Attendance is required at a Professional Development Assessment for certification at all levels. Held over two or three days, the assessment is educational in nature, but will evaluate participants to the standards required for certification at their chosen level. The assessment will include all areas of the exam; lungeing, riding and teaching. A positive assessment with an overall score for 70% or higher must be received in order to move on the certification. Participants may attend more than one assessment and those receiving a positive assessment in the lungeing area(s), of 70% or higher, may have that score carried forward to the final exam.

Completion of the following online learning modules is required before submitting a Professional Development application. Click here to access the learning modules, and be sure you are logged in to the USDF website. The required modules are:

• Lungeing the Horse and Seat Lessons
• Principles of Teaching
• Classical Training
• General Education: The Riders Aids
• General Education: Sports Psychology
• General Education: Seat and Position
• Dressage Judging Terms and Concepts of Correct Training

Participants can now apply at a certification level that is best suited for them. While the suggested path is to start with certification at Training – First Level and continue in the progressive order, participants who are 25 years of age or older can apply at any level of certification. It should be noted that candidates not starting with Training – First Level will be required to do additional sessions at the certification exam to cover content from a lower level. See Certification Candidate Guidelines for more details.

This level is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to demonstrate the correct development of horse and rider through the basic levels of the Pyramid of Training. The instructor must demonstrate insight into the progression of dressage training through First Level and be able to effectively impart this knowledge to students, helping them to achieve correct training of the horse to this level. Candidates are also assessed in their proficiency to lunge a horse and to give a beginner seat lesson. The following requirements must be met:

• Be a current USDF Member and sign USDF Code of Ethics
• Minimum Age – 18
• Current First Aid Certification
• Must complete Safe Sport Training
• Complete online training modules as identified
• Submit resume showing three (3) years of teaching and training experience.
• Submit three (3) letters of recommendation. References should be from industry professionals attesting to candidate’s character and ability.
• Submit three (3) competition scores of 65% or higher from USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions. All scores must be from three (3) different judges.
• One (1) score from any First Level Test
• For IDA or Intercollegiate applicants, scores can be submitted from a recognized IDA competition
• Two (2) scores at First Level, Test 3 or higher

This level is designed to assess the candidate's ability to provide the correct foundation for beginning collection as required for Second Level. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to impart correct training and teaching philosophy, as well as develop the rider's seat and position in advanced seat lessons on the lunge. The following requirements must be met:

• Be a current USDF Member and sign USDF Code of Ethics
• Minimum Age – 18
• Current First Aid Certification
• Must complete Safe Sport Training
• Complete online training modules as identified
• Submit a resume showing four (4) years of teaching and training experience
• Must be currently certified at Training – First Level
• Submit three (3) letters of recommendation. References should be from industry professionals attesting to candidate’s character and ability.
• Submit five (5) competition scores from USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions. All scores must be from three (3) different judges.
• Two (2) scores from candidate of 65% or higher at Second Level Test 3 or higher
• One (1) score from candidate of 65% or higher from any Second Level test or higher
• Two (2) scores from candidate's students of 62% or higher from any Second Level test or higher

This level is designed to assess the candidate's ability to demonstrate progressive collection as required for Third and Fourth Levels. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the requirements and interconnection of the elements of the Pyramid of Training. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their effectiveness in imparting this knowledge to students, helping them to achieve correct training of the horse. The following requirements must be met:

• Be a current USDF Member and sign USDF Code of Ethics
• Minimum Age – 18
• Current First Aid Certification
• Must complete Safe Sport Training
• Complete online training modules as identified
• Submit a resume showing four (4) years teaching and training experience
• Must currently be certified through Second Level
• Submit five (5) letters of recommendation. References should be from industry professionals attesting to candidate’s character and ability.
• Submit five (5) competition scores from USEF-licensed/ USDF-recognized competitions. All scores must be from a total of three (3) different judges.
• Two (2) scores from candidate of 65% or higher at Fourth Level Test 3 or higher
• One (1) score from candidate of 65% or higher from any Fourth Level test or higher
• Two (2) scores from candidate's students of 62% or higher from any Fourth Level test or higher

As a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer or Associate Instructor, and member in good standing of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), I acknowledge my obligation to uphold the highest standards of horsemanship both at home and when in the public eye.

As a horseman, I place my rider’s safety and horse’s welfare above all else.

At competitions, whether participating as a trainer, coach or as a competitor, I will know and comply with all rules of the USDF/USEF, and when applicable, the FEI, and will ensure that my students know and comply by these rules as well.

As a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer or Associate Instructor, I acknowledge the importance of continuing my own education in order that I may pass this knowledge to my students.

I understand that as a USDF member and USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer or Associate Instructor, I serve as a representative of my sport, the USDF, and the USDF Instructor Certification Program. As a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer or Associate Instructor, I will serve as a positive example through my conduct, dress, and behavior by maintaining a professional demeanor.

I further understand that any USDF member suspended by USEF will be considered a USDF member not in good standing during the period of suspension. During this period, such person will be ineligible to participate in USDF programs, including having his/her name removed from the list of Associate/Certified Instructors, Instructor Workshop Faculty and Instructor Certification Examiners.

I acknowledge my membership in this professional community and my responsibility to demonstrate respect for my fellow professionals at all times.

The USDF Professional Development Assessment and Certification program is meant to be a thorough evaluation and examination of the candidate's expertise in the skills relevant to success in the dressage teaching and training profession. Candidates should aim to not only produce riders with winning scores, but more importantly to produce riders who can think critically about their training as well as feel the results and effects on the horse.

USDF Certified Instructors/Trainers:

• Exemplify the highest standards, protecting the interests of both students and horses as well as the traditions of classical dressage as outlined in the Pyramid of Training. Instructors are responsible for the future of dressage through the riders they influence.
• Are committed to the goal of the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. They endeavor to help students make their horses calm, supple, loose, and flexible, while also confident, attentive, and keen.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the classical dressage theory and its application to "real life" scenarios. They know the purpose, the progression, and the connection between the various school movements and can recognize the difficulties and typical mistakes.
• Have analytical skills rooted in classical methodology to accurately assess a horse’s strong and weak qualities. They will be able to articulate an appropriate plan for the horse's schooling. They demonstrate a solid, balanced and effective seat and tactful aids required to produce the desired effect on a variety of horses.
• Have a broad base of teaching experience with a reservoir of practical knowledge to draw upon. They have evaluative skills needed to analyze the training requirements of horses and students. They are able to achieve a solution appropriate to the student’s level of experience and current ability. They are able to transfer their knowledge, imparting concepts and feelings in order to produce independent riders.
• Present lessons that are organized focused and logical, yet creative and flexible in order to achieve success. Their professional demeanor will demonstrate poise, confidence, and command of the arena. Their communication skills show effective use of grammar, vocabulary, voice, and diction. They establish rapport with horse and rider, demonstrating compassion and encouragement.

Pay Instructor/Trainer Test Fees

For guidelines and other important documents, see our forms & documents page.

If you have any further questions, contact the Instructor/Trainer Program Liaison at (859) 971-2277 or instructorcertification@usdf.org