PMA Help Center
FAQ for the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) covering Membership, Insurance, and ITTAP
Membership
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a PMA member?
A: PMA membership provides access to exclusive educational content, discounted rates for events and workshops, networking opportunities with professionals around the world, advocacy for the Pilates profession, and access to tools and resources that support your career growth.
Q: Who can join the PMA?
A: Anyone with an interest in Pilates can join. We offer categories for students, instructors, studio owners, and allied professionals.
Q: How do I renew my membership?
A: You can renew online through your PMA account. Members will receive renewal reminders via email 30 days before their membership expires.
Q: Is membership required to attend PMA events?
A: No, but members receive discounted pricing and early registration access for conferences and continuing education events.
Professional Liability Insurance
Q: Does the PMA offer liability insurance for Pilates professionals?
A: The PMA partners with insurance providers to offer professional liability insurance options tailored for Pilates instructors. Details are available on the PMA website under the “Resources” or “Member Benefits” section.
Q: Can international members access insurance through the PMA?
A: Insurance options vary by country. PMA’s partnered insurance plans are primarily available to members in the United States. International members are encouraged to check with their local providers.
Q: Is insurance included in my membership fee?
A: No, insurance must be purchased separately. However, PMA members may receive preferred pricing through our partnered providers.
Instructor Training Program Accreditation (ITTAP)
Q: What is ITTAP?
A: ITTAP (Instructor Training Program Accreditation Process) is PMA’s voluntary program that evaluates and recognizes Pilates instructor training programs that meet established professional standards.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for ITTAP accreditation?
A: Any Pilates instructor training organization that meets PMA’s criteria, including curriculum standards, faculty qualifications, and program structure, may apply.
Q: How do I begin the ITTAP application process?
A: Visit the PMA website and navigate to the ITTAP section. Review the standards and guidelines, and complete the application form. Detailed instructions are provided for document submission and folder organization.
Q: Is there a deadline for ITTAP applications?
A: Yes, the PMA announces application periods throughout the year. Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis. Check the website for current deadlines and open application windows.
Q: What are the benefits of ITTAP accreditation?
A: ITTAP-accredited programs demonstrate a commitment to quality education and industry standards. Accreditation enhances credibility, supports student recruitment, and aligns your program with global best practices in Pilates education.
If you have additional questions, visit the PMA website or contact us directly at support@pilatesmethodalliancesupport.zendesk.com.
ITTAP Structure and Fees
Pilates teacher training programs may seek ITTAP approval for one or all of three tiers (Mat, Reformer, Comprehensive) and must adhere to up to 10 educational standards, depending on the approval tier desired.
Regardless of tier, all programs must have teacher trainers who are Comprehensive Pilates training graduates with a minimum of 500 hours teaching Pilates clients and 200 hours of cumulative experience training potential teachers.
Mat Teacher Training Program Fee: $559. Total Program Hrs- 100 hours
Standard 1
34 Lecture/Classroom hours that include the following modules: History of Pilates, Anatomy, Special Populations, Teaching/Cueing*, Business Practices and Networking.
Curriculum:
There is a 34-hour lecture requirement for the Mat Teacher Training Program. The curriculum must meet the following requirements:
1. The program’s design and materials must follow sound educational practices.
2. The curriculum content and learning experiences are pre-planned and present a systematic and sequential educational methodology.
3. Lecture content must provide learners with education and training that is consistent with industry standards and commonly used apparatus at this time.
4. Teaching methods are appropriate to course content, meet the needs of diverse learners, use adult learning principles, and are designed to encourage and enhance learner participation and involvement using the program’s mission and goals as guiding principles.
5. The teacher-to-student ratio ensures effective teaching and learning in both lecture and practical courses.
6. Systematic and effective review procedures are in place to monitor and improve the curriculum and include feedback from relevant stakeholders, i.e. faculty,students, graduates, and employers.
*Teachers must be mindful of sensitivity issues . . .
Standard 2
20 Observation hours by Student
Observation of the Qualified Teacher Trainer (QTT) is critical for students to understand how to apply what they are learning.
The following applies to Observation:
Observation must be live or live/virtual.
Observation should assess if students are actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
During observation students are not interacting with instructors or clients.
