Get PMA Certified!
Professional certification, (or in some fields, a license), administered by an independent third party, is a cornerstone in any established profession. The PMA has created the only psychometrically validated, third party professional certification exam in the Pilates field. The PMA aims to create a critical mass of professionally certified Pilates teachers in order to establish the teaching of Pilates as a profession. We urge you to join this movement to elevate the status of Pilates teachers, by becoming a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher.
To achieve certification in the field of Pilates instruction, candidates must first meet eligibility requirements to sit for the exam, and then pass a 150 question multiple-choice examination. The Certified Pilates Teacher (CPT) examination has been designed to measure skill and knowledge level based on 450 hours or more of lecture self-study, apprenticeship and assistant teaching hours.
Eligibility Requirements
The exam is available to any Pilates teacher regardless of their Pilates training background who meets ONE of the following eligibility requirements:
Documented completion of a minimum 450-hour comprehensive Pilates teacher training program
-OR-
Documented 720 hours of comprehensive Pilates employment within the last 12-months
* English speakers, please note: The PMA exam is offered at testing sites throughout the World and at international Paper and Pencil events.
Most U.S. and Canada residents find it easier to schedule computer based exams at testing centers. For more information contact Ray Infante: rayi@pilatesmethodalliance.org
Certification Renewal Requirements
The PMA requires all PMA Certified Pilates Teachers to renew their certification every two years. To renew, certificants must earn 16 CECs within the 2 year time frame, submit the Certification Renewal Application, and pay a renewal fee.
"Certified Pilates Teacher" Definition
The PMA-Certified Pilates Teacher creates and implements safe and effective individualized programs for apparently healthy clients to improve health and fitness through exercise and physical activity. The goal of a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher is to impart the knowledge skill and confidence for clients to exercise for a lifetime. By awarding the title of Certified Pilates Teacher, PMA is formally recognizing the Pilates teacher who has provided evidence that he or she meets accepted professional standards.
Application and Forms
The Certification Application and verification forms are in PDF, fillable format. To view and complete these files you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please download a free copy here: http://get.adobe.com/reader
Renewal and Retake Forms
Fact Sheets
General Information
Links
The PMA exam is offered in two formats: IBT (internet based testing), and paper & pencil.
IBT
The PMA exam is offered at computer centers worldwide, year round. Locations and times vary. The exam candidate selects an available location, and then is offered a choice of dates and times to choose from. Please note that if you live in a rural area you may need to travel, as testing centers are generally in urban centers.
Paper and Pencil Testing
Check out the Paper and Pencil Exam Schedule
Exámenes próximos de papel y lápiz - Certificacion PMA
2012 Exam statistics:
502 candidates took the Certified Pilates Examination in both English and Spanish. Approximately 93.5% of the candidates achieved a passing score on the 150 items
Candidates were required to answer 90 or more items correctly.
In English, examination scores ranged from 80 to 136 with a mean score of 118.67 and standard deviation of 9.81.The reliability estimate (K-R20) 0.82
In Spanish, Examination scores ranged from 47 to 137 with a mean score of 108.88 and standard deviation of 15.46. The reliability estimate (K-R20) 0.91
The reliability estimate (K-R20) of 0.82 and 0.91 are above the generally accepted threshold for certification examinations of 0.80.
2011 Exam statistics:
435 candidates took the Certified Pilates Examination in both English and Spanish. Approximately 93.5% of the candidates achieved a passing score on the 150 items Candidates were required to answer 90 or more items correctly. ?In English, examination scores ranged from 68 to 135 with a mean score of 117.62 and standard deviation of 11.51. ?In Spanish, Examination scores ranged from 52 to 134 with a mean score of 109.28 and standard deviation of 13.56. ?The reliability estimate (K-R20) of 0.87 is above the generally accepted threshold for certification examinations of 0.80.
2010 Exam statistics:
In 2010, 386 candidates took the Certified Pilates Instructor Examination in both English and Spanish. Approximately 96% of the candidates achieved a passing score on the 150 items used to determine the candidates' total examination score. In English, candidates were required to answer 90 or more items correctly. Examination scores ranged from 81 to 137 with a mean score of 118.16 In Spanish, candidates were required to answer 90 or more items correctly. Examination scores ranged from 68 to 135 with a mean score of 111.44
Terminology in an emerging industry
In the formative years of any field, the passing on of methodologies through apprenticeships is a vital stage of development. It is during this period that a profession forges its identity and establishes the various approaches to the set of competencies known as its core skill set.
As an emerging profession gathers size and momentum, and demand for training and professional recognition grows, practitioners begin to formulate and codify training programs. While the programs share common components, courses often differ greatly in content and approach. At this stage in its development, there exists no universal agreement as to what comprehensive programs should include or what standard or competency a student should reach in order to be deemed competent. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the public to determine what constitutes competence or how to choose between education programs. This is the case today in the Pilates field.
Eventually, there comes a point at which practitioners need to align themselves with established, professional norms, if their field is to be truly recognized by the wider world as a "profession." The model for all professions is well established and has several fundamental components. These components cannot be compromised nor are they optional. One of the key components is standardized credentialing of professionals and the requirement for continuing education.
"Certification" vs. "Certificate"
"Certification" (associated terms/concepts: "credential", "third-party certification exam")
Certification is a voluntary process by which individuals are assessed against predetermined standards for knowledge/skills/competencies and granted a time-limited credential. The primary activity in certification is assessment, and the assessment process is independent of a specific course of study or any education/course/curriculum provider. Continuing education is always required to maintain a professional certification in good standing.
"Assessment-based certificate program" (associated terms/concepts: "teacher training", "school", "education program", "syllabus leading to an exam based on that syllabus")
An assessment-based certificate program is a relatively short, non-degree granting program that provides instruction and training to aid participants in acquiring knowledge/skills/competencies and designates that participants have passed an end-of-program assessment derived from the learning/course objectives. Although assessment is an integral part of the certificate program, the primary purpose of the program is to provide instruction and training. Continuing education is never required to maintain a "certificate" or "diploma" which is the result of the teacher training.
By convention, assessment by a third party (the third party, the PMA, having no connection to either the school or the student) is the recognized measure of competency for a profession. The third party assessment measures the competency of a graduate after the completion of a program of study, and is created following a strict protocol. Passage of such an assessment can lead to license, registration, or certification depending on the third party and the industry. In some cases, a state or regulatory agency functions as the third party. In the case of Pilates, however, the PMA is the only third party certifying agency for Pilates teachers.
Organizations
ICE - Institute for Credentialing Excellence www.credentialingexcellence.org Washington, D.C.
ICE is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to providing educational, networking and advocacy resources for the credentialing community. ICE was created in 1977, and was until very recently, called NOCA (National Organization for Competency Assurance).
NCCA - National Commission for Certifying Agencies www.credentialingexcellence.org Washington, D.C.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) was created in 1987 by NOCA to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competence. The PMA is currently preparing its application for NCCA accreditation.
On May 22, 2012 the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the PMA Pilates Certification Program for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance). The NCCA Standards were created in 1977 and updated in 2003 to ensure certification programs adhere to modern standards of practice for the certification industry. PMA Pilates Certification Program joins an elite group of more than 100 organizations representing over 250 programs that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation. More information on the NCCA is available online at www.credentialingexcellence.org/ncca or by calling 202/367-1165.
The two organizations above share the same website address.
Questions?
Please contact Ray Infante, Certification Specialist, for information related PMA Certification. rayi@pilatesmethodalliance.org.
