How to Become a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Some of you may know that I’ve been leading Pilates teacher trainings for almost eight years now. When I first applied to become a Club Pilates Master Trainer many moons ago, one of the pre-requisites was that I had to be a nationally certified Pilates teacher. What does that exactly mean?
Here’s how I explain it to my students or newbie teachers. You know how lawyers go to law school and graduate but then have to “sit” for the bar exam? Well that’s basically what we have to do in our industry. We “sit” for what’s called the National Pilates Certification Exam. Once we pass, we receive a badge and certificate stating we are now a National Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and we’re required to keep up with our credits every few years (just like lawyers, doctors, and chiropractors have to do continuing ed to keep their license).
Pilates has gained immense popularity in recent years as a holistic approach to physical fitness that promotes strength, flexibility, and body awareness. As the demand for qualified Pilates instructors continues to rise, obtaining a professional certification is essential for those seeking to excel in this field. In this blog post, we will explore the National Pilates Certification Program, the National Pilates Certification Exam, their significance, and how they can propel your career as a Pilates practitioner.
What is the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP)?
The NPCP is an organization that provides certifications to Pilates instructors. The certification serves as confirmation that a teacher has the necessary knowledge and skills to teach Pilates effectively and safely and that they meet the required level of expertise and ethical guidelines. Once a Pilates student graduates from a comprehensive Pilates accredited program like Club Pilates, Polestar (where I graduated from), Balanced Body or one of the other great education programs, they are eligible to sit for the National Pilates Certification Exam.
The NPCP was created to honor Joe and Clara Pilates’ legacy but its purpose is also to provide a set of common guidelines and oversee Pilates exams, certifications, and instructors. This non-profit organization has established itself as the global industry standard for safely and effectively teaching various apparatus and mat work to all populations. The NPCP maintains third-party exams that meet NCCA standards and keeps them up-to-date with current practices while providing guidelines and support for continuing education courses and lifelong learning for certified instructors.
Understanding The National Pilates Certification Exam (NPCE)
After you graduate from your comprehensive accredited certification program, you can apply for the NPCE. The NPCE is designed to test your knowledge, skills, and teaching proficiency. While there are so many benefits to being NPCE certified, here are the three benefits that led me to become certified through NPCE:
Credibility with employers and clients: This certification is accredited by the NCCA (the National Commission for Certifying Agencies) and is highly regarded within the Pilates and fitness community. It is a symbol of your understanding of the art and science of Pilates as well as your competence and expertise, enhancing your overall credibility as an instructor.
Career opportunities: Many studios and fitness facilities only hire certified instructors, giving you a competitive edge right off the bat. The NPCE can also lead to higher-paying positions, increased job security, and growth within the Pilates industry.
Client trust and safety: Becoming a NCPT will make your clients feel confident in your knowledge and skills to provide them safe and effective Pilates training with their well-being always in mind.
Once my students graduate from a comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training program and begin auditioning or teaching, I encourage them to start preparing for the National Pilates Certification Exam.
This past summer, one of my former students reached out after leaving her corporate job to work at a local Pilates studio. She mentioned the studio conducts bi-yearly reviews and asked, “How can I stand out in these reviews?” My advice? Become a NCPT. Achieving this certification will set you apart and position you for greater success.
Remember, it’s a choice to take the National Pilates Certification Exam and become certified. You’re still a Pilates teacher, even if you don’t become a NCPT and you can still have a fulfilling and successful career.
Are you thinking about auditioning or interviewing with a studio or gym in the future? I’ve got a great resource for you: Check out my How to Nail your Pilates Audition from Start to Finish!
What are the requirements to apply?
Those looking to apply to the NPCE must be at least 18 years old and complete a comprehensive Pilates training (like some of the programs I mentioned above), which includes coursework, assignments, and final exams.
Comprehensive Pilates training requires a minimum of 450 hours of experience with mat and Reformer Pilates, the Trapeze Table, the Cadillac (this is my students' favorite!), the Wunda Chair, the Ladder Barrel, the Spine Corrector, and the Magic Circle.
