Certification Application & Registration

Introduction

A competitive edge in today's fitness world is an absolute necessity. Quality education, professional training, and superior credentials are the foundation for this. The New York Pilates Studio ® Teacher Certification Program, started in November 1992, was the first and remains the oldest Pilates professional training program in the world. With over a 1000 graduates, word wide, its message of excellence in training and education stands tall. The copyrighted New York Pilates Studio ® Teacher Certification Manual used exclusively by this Program* was created to ensure a comprehensive formula for translation of the Authentic Pilates T system of exercises to the student or "apprentice", and it has remained the hallmark of the New York Pilates Studio® Teacher Certification program today.

The United States Pilates Association™, LLC (U.S.P.A.™) is the exclusive provider of the New York Pilates Studio® Teacher Certification Program in the U.S. The U.S.P.A.™ continues the rich tradition of this Certification Program started in 1992 by providing instruction and continuing education in Authentic Pilates™. The U.S.P.A.™ will also conduct Archival Seminars using exclusive footage and photographs taken from the Joseph Pilates Archives. The mission of the U.S.P.A.™ is to preserve and continue to promote the highest standards in Pilates education and professional training for future generations.

Quick Links: Overview Course Formats & Descriptions Application Process Tuition, Enrollment, & Program Fees The Teacher Certification Program Apprenticeship Requirements National Certifying Centers International Certifying Centers Application Checklist Appendix A : The Bridging Program Appendix B : Student Bio Appendix C : Enrollment Agreement Appendix D : Applicant Student Medical History Form Appendix A - D: Download

Overview

There are two avenues of certification: The Bridging Program and the Teacher Certification Program.

The Bridging Program is described in Appendix A. All provisions of this Application not modified by the terms of the Bridging Program shall apply to applicants of the Bridging Program as well as applicants to the Teacher Certification Program.

The Teacher Certification Program is comprised of two parts, which are:

1. Three 4 day system workshops, or when available a 10/12 day intensive seminar, and
2. Apprenticeship.

The Apprenticeship is divided into three phases, each entailing approximately 200 hours:
1- Observation
2- Assisted student teaching
3- Independent student teaching

Exams are administered upon completion of each phase. Certification is issued once the apprentice has attended all of the system workshops, and completed all phases and exams successfully.

Course Formats & Descriptions

Systems Workshops
The workshops covering all the apparatus and mat work are broken down into three segments, 4 days each, of beginner, intermediate, and advanced systems and must be taken in sequential order. Required Reading books will be reviewed and Apprentice will be tested on these books.

Part 1: Beginner System:
Beginner system focuses upon technical and teaching aspects of all of the apparatus at this level minus the pedi pull. Modifications for physical limitations are taught.
Part 2: Intermediate System:
Intermediate system follows the teaching progression to this level, and outlines the appropriate evolution of the client. Modifications for physical limitations are taught
Part 3: Advanced System:
Focuses on the advanced and some Archival exercises and breaks down the more highly customized needs of the client through identifying weaknesses, or injuries, and applying Authentic Pilates™. Modifications for physical limitations are taught.

10-12 Day Intensive Course
The intensive combines all of the material from all three systems, beginner through advanced, into one module of 10-12 consecutive days. Application is limited to students who have extensive Pilates experience, and who are in excellent physical condition. Approval is subject to audition/interview as conducted by the U.S.P.A.™

Application Process

Pre requisites:

1. 35 private sessions inclusive of up to 10 mat classes given by an Instructor certified through the New York Pilates Studio® Teacher Certification Program ("Certified Instructor") are prerequisite to applying to the Program. 75 private sessions, inclusive of the prerequisite 35 total classes, as referenced above, are required during the apprenticeship prior to graduation. At least 35 private sessions must be taken at the Certification Center of origin.
2. Written application including:
   * Student Bio (Also required for Bridge Program) See Appendix B
   * Enrollment Agreement (Also required for Bridge Program)) See Appendix C
   * Medical History Form (Also required for Bridge Program) See Appendix D
   * Non Compete & Confidentiality/Non Disclosure Agreement (Also required for Bridge Program) See Appendix E
3. 1 personal & 1 professional letter of recommendation (Also required for Bridge Program)
4. Personal interview & practical assessment at the Certification Center of origin with Center Director or Teacher Trainer. (Also required for Bridge Program)

Tuition, Enrollment, & Program Fees

Student tuition is: $4,000.00 US dollars.

Tuition does not include:

• Pre requisite interview & practical assessment ($100.00)
• Cost of mandatory private sessions taken prior to and during the Program
• Cost of liability insurance (required of each apprentice including the Bridge Program))
• Cost of traveling if required to Workshops/Intensive/Anatomy Seminar
• Testing per every 200 hours, and re tests, where necessary

As follows:
(200 hours) practical, oral Q & A, $ 75.00
(400 hours) practical & written, oral Q & A $75.00
(600 hours) practical, written, oral Q & A, $125.00
• Anatomy seminar, $275.00 (required to be taken during the apprenticeship)

Tuition Payment:

$500.00 deposit with application
$1500.00 upon acceptance to the Program
$2000.00 balance 1 week prior to beginning of first system workshop

Cancellations prior to official Program acceptance will result in a $50 application processing fee, which will be deducted from the $500.00 deposit and the balance will be refunded to the applicant.

