Pilates Instructor Courses

Looking to become a qualified Pilates instructor?

Our Pilates instructor courses are designed specifically for fitness professionals who want to complete a recognised Pilates certification through flexible, online study.

All courses are registered with AUSactive which means you'll receive CPD points AND can register as a Pilates Instructor on completion.

View the courses How it works

Our Mat Pilates Instructor Course is for fitness professionals who want to add Pilates to what they already offer. It's $997, fully online and self-paced, carries 20 CPDs, and on completion you can register with AUSactive as a Pilates Instructor (approval code 08284AA).

Most students come in holding a Certificate III or IV in Fitness. If you don't hold one yet, you can still study through Pathway 1, which has no entry requirements. No studio hours, no weekend intensives, no waiting for a term to start.

Pilates Certification Courses

Enrolling now

Mat Pilates Instructor Course – for Fitness Professionals (20CPDs)

$997.00

View course details

Reformer Pilates For Fitness Professionals

Coming Soon

Coming soon

Reformer