What is the PMA and how is Core Pilates NYC involved?
The Pilates Method Alliance is an international, not for profit, professional association dedicated to the teachings of Joseph Pilates. The PMA’s mission is to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals. Core Pilates NYC maintains membership for its studio and teacher training program within the PMA.
What’s the PMA exam and am I required to take it?
The PMA made history in 2005 by launching the first industry wide certification exam for the Pilates industry in the United States. The PMA exam seeks to establish standards for industry performance guiding the practice of all Pilates teachers. Most training facilities do not mandate taking the PMA exam and at this time, Core Pilates NYC leaves the decision to become “PMA certified” up to its trained instructors.
Will Core Pilates NYC teacher training satisfy eligibility and knowledge requirements to take the PMA exam?
Yes. Our Comprehensive Training Course fulfills the required eligibility and knowledge needed to sit for the exam and we will sign-off on the required documentation for the application. There may be some questions that refer to things we have purposely left out of our curriculum. For specific information on exam content, please consult the PMA’s study guide and Candidate Handbook for Pilates Certification Exam.
Do I have to take The Mat Training Course before enrolling in the Comprehensive?
No. Unlike other training programs, you do not have to take The Mat Training Course before enrolling, thus saving you time and money. The Comprehensive Training Course is exactly that -– complete Pilates training. You will learn the foundation of Mat work as well as the widely used apparatus like the Reformer, Cadillac and Chairs while also learning the rarely taught Pedi-Pull, and other props.
Times are tough, do you offer payment plans?
We understand the financial investment toward your future could be a burden. We do have payment plans for both The Mat Training Course (not Level 1, Level 2 Mat) and The Comprehensive Training Course. Please contact CPNYC’s Director of Teacher Training, Sarah Elliott for further information: sarah@corepilatesnyc.com
Can I attend the certification programs in different cities?
Currently, you can find Core Pilates NYC courses in Chicago and New York City. More are slotted to be open for enrollment soon. Stay tuned. In the meantime, if you are a teacher or studio owner and would like to host or license a CPNYC education course please contact our Director of Teacher Training.
How does Core differ from other certification programs?
Our program is set apart from other training programs in many ways. The most obvious is our focus on the Classical Method of Pilates. This “classical” method, or “authentic” method has deviated the least from Joseph Pilates’ original work. It’s the real deal – not a hybrid of fitness or yoga mixed with Pilates. Choose from two career paths: Mat training options and Apparatus training options.
- The Mat Training Course includes beginner AND intermediate levels in one course
- Our courses include workshops in Anatomy in Clay – the only training center in NYC certified to teach this innovative approach to Anatomy education
- Technological innovation coming soon: an online learning center is underway for downloadable and video manuals (for use on smartphones and Kindle), live chat with current apprentices and past alumni, dashboard for calendars, homework, webinars making continuing education easier and much more.
- Mentor program: Take turns observing and spending time with Core’s teacher trainers during the Comprehensive Training Course
- Earn while you learn: our Comprehensive Training Course is designed to have apprentices teach clients and get paid for it.
- Job assistance
- Teacher training coordinator and director serving as mentors and guidance counselors through the course
- Easy “add on” workshops offered throughout the year to round out your education
- Online and downloadable manual with video demo for each exercise!
- The Mat Training Course offers in-studio apprenticeship
- Weekend devoted exclusively to Pilates props during The Comprehensive Training Course
The most important differentiation however isn’t in the design of our courses but in our training philosophy. We don’t want to produce cookie cutter instructors. We set a standard of acceptance from day one. We recognize that each trainee brings his/her uniqueness and individual teaching style to the mix and it is the goal of our program to embrace and build upon each individual’s unique teaching style.
Why are the prerequisites necessary?
Both The Mat Training Course™ and The Comprehensive Training Course™ are intensive, so it only makes sense to come in ‘ahead of the curve’ with as much familiarity with the Pilates Method. Having a solid foundation of the movements in your own body will allow for a deeper understanding of the principles and how they integrate, various modifications of each exercise and how to work with different body types and special cases. Coming into the first day of a weekend intensive fluent in at least the beginner level creates a cohesive learning environment from which to proceed to a deeper understand of the Method for everyone enrolled.
How soon after completion of my certification can I get a job?
You can begin teaching as soon as you have completed and passed all phases of the course requirements. If you are considering The Comprehensive Training Course™ and want to take the PMA exam, you can still begin teaching while awaiting the exam date. The exam is optional and at this time Core Pilates NYC leaves the decision up to the certified instructor.
How long does the The Comprehensive Training Course™ take to complete?
The Comprehensive Training Course™ is designed to have you complete and pass all phases of the program in 6 months.
Where in the world can we find your courses and alumni?
Our courses have traveled the world from Hong Kong to Rome to Japan.
Currently our certification courses are offered in New York City and Chicago. CPNYC alumni are all over the world including South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Chicago, Finland, Bulgaria, New Jersey, Los Angeles and Italy. If you are interested in locating a CPNYC alumni please go to our instructor finder.
Are your courses accredited by a third party?
Third party accreditation has only been attained by a few Pilates teacher training centers internationally. It means that an organization’s certification requirements and exam have been reviewed by an unrelated third party that evaluates the validity of the course structure and examination process. Core Pilates NYC has submitted application materials and is pending approval from NOCA (National Organization for Competency Assurance) a nationally recognized accrediting body that establishes quality standards for certifying agencies. While this is not a requirement for Pilates teacher training centers, Core Pilates NYC wanted the most authoritative stamp of approval on all its courses.
Are your courses approved for ACE (American Council on Exercise) or NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) credit?
Yes. Our Mat training options qualify for ACE and NASM credits. This is a huge benefit if you are already a certified personal trainer or fitness professional and need to maintain credit. Credits are as follows:
The Mat Training Course:
NASM 1.9 credits / ACE 2.6 credits
Beginner Level Mat Training:
NASM 1.9 credits / ACE
Intermediate Level Mat Training:
NASM 1.3 credits / ACE
