Online Pilates Teacher Training and Certification
Pilates Instructor AcademySM offers online and live Pilates teacher certifications, online continuing education, and business support for Pilates and fitness professionals that are:
√ Tried and true (we've been training Pilates teachers since 2001)
√ High-quality (our courses exceed industry standards for excellence)
√ Affordable (no hidden costs or additional fees)
√ Accessible (you can study online, in your own home, at your own pace…or sign up for a workshop at a studio near you)
√ Inclusive (we believe great Pilates teachers come in all shapes, sizes, ages and from all backgrounds)
Ready to become a Pilates Instructor?

Ready to become a certified Pilates Teacher?
Teaching Pilates is a rewarding career – and certified Pilates teachers are in high demand. Pilates Instructor Academy© understands the importance of choosing the right Pilates certification program. Whether you are interested in teaching Pilates mat, Reformer classes, or achieving comprehensive NPCP (formerly PMA) Certification, we have a solution for you!
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Looking for Online Continuing Education for ACE or NPCP (formerly PMA)?
Since 2001, we've been offering affordable and accessible continuing education for fitness and Pilates professionals. Study at your own pace, on your own schedule, and gain valuable skills to use immediately.
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Host a Pilates teacher training at your Pilates Studio, fitness center or gym!
We owned a large Pilates studio for 18 years, and know first hand how challenging it can be to find qualified Pilates teachers. Say goodbye to staffing problems when you train your own Pilates teachers. We offer a simple solution to Pilates teacher training, and you can earn more revenue in the process!
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Looking to buy our famous Pilates flash cards?
Use our Pilates flash cards to help you study for the NPCP (formerly PMA) exam, or as a super convenient resource for you and your clients!
Pilates Instructor Academy's©
Online Pilates Teacher Certifications
Pilates Mat Teacher Certification65 Hours - Online |
Pilates Reformer Certification200 Hours - Online |
Full Pilates Equipment Certification255 Hours - Online (505 hours for NPCP*)
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65 hours - $649 |
200 hours - 35% Lump Sum Discount $1,599 includes everything* |
255 hours - 33% Lump Sum Discount $2,025 includes everything* |
Required Workshops
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Required Workshops
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Required Workshops
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Included in your Online Pilates Mat Certification
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Included in your Online Pilates Reformer Certification
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Included in your Online Pilates Equipment Certification
*Want to sit for the NPCP Exam (formerly PMA Certification)? NO EXTRA COST** - Just add:
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To ensure our customers the greatest success with our online Pilates teacher certifications, we have a few prerequisites. They are:
Online equipment certifications require access to the appropriate Pilates equipment for movement practice All customers fill out an application prior to purchasing **PIA does not charge for self-practice, observation and practice teaching. These hours can be completed in a home studio or at a host studio, gym or other fitness facility. Some host studios may charge for access to equipment and additional coaching. PIA does not determine these rates. |
"If you’re looking for Pilates certification that works in your time, is thorough and provides valuable feedback than look no further. The fact that they vet you about your experience during application process indicates they want to ensure you are the right fit. Their communication and willingness to help and provide feedback on your assignments not only helps forge the information but gives you the “in class” feel. I’ll be taking more certifications from them for sure!" ~ Lauren K
Online Pilates and Fitness Continuing Education Courses
Learn and earn NPCP (formerly PMA), ACE and NCBTMB CEC's at home!
Our online continuing education courses for Pilates Teachers, Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors and Massage Therapists are:
- Detailed and high quality-- developed by a team of Master Pilates Instructors with over 60 years of combined experience in the Pilates and fitness industry
- Delivered directly to your device, you can learn at your convenience, anywhere in the world -- 24/7/365!
- Available immediately upon purchasing -- no waiting or scheduling. You can watch the courses on your own time, in your own home and at your own pace.
- Good for planet earth!! No travel means you can reduce your carbon footprint while investing in your career.
