Certification Prerequisites
Online Mat
Online Reformer
Online Equipment
FAQ
Start your Pilates instructor certification here!
Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification
65 hours for $719 - Payment plans available!*
Included in your Online Pilates Mat Certification:
- Instant downloadable PDF course manual
- Self-paced video lectures on beginning, intermediate and advanced Pilates mat exercises
- 10 online mat classes for observation and self-practice
- Student Assignments
- Practical Exam
- Written Exam
- One to one mentoring via Zoom or Skype with a Master Instructor
- FREE Bonus Material including deeper dive discussions on a variety of topics, full length workouts and class choreography
- FREE private chat room for PIA certification customers to talk to and learn from each other
- Certified instructor listing upon completion
- Earn CEC's for ACE, NPCP, CanFitPro and NCBMTB
*Payment plans available to customers who qualify
Online Pilates Mat, Anatomy and Reformer Teacher Certification
200 hours for $1,999 - Payment plans available!*
Included in your Online Pilates Mat, Anatomy and Reformer Teacher Certification:
- Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification
- Online Anatomy & Biomechanics for Movement Instructors**
- Online Pilates Reformer Certification
- 6 supplemental courses to help you succeed!
- Earn CEC's for ACE, NPCP, CanFitPro and NCBMTB
You must have access to a Reformer for the movement practice and final exam of the certification.
*The cost for this certification is $2,827 but we offer a 30% package discount for single payments. Everything included for just $1,999! Payment plans available to customers who qualify
**Anatomy text sold separately
Online Pilates Mat, Anatomy and Equipment Certification
255 hours for $2,799 - Payment plans available!*
Included in your Online Pilates Mat, Anatomy and Equipment Certification:
- Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification
- Online Anatomy & Biomechanics for Movement Instructors**
- Online Pilates Reformer Certification
- Online Pilates Trapeze Table/Tower Certification
- Online Pilates Chair Certification
- Online Pilates Barrels/Arcs Certification
- 6 supplemental courses to help you succeed
- Earn CEC's for ACE, NPCP, CanFitPro and NCBMTB
You must have access to the following equipment for the movement practice and final exams of the certification:
- Reformer
- Trapeze Table or Tower
- Wunda Chair
- Ladder Barrel or other Pilates arc
*The cost for this certification is $3,454, but we offer a 20% package discount for single payments. Everything included for just $2,799! Payment plans available to customers who qualify.
**Anatomy text sold separately
Want to qualify for the NPCP (formerly PMA) certification exam?
To ensure our customers the greatest success with our online Pilates teacher certifications, we have a few prerequisites.
They are one or more of the following:
- Knowledge of Pilates movements and/or
- Experience with dance, yoga, personal training or group fitness
- Basic understanding of anatomy
All customers must be at least 18 years old
NOTE - PIA does not charge for self-practice, observation and practice teaching. These hours can be completed in a home studio or at a host studio, gym or other fitness facility. Some host studios may charge for access to equipment and additional coaching. PIA does not determine these rates.
Online Pilates Teacher Training and Certification
Pilates Instructor Academy's Online Pilates Teacher Certifications© are:
√ Tried and true (we've been training Pilates teachers since 2001)
√ High-quality (our courses exceed industry standards for excellence)
√ Affordable (no hidden costs or additional fees)
√ Accessible (you can study online, in your own home, at your own pace)
√ Inclusive (we believe great Pilates teachers come in all shapes, sizes, ages and from all backgrounds)
√ Good for planet earth!! (no travel means you can reduce your carbon footprint while investing in your Pilates career)
PIA’s Online Pilates Teacher Certification is for the serious Pilates instructor looking for a college level, exercise science-based Pilates instructor certification. Our online Pilates Teacher Certifications are the same quality and detail of a live workshop, but delivered in a super-convenient 100% self-paced online format. We will help you develop critical skills needed to design and teach creative, safe Pilates classes. Our curriculum includes the applied anatomy and biomechanics for each Pilates exercise, and provides a thorough examination of classical versus contemporary Pilates styles. Additionally, you will receive personal guidance and feedback from a Master Instructor.
Pre-requisites: Knowledge of Pilates movements and /or experience as a group fitness, dance or yoga instructor, and a basic understanding of anatomy. All customers must be at least 18 years old. All customers must be pre-approved prior to purchasing PIA's Online Pilates Certifications©.
