The training at most studios is SALES and not necessarily dance training. In this respect think of alledged "dance" studios in the country as "social clubs" that teach a little dancing. It appears that your apprehensions go beyond certificates on the wall and are probably well-founded. You can fair much better by searching for a non-studio instructor. Here's a clue: Attend a bigger ballroom dance club like a USABDA function. Look for some good couples who dance well. I'm not talking flash steps...just who execute well as a couple. Get to talk to them. Ask them who their teacher is. Remember the goal: Its not the teacher that dances well....its the teacher that teaches dance well.

Well said Dave.

OB

To get away from the social clubs with a little dancing mentality--I started thinking about competing immediately or as soon as possible. A competition teacher is a different type of teacher. If you tell a teacher that you are interested in competition technique, most will bow out. It will make them look bad and you will find out very quickly once you start competing if you have a good teacher.
It is a very good sign if the teacher competes and takes private lessons too.
Look at competition as a way to set goals and work on specific areas. It is not all about winning.

Overall, you need to like the teachers style of teaching too.

I agree with anonymous-level is determined by the way it's executed not by the steps you are learning. Watch a professional do the box step and then watch a newcomer student. Same step, but the difference is the technique. If you are having doubts about her being certified, ask to see her certification. Not all teachers who have been with AM are certified. Some people come to AM and go through a training program, but they decide they don't want to do it, or the owner decides that they don't have the qualities it takes to become an instructor, so they do not take their certification test and do not actually teach.