experience.
Why Become Certified
Perhaps you have a few years experience as a dance teacher, and a following of students, and are wondering why you need to participate in a certification program. Today, there are more dance teachers than ever. It is sometimes hard for potential students to recognize the difference between you and other teachers. To remain competitive, you need as many ways as possible to set yourself up as a better, more recognized and respected teacher.
Knowledge is power. Because the dance industry is not license regulated, we professionals must take on the task of self-regulation and demand the highest standards for ourselves and the public. Employers will change and demand higher standards from their teachers when the public does; and the public will demand the change as they learn of the value of certification.
How To Become Certified
Certification is available through the Member Organizations of the National Dance Council.”
The National Dance Teachers Association of America (NDTA) is a Member Organization of the National Dance Council, and is listed as an Approved Certifying Organization of the National Dance Council of America
NDTA provides the NDCA officially-sanctioned Examination and Certification process to our Professional Members.
For More Information or To Initiate an Examination Process, Contact Us.
Certifications Available through NDTA & Certification Process
Following is a list of the Certifications available through the NDTA, and a summary of the applicable Examination Procedures and Fees. Professional Membership in NDTA is required to apply for examination to become Certified in any of the categories listed below or to apply for Student Medal Testing of your students.
EXAMINATIONS/ CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE
Examinations for Professional Certification with Degrees of
Associate, Masters, or Fellow
in the following Styles of Dance:
Up to 5 dances in each style
American Smooth – Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Peabody
American Rhythm – Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, East Coast Swing, Mambo
International Standard – Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep
International Latin – Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive
Examinations for Professional
Teacher Certification
at Bronze, Silver, and/or Gold Levels
in the following Styles of Dance:
American Smooth – Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Peabody
American Rhythm – Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, East Coast Swing, Mambo
International Standard – Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep
International Latin – Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive
Americana – Samba, Merengue, Salsa, Hustle, West Coast Swing
Medal Testing for Your Students:
Intermediate Bronze, Full Bronze, Intermediate Silver, Full Silver
Intermediate Gold, Full Gold, Gold Star
In all styles of dance identified under Examinations for Teacher Certification above.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES AND FEES
Professional Examinations for Certification with Degree
Fee for exam is $75
Associate Degree
Examination will be 2 hours
Masters Degree
Examination will be 2 ½ hours
Fellow Degree
Examination will be 2 ½ hours
Teacher Certification Examinations
Bronze, Silver, Gold
Fee for exams is $75
Bronze level will be 1 ½ hours
Silver and Gold Levels will be 2 hours
Medal Testing for Your Students
Examination time will be 5 minutes per dance at a price of $10 per dance.
Includes scoring and verbal or written critique.
Student may also take a Medal Plus exam where they demonstrate their
knowledge of all the patterns for same fees as Teacher Certification Exam.
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For all categories of examinations above:
Candidate is responsible for the examiner’s time at a rate of up to $85 per hour
and any floor fees/rentals applicable.
Additional fee may be charged for the examiner’s travel expenses, meals, and
accommodations to be agreed upon prior to scheduling.
Professional Membership in NDTA is required to apply for examination in any of the above categories –
for Professional Certification of yourself or for Medal Testing of your students.
Examination Fees listed above are in addition to, and do not include, your membership fee for NDTA.
Special Exams such as one or two dance exams or group exams may be arranged
at the discretion of the Examinations Director and the President of NDTA.
