Examination Content ...

The certification examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You will be given three (3) hours to complete the examination. Three major performance domains account for the examination's content. These three domains, as well as the task statements for each domain, and the percentage of the examination which will address each domain are listed below.

DOMAIN I: Assessment and Evaluation (13%):

  • Task 1: Obtain information as it pertains to client's medical health history and current fitness level using questionnaires interviews and other available records in order to evaluate the client and to design a safe Pilates program.
  • Task 2: Identify risk factors and co-morbidities e. g. medications surgeries injuries systemic illness physical disabilities psychological disabilities by review of information gathered that might preclude or limit participation in a Pilates program without a medical release.
  • Task 3: Discuss, determine, align, and prioritize goals by evaluating subjective and objective information to facilitate the greatest opportunity for improvement in the client's program.
  • Task 4: Identify needs, imbalances, and symmetries as they pertain to client's posture, movement, balance and coordination using observation and movement assessment tools to ascertain appropriate Pilates program.
  • Task 5: Identify information that pertains to the special conditions of a client with a medical release in order to apply appropriate modifications to the program design.

DOMAIN II Teaching (65%):

  • Task 1: Develop and design a client's program incorporating Pilates methodologies (e. g. repertoire, philosophy) and information gathered during the assessment to ensure a successful movement experience.
  • Task 2: Apply knowledge in basic movement science (e. g. functional anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, motor learning) to assessment design, implementation, progression and modification of Pilates program to optimize Pilates benefits for clients.
  • Task 3: Use basic teaching skills (e. g. verbal and tactile cuing, imagery, pacing, multitasking, spotting, demonstration) to educate clients in correct movement technique as it pertains to the Pilates method.
  • Task 4: Employ comprehensive Pilates syllabus and philosophy in the client's program to provide a healthy and safe movement experience in the Pilates environment (i. e. Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chairs, Barrels, Ped-O-Pull, Mat, Magic Circle, Tower, Foot Corrector, Toe Corrector, Finger Corrector, Pin Wheel, Head Harness, Weighted Shoe Bean Bag).

DOMAIN III Reassessment (22%):

  • Task 1: Monitor and record the client's progress using subjective and objective measures (e. g. chart, notes) to maintain awareness and documentation of client's current status and to assure program matches client's challenge point.
  • Task 2: Assess client's current status by gathering subjective and objective information (e. g. mobility, posture, menstruation, faint, cold sweats, chest pain, change of activity, sleep deprivation) and modify workout to accommodate any special circumstances to ensure a safe and effective movement experience or refer client to their physician or emergency services if situation warrants intervention beyond the teacher's scope of practice.
  • Task 3: Re-assess and re-align short and long term Pilates program goals and content using observation and discussion to match program with client's challenge point.
  • Task 5: Identify habits or movement patterns that negatively impact function using observation and communication in order to redirect Pilates program with the goal of increasing awareness of healthy movement patterns.
  • Task 5: Evaluate and adjust client's workout environment (e. g. light source, noise level, private vs. class format, home programs) for client's optimal learning experience.
  • Task 6: Re-assess client's status following a hiatus from program (e. g. illness, accident, trauma, and general de-conditioning) using assessment tools for both subjective and objective measures and conduct new intake medical release history and evaluation as appropriate to re-establish goals and to design Pilates program for a safe and effective movement experience.
  • Task 7: Re-assess client's status and progress using subjective and objective measures to redirect client towards a different learning style (e. g. group classes, private instruction, home programs) in order to foster client responsibility for personal progress and to improve the learning experience.