“The ITTAP application process was very straightforward and user-friendly. We did have some questions as we completed the application, and Dan at PMA answered all of them in a very thoughtful and timely manner. This new program places the curriculum and practice-teaching at the forefront, which will create better teacher training courses and stronger Pilates teachers. Applying for the new ITTAP program was a good exercise for our studio — we had to revisit our educational model and rethink and adapt parts of our training. We feel our programs will be even better this year because of the new ITTAP standards.”.
– Natural Pilates Co, ITTAP-Approved Program 2022
ITTAP Program Overview
The Pilates Method Alliance International Teacher Trainer Accreditation for Pilates (ITTAP) program provides accreditation for Pilates train-the-trainer programs in the areas of Mat, Reformer, and Comprehensive. The PMA is a third-party, self-regulating group of Pilates professionals who are committed to advancing the Pilates industry.
ITTAP was designed to provide standards of excellence for Pilates teacher training programs worldwide. The ITTAP was developed with input from Pilates leaders, PMA board members and other professionals in the industry, who indicated that a simpler, more inclusive process was needed. The accreditation is aligned with the PMA’s goal to further professionalize the industry and support the continued education of Pilates for future generations of students.
Pilates teacher training programs that meet the ITTAP criteria are recognized as quality programs committed to upholding the educational principles of Pilates.
The ITTAP focuses solely on the Pilates program, or curriculum, being taught. An ITTAP approval of a Pilates teacher training program is not an endorsement of individual teachers, who may all have different teaching styles and approaches to the program.
Those seeking the accreditation must acknowledge that their teacher training educational program complies with all applicable local, state, federal, and international business, employment, and intellectual property laws as per the PMA Code of Ethics based on their locality.
If you have questions about Pilates teacher training program accreditation, please email us at ittap@pilatesmethodalliance.org.
ITTAP Structure and Fees
Pilates teacher training programs may seek ITTAP approval for one or all of three tiers (Mat, Reformer, Comprehensive) and must adhere to up to 10 educational standards, depending on the approval tier desired.
Regardless of tier, all programs must have teacher trainers who are Comprehensive Pilates training graduates with a minimum of 500 hours teaching Pilates clients and 200 hours of cumulative experience training potential teachers.
Mat Teacher Training Program
Standard 1
34 Lecture/Classroom hours that include the following modules: History of Pilates, Anatomy, Special Populations, Teaching/Cueing*, Business Practices and NetworkingCurriculum:
There is a 34-hour lecture requirement for the Mat Teacher Training Program. The curriculum must have the following components:
The program’s design and materials follow sound educational practices.
The curriculum content and learning experiences are pre-planned and present a systematic and sequential educational methodology.
Lecture content must provide learners with education and training that is consistent with industry standards and commonly used apparatus at this time.
Teaching methods are appropriate to course content, meet the needs of diverse learners, use adult learning principles, and are designed to encourage and enhance learner participation and involvement using the program’s mission and goals as guiding principles.
The teacher-to-student ratio ensures effective teaching and learning in both lecture and practical courses.
Systematic and effective review procedures are in place to monitor and improve the curriculum and include feedback from relevant stakeholders, i.e. faculty, students, graduates, and employers.
*Teachers must be mindful of sensitivity issues regarding touch by always requesting permission from the student. Verbal permission is obtained prior to any tactile cueing and laws regarding touch within a given jurisdiction are observed.
Note: It is understood that Joseph Pilates created more apparatus than those currently required for compliance with this standard. Therefore, your program may include apparatus beyond the minimum industry standards.
Standard 2
20 Observation hours by Student
Observation of the Qualified Teacher Trainer (QTT) is critical for students to understand how to apply what they are learning.
The following applies to Observation:
Observation must be live or live/virtual.
Observation should assess if students are actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
During observation students are not interacting with instructors or clients.
Standard 3
16 Self-Practice hours
The practice of Pilates allows the teacher trainee to work on their craft. The Self-Practice component of the program adheres to the following guidelines:
During Self-Practice the teacher trainee performs Pilates exercises at a location and in a manner approved by your program.
It is to be performed alone or with other teacher trainees only.
Standard 4
12 Student Teaching hours (must have a minimum of 2 clients)
The Student Teacher is required to work with a minimum of 2 clients teaching Mat classes. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the teacher trainee as Student Teacher.
Standard 5
3 Assisted Teaching hours with QTT
During Assisted Teaching, the teacher trainee practices in an environment where there are opportunities to ask questions in the moment while the QTT is present and actively involved in the instruction.
Standard 6
12 Mat Pilates Private of Group Session hours with QTT
The teacher trainer receives instruction from the QTT in the form of a private or group session.
Standard 7
1 Observation hour of Student Teaching a Mat Pilates Class by QTT
The following guidelines apply to Observation hours:
Student Teachers must be observed by the QTT for a minimum of 1 hour teaching a Pilates Mat Class.
During observation the QTT is not interacting with the Student Teacher or the clients unless it is deemed necessary by the QTT to intervene to ensure the safety or well-being of all participants.
