APPI Matwork Certification

The APPI Matwork Certification Process:

Tuition for the Modified Pilates matwork training course is conducted over three two-day weekend teaching blocks and a additional exam day. The series is flexible and allows participants to pay and attend weekend by weekend or to pay and commit to all three weekend modules at the time of booking (discount received when booking all three). The three training levels and exam day must be completed within two years for those wanting to gain certification for the Modified Pilates matwork training. Certification for the Modified Pilates Matwork courses requires satisfaction of the course pre-requisite reading, satisfactory completion of levels one, two and three, completion of hours of observation, self practice and practice teaching. Certification is gained with successful completion of a practical and theory exam conducted after the completion of Matwork Level 3 course (exam outlined below).

Matwork Level 1 - The Foundation

All APPI Modified Pilates courses are designed for those teaching within the rehabilitation setting. The five key elements of the Modified Pilates approach are taught to develop solid foundations for Pilates teaching. The recent research on spinal stabilisation and pelvic stability is reviewed and applied to the APPI beginner series of Modified Pilates movements. Sixteen movements for training lumbo-pelvic, scapulo-thoracic and cervical stabilisation are learnt through observation, self-participation and practice teaching. Discussions of clinical application of the Pilates movements occurs at the time of their teaching to provide participants with the understanding to be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients after the course. Case studies are reviewed and participants have the chance to design and discuss their own treatment plans. A guided workshop on imagery assists participants in generating the skills required for effective cueing.

(Two days, 16 hours)

A 3 month gap must be left between Matwork Level One and Matwork Level Two

Matwork Level Two - Class Instructor

Pilates classes are excellent for clients once they become familiar with the Pilates principles. Classes enable those clients to further develop their own body awareness and independence from one to one treatments. This course is specifically designed for those who have completed the Matwork level one course at least three months prior (you do not have to have completed matwork level three to complete the class instructor course).

Discussions and practical workshops over the weekend cover class selection criteria and assessment for those instructors working in the clinical setting, class structure, design, and equipment needs. A short series of warm up, cool down and small equipment exercises are taught. Participants learn to teach Modified Pilates to small groups through observation, self-practice and guided feedback. There is a practical examination at the end of day two of this course to assess the participant’s ability to teach a small Modified Pilates class.

Matwork Class Instructor Exam

The Modified Pilates class instructor exam consists of:

1. A 15 minute practical exam where you will be expected to teach three matwork level one movements to a small class of participants.

(Two days, 16 hours)

A 3 month gap must be left between Matwork Level Two and Matwork Level Three

Matwork Level 3 - Intermediate / Advanced

This course is specifically designed for those who have completed the Matwork level one course at least six months prior. Matwork two builds upon the movements, understanding, cueing skills and exercise selection framework of level one. Theory and practical workshops over the two days review effective cueing skills including verbal, visual and tactile teaching elements. Thirty movements for training lumbo-pelvic, scapulo-thoracic, cervical stabilisation, spinal mobilisation and strengthening of the global muscular system are learnt through self-participation, practice teaching and observation. Discussions of clinical application of the Pilates movements occurs at the time of their teaching to help participants understand the application of these exercises. Case studies are reviewed and participants have the chance to design and discuss treatment plans.

(Two days, 16 hours)

Matwork Certification Exam

Upon completion of Matwork Level 3 you are eligible to sit your certification exam. In order to gain certification you must sit your exam within 6 months of completing Matwork Level Three. An exam day is scheduled every 3 months in London, and 6 months in Manchester. This process allows us to ensure that our examination process is standardised by having consistent examiners. Please be prepared for the exams by reviewing, self-practising and practise teaching your repertoire. Review the exam criteria below to ensure that you are prepared for the exams.
The Certification Log Book must also be completed in full and handed in to the examiner on the day of your certification exam.

Why should I sit the certification exam?