Online Pilates Mat Certification:
- 55 (equivalent) hours of recorded video lectures which you can watch at your convenience and pace includes:
- A history of Joseph Pilates and his method of exercise
- Anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis, hip, spine and shoulder
- Foundations of Pilates: core, breath, alignment, balance, awareness
- Preparatory movements to teach important concepts about Pilates exercises
- Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Pilates exercises
- How to modify and vary Pilates mat exercises
- Stretches that work well in Pilates classes
- How to design safe, effective and FUN Pilates mat classes
- Contraindications to Pilates mat exercises
- 10 online mat classes to be used for observation and self-practice
- 10 hours of observation is required
- Log sheet is provided for additional hours or if you wish to watch live classes in your community
- Observation notes are provided to help guide your observation
- Self-practice is taking Pilates classes taught experienced Pilates instructors
- 10 hours of self-practice is required
- Log sheet is provided for additional hours or if you wish to take live classes in your community
- 10 hours of observation is required
Free preview of Fundamental and Beginning Mat Online Certification
Free preview of Intermediate and Advanced Mat Online Certification
Also included in ALL Online Pilates Certification Courses:
- Assignments, quizzes and exams
- Throughout the lectures, you will be directed to complete teaching assignments
- Bonus content on a variety of topics, including full length workouts, class choreography ideas and deeper dive discussions
- Private PIA customer chat room to connect with other PIA Online Certification Customers
- Practice teaching with distance mentor (up to one hour distance mentoring included. Additional time can be purchased, if needed)
- At the completion of the final video lecture you will be prompted to take the final written and practical exams
- Final certificate issued after you’ve successfully completed the written final exam
- FREE trial listing on our Certified Instructors page
"I would highly recommend Pilates Instructor Academy! Their online Pilates mat certification program is top notch and Amanda is incredibly knowledgeable about Pilates and biomechanics. I personally feel that this online version of training is much more thorough than the in-person trainings I’ve done for past certifications." ~Whitney F.
- 200 total hours including prerequisites
- 65 hour Online Pilates Mat Certification
- 20 hour Online Pilates Anatomy and Biomechanics for Movement Instructors
- 115 hour Online Pilates Reformer Certification
- Instant downloadable PDF course manuals
- Self-paced video lectures on beginning, intermediate and advanced Pilates Reformer exercises
- Student Assignments
- Accessory Video Lectures on topics including:
- Pilates History
- The Importance of Teaching Proper Alignment
- Client Safety
- Professional Etiquette and Customer Service
- Cueing and Teaching Skills
- Contraindications
- Client Intake, Assessment and Goals
- Risk Management
- $400 value at no additional cost!
Free Preview of Online Pilates Reformer Certification
Also included in ALL Online Pilates Certification Courses:
- Assignments, quizzes and exams
- Throughout the lectures, you will be directed to complete teaching assignments
- Bonus content on a variety of topics, including full length workouts, class choreography ideas and deeper dive discussions
- Private PIA customer chat room to connect with other PIA Online Certification Customers
- Practice teaching with distance mentor (up to one hour distance mentoring included. Additional time can be purchased, if needed)
- At the completion of the final video lecture you will be prompted to take the final written and practical exams
- Final certificate issued after you’ve successfully completed the written final exam
- FREE trial listing on our Certified Instructors page
Pilates Instructor Academy's Online Reformer Certification allowed me to get certified without any added stress! I was able to maintain my work schedule, continue graduate school, and complete the certification at my own pace. During the global pandemic of 2020, being 100% online gave me the opportunity to get certified and stay safe. Amanda and Carrie were amazing to work with and have been there for me every step of the way. I highly recommend PIA's Online Reformer Certification for anyone with a passion for Pilates and desire to learn! ~Katelyn C.
- 255 total hours including prerequisites
- 65 hour Online Pilates Mat Certification
- 20 hour Online Anatomy and Biomechanics for Movement Instructors
- 115 hour Online Pilates Reformer Certification
- 25 hour Online Pilates Trapeze Table/Tower Certification
- 20 hour Online Pilates Chair Certification
- 20 hour Online Pilates Barrels and Arcs Certification
- Instant downloadable PDF course manuals
- Self-paced video lectures on beginning, intermediate and advanced Pilates Reformer exercises
- Student Assignments
- Accessory Video Lectures on topics including:
- Pilates History
- The Importance of Teaching Proper Alignment
- Client Safety
- Professional Etiquette and Customer Service
- Cueing and Teaching Skills
- Contraindications
- Client Intake, Assessment and Goals
- Risk Management
- $400 value at no additional cost!
Also included in ALL Online Pilates Certification Courses:
- Assignments, quizzes and exams
- Throughout the lectures, you will be directed to complete teaching assignments
- Bonus content on a variety of topics, including full length workouts, class choreography ideas and deeper dive discussions
- Private PIA customer chat room to connect with other PIA Online Certification Customers
- Practice teaching with distance mentor (up to one hour distance mentoring included. Additional time can be purchased, if needed)
- At the completion of the final video lecture you will be prompted to take the final written and practical exams
- Final certificate issued after you’ve successfully completed the written final exam
- FREE trial listing on our Certified Instructors page
Our online and live Pilates teacher training and certifications exceed the highest standards set in the Pilates, fitness and bodywork industries, and are recognized by leading authorities for continuing education credits, including:
- NPCP - The National Pilates Certification Program (formerly the Pilates Method Alliance, PMA)
- ACE - The American Council on Exercise
- NCBTMB - The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
- CanFitPro - Canadian Fitness Professionals
We proudly support our US Military families! Military spouses may qualify for tuition assistance through MyCaa.
Looking to sit for the NPCP (formerly the PMA) certification exam? Pilates Instructor Academy's© 505 hour comprehensive equipment certification exceeds the requirements to sit for the Certified Pilates Teacher (CPT) exam offered by The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP), formerly the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA).
