How to Become a Pilates Instructor in Vegas

While anyone can learn and try to teach Pilates, the Pilates Method Alliance is the only third-party organization that certifies Pilates teachers in the nation. Teachers can be certified by the PMA from both PMA programs and Body Arts and Science International programs. Both programs are available in the Las Vegas area. Certification is important not only for competency reasons but also for safety.

Instructions

1. Complete a minimum of either 450 hours of a Pilates teacher-training program or 720 hours of work in Pilates. If you are choosing to qualify based on the work requirement, the 720 hours must have been in the most recent 12 months. Meeting one of these minimum requirements makes you eligible for the certification exam. You can look for schools on the PMA website or attend any PMA or BASI training courses in the Las Vegas area. Core Fit and the Pilates Studio Las Vegas each offer training programs that allow you to be certified.

2. Download and complete the exam application from the Castle Worldwide website. Send the completed application, along with the fee, to Castle Worldwide, Inc., Attention: PMA-Pilates Certification Examination, P.O. Box 570, Morrisville, NC 27560. At the time of publication, the fee was $295, with a 15-percent discount available for PMA members.

3. Wait for your notice of eligibility to arrive from Castle Worldwide, which can take 10 to 30 days. Your eligibility notice will let you know if you are eligible to sit for the exam and how to schedule your testing session. You must schedule your testing session within 90 days of receiving the notice, but you can pick a date as far out in the future as you want. You can opt to take the test in person or online.

4. Take your exam on the scheduled date. It takes three hours for the exam to be administered. Results are available immediately if you test online or within six weeks if you test in person. When you pass, you receive a certificate by mail.

5. Apply for any open Pilates instructor positions in the Las Vegas area or work on your own. If you want to work on your own, you can do so out of your home, in client’s homes or get your own commercial space. Working on your own means you need to start your own business, which you can do with assistance from the Nevada Small Business Association district office.

6. Renew your Pilates certification every two years, which is the length of your certificate. Renewal exams are administered by the same company in the same manner. You must also complete 16 hours of continuing education during every two-year period.

References

• Pilates Method Alliance: Get PMA Certified
• Pilates Method Alliance: Candidate Handbook and Application
• Pilates Method Alliance: Pilates Certification Exam Fact Sheet
• Castle Worldwide: Certified Pilates Teacher
• Core Fit: Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Course
• The Pilates Studio Las Vegas: Teacher Certification Course

Resources

• Pilates Method Alliance: Find A School
• BASI Pilates: Teacher Training
• Small Business Association: Nevada District Office