Instructor/Trainer Program FAQs
- What is a USDF Dressage Development Seminar?
- What is the Professional Development Pathway and Assessment?
- How do I become a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer? Where should I begin?
- What is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer?
- What levels of certification does USDF offer?
- Is there a recommended reading list?
- Is there additional education that I can do to help in my preparation?
- How do I find out what workshops or exams are scheduled?
- Can I attend a workshop or exam that is outside my home region?
- Is attendance at the workshops required before participating in an exam?
- What does it cost to take an exam?
- What is the FEI Instructor Program?
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What is a USDF Dressage Development Seminar?
These seminars are designed to provide a pathway for all members to further their dressage education (amateurs and professionals). They are geared toward a general audience and large group, and can features demonstration riders. An optional second day of the seminars are designed for a small group and features a hands-on education experience for participants. The curriculum if focused on riding/training, teaching and lungeing.
What is the Professional Development Pathway and Assessment?
These seminars are designed to provide a pathway for all members to further their dressage education (amateurs and professionals). They are geared toward a general audience and large group, and can features demonstration riders. An optional second day of the seminars are designed for a small group and features a hands-on education experience for participants. The curriculum if focused on riding/training, teaching and lungeing.
How do I become a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer? Where should I begin?
If you are interested in becoming a certified instructor, it is suggested you first submit an application for the Professional Development pathway and review the reading list. While attending in a Dressage Development series in not required, it is a good starting point to become familiar with the programs curriculum. Attendance in a Professional Development Assessment is required before attending a certification exam. You can find Dressage Development Seminars, Professional Development Assessments and Certification Exam that are scheduled throughout the country on the USDF Education Programs & Events Calendar.
What is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer?
A USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer is someone who has been certified by USDF in the areas of Riding/Training, Lungeing of the Horse, Lungeing of the Rider and have successfully passed a written and verbal exam.. Each Certified Instructor is a current USDF Participating Member, submits 16 hours of continuing education hours annually, has completed a course in First-aid and stays current with Safe Sport training, and signs our program’s code of conduct annually.
What levels of certification does USDF offer?
The USDF Instructor Certification Program offers certification in three categories:
- Certified Instructor/Trainer: Training through First Level
- Certified Instructor/Trainer: Second Level
- Certified Instructor/Trainer: Third through Fourth Level
- FEI Certification – FEI A and FEI B
Is there a recommended reading list?
Yes, you can find the complete list here. USDF recommends that workshop participants and certification candidates begin with the USDF Lungeing Manual, the USDF Teaching Manual, and the USDF Training Manual (Classical Training of the Horse) as a starting point. These manuals are the basic curriculum for the program.
Is there additional education that I can do to help in my preparation?
Yes. Visit USDF Online Education for in-depth learning modules specific to the program. It is required that workshop participants and certification candidates complete the modules for Principles of Teaching, Classical Training and Lungeing.
How do I find out what workshops or exams are scheduled?
You can find the complete schedule of workshops and exams on the Education Programs & Events Calendar.
Can I attend a workshop or exam that is outside my home region?
Yes, you can attend any workshop or exam that is on the schedule.
Is attendance at the workshops required before participating in an exam?
Although attendance at the workshops and pre-certification clinic are not required for certification, they are strongly recommended. Candidates who have participated in these programs have demonstrated a higher success rate at Certification Testings. This is also an opportunity for candidates to decide if they are ready to take the exam, or if they should seek further education.
What does it cost to take an exam?
The fees for taking the Certified Instructor Final Exams are:
- Training – First Level Exam is $1,200.00
- Second Level Exam is $1,200.00
- Third – Fourth Level Exam is $1,200.00
What is the FEI Instructor Program?
The FEI Instructor Program is geared toward instructors at the PSG through Grand Prix Level. There are very specific requirements, including an application process, for being accepted into the program. Those interested in this program are not required to be previously certified. Visit the website or contact the program liaison for more details on this program.
For further information on the Instructor/Trainer Program and Instructor Certification, visit the website or contact the program liaison.
