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Best Pilates Training Program Online Master the Classical Pilates Method
Join Over 14,000+ Pilates Professionals Worldwide
Our Pilates certification teaches the original method in its purest form—unmatched in clarity, depth, and consistency. Rooted in Joseph Pilates’ classical foundation, our documented video training preserves the method exactly as intended. Unlike modern variations, this approach stays true—and it’s why professionals in over 75 countries begin their journey with us.
- Master the classical foundation exactly as Joseph Pilates intended.
- Train with structured, video-documented methods for lasting consistency.
- Advance your career with flexible, self-paced certification—fully online.
- Access our world-class manuals, aligned with online courses, in 14+ languages.
- Choose the original Pilates method over all versions.
Complete Pilates Certification
Complete Pilates Program: Unrivaled Repertoire
Jump into the Complete Pilates Certification with instant online enrollment. Master a full repertoire of rare, difficult-to-find exercises through expert video training, conquer assessments from foundation to advanced levels, and earn a world-renowned certification. As the most popular choice, this program sets you up for a lasting, versatile Pilates career.
Watch the 30-second program preview – click a flag to view in your language.
Program Overview
- Ideal for those targeting prestigious fitness centers, Pilates centers, or launching their own Pilates business.
Earnings Potential
- Earn $60,000–$120,000 annually after certification, based on location and role.
2025 Bonus: PWD Badge
- Earn an exclusive Gold PWD Badge upon completing the Complete Program, elevating your global profile.
- See how your badge will look, and view Dr. Melinda Bryan's PWD profile.
- Visit the Pilates World Directory for details.
Path to Certification
Start Now! You don't have to wait. Many students begin logging their 450 apprenticeship hours immediately after enrolling and starting the PCO course videos. Whether assisting instructors, practicing with friends, or teaching paying clients (under supervision), you can start right away—even before finishing all videos.
- View all course videos. Immediately upon passing the Advanced-level online tests, your Course Completion Certificate becomes available for instant download and can be printed from your personal account dashboard. This certificate can be used to show proof of training to employers or while applying for teaching positions.
- Automatic Video Credit (40 hours): As part of the 450 apprenticeship hours, 40 hours are automatically credited after you complete all required PCO online course videos and pass the end-of-level open-book tests for each course. These hours must be included by the student on their apprenticeship log sheet.
- Independent Study (up to 40 additional hours): You may earn up to an additional 40 hours through Independent Study by viewing approved Pilates video content clearly labeled as "Authentic," "Classical," or "Traditional" from sources like YouTube or Pilates.TV. These hours must be logged by the student. You may also earn 2 independent study hours by watching this instructional video by Dr. Melinda Bryan.
- Supervised Apprenticeship Hours: The remaining apprenticeship hours should be completed through supervised personal practice, workshops, seminars, private or group Pilates classes, and practice teaching with real or practice clients, either unpaid or paid, under the direction of any certified Pilates instructor.
Additional Requirements (Complete Program Only)
- CPR Certification: Obtain a valid CPR certification independently from an approved provider (PCO does not offer CPR courses).
- Anatomy Requirement: Complete an external anatomy course independently. PCO provides anatomy study forms and review sheets in your account under "My Documents" to assist with your self-study.
PCO Apprentice Tool Kit (Complete Program Only)
Exclusive to the Complete Program, the PCO Apprentice Tool Kit is a comprehensive handbook, accessible in your dashboard under "Resources" or "My Documents." This invaluable resource, not provided to Mat or Reformer Certification Program students, equips you with everything needed for a successful apprenticeship. It includes a unique optional legal contract template and negotiation tools to secure mentorship or job arrangements with Pilates facilities or instructors, plus tailored guidance for logging hours and maximizing your training experience.
Outcome
- Meet industry Gold Standards and access worldwide career opportunities.
Gold PWD Badge
Exclusive to Complete Program graduates — verifies your top-tier training and enhances your credentials.
Sample Certificate
Awarded upon graduation – demonstrates verified completion and recognized instructor status.
Complete Mat Certification
Mat Pilates Program: Equipment-Free Start
Begin this certification with seamless online enrollment. Hone a rich set of techniques requiring no equipment, guided by expert videos, pass custom assessments, and gain a widely respected certification as a Certified Pilates Mat Instructor (CPMI). Rooted in Joseph Pilates' beginner method, it launches you into global teaching, empowering you to instruct anywhere with unmatched freedom.
