December 16, 2021
Author: Ray Infante, National Pilates Certification Program


Steps to becoming a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher:

1) Review the eligibility requirements
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
* Candidates do not have to be a member of any professional/membership association to sit for the NPCP exam.
* The NPCP accepts graduates of any comprehensive program in Pilates that meets the parameters above; schools do not need to be approved or accredited.

Comprehensive training must be minimally 450 hours in length and cover mat the following apparatuses:
- Reformer
- Trapeze Table
- Wunda Chair
- Ladder Barrel
- Spine Corrector
- Magic Circle
Read more.

2) Apply online
The application is an online process. The exam is administered at testing centers worldwide on a computer (CBT) or online, with virtual proctoring in the comfort of your home or office. Read more.

3) Prepare for the exam
The exam is designed to measure the skill and knowledge of a comprehensively trained candidate. Graduates of any comprehensive Pilates Program can take the exam after graduation without any additional study. There are however, differences in the way schools approach preparing teachers in the method, so study materials are available to familiarize candidates with the language, style, format and content of the exam.

The following tools are available:
- Online Practice Exam
- National Pilates Certification Exam - Study Guide
- National Pilates Certification Exam - Practice Questions
- Return to Life, by Joseph Pilates
Read more. 

4) Taking the exam
The NPCP certification exam consists of 125, multiple choice questions. Candidates are allowed 3 hours and the necessary space and privacy to complete the exam.

Test taking tips:
- First and foremost, relax.
- Don't over analyze.
- Read all the given answers carefully.
- Eliminate the obvious incorrect answers.
- Answer all questions. There is no penalty for guessing.
- Choose the best answer from among the most probable correct answers.
- Take notes of terms like BEST, OST, LEAST, etc. Make sure you understand the question.
- Answer the easy questions and move on; you can always come back to the more challenging questions.
Read more. 
 
5) Receive your credential
Candidates that pass the exam will be sent their electronic badge which they can use to promote their credential on their electronic material, like websites, social media and email signatures. They will also receive an email providing access to the database where they can review their profile as well as manage how they appear on the NPCP website certificant search.

Have questions? Send us an email!

Not yet a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher? Learn more on how to become one.