Instructor Qualifications

If you are looking for a Pilates studio in Aiken, SC you might be confused by some Pilates studios’ instructor qualifications. In fact, some Pilates teacher training programs offer diplomas, others award certificates, a few offer a certification, but none offer degrees.

Let’s take a closer look at how subtle differences between these terms differ from one another:

Degree

A degree represents a broader scope of knowledge. It requires a more general education; a student who pursues a degree in literary studies, for example, is required to include math and science in their curriculum of courses. A degree is offered at universities and colleges and covers a wide range of subjects. Presently, it is not applicable to the Pilates profession, although some teachers may be in possession of a degree in kinesiology, the study of human movement.

Diploma

Certificate

Certification

The table below is offered to clarify at a quick glance:

DEGREE	DIPLOMA	CERTIFICATE	CERTIFICATION
Offered at university or college	Awarded by the school	Awarded by the school	Awarded by a third party
​Represents a broader scope of knowledge	​In-depth body of knowledge	Subject-matter specific	Assessment of knowledge, skills, and competency
​Example: degree in kinesiology	Represents completion of school's curriculum	Can be assessment based OR attendance based	Verifies that the certified individual has provided evidence of necessary knowledge and skills to established standards

What is the National Pilates Certification Program?

The National Pilates Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA); initially under the name "PMA Pilates Certification Program." The exam is available to any candidate who meets the following eligibility requirements:

• 18 years of age

• Verification of having completed comprehensive training in Pilates

Verification of comprehensive training is obtained from the school or mentor that provided the education. Completion of training includes all necessary coursework and assignments, including final exams required by the school or mentor. In cases where a candidate receives training through multiple schools over a period of years, one school or trainer must verify the education based on review or assessment of comprehensive competency.

Comprehensive training must be minimally 450 hours in length and cover mat Pilates and the following apparatuses:

• Reformer

• Trapeze Table

• Wunda Chair

• Ladder Barrel

• Spine Corrector

• Magic Circle

How can you find out if your Pilates Instructor is a Certified Pilates Instructor?

Head to NPCP and see if your instructor has earned his/her stripes:

https://nationalpilatescertificationprogram.org/NPCP/Directory/CertifiedTeachersList.aspx

Does Aiken have a NPCP Pilates instructor?

YES! Pilates Mastery’s very own, tiffany page, is a certified Pilates Instructor.

To learn more about Equine Bodywork, Horse Bodywork, Canine CranioSacral, Equine CranioSacral, CranioSacral for horses, Horse Speak®, Equine Pilates and/or Reformer Pilates for Humans here in Aiken, head to Pilates Mastery. If you’re looking for Pilates near me, Pilates Mastery also offers virtual Pilates sessions if you are not local to Aiken, SC. You may book an Equine Pilates or a Horse Speak® session at: pilatesmastery.org