• Gain a new career
• Stand out in an interview
• Start your own business
• Work wherever and whenever you like
• Demand a pay rise as a specialist physiotherapist
• Increase your results with patients and clients
• Gain a sporting team or corporate Pilates contract

APPI has spent years developing what is now recognised as the premier Pilates Rehabilitation program. By gaining a qualification as a Certified Pilates Instructor you are gaining an entire new career. In today’s’ world this qualification is just as valuable as your Physiotherapy degree. Many of our graduates are now running successful Pilates businesses, be it stand alone classes, studio’s or sporting and corporate contract work.

Matwork Certification Exam - Question and Answer:

Q How long do I have to complete my course examination?
A You must take your exam within six months of completing your last course. We encourage you to take some time afterward to practice the technique, understand all the exercise names, and perfect your teaching skills prior to taking the exam.

Q What Will I be Asked to do for My Practical Exam?
A The time allocated for the Practical exam is 30 minutes.
On entering you will be provided with a small case study description. On this card will be 4 exercises that you will be required to teach. These will range in levels from Level 1 to 6. You can be asked to teach any of the exercises from the Matwork repertoire.
You will then teach the exercises to your client as you would in normal practice. You are expected to be able to link the teaching in with the case presentation to ensure the client understands why they are doing these exercises relevant to their pathology.
At the end of each exercise you will be asked a series of questions by your examiner about the exercise you taught. This will include modifications and variations of the exercise.
After the completion of your 4 exercises, you will be asked to perform a number of the exercises from the APPI Program. You will be marked on your ability to perform the exercises correctly.
The following key points will form part of your examination:
Knowledge of the program: You are expected to know the names and levels of all exercises. We will expect instant recall of the exercises. You will not have time to go through all the levels of an exercise in the exam, so please ensure you know all the varying levels prior to the exam.
Motivational quality: A key part of teaching the APPI Method well is being an inspiring and motivating instructor. Please remember this. You will be marked on voice clarity, tone and motivation.
Ability to perform the exercise: One essential part of teaching the APPI Method is demonstration. You will be marked on your demonstrations of each exercise (do not forget to do this in your exam!), and you will be asked to complete random exercise of the examiners choice at the end of the teaching phase. Please ensure you have practiced the movements yourself, attended classes, and look to undertake some 1:1 sessions under our master trainers if you are worried about this at all.
Important General Info About All Exams
A completed log book is required prior to undertaking the exam. Please ensure the APPI has this before attending for your exam. The exam cannot proceed unless this has been received.


Q What is the Best Preparation for the Practical Portion of My Exam?
A In addition to fully understanding the program, reviewing the exercises, and completing the relevant literature reading, the best preparation for the practical exam is to practice teaching as many different people as possible (family, friends, classmates) to apply your knowledge, adapt it to many different body types, improve your teaching skills, and become comfortable with your teaching experience.
It is highly recommended that you attend some APPI endorsed classes or have 1:1 with our Master trainers to fully understand the expected level of teaching. If attending these is not possible, the LBP DVD is an ideal home study guide to our gold standard of pilates teaching. Use this as a guide to your own teaching ability.

Q What do I Need to Know for My Written Examination?
A The written exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.
The exam tests your knowledge of the following:
The History of Pilates
The Classification of exercises in the APPI Method
The theory presented to you throughout your training
The relevant reading articles from the pre-course reading lists.

Q How Long Does it take to Receive Notification of My Results?
A You should receive your results within 3 weeks of sitting your exam. The results will be sent to you via email. Exam results will be sent directly to you, normally by email within 3 weeks of your exam day

Q What if I Don’t Pass My Exam?
A If you have to retake a portion of or the entire exam, this should happen within six months of the date of the original exam. This ensures that the information remains relatively fresh but allows time to study and improve in the necessary areas. If this time limit has passed, it is highly recommended that you book privates with a Master trainer.

Q How much does it cost to take the Exam?
A At present the exam costs £60.

Click here to purchase the Matwork Certification Series