10 Steps to Choose the Best Pilates Certification Program
If you've decided to become a Certified Pilates Teacher, you're probably spinning your head over how many studios are out there that offer a "Pilates Certification Program”.
The truth is that the Pilates Industry is not regulated. There are no state laws or regulations that govern these Programs.
There is no “official” accredited Pilates Certification that will guarantee you a teaching position.
Your success in becoming a Pilates teacher will rest entirely on the type of comprehensive education you receive from the Pilates studio you choose and how well you audition for your teaching position.
Because of this, you need to fully vet any studio you are considering.
NEVER consider a Program that is taught virtually as it will not offer you the best way of learning.
Contact the studio or studios you are interested and ask to speak with the Program Director or the person that will be teaching you the Program. On the phone call, ask questions about the teaching methods and the type of success you can expect from the Program.
If this goes well then proceed with these 10 steps:
At your meeting with the Program Director in the studio, review the Program Manual curriculum in detail. This is the education you will be receiving for your Certification so it’s very important you know what you will be learning. Be sure to ask how it’s taught.
Ask about the number of expert teacher trainer supervised or mentored hours you will receive in the Program.
Ask about the number of hours that are specifically devoted to anatomy and biomechanics. A good Pilates teacher must have this knowledge to be able to teach all types of client including those with medical conditions such as disc herniations, knee, hip and shoulder issues, pre and post natal? This is truly what a comprehensive program should include.
Ask if you will be supervised by an expert teacher when you are doing your practice teaching hours. This should be included in your tuition. Supervised teaching is a very important part of developing the skills to become a good teacher. If a studio does not offer this, then do not consider taking their Program.
Ask if the studio offers students the opportunity to teach as an apprentice as part of the program. This will prepare you for auditions when you are ready to seek a teaching position. You should be able to apprentice teach Mat classes, Reformer classes and even Chair classes as well as private sessions.
Review and confirm all tuition costs included completing the Program. Know exactly what the tuition includes and ask if there are any “pre-requisite” costs. The studio must be fully transparent about what they are charging for the Certification Program. And never put down a deposit from a Program you see online!
Confirm that the studio will be available for you to do all of your practice time needed to complete your Certification requirements. Also ask when the studio is open for you to do practice time. Make sure that they do not charge for this time. It should be included in your tuition.
Confirm the amount of time you will have to complete the Program. You should be given at least one year to complete both the Mat and Equipment Teacher Training Program.
Ask about the type of tests you will need to pass, (written, practical), and what kind of assessments you will be given during the training.
Ask about their cancellation and refund policy.
Taking these 10 decision-making steps will give you the comfort level needed in choosing the best Pilates Teacher Training Certification Program that’s right for you.
The more comprehensive the Pilates education you receive, the better your chance of landing a good teaching position!
The Pilates Certification School will cover all of the above issues and more.
We insure that you have all of your questions answered regarding the requirements in becoming a Certified Expert Pilates Teacher.
Apply to The Pilates Certification School
Upon receiving your application:Our Program Director will contact you to set up a introductory phone call to discuss our Certification Program and answer any questions you may have. Thereafter, a meeting will be scheduled with you and the Program Director in the studio to carefully review the Certification Program Manuals and answer any further questions you may have.