Watch the 30-second program preview – click a flag to view in your language.
Program Overview
- Ideal for beginners targeting fitness centers or global teaching without equipment.
Earnings Potential
- Earn $15–$45 per client in group classes, scalable with popularity.
2025 Bonus: PWD Badge
- Earn an exclusive Silver PWD Badge upon completing the Mat or Reformer Program, elevating your global profile.
- See how your badge will look, and view Dr. Melinda Bryan's PWD profile.
- Visit the Pilates World Directory for details.
Path to Certification
Time Flies—Enrol Today! There's no reason to wait. As soon as you enroll and begin the Mat course videos, your training can begin—whether you're assisting instructors, practicing with friends, or teaching under supervision, even before completing all videos. Depending on your experience, this may also open the door to paid opportunities sooner than later.
- View all course videos. Immediately upon passing the Advanced-level online tests, your Course Completion Certificate becomes available for instant download and can be printed from your personal account dashboard. This certificate can be used to show proof of training to employers or while applying for teaching positions.
- Automatic Video Credit (10 hours): As part of the 100 apprenticeship hours, 10 hours are automatically credited after you complete all required PCO Mat course videos and pass the end-of-level open-book tests for each course. These hours must be included by the student on their apprenticeship log sheet.
- Independent Study (up to 10 additional hours): You may earn up to an additional 10 hours through Independent Study by viewing approved Pilates video content clearly labeled as "Authentic," "Classical," or "Traditional" from sources like YouTube or Pilates.TV. These hours must be logged by the student. You may also earn 2 independent study hours by watching this instructional video by Dr. Melinda Bryan.
- Supervised Apprenticeship Hours: The remaining apprenticeship hours should be completed through supervised personal practice, workshops, seminars, private or group Pilates classes, and practice teaching with practice or actual clients, either unpaid or paid, under the direction of any certified Pilates instructor.
Note
- CPR certification and anatomy study are not required for Mat or Reformer Certification Programs but are recommended for enhanced safety and knowledge. PCO does not offer CPR courses, but provides anatomy study forms and review sheets in your account under "My Documents."
PCO Apprentice Tool Kit (Mat Program)
New for 2025, the PCO Apprentice Tool Kit is included with the Mat Program, accessible in your dashboard under "Resources" or "My Documents." This essential handbook equips you with tools for a successful apprenticeship, including an optional legal contract template, negotiation tools for mentorship or job arrangements, and guidance for logging hours.
Outcome
- Gain industry recognition and global teaching opportunities.
Silver PWD Badge
verifies your foundational training.
Sample Certificate
confirms recognized instructor status.
Complete Reformer Certification
Reformer Pilates Program: Single-Machine Power
Launch this certification with easy online enrollment. Master the entire set of Joseph Pilates' Reformer exercises, including rare techniques no longer taught, via expert video guidance. Excel in rigorous assessments and secure a trusted certification. This process empowers you to teach worldwide or build your own business with just one machine.
Watch the 30-second program preview – click a flag to view in your language.
Program Overview
- Perfect for targeting luxury resorts or global cruise ship roles with one reformer.
Earnings Potential
- Earn $45–$95 per private session, $35–$75 for groups, based on experience.
2025 Bonus: PWD Badge
- Earn an exclusive Silver PWD Badge upon completing the Reformer Certification Program, helping you stand out among instructors worldwide.
- See how your badge will look, and view Dr. Melinda Bryan's PWD profile.
- Visit the Pilates World Directory for details.
Path to Certification
Start Immediately—No Delay! The moment you enroll and start the Reformer course videos, your training begins—whether assisting instructors, practicing with peers, or teaching clients under supervision, you can log hours right away—even before finishing all videos. With prior Pilates experience, you may unlock paid teaching opportunities sooner than others.
- View all Reformer course videos. Immediately upon passing the Advanced-level online tests, your Course Completion Certificate becomes available for instant download and can be printed from your personal account dashboard. This certificate may be used as proof of training when applying for teaching positions or working with clients.
- Automatic Video Credit (10 hours): As part of the 150 apprenticeship hours, 10 hours are automatically credited after you complete all required PCO Reformer course videos and pass the end-of-level open-book tests for each course. These hours must be included by the student on their apprenticeship log sheet.