- *Pilates Instructor Academy is not a representative the PMA or the NPCP. Our NPCP Exam study courses are for Pilates teachers looking for additional tools to help study and pass the NPCP (PMA) National Certified Pilates Teacher Exam.
- Click on any course title for a FREE PREVIEW before you buy!
"An incredible experience learning and growing my practice professionally! Amanda with PIA is extremely thorough, concise and easily understood while explaining the biomechanics behind every exercise. Highly recommend her certifications to further your professional career." ~ Yuri S.
Our online and live Pilates teacher training and certifications exceed the highest standards set in the Pilates, fitness and bodywork industries, and are recognized by leading authorities for continuing education credits, including:
- NPCP - The National Pilates Certification Program (formerly the Pilates Method Alliance, PMA)
- ACE - The American Council on Exercise
- NCBTMB - The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
We proudly support our US Military families! Military spouses may qualify for tuition assistance through MyCaa.
Looking to sit for the NPCP (formerly the PMA) certification exam? Pilates Instructor Academy's© 505 hour comprehensive equipment certification exceeds the requirements to sit for the Certified Pilates Teacher (CPT) exam offered by The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP), formerly the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA).
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Pilates Instructor Academy, LLC
Amanda Jessee Iiams, MA, NCPT, CSCS, ACE-GFI, NKT Level 3
Co-Owner and Chief Education Officer
Amanda has been a leader in the health and fitness industry since 1986. She began her career as a group fitness instructor and continued to teach all types of groups fitness classes, until she became certified to teach Pilates in 2000. She holds a BA in Exercise Science and an MA in Higher Education Curriculum Development / Exercise Physiology. Her philosophy toward Pilates instructor training and certification is to provide high-quality, exercise science-based Pilates education that is affordable, convenient and most of all taught in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Carrie Cohn, MBA, NCPT
Co-Owner and Chief Operations Officer
Carrie has been a passionate and committed fitness entrepreneur since 1986, and has experience with all types of group fitness, personal training and especially Pilates. After obtaining her graduate degree, she felt compelled to invest even more in the world of fitness, which led her to open a Pilates studio in Overland Park, KS, in 2000. She grew that company into the largest Pilates studio in Kansas, with a staff of up to 18 people serving over 300 clients per week. She sold that studio in 2018 to focus full time on providing high-quality, affordable and accessible Pilates teacher training.
Pilates Certification, Continuing Education and Business Support
Since 2001, Pilates Instructor Academy© has offered live and online Pilates teacher certifications, continuing education and business support.
Online Pilates Certification
Ready to add Certified Pilates Teacher to your resume? Pilates Instructor Academy has created the world's finest fully self-paced online Pilates certifications with all the quality, detail and integrity of a live workshop, but delivered in an affordable and accessible format.
Online Fitness Continuing Education
Pilates teachers, personal trainers, group fitness instructors and massage therapists - earn continuing education on your own schedule, at your own pace and in your own home. Check out our informative, affordable and super convenient online Pilates and fitness continuing education courses. Our courses are approved for CEC's from ACE, NPCP, and NCBTMB, (and most certifying agencies will accept via petition)
Studio Business Support
Amanda and Carrie have been fitness professionals since 1986. The sisters ran a large and profitable Pilates studio for 18 years and know first hand the unique challenges of running a Pilates studio, or adding Pilates to your gym or fitness program. Contact us to learn how we can help you run a successful and profitable Pilates business.
FAQ's about Pilates Instructor Academy's Programs
YES! PIA's Online Pilates Teacher Certifications provide everything you need to teach safe, effective and fun Pilates mat, Reformer and even full Pilates equipment classes to a variety of participants of varying skill. The courses are 100% online, so you can study at your own pace, on your own schedule and in your own home.
You can take up to 1 year to complete your Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification, and up to 18 months to complete your Online Pilates Reformer and/or Equipment Teacher Certification. However, we've found that most people do not need that much time to complete their certifications.
