FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you still have questions, reach out to charley@oakcliffpilates.com

Why get certified through Oak Cliff Pilates Academy?

Programs like Balanced Body, Peak Pilates, and BASI offer excellent full-apparatus training, but they often cost $5,000–$7,000, require travel to select host studios, and involve 500+ hours of coursework, observation, and teaching before you can realistically begin working. These programs can be great, but they’re time- and cost-prohibitive for many people juggling full-time work, family responsibilities, or a career transition.

Most new instructors also start very part-time, typically earning $25–$40 per class and teaching only a few classes per week. That means large, upfront certification investments often take some time to recoup.

Our 300-Hour Mat + Reformer Certification was created as a more approachable, realistic entry point into the field. You receive focused, hands-on Reformer training, peer teaching practice, and clear, practical instruction—everything you need to start teaching confidently—without the financial and logistical barriers of the larger programs.

Why focus on just the Mat and Reformer instead of full-apparatus training?

Full-apparatus training can absolutely be valuable. However, the reality is that nearly all new instructors begin by teaching Mat and Reformer classes. The Reformer is the most widely used piece of equipment in studio settings, and it’s where studios hire the majority of new instructors.

Most instructors start part-time — typically teaching 2–6 classes per week at $25–$40 per class. Focusing your education on Mat and Reformer provides the most practical, accessible path into paid teaching without the added cost and time commitment of a full-apparatus certification upfront.

Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification is designed around the skills studios actually prioritize: clear cueing, safe mechanics, intelligent sequencing, confident room leadership, and the ability to manage mixed-level classes. You gain deep literacy in both Mat foundations and full Reformer programming — the apparatuses you are most likely to teach immediately.

Once you’re teaching confidently and building experience, you can always pursue additional apparatus education — tower, chair, or others — if and when they align with your studio environment or long-term goals.

This program is built to help you start teaching sooner, build momentum, and grow from a strong, practical foundation.

How do you know what makes a great Pilates instructor?

Since opening, Oak Cliff Pilates has hired more than 50 instructors with varied certifications and backgrounds. Through that experience, we’ve learned what truly translates in a studio setting.

Great instructors aren’t defined by the logo on their certificate — they’re defined by their ability to lead a room.

That means:

Strong Mat and Reformer mechanics
Clear, confident cueing
Real-time adaptability
Intelligent progressions and modifications
A steady, encouraging presence

Because most instructors begin with just a few weekly classes, our certification emphasizes practical skill over pedigree. You’ll teach, receive feedback, and refine your approach repeatedly — so you graduate ready to walk into a classroom and lead with confidence.

Is this an accredited certification? Does accreditation matter?

No. OCP Academy is not a nationally accredited Pilates certification program.

Nationally accredited programs are typically 450+ hours, include full apparatus training, and qualify graduates to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam.

While some studios prefer or require an accredited certification, many are placing greater emphasis on an instructor's ability to teach safe, effective, and engaging classes. Strong cueing, class management, client connection, and movement knowledge often matter more than whether an instructor has taken a national exam.

Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification is designed to prepare instructors for real-world teaching. We focus on helping you become a confident, knowledgeable teacher who can lead classes safely and effectively—the qualities studios value most when hiring.

Can I enroll even if I don’t plan to teach?

Absolutely! While many students join with the goal of becoming instructors, we also welcome those who simply want to deepen their personal practice. Several students in our Fall 2025 cohort enrolled purely to understand the Reformer more deeply, refine their movement foundations, and improve their technique—and they found the experience incredibly rewarding.

Whether you want to teach or not, our Reformer training offers a level of insight, body awareness, and hands-on learning that can transform your practice and give you a whole new appreciation for the method.

What are the enrollment requirements?

While some experience with Mat and Reformer Pilates classes is a plus, anyone excited to learn is invited to join the Certification Program.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We accept Klarna and Affirm payment plans at checkout.

Can I still enroll if I'm unable to attend all the sessions?

We don’t offer make-up sessions; however, you’ll be able to review any missed content as well as recordings of the instruction portions of the live sessions inside your Digital Course.

What should I bring to the live in-studio sessions? Are breaks provided?

Dress as you would for a Pilates class and bring anything you prefer for note-taking. You’ll receive your Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook at your first session.

Feel free to bring your own snacks or drinks. Small refreshments are provided as well as a microwave and refrigerator.

Friday sessions will include short 10-15 minute breaks. Saturday sessions will include a 30-40 minute break.

How do I get my Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook?

In-studio students receive a printed Workbook at your first session.

Virtual students receive an editable PDF that can be printed or used electronically.

How do I complete my practice hours?

To earn your 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification, you must complete 250 combined practice hours, including:

125 hours of observation (25 Mat, 100 Reformer)
125 hours of teaching experience (25 Mat, 100 Reformer)

You may complete these hours at any studio. You’re welcome to observe classes at OCP, though teaching positions at OCP are not guaranteed. Any Mat or Reformer classes you personally attend may count toward your observation hours.

Up to 50 teaching hours may be completed virtually, such as teaching friends, family members, or private clients. The remaining teaching hours must be taught in person.

All practice hours must be completed within 15 months of your program start date.

These hours are where your confidence solidifies — transforming training into real-world teaching experience.

Does OCP offer studio time for completing my practice hours?

Yes, we host open studio hours exclusive for Certification Program students to practice most Fridays at our Lower Greenville location from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

You may come alone to practice or bring others with you to teach. Teaching completed during these practice hours counts toward your teaching hours.

Note: These hours are subject to change depending upon studio needs.

How long does it take to finish the certification?

This is up to you. Most students take 6-12 months to complete their Practice Hours; however, some complete them sooner. We give you 15 months from the start of your cohort to complete your hours.

We encourage students to seek teaching opportunities as soon as they complete their 50 in-studio hours and provide more information on how to successfully land opportunities with studios.

Does this certification guarantee me a teaching position at OCP?

Our Certification program is intended as an opportunity for personal and professional development. Completion of the certification is a strong step toward teaching professionally, but it does not guarantee an instructor position at Oak Cliff Pilates.

OCP will notify students when opportunities come available. You’re encouraged to apply for open positions as they’re offered and will be considered with other qualified candidates.

How do I secure teaching positions with studios?

Once you complete your 50 in-studio hours, you’re eligible to start teaching. We cover more on how to network with studios and land teaching opportunities inside the Program.

But generally, Pilates fitness is a relational industry. You gain opportunities by visiting local studios, taking their classes and auditing them to see if you’d like to teach for them. Introduce yourself to trainers and hiring managers so they can get to know you and your interest in teaching. When opportunities arise at OCP, we share them with our students and invite those interested to apply and audition.

Do I have to test out to obtain my certification?

No, there isn’t a formal written or practical test-out exam. However, all students are required to complete a Teaching Demonstration after finishing their Practice Hours.

For your Teaching Demonstration, you’ll teach at least one client—either in-studio or virtually—while your instructors observe. Afterward, your instructors will provide feedback and a graded evaluation. A passing score is required to earn your certification.