The QTT is actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
Standards 8 and 9
Written Exam and Practical Exam
Exam development adheres to the following guidelines:
Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined for students in course syllabus.
The institution publishes clear descriptions of their requirements for satisfactory student progress and utilizes sound written policies and procedures to determine student compliance with these requirements and to document results.
Students are assessed using both written and practical assessments based on a predetermined set of skills, i.e., checklists or rubrics for practical exams that reflect key educational objectives of the course.
Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated.
Reformer Teacher Training Program
Standard 1
85 Lecture/Classroom hours that include the following modules: History of Pilates, Anatomy, Special Populations, Teaching/Cueing*, Business Practices and Networking
Curriculum:
There is an 80-hour lecture requirement for the Reformer Teacher Training Program. The curriculum must meet the following requirements:
The program’s design and materials must follow sound educational practices.
The curriculum content and learning experiences must be pre-planned and present a systematic and sequential educational methodology.
Lecture content must provide learners with education and training that is consistent with industry standards and commonly used apparatus at this time.
Teaching methods are appropriate to course content, meet the needs of diverse learners, use adult learning principles, and are designed to encourage and enhance learner participation and involvement using the mission and goals as guiding principles.
The teacher-to-student ratio ensures effective teaching and learning in both lecture and practical courses.
Systematic and effective review procedures are in place to monitor and improve the curriculum and include feedback from relevant stakeholders, i.e. faculty, students, graduates, and employers.
*Teachers must be mindful of sensitivity issues regarding touch by always requesting permission from the student. Verbal permission is obtained prior to any tactile cueing and laws regarding touch within a given jurisdiction are observed.
Note: It is understood that Joseph Pilates created more apparatus than those currently required for compliance with this standard. Therefore, the apparatus required for compliance may be subject to change based upon commonly used industry apparatus at that time.
Standard 2
60 Observation hours by Student
Observation of the Qualified Teacher Trainer (QTT) is critical for students to understand how to apply what they are learning.
The following applies to Observation:
Observation must be live or live/virtual.
Observation should assess if students are actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
During observation students are not interacting with instructors or clients.
Standard 3
60 Self-Practice hours
The practice of Pilates allows the teacher trainee to work on their craft. The Self-Practice component of the program adheres to the following guidelines:
During Self-Practice the teacher trainee performs Pilates exercises at a location and in a manner approved by your program.
It is to be performed alone or with other teacher trainees only.
Standard 4
40 Student Teaching hours (must have a minimum of 2 clients)
The Student Teacher is required to work with a minimum of 2 clients teaching Reformer classes. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the teacher trainee as Student Teacher.
Standard 5
10 Assisted Teaching hours with QTT
During Assisted Teaching, the teacher trainee practices in an environment where there are opportunities to ask questions in the moment while the QTT is present and actively involved in the instruction.
Standard 6
40 Private Reformer or Groups Session hours with QTT
The teacher trainer receives instruction from the QTT in the form of a private or group session.
Standard 7
5 Observation hours of Student Teaching a Reformer Pilates Class by QTT
The following guidelines apply to Observation hours:
Student Teachers must be observed by the QTT for a minimum of 1 hour teaching a Reformer Pilates Class.
During observation the QTT is not interacting with the Student Teacher or the clients unless it is deemed necessary by the QTT to intervene to ensure the safety or well-being of all participants.
The QTT is actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
Standards 8 and 9
Written Exam and Practical Exam
Exam development adheres to the following guidelines:
Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined for students in course syllabus.
The institution publishes clear descriptions of their requirements for satisfactory student progress and utilizes sound written policies and procedures to determine student compliance with these requirements and to document results.
Students are assessed using both written and practical assessments based on a predetermined set of skills, i.e., checklists or rubrics for practical exams that reflect key educational objectives of the course.
Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated.
Comprehensive Teacher Training Program
Standard 1
125 Lecture/Classroom hours that include the following modules: History of Pilates, Anatomy, Special Populations, Teaching/Cueing*, Reformer, Mat, Wunda Chair, Barrels – Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Cadillac/Tower, Magic Circle, Business Practices and Networking
Curriculum:
There is an 80-hour lecture requirement for the Reformer Teacher Training Program. The curriculum must meet the following requirements:
The program’s design and materials must follow sound educational practices.
The curriculum content and learning experiences must be pre-planned and present a systematic and sequential educational methodology.
Lecture content must provide learners with education and training that is consistent with industry standards and commonly used apparatus at this time.
Teaching methods are appropriate to course content, meet the needs of diverse learners, use adult learning principles, and are designed to encourage and enhance learner participation and involvement using the mission and goals as guiding principles.
The teacher-to-student ratio ensures effective teaching and learning in both lecture and practical courses.
Systematic and effective review procedures are in place to monitor and improve the curriculum and include feedback from relevant stakeholders, i.e. faculty, students, graduates, and employers.
*Teachers must be mindful of sensitivity issues regarding touch by always requesting permission from the student. Verbal permission is obtained prior to any tactile cueing and laws regarding touch within a given jurisdiction are observed.