If you are not able to complete your certification within the expiration period, we will extend your expiration date for 2 months at no charge. Additional extensions will be charged at 50% of the certification price.
Investing in a Pilates Mat Teacher Certification is a big decision. We want 100% of our customers to successfully complete our Pilates Certification courses and have a great experience while doing so! Our #1 goal is to provide the highest quality Online Pilates Teacher Certifications. In order to accomplish this, we have a few prerequisites. They are knowledge of Pilates movements and/or experience as a group fitness, dance or yoga instructor as well as a basic understanding of anatomy.
If you don't meet some or any of the prerequisites, we can provide additional support. Our goal is to provide the highest quality Online Pilates Teacher Certification, and prepare our customers for successful careers teaching Pilates!
Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification:
If you are taking the Online Pilates Mat Teacher Certification, you don't need to live near a studio. You can do 100% of the course work at home on your own mat! The course includes 10 pre-recorded Pilates mat classes ranging from beginning level to advanced. You can watch these courses and take notes using our Observation Notes sheet to meet the observation requirement. You can participate in the instructor led work out for the self-practice requirement.
Online Pilates Reformer and Equipment Teacher Certification:
If you are taking the Online Reformer and/or Comprehensive Equipment Certification, you will need access to Pilates equipment to complete the course. This can be done on Pilates equipment in your home studio or a local Pilates studio, gym or fitness center. If needed, we can work with you to find a suitable studio near you to support your certification.
NO. Pilates Instructor Academy© is a private company offering Pilates teacher training programs and certifications for Pilates Mat, Reformer and Comprehensive Pilates Equipment teachers. Neither the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) nor the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) trains instructors to teach. The NPCP offers an exam that awards their title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT). In order to sit for the NPCP (PMA) exam, you must complete at least 450 hours of Pilates teacher training*. This 450 hour training minimum must include mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Pilates Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and the Magic Circle. If your goal is to take the NPCP (PMA) Pilates certification exam, your PIA Comprehensive Pilates Equipment Teacher Certification is a total of 505 hours (both in-person and online formats), and will fully prepare you to take the NPCP (PMA) exam.
*IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT NPCP (PMA) PILATES CERTIFICATION-the NPCP (PMA) does not recognize mat and Reformer-only Pilates certifications.
Without exception, we cannot issue a refund for any online course or certification after it has been purchased.
A High Speed Internet Connection is required to fully experience our online learning materials in the manner they were intended.
Important Smartphone User Note: While it may be possible to register for and view these online programs on a smartphone, WE STRONGLY DISCOURAGE USING A SMARTPHONE WITH THIS PROGRAM. Due to the smaller screen size and inconsistency of carrier coverage areas and speeds, smartphones will not allow you as a user to gain the full experience and Pilates Instructor Academy does not intend it's online learning materials to be accessed in this manner.
Internet Connection Speed:
For the best experience, a high speed internet connection is highly recommended. Lower bandwidth connections may still allow you to register for and access our webinar videos and download any included documents, but you may experience buffering or extended load times. Many internet providers (ISPs) supply connection speed information to their customers on their company websites. Please consult your ISPs' technical specs or help resources to ensure your connection speed is sufficient prior to purchasing materials.
Please Note: At times, connection speeds can increase or decrease due to the volume of traffic on the internet and the ability of ISP servers to handle the amount of traffic they are receiving or other factors may cause connection speeds to fluctuate. It's recommended that you verify your current connection speed, before you begin a webinar, using an online speed test (which are provided free of cost to you) on such websites as http://www.speedtest.org/ or http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ (as example).
Browser Compatibility Recommendations:
- Windows: Firefox, Chrome
- OSX: Firefox, Chrome, Safari
- The following browsers are NOT RECOMMENDED at this time: Edge, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 9
We are here to support your Pilates teacher certification - and we LOVE talking to customers! Contact us by click the Get Started Now button, or call/text us at 888-251-2080. Or, follow Pilates Instructor Academy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
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...and the world!
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