This comprehensive training also involves lectures on various topics (the history of Pilates, anatomy, and special populations), observation hours where the student observes an experienced teacher, teaching practice under the guidance of an experienced teacher, and self-practice hours. This is where I come in…
As a Club Pilates Master Trainer for nearly eight years and Continuing Education Course (CEC) Provider, I help guide new students each semester on their journey to becoming Pilates teachers and leave them feeling confident working with a wide range of clients. One of the key lessons my students learn (besides the Pilates repertoire itself) is how to successfully plan and lead group and private Pilates classes with mixed apparatus. During their time with me, my students also learn how to tailor their teaching to meet the unique needs of clients with injuries or specific health concerns, gaining valuable insight into modifying exercises safely and effectively and understanding how Pilates can be adapted for different bodies and abilities.
Where do you take the exam?
Exams can be taken in-person at testing centers or online.
What does the exam consist of?
The exam is 125 multiple choice questions focusing on critical observation, teaching, technical expertise, and professionalism.
How much does the exam cost?
The exam costs $295 and includes the exam plus the first two years of certification.
Preparing for the National Pilates Certification Exam (NPCE)
I personally love to set myself up for success when it comes to any and all certifications, exams, and continuing education. Here are the steps I took to ensure I would pass the NPCE and be on my way to a fulfilling, successful, and happy Pilates career:
Complete a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of Pilates, including anatomy, exercise principles, teaching techniques, and client management. It’s best that the program you choose aligns with the NPCE's content outline and provides hands-on experience.
Apply for the NPCE and schedule your exam. You can schedule your exam after applying, but if you’re like me, you appreciate a sense of accountability, so if you don’t schedule your exam right away, pick a goal date and stick to it!
Study, study, study. Review the exam content in depth and familiarize yourself with the NPCE's content outline and materials provided by the certification organization. You can find online study materials HERE.
Get all the in-person experience you can! Teach Pilates classes, observe experienced instructors, and be open to receiving feedback (this will only help you!). Diversify your experience by teaching all different levels and various populations to develop your adaptability and confidence as an instructor.
Take practice exams (yes, not just one practice exam, but multiple)! Practice exams will help you determine which topics you need to study more, get you familiar with the exam format and gauge your overall knowledge. You can find practice exams HERE.
In the midst of preparing for an exam like the National Pilates Certification Exam, one of my favorite things to do is prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly! Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will enhance your focus, concentration, and overall performance during the exam. I always suggest clearing your schedule the day before your exam and doing something nourishing so you can feel ready to sit for the NPCE.
So you passed, now what?
First off, congratulations!
You will receive your digital badge, instructions, renewal information and username and password for the certification program’s database within a week after passing the exam.
The good news? You don’t have to sit for the exam again! Remember, in order to renew your certification you must earn 16 NPCP-approved continuing education credits within the two year renewal period.
What happens if you don’t pass?
Don’t panic! I always tell my students that I’m not the best standardized test taker. I had to take my GMAT more than once and had a tutor for that test.
So if you don’t pass, study and take it again. Consider how you can modify your studying to best fit your personal method of learning.
And remember—candidates that don’t pass have the option to retake the exam 15 days following their most recent attempt. Only 3 attempts are allowed and there is a retake fee associated each time.
Continuing education
Pilates is an evolving field, and ongoing education is essential to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and the industry itself. Keep an eye out for workshops, conferences, and online courses to expand your knowledge and refine your teaching skills. You can find continuing education courses everywhere, whether it be online, at studios or directly on the NPCP website.
I offer my course, The Pilates Formula™—How to Design, Develop, and Execute a Pilates Mat & Reformer Group Class, on both my website and the NPCP website.
In this online course, you will earn 7 CECs as you go from feeling brand new and overwhelmed teaching to feeling uplifted, prepared, and confident as you begin to instruct group Pilates classes. This course is your key to effectively preparing yourself to lead group Pilates classes, covering everything you need to know from formatting your classes to refreshing your cueing, ensuring your students receive the best Pilates experience possible. Regardless of whether you’re at the beginning of your Pilates teaching journey or a more experienced instructor looking to brush up on your skills, my online course has something for everyone.
Start learning now by finding my course HERE!
So, there you have it—everything you need to know about how to become a nationally certified Pilates teacher! Still got questions about becoming a certified Pilates teacher? Email me HERE and let’s talk!
Are you a Pilates teacher looking to expand your teaching skills or for mentoring sessions to help prepare you for the NPCP exam?
Connect with me to learn about my specialized one-on-one post graduate mentoring programs! Over the course of the program, you will be guided through an in-depth study of personal development as you step into the role of instructor.
Schedule a complimentary connection call with me HERE—I can’t wait to hear from you! 😊
Resource: https://nationalpilatescertificationprogram.org
With love,
Lia