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FAQ's about PIA Online Pilates Certifications
YES! PIA's Online Pilates Teacher Certifications provide everything you need to teach safe, effective and fun Pilates mat, Reformer and even full Pilates equipment classes to a variety of participants of varying skill. The courses are 100% online, so you can study at your own pace, on your own schedule and in your own home.
PIA certifications carry generous expiration periods:
- 65 hour Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification - 12 months (but most customers finish in less than 6 months).
- 200 hour Online Pilates Mat, Anatomy and Reformer Teacher Certification - 18 months (but most customers finish in less than one year).
- 255 hour Online Pilates Mat, Anatomy and Full Equipment Teacher Certification - 24 months (but most customers finish in about 12 months).
Expiration Date Extension Policy:
- We can offer a 2 month extension at no charge for those customers who need a bit more time. You MUST request an extension BEFORE any individual course(s) expires.
- Additional extensions can be purchased for $325.
Investing in a Pilates Mat Teacher Certification is a big decision. We want 100% of our customers to successfully complete our Pilates Certification courses and have a great experience while doing so! Our #1 goal is to provide the highest quality Online Pilates Teacher Certifications. In order to accomplish this, we have a few prerequisites. They are knowledge of Pilates movements and/or experience as a group fitness, dance or yoga instructor as well as a basic understanding of anatomy. All customers must be at least 18 years old.
If you don't meet some or any of the prerequisites, we can provide additional support. Our goal is to provide the highest quality Online Pilates Teacher Certification, and prepare our customers for successful careers teaching Pilates!
Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification:
If you are taking the Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification, you don't need to live near a studio. You can do 100% of the course work at home on your own mat! The course includes 10 pre-recorded Pilates mat classes ranging from beginning level to advanced. You can watch these courses and take notes using our Observation Notes sheet to meet the observation requirement. You can participate in the instructor led work out for the self-practice requirement.
Online Pilates Reformer and Equipment Teacher Certification:
If you are taking the Online Reformer and/or Comprehensive Equipment Certification, you will need access to Pilates equipment to complete the course. This can be done on Pilates equipment at one of our PIA preferred Host Studios or a local Pilates studio, gym or fitness center. If needed, we can work with you to find a suitable studio near you to support your certification.
NO. Pilates Instructor Academy© is a private company offering Pilates teacher training programs and certifications for Pilates Mat, Reformer and Comprehensive Pilates Equipment teachers. Neither the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) nor the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) trains instructors to teach. The NPCP offers an exam that awards their title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT). In order to sit for the NPCP (PMA) exam, you must complete at least 450 hours of Pilates teacher training*. This 450 hour training minimum must include mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Pilates Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and the Magic Circle. If your goal is to take the NPCP (PMA) Pilates certification exam, your PIA Comprehensive Pilates Equipment Teacher Certification is a total of 505 hours (both in-person and online formats), and will fully prepare you to take the NPCP (PMA) exam.
*IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT NPCP (PMA) PILATES CERTIFICATION-the NPCP (PMA) does not recognize mat and Reformer-only Pilates certifications.
Without exception, we cannot issue a refund for any online course or certification after it has been purchased.
Yes! Payment plans are available to customers who qualify. Select Klarna, Affirm or Afterpay/Clearpay as your payment plan upon checkout to split the cost of your certification into payments.
A High Speed Internet Connection is required to fully experience our online learning materials in the manner they were intended.
Important Smartphone User Note: While it may be possible to register for and view these online programs on a smartphone, WE STRONGLY DISCOURAGE USING A SMARTPHONE WITH THIS PROGRAM. Due to the smaller screen size and inconsistency of carrier coverage areas and speeds, smartphones will not allow you as a user to gain the full experience and Pilates Instructor Academy does not intend it's online learning materials to be accessed in this manner.
Internet Connection Speed:
For the best experience, a high speed internet connection is highly recommended. Lower bandwidth connections may still allow you to register for and access our webinar videos and download any included documents, but you may experience buffering or extended load times. Many internet providers (ISPs) supply connection speed information to their customers on their company websites. Please consult your ISPs' technical specs or help resources to ensure your connection speed is sufficient prior to purchasing materials.
Please Note: At times, connection speeds can increase or decrease due to the volume of traffic on the internet and the ability of ISP servers to handle the amount of traffic they are receiving or other factors may cause connection speeds to fluctuate. It's recommended that you verify your current connection speed, before you begin a webinar, using an online speed test (which are provided free of cost to you) on such websites as http://www.speedtest.org/ or http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ (as example).
Browser Compatibility Recommendations:
- Windows: Firefox, Chrome
- OSX: Firefox, Chrome, Safari
- The following browsers are NOT RECOMMENDED at this time: Edge, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 9
We are here to support your Pilates teacher certification - and we LOVE talking to customers! Contact us by click the Get Started Now button, or call/text us at 888-251-2080. Or, follow Pilates Instructor Academy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Innovative Pilates Teacher Certification
888.251.2080
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