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Preparing for the Pilates Comprehensive Exam

All study materials are optional. The exam is designed to measure the skill and knowledge of a comprehensively trained candidate. Graduates of any comprehensive Pilates program can take and pass the exam after graduation without any additional study.

Candidates may use the tools below along with any other textbook to prepare for the exam. Tip: Make sure you have the latest edition.

Study Tools

Optional resources to support preparation
Return to Life Through Contrology, by Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates’ original vision, updated for today’s practice. This version includes full-color pictures and exclusive exercise videos.
Official National Pilates Certification Exam, Study Guide (3rd Edition)
A broad review of the NPCP Comprehensive Exam content including the Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, special populations, contraindications, and exercise depictions referenced in the exam, plus history for context. 
If you already have an older version, you're in good shape, it provides a strong foundation for reviewing the material and preparing for your exam.
Order on Amazon →Muy Pronto en Español
National Pilates Certification Exam, Practice Questions
60 questions that resemble the multiple-choice format, language, and subject matter reflective of the Exam Content Outline. These questions are different from those on the Online Practice Exam.
Return to Life, by Joseph Pilates (Public Domain)
An online public domain version, original from University of Michigan and digitized by Google.

Online Practice Exam

Online Practice Exam
An online experience that familiarize candidates with exam language. Includes 60 questions reflecting the domains identified in the Exam Content Outline.
How to access exam:
  • In the Test Run webpage, click "register here" (located near the bottom)
  • Select the only available subscription (60 days) and the only program (NPCP Certification). Then, click “Next”.
  • Fill out the contact information form. Then, click “Next”.
  • Fill out the payment information form. Then, click “Purchase”.
  • After successfully registering your account, you will receive an activation email.
No está disponible en Español.
Purchase → Account required

Avoid Confusion

The materials below are commonly mistaken for the official NPCP Study Guide. They are not the National Pilates Certification Exam Study Guide.
Book marked as not official study guide
This is NOT the National Pilates Certification Exam Study Guide.
Etsy book marked as not official study guide
Books from Etsy sellers are NOT the official National Pilates Certification Exam Study Guide.
Book marked as not official study guide
This is NOT the National Pilates Certification Exam Study Guide.
Books can be purchased on Amazon. For more information or tips on how to prepare for the exam, please contact us.
From eligibility to receiving your credential, learn all the steps required to take the exam and get certified.
Commonly asked questions about the NPCP, including rules, continuing education, how to prepare for the exam, renewal, and more.
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