- Independent Study (up to 10 additional hours): You may earn up to an additional 10 hours through Independent Study by viewing approved Reformer Pilates video content clearly labeled as "Authentic," "Classical," or "Traditional" from sources like YouTube or Pilates.TV. These hours must be logged by the student. You may also earn 2 independent study hours by watching this instructional video by Dr. Melinda Bryan.
- Supervised Apprenticeship Hours: The remaining apprenticeship hours should be completed through supervised personal practice, workshops, seminars, private or group Pilates classes, and practice teaching with practice or actual clients, either unpaid or paid, under the direction of any certified Pilates instructor.
Note
- CPR certification and anatomy study are not required for Mat or Reformer Certification Programs but are recommended for enhanced safety and knowledge. PCO does not offer CPR courses, but provides anatomy study forms and review sheets in your account under "My Documents."
PCO Apprentice Tool Kit (Reformer Program)
New for 2025, the PCO Apprentice Tool Kit is included with the Reformer Program, accessible in your dashboard under "Resources" or "My Documents." This essential handbook equips you with tools for a successful apprenticeship, including an optional legal contract template, negotiation tools for mentorship or job arrangements, and guidance for logging hours.
Outcome
- Unlock high-demand global career paths.
Silver PWD Badge
verifies your equipment expertise.
Sample Certificate
confirms recognized instructor status.
Certification Process Details
Certification Steps
- Register for a free account, select your program (Mat, Reformer, or Complete), and complete Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Pass all online assessments, using training manuals as a recommended resource.
- Accrue apprenticeship hours — 100 for Mat, 150 for Reformer, or 450 for Complete — under a certified instructor. Document teaching, observation, and workshop time accurately in your log.
- If you don’t have access to a studio or instructor, since 2025 remote supervision is approved. You may:
- Join structured weekly Zoom modules led by PCO instructors (in development).
- Earn observation hours via real-time video sessions.
- Use Pilates.tv and approved YouTube content to supplement learning (does not replace required hours).
- Complete all required hours (100/150/450) — plus 50–100 extra if without a certified instructor.
- Contact support to activate this option. Additional fees may apply.
- Submit your apprenticeship log, verification form, and government-issued ID via email to info@pilatescertificationonline.com. For the Complete Program, include CPR and anatomy certification (optional for Mat/Reformer). Download forms from the “Resources” tab (login required).
- After approval (within 14 business days), email info@pilatescertificationonline.com for test instructions.
- Enhance recognition by joining PilatesWorldDirectory.com with your free account.
Final Certification Test
Complete your certification with the official Final Certification Test from The Pilates Studio of Los Angeles® — a professional assessment endorsed by Dr. Melinda Bryan that confirms your readiness to teach.
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Submit your documents:
- After completing your apprenticeship, send all required materials in one email to info@pilatescertificationonline.com: course certificates, offsite hours verification, proof of instructor supervision, apprentice log, and government-issued ID.
- For the Complete Program, include CPR and anatomy certification (optional for Mat/Reformer).
- Incomplete or staggered submissions will not be reviewed.
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Receive test instructions:
- Once approved (within 14 business days), you'll receive customized test instructions based on your program (Mat, Reformer, or Complete).
- You'll then have 10 business days (2 weeks) to film and submit a 60-minute real-time teaching session with a mock client.
- This session must be recorded without notes or manuals, using any modern device.
- Submit your completed video with the cleared $195 testing fee to info@pilatescertificationonline.com (Subject: Final Test Review), graded on flow, dynamics, and knowledge.
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Prepare fully:
- Use The Pilates Studio of Los Angeles® training manuals during preparation, but they must not be used during recording.
- Your session should demonstrate confident flow, clear verbal cueing, safety, and advanced material, treating it as a real, uninterrupted teaching experience without reliance on external aids.
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Get your certificate:
- Upon passing, you'll receive a link to order your official Certified Pilates Instructor certificate from The Pilates Studio of Los Angeles ($25 U.S. / $35 international shipping).
- Reprints are $50. Unofficial copies are available to print at no charge.
- Manuals are available at the Pilates Certification Store.
Training Manuals
- Access Dr. Melinda Bryan’s manuals, rooted in classical Pilates, available in paperback and over 15 languages (EPUB) for global use.
- Master exercises and sequences, ideal for test preparation and higher scores.
- Deepen teaching skills, ensuring alignment with original methods and preserving Pilates legacy.
Purchase Manuals: Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Google Books, PCO Store
