Currently in the UK the National Occupational Standards (NOS) only cover Matwork Pilates (usually a Level 3 Matwork Pilates qualification). Awarding bodies (such as ActiveIQ and YMCA Awards) developed a curriculum based on the NOS and then training providers create their courses in line with the those. The criteria against which students are assessed in these Level 3 qualifications depends on the awarding body.
Much of the criteria for Level 3 Matwork Pilates qualifications is widely considered unfit for purpose. As an example, they do not put emphasis on the original 34 matwork exercises Joseph Pilates published in his book "Return to Life Through Contrology". This is basic and part of what Pilates is!
It is significant to note that the awarding bodies are focussed on the fitness industry and although Pilates is a movement modality it is wasn't brought to the UK under that guise. You can think of Pilates training more akin to that of Yoga training.
Many Pilates education providers have created their own curriculums and do not offer qualifications under the awarding bodies. This is true both of training providers which fall under the banner of Contemporary Pilates as well as Classical Pilates apprenticeships.
This is why there is such a huge variety of different training pathways which on one hand is great because you can find a pathway that fits your goals and individual situation, but on the other hand can make choosing a pathway quite confusing.
In short you do NOT need to gain a Level 3 Pilates Matwork qualification in order to teach Pilates classes! This is true unless you want to teach in gyms which require a Level 3 qualification (you would need to speak directly to the company you wish to work for). Even then, I would challenge the necessity to hold that qualification if it were me.
The most important thing is to be able to get insurance to cover you and this will be based on the Scope of Practise of your chosen training course (i.e. what are you going to be competent at when you finish the course). My recommendation for cover in the UK is Fitness CIC and they will cover you if you complete your Reformer Pilates teacher training course with me.
So, if obtaining a Level 3 qualification is not important, what should you look for in a training course?
Do you have a teacher whose classes you love? It would be worth asking them who they trained with. Ask them about the course and what it took to pass the course. What did they love about the training course? What did the course lack? What training have they done since?
Find out what the emphasis on the course is. Does it match with what you need and value? Do they teach your Pilates, the original repertoire and how what you're learning fits into the whole system or do they teach a watered-down version of Pilates? What's the price? Is it in your current budget?
How many hours can you dedicate to the training course?
Do you need to complete practise hours, practise-teaching hours and observation hours outside of the course?
If you're planning to move to a different country it would also be worth checking that your certification will be accepted there. You may have to complete further training.
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