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 since Pilates is not a regulated industry and studios that offer Pilates Teacher Certification Programs are all very different with regard to the education they offer.
Never enroll and pay for a Pilates Certification Program online! You need to visit the studio, meet with the Program Director and review with the Program Director all of the education you will receive. This can only be done by seeing the Certification Manuals.
Most important, your Pilates Certification, (the certificate you receive after completing the Program), is only as good as the education you receive. So you need to verify, check for accuracy and suitability before make a decision on which Program to take.
Pilates Certification Program Verification Checklist.
In your meeting with Program Director, ask about the teaching methods and the type of success you can expect from the Program. Also ask if there will be other expert teacher trainers that will be assisting. Ask if the expert teacher trainers are from the Program they are teaching. It is critical that they have the same education as what they will be teaching you.
Review the Program Manual curriculum in detail with the Teacher Training Program Director. 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 “quality” course lecture hours that you will be taught and what those hours include. For example, how many hours are specifically devoted to anatomy in the course lecture? How many hours are devoted to learning how to teach clients 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.
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.
Ask to speak with both current students and graduates of the Program.