ALL payments made subsequent to Program acceptance are NON REFUNDABLE.

Upon receipt of a fully completed application, candidates will be contacted by the Certification Center to schedule their interview, and practical evaluation.

The Teacher Certification Program Apprenticeship Requirements

The apprenticeship consists of 600 hours logged with a Certified Instructor at a recognized Certification Center or other training center recognized in writing as an Authentic Pilates™ center by the U.S.P.A.™ (The last 200 hours must be logged at the Certification Center of origin). The apprentice must also attend periodic apprentice meetings at the certification centers of origin.

60 hours of documented practice per month are necessary for active apprentice status, along with monthly attendance at apprentice meetings at the center of origin. Centers reserve the right to terminate apprentices who do not adequately satisfy all requirements.

Apprentice logs will be issued by the Certifying Center, and must be signed by the supervising instructor regularly (every 50 hours). Every 100 hours the logs must be turned in to the Certification Center of origin.

Apprenticeship must be completed within one year of entry into the Program. Program extensions for extenuating circumstances are granted at the sole and absolute discretion of the U.S.P.A.™, Apprentice must submit to the U.S.P.A.™ a written request setting forth in detail the extenuating circumstances at least one month prior to the end of the apprenticeship year.

Apprentices will not teach clients outside of the Certification Center of Origin until they have graduated from the Program. Apprentices in violation of this policy will be expelled from the Program without refund. See exceptions for Bridge Program.

During the apprentice program (including the Bridge Program) the Apprentice shall be required to teach at the Certifying Center, of origin and the Apprentice will receive compensation at the minimum hourly rate permitted by law. (see exceptions for Bridge Progams)

Exceptions and modification to apprenticeship requirements may be granted in the U.S.P.A.™'s sole and absolute discretion.

Reading & Anatomy Requirements

1. Anatomy of Movement Blandine Calais-Germain, French physiotherapist & dancer. (Eastland press, Vista, Ca) Provides the reader with a good understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy & kinesiology.

2. The New York Pilates Studio ® Teacher Certification Manual © 1997 Pilates Inc.

3. The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, by Sean Gallagher, PT. & Romana Kryzanowska (Transatlantic Publication Inc. Philadelphia Pa)

4. The Anatomy Coloring Book, Wynn Kapit/ Lawrence M. Elson (Harper Collins Publisher)

Suggested Reading

5. Return To Life Contrology and Your Health Joseph H. Pilates, (Bainbridge Books,) Compiled edited and revised by Sean Gallagher & Romana Kryzanowska

Exams:

There are practical and or written exams upon completion of each 200 hours apprenticeship phase. Exams are evaluated pass/fail, and apprentices must pass the requirements at each phase prior to proceeding to the next phase. This process and costs are overseen by the centers. Apprentices are NOT allowed to observe other apprentices testing.

Testing will be done only by instructors selected by the U.S.P.A.™

Levels of Exams:
200 hours-practical & basic question & answer
400 hours-practical & written
600 hours-practical, oral, & written

Failure to pass:

1. 1st failure requires and additional 10 hours before retesting
2. 2nd failure, and each additional failure, requires and additional 25 hours
3. A retest fee in the amount of $75.00 will be charged for each retest

Leave of Absence Policy

The apprenticeship reflects a physically intense learning environment. Students, with extenuating circumstances may request a leave of absence for a reasonable amount of time. Leaves will be granted at the sole and absolute discretion of The U.S.P.A.™ Students who have been medically rendered unable to exercise for 30 days, must obtain a doctors' note for reinstatement.

Transferring between Certification Centers:

Special circumstances, for example, relocating for business, moving, etc. may permit a Certification Center transfer by special request. However written request and approval must be obtained from the U.S.P.A.™ with detailed explanation.

National Certifying Centers

International Certifying Centers*

For applicants who wish to train OUTSIDE the United States please contact, the New York Pilates Studio ® at 212-245-7278

The New York Pilates Studio® of Brazil
R.Cincinato Braga, 520
Bela Vista-Sao Paulo, Brazil
Tel/Fax 011-551-1284-8905

The New York Pilates Studio ® of Italy
Via Lanciani 15
Rome, Italy 00196
Tel 011 3906 862 00616
Fax 011 2906 862 17910

The New York Pilates Studio ® of Australia
Holt Street, Surry Hills, 2010 Australia
Tel/Fax 011 551 1284 8905

These centers are not connected to the U.S.P.A.™

Application Checklist

1. Prior sessions logs documenting 35 Pilates lessons (in the case of the Bridge Progrm an original Certification Certificate and such other documentation as may be required by the U.S.P.A.™ to ensure prior certification from a reputable training organization).

2. Completed Student Bio & Enrollment Agreement (Also required for Bridge Program)

3. 1 professional, 1 personal reference letter (Also required for Bridge Program)

4. $500.00 deposit made payable to U.S.P.A.™. (Also required for Bridge Program)

5. Medical health history form and letter from physician stating that applicant is physically capable of participating in the Certification Program. (Also required for Bridge Program)

6. Acceptance of the non competition and confidentiality/non disclosure agreement

Upon receipt of the above, an interview and practical assessment with a Teacher Trainer, or other U.S.P.A.™ appointed instructor must be scheduled. Video assessments are available for applicants residing 100 or more miles away.