Note: It is understood that Joseph Pilates created more apparatus than those currently required for compliance with this standard. Therefore, the apparatus required for compliance may be subject to change based upon commonly used industry apparatus at that time.
Standard 2
110 Observation hours by Student
Observation of the Qualified Teacher Trainer (QTT) is critical for students to understand how to apply what they are learning.
The following applies to Observation:
Observation must be live or live/virtual.
Observation should assess if students are actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
During observation students are not interacting with instructors or clients.
Standard 3
75 Self-Practice hours
The practice of Pilates allows the teacher trainee to work on their craft. The Self-Practice component of the program adheres to the following guidelines:
During Self-Practice the teacher trainee performs Pilates exercises at a location and in a manner approved by your program.
It is to be performed alone or with other teacher trainees only.
Standard 4
40 Student Teaching hours (must have a minimum of 2 clients)
The Student Teacher is required to work with a minimum of 2 clients teaching a combination of classes with all apparatus. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the teacher trainee as Student Teacher.
Standard 5
10 Assisted Teaching hours with QTT
During Assisted Teaching, the teacher trainee practices in an environment where there are opportunities to ask questions in the moment while the QTT is present and actively involved in the instruction.
Standard 6
50 Private or Groups Session hours on All Apparatus with QTT
The teacher trainer receives instruction from the QTT in the form of a private or group session.
Standard 7
15 Observation hours of Student Teaching a Pilates Class on All Apparatus by QTT
The following guidelines apply to Observation hours:
Student Teachers must be observed by the QTT for a minimum of 1 hour teaching a Pilates Class on all apparatus.
During observation the QTT is not interacting with the Student Teacher or the clients unless it is deemed necessary by the QTT to intervene to ensure the safety or well-being of all participants.
The QTT is actively noting components such as exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher and client interactions, and program design.
Standards 8 and 9
Written Exam and Practical Exam
Exam development adheres to the following guidelines:
Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined for students in course syllabus.
The institution publishes clear descriptions of their requirements for satisfactory student progress and utilizes sound written policies and procedures to determine student compliance with these requirements and to document results.
Students are assessed using both written and practical assessments based on a predetermined set of skills, i.e., checklists or rubrics for practical exams that reflect key educational objectives of the course.
Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated.
Listing on PMA Website
Upon successful completion of the ITTAP process, the PMA will list all initial approved programs on its website for one location to make it easier for students to find high-quality programs.
Additional locations under the same brand may be listed for a fee of $75 per location. Those programs with multiple locations must certify that the same curriculum is taught in each location.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. The ITTAP was developed with input from Pilates leaders, PMA board members and other professionals in the industry, who indicated that a simpler, more inclusive process was needed. The accreditation is aligned with the PMA’s goal to further professionalize the industry and support the continued education of Pilates for future generations of students.
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The ITTAP has been re-imagined to be more reflective of the industry and the way it views itself as a program, rather than a school. The program is more inclusive and now offers accreditation for three tiers (Mat, Reformer and Comprehensive), each with up to 10 educational standards so students can have the confidence that they are choosing a high-quality Pilates teacher training program. We have also streamlined the application process and made it more cost-effective.
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You do not need to renew your PSAP application as this program is being phased out. The new ITTAP program has replaced the PSAP program. You must complete the ITTAP application and pay the initial application fee by July 31, 2022.
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If you received PSAP approval, you have met the requirements for ITTAP, but you will be required to submit an ITTAP application on the new platform. The previous PSAP platform is being phased out and all applications will be managed on the new platform. If you paid PSAP approval fees in 2021, you must complete the ITTAP application, but will not be required to pay fees. You will have until July 31, 2022 to complete the ITTAP application.
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ITTAP accreditation is not automatic for PSAP-approved programs. You will be required to complete an ITTAP application on the new platform. If you paid for PSAP renewal in 2021, you must complete the ITTAP application, but will not be required to pay fees. You will have until July 31, 2022 to complete the ITTAP application
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After speaking to those running Pilates educational programs, we wanted to create an accreditation process that more closely reflected the needs of the industry. The PSAP was designed to create standards and to regulate Pilates teacher training programs, but its requirements to achieve that end were cumbersome and difficult for the PMA to track and measure. It is our hope that more programs will now seek the ITTAP accreditation because it maintains the same high educational standards for excellence in Pilates teacher training programs, recognizes three tiers of Pilates training, and is lower in cost.
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Programs with the “ITTAP Approval Program” logo are demonstrating that they adhere to global PMA educational standards. This stamp of approval allows them to attract students who are seeking high-quality programs. In addition, applicants must be members of the PMA, the leading organization committed to advancing the Pilates profession through educational, business, and networking programming.
Students seeking training to become Pilates teachers will know they are selecting a quality program that meets the high educational standards.
The Pilates industry also benefits from the creation of standards of what a quality Pilates teacher training program should be, as well as a lower-cost process that recognizes the three major areas of Pilates training.
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For more information about the PMA’s ITTAP program, please contact us at info@pilatesmethodalliance.org