Due to the unique nature of her format and dance language, all new students in the Certification program, whether they are beginners or advanced dancers, begin with Level 1.

The program trains students to become complete bellydancers versed in dance movements, history, music and culture. Dance certification by Suhaila provides students with formal recognition of their dedication to and hard-earned proficiency in Suhaila's challenging style. The certification program encompasses five dance levels: Level 1 (Basics Breakdown), Level 2 (Fundamentals), Level 3 (Intermediate), Level 4 (Advanced), and Level 5 (Teaching Certification).

Each level provides training in identifying and isolating muscle groups, bellydance history and culture, rhythm identification, finger cymbals, movements and dance combinations, as well as the Jamila Salimpour format appropriate to the level. Every level is a vital piece in the dance mosaic, providing specialized training within a logical, cumulative sequence.

In order to main the highest quality, the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance certificates are based on up to date knowledge and performance skill, the certificate is time sensitive and expires within one year. Certification in each level will remain valid for one year unless, within that time, the student updates his/her certification or is certified in a higher dance level.

To earn a certificate, students first become members of the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance, enabling them to receive special discounts on all Suhaila Productions, LLC Workshops and SSSD Clothing. Students who successfully attain Level V achieve the prestigious title of Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance instructor.

Attending a Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance workshop is independent of the Suhaila Salimpour Certification program and in no way does participating in a Suhaila Salimpour Workshop entitle a participant to recieve a certificate.

Becoming Certified in Level V is the only certificate that authorizes a dancer to teach the Suhaila Salimpour format as a certified instructor; all other certificates I-IV are certificates of achievement within the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance LLC that denotes a dancer's progress. When a dancer achieves a Suhaila Salimpour School of dance Teaching Certificate (Level V) they will receive the highest quality of training within a belly dance program. The students that are then taught the Suhaila Salimpour Format under the Certified Instructor through the direction, curriculum and guidance from the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance will receive the highest quality of belly dance training available today.

Certification in the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance LLC is valid for one year contingent upon active membership in the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance LLC. In the case of an expired membership the certification will become invalid and the dancer must retest/recertify.