Standard 3
16 Self-Practice hours
The practice of Pilates allows the teacher trainee to work on their craft. The Self-Practice component of the program adheres to the following guidelines:
During Self-Practice the teacher trainee performs Pilates exercises at a location and in a manner approved by your program.
It is to be performed alone or with other teacher trainees only.
Standard 4
12 Student Teaching hours (must have a minimum of 2 clients)
The Student Teacher is required to work with a minimum of 2 clients teaching Mat classes. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the teacher trainee as Student Teacher.
Standard 5
3 Assisted Teaching hours with QTT
During Assisted Teaching, the teacher trainee practices in an environment where there are opportunities to ask questions in the moment while the QTT is present and actively involved in the instruction.
Standard 6
12 Mat Pilates Private of Group Session hours with QTT
The teacher trainer receives instruction from the QTT in the form of a private or group session.
Standard 7
1 Observation hour of Student Teaching a Mat Pilates Class by QTT
The following guidelines apply to Observation hours:
Student Teachers must be observed by the QTT for a minimum of 1 hour teaching a Pilates Mat Class.
During observation the QTT is not interacting with the Student Teacher or the clients unless it is deemed necessary by the QTT to intervene to ensure the safety or well-being of all participants.
The QTT is actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
Standards 8 and 9
Written Exam and Practical Exam
Exam development adheres to the following guidelines:
Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined for students in course syllabus.
The institution publishes clear descriptions of their requirements for satisfactory student progress and utilizes sound written policies and procedures to determine student compliance with these requirements and to document results.
Students are assessed using both written and practical assessments based on a predetermined set of skills, i.e., checklists or rubrics for practical exams that reflect key educational objectives of the course.
Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated.
Reformer Teacher Training Program Fee: $759. Total Program Hrs- 300 hours
Standard 1
85 Lecture/Classroom hours that include the following modules: History of Pilates, Anatomy, Special Populations, Teaching/Cueing*, Business Practices and Networking
Curriculum:
There is an 80-hour lecture requirement for the Reformer Teacher Training Program. The curriculum must meet the following requirements:
The program’s design and materials must follow sound educational practices.
The curriculum content and learning experiences must be pre-planned and present a systematic and sequential educational methodology.
Lecture content must provide learners with education and training that is consistent with industry standards and commonly used apparatus at this time.
Teaching methods are appropriate to course content, meet the needs of diverse learners, use adult learning principles, and are designed to encourage and enhance learner participation and involvement using the mission and goals as guiding principles.
The teacher-to-student ratio ensures effective teaching and learning in both lecture and practical courses.
Systematic and effective review procedures are in place to monitor and improve the curriculum and include feedback from relevant stakeholders, i.e. faculty, students, graduates, and employers.
*Teachers must be mindful of sensitivity issues regarding touch by always requesting permission from the student. Verbal permission is obtained prior to any tactile cueing and laws regarding touch within a given jurisdiction are observed.
Note: It is understood that Joseph Pilates created more apparatus than those currently required for compliance with this standard. Therefore, the apparatus required for compliance may be subject to change based upon commonly used industry apparatus at that time.
Standard 2
60 Observation hours by Student
Observation of the Qualified Teacher Trainer (QTT) is critical for students to understand how to apply what they are learning.
The following applies to Observation:
Observation must be live or live/virtual.
Observation should assess if students are actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
During observation students are not interacting with instructors or clients.
Standard 3
60 Self-Practice hours
The practice of Pilates allows the teacher trainee to work on their craft. The Self-Practice component of the program adheres to the following guidelines:
During Self-Practice the teacher trainee performs Pilates exercises at a location and in a manner approved by your program.
It is to be performed alone or with other teacher trainees only.
Standard 4
40 Student Teaching hours (must have a minimum of 2 clients)
The Student Teacher is required to work with a minimum of 2 clients teaching Reformer classes. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the teacher trainee as Student Teacher.
Standard 5
10 Assisted Teaching hours with QTT
During Assisted Teaching, the teacher trainee practices in an environment where there are opportunities to ask questions at the moment while the QTT is present and actively involved in the instruction.
