In this new blog series, we respond to some of the common questions about the STOTT PILATES® Exam process so you understand your options, feel prepared and achieve success.
To become a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor, students must complete a written exam and a practical exam.
The written exam consists of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank or matching type questions, as well as muscle identification questions. It will take approximately two to three hours to complete. However, there is no time limit in which to complete the exam. Notes and other study aides are not permitted during the exam. The exam can be done either in person at a Merrithew® Training Center or via proctor (see more on this below).
The practical exam involves you selecting the appropriate exercises and leading your subject through a workout. During this exam, you will be required to demonstrate how you gather information and assess your client, how you teach the STOTT PILATES® Five Basic Principles, and cue and instruct them safely through a workout. You will be assessed on these 10 teaching skills.
The workout takes one hour for the Matwork or Reformer exam; 1-1/2 hours for the Matwork and Reformer exam; and two hours for the Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels exam.
This can be done either in person at a Merrithew® Training Center or you can organize to submit your practical exam via DVD, USB stick/key or secured link on email. You are not permitted to stop the video recording or edit it; it must be filmed as one continuous clip. Speak clearly so that the Instructor Trainer reviewing your video is able to assess how you conducted the workout.
Where can I take my written and practical exams?
- The Toronto Corporate Training Center
- Any Merrithew® Licensed Training Center or Host Training Center
The written and practical components may be taken on different days, but must be taken within seven days of one another and completed at the same venue or else they’ll be considered void.
- If neither of those options work, you can organize to submit both portions of your exam via proctor. Contact Merrithew’s Education Department for more details (contact below)
What does ‘by proctor’ mean?
A third, non-biased party, such as a notary or public library, must oversee/supervise the written exam. Public libraries are often good places to do it because they tend to proctor a variety of examinations for various organizations, so they’re familiar with the process. Exam fees for both practical and written exams must be paid in full prior to sending the exam package to the specified proctor.
The proctor is responsible for supervising the written exam, and sealing and signing off on your return envelope, which will include your completed written exam and receipt of payment enclosed. You are responsible for posting the package.
If doing your exam via proctor, you may film your practical exam before completing your written exam and then submit the DVD or USB stick in the same envelope as your written exam, ensuring that your proctor seals and signs off on the entire package. Alternatively, you can complete your written exam via proctor and then send in your practical exam via secure link afterwards, but it must be sent in within seven days of writing your written exam.
It’s highly recommended that for your first attempt at the exam, you do both portions in person at a Merrithew Training Center, where you’ll receive support and assistance from the supervising IT.
Proctored exams are geared towards those who live far away from a Training Center or who are retaking the exam.
When should I take my exam?
You must take your written and practical exam within six months of completing your last STOTT PILATES Education course, including ISP and Functional Anatomy. We highly recommend that you wait until you have completed all of the STOTT PILATES courses that you plan to take before writing your exam, which will be a cumulative assessment of all the repertoire you’ve studied.
Before booking your exam, you need to have completed your practice teaching, observation and physical review hours. You will need to submit your logged hours to the Instructor Trainer on your exam date.
We encourage you to take some time after you’ve completed your education to practice and synthesize the information prior to taking the exam; however, you are welcome to take the exam immediately after you complete the course if you and your instructor agree you are ready.
How do I schedule my exam?
Check back for the next blog in this series, where we’ll provide you with tips on how to prepare for the exam.
For more information about the STOTT PILATES Exam process, click here.