The APPI Matwork Certification is broken down into Matwork Levels 1 - 3 and final exams. After completing each level, you will be able to implement the exercises and methods learned immediately into your clinical practice.
The Matwork Certification is the equivilant content of a 6 day course.
APPI Matwork Level 1 - The Foundation
This is your foundation Pilates course, necessary to continue with the rest of the matwork and equipment series and is presumed knowledge on the remaining matwork and equipment courses. This course teaches you the Pilates fundamentals and an array of beginner exercises that you will continue to draw upon with all your new patients and clientele.
APPI Matwork Level 2 - Class Instructor
This practical course is specifically designed to give you the skills and confidence to teach Pilates classes - group teaching requires a separate skill set to 1:1 teaching which will be explored at length during this course.
APPI Matwork Level 3- Intermediate / Advanced
This dynamic course teaches repertoire that is a direct continuation of the movements learned during Matwork Level 1 and teaches intermediate-advanced level exercises that can be used for higher level rehab and beyond.
The APPI Clinical Pilates Equipment Certification is broken down into 4 equipment specific courses covering the arc barrel, split pedal chair, cadillac and reformer. Following each equipment course you will be able to start teaching the exercises straight away and implement your new skills into your clinical practice.
APPI Pilates on the Arc Barrel
This course introduces APPI-modified Pilates movements using the arc barrel, a versatile and portable tool that enhances matwork exercises. You'll learn how its gently curved design supports the back, shoulders, and neck, prevents lumbar hyperextension, and increases flexibility.
Equivilant content of 1 day course
APPI Pilates on the Split Pedal Chair
This course covers a wide range of exercises, from beginner to advanced strength and conditioning, while focusing on movement analysis and client rehabilitation. Participants will refine their teaching skills through workshops on cueing, program planning, and group instruction. The course also explores integrating the chair with other equipment for mixed studio sessions.
Equivilant content of 2 day course
APPI Pilates on the Reformer
This course covers 95 Pilates exercises from beginner to advanced levels. It develops teaching skills, cueing techniques, program planning, and exercise analysis, ensuring you can deliver safe, effective, and well-structured reformer classes.
Equivilant content of 6 day course
APPI Pilates on the Cadillac
This course covers beginner to advanced Pilates movements on the cadillac, emphasising modifications, alignment, and progression. It also develops teaching skills, including cueing, program planning, and running both individual and group sessions with other large equipment.
Equivilant content of 4 day course
APPI Matwork Certification Exam
Once you have completed Matwork Level 1, 2 and 3, as well as your certification logbook requirements you can sit the APPI Pilates Matwork exams. Upon successful completion of APPI certification requirements, you will become an APPI Pilates certified instructor.
Certification Logbook
Your completed Pilates Certification logbook is uploaded to the online portal prior to submitting your Pilates practical exam. Hours are:
- 5 hours observation
- 30 hours practise teaching
- 50 hours self-practise
Theory Exam
An online multiple-choice theory exam that covers but is not limited to the following topics:
- History of Pilates
- History of APPI
- Classification of APPI exercises
- Name of APPI exercises
- The relevant choice of an exercise for a given goal
Practical Exam
Design a 30 minute 1:1 Pilates session using APPI repertoire. You will be marked on:
- Introduction
- Session planning
- Clinical reasoning
- Cueing
- Energy and motivation
- Safety
A 70% pass rate is required in both the theory and practical examinations.
You have two years to complete the certification exams from the date of enrolment.
APPI Equipment Certification Exam
Once you have attended all courses and completed your certification logbook you can then complete the exam process. Once you pass both the theory and practical exams and submit your case study and logbook requirements, you will become an APPI Pilates Certified Equipment Instructor.
APPI Pilates is taught to health and rehabilitation professionals around the world, so you will be entering an international community of certified teachers. You will also have access to the APPI logo to promote yourself as a certified teacher.
Certification Logbook
Your completed Pilates Certification logbook is uploaded to the online portal prior to submitting your Pilates practical exam. Hours are:
- 10 hours observation
- 60 hours practise teaching
- 100 hours self-practise
Theory Exam
An online multiple-choice theory exam that covers but is not limited to the following topics:
- History of Pilates
- History of APPI
- Classification of APPI exercises
- Name of APPI exercises
- The relevant choice of an exercise for a given goal
Practical Exam
Design a 50 minute 1:1 Pilates session using APPI repertoire. You will be marked on:
- Introduction
- Session planning
- Clinical reasoning
- Cueing
- Energy and motivation
- Safety
A 70% pass rate is required in both the theory and practical examinations.
You have two years to complete the certification exams from the date of enrolment.
APPI Clinical Matwork and Equipment Pilates teacher training is designed for physiotherapists, osteopaths, exercise physiologists, doctors, sports scientists, chiropractors, rehabilitation therapists, occupational therapists, degree qualified myotherapists and students undertaking an allied health degree.
If you have no healthcare background, then our APPI Pilates Instructor Certification is ideal for you, and there are no prerequisites to join this training. The course will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to teach matwork and reformer Pilates classes and one-on one sessions for healthy population groups. Learn more >>
Do I need a background in allied health to enrol in the APPI Clinical Matwork & Equipment Pilates Certification course?
Yes! To qualify to enrol into the APPI Clinical Matwork & Equipment Pilates Certification you are required to hold an allied health degree, or are an allied health student.
If you don't meet these requirements, our APPI Pilates Instructor Certification is perfect for you. You can learn more here.
What certification will I receive after completing the course?
Upon successful completion of the course and final assessments, you will receive both an APPI Pilates Matwork Certification and an APPI Pilates Equipment Certification – both are internationally recognised certifications. These certifications allow you to teach 1:1 or small group clinical Pilates classes.
How long does it take to complete the Clinical Matwork and Equipment Pilates training?
The APPI Clinical Matwork and Equipment Pilates Certification is a 100% online and self-paced course allowing you to study anytime, from anywhere, at your own pace. You will have 2 years from the date of enrolment to complete the trianing and sit certification exams.
What makes the APPI Clinical Matwork and Equipment Pilates Certification course different from other training programs?
The APPI Clinical Matwork and Equipment Pilates Certification course stands out for its clinical foundations, expert-led instruction, and global recognition. APPI training is developed by physiotherapists, offering a deeper understanding of functional movement, injury prevention, and client-specific programming.
Why choose Unite Health for Pilates instructor training?
Unite Health offers more than 13 years of experience in Pilates education, training over 10,000 instructors in Australia. Our APPI Clinical Matwork and Equipment Pilates course is designed by allied health professionals, ensuring a high standard of teaching grounded in clinical expertise.