Standard 6
40 Private Reformer or Groups Session hours with QTT
The teacher trainer receives instruction from the QTT in the form of a private or group session.
Standard 7
5 Observation hours of Student Teaching a Reformer Pilates Class by QTT
The following guidelines apply to Observation hours:
Student Teachers must be observed by the QTT for a minimum of 1 hour teaching a Reformer Pilates Class.
During observation, the QTT is not interacting with the Student Teacher or the clients unless it is deemed necessary by the QTT to intervene to ensure the safety or well-being of all participants.
The QTT is actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
Standards 8 and 9
Written Exam and Practical Exam
Exam development adheres to the following guidelines:
Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined for students in the course syllabus.
The institution publishes clear descriptions of its requirements for satisfactory student progress and utilizes sound written policies and procedures to determine student compliance with these requirements and to document results.
Students are assessed using both written and practical assessments based on a predetermined set of skills, i.e., checklists or rubrics for practical exams that reflect key educational objectives of the course.
Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated.
Comprehensive Teacher Training Program Fee $959. Total Program Hrs- 450 hours
Standard 1
125 Lecture/Classroom hours that include the following modules: History of Pilates, Anatomy, Special Populations, Teaching/Cueing*, Reformer, Mat, Wunda Chair, Barrels– Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Cadillac/Tower, Magic Circle, Business Practices and Networking
Curriculum:
There is a 125-hour lecture requirement for the Comprehensive Teacher Training Program. The curriculum must meet the following requirements:
1. The program’s design and materials must follow sound educational practices.
2. The curriculum content and learning experiences must be pre-planned and present a systematic and sequential educational methodology.
3. Lecture content must provide learners with education and training that is consistent with industry standards and commonly used apparatus at this time.
4. Teaching methods are appropriate to course content, meet the needs of diverse learners, use adult learning principles, and are designed to encourage and enhance learner participation and involvement using the mission and goals as guiding principles.
5. The teacher-to-student ratio ensures effective teaching and learning in both lecture and practical courses.
6. Systematic and effective review procedures are in place to monitor and improve the curriculum and include feedback from relevant stakeholders, i.e. faculty, students, graduates, and employers.
*Teachers must be mindful of sensitivity issues . . .
Standard 2
110 Observation hours by Student
Observation of the Qualified Teacher Trainer (QTT) is critical for students to understand how to apply what they are learning.
The following applies to Observation:
Observation must be live or live/virtual.
Observation should assess if students are actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
During observation, students are not interacting with instructors or clients.
Standard 3
75 Self-Practice hours
The practice of Pilates allows the teacher trainee to work on their craft. The Self-Practice component of the program adheres to the following guidelines:
During Self-Practice the teacher trainee performs Pilates exercises at a location and in a manner approved by your program.
It is to be performed alone or with other teacher trainees only.
Standard 4
50 Student Teaching hours (must have a minimum of 2 clients)
The Student Teacher is required to work with a minimum of 2 clients teaching a combination of classes with all apparatus. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the teacher trainee as a Student Teacher.
Standard 5
20 Assisted Teaching hours with QTT
During Assisted Teaching, the teacher trainee practices in an environment where there are opportunities to ask questions in the moment while the QTT is present and actively involved in the instruction.
Standard 6
50 Private or Groups Session hours on All Apparatus with QTT
The teacher trainer receives instruction from the QTT in the form of a private or group session.
Standard 7
15 Observation hours of Student Teaching a Pilates Class on All Apparatus by QTT
The following guidelines apply to Observation hours:
Student Teachers must be observed by the QTT for a minimum of 1 hour teaching a Pilates Class on all apparatus.
During observation, the QTT does not interact with the Student Teacher or the clients unless it is deemed necessary by the QTT to intervene to ensure the safety or well-being of all participants.
The QTT is actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
Standards 8 and 9
Written Exam and Practical Exam
Exam development adheres to the following guidelines:
Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined for students in course syllabus.
The institution publishes clear descriptions of its requirements for satisfactory student progress and utilizes sound written policies and procedures to determine student compliance with these requirements and to document results.
Students are assessed using both written and practical assessments based on a predetermined set of skills, i.e., checklists or rubrics for practical exams that reflect key educational objectives of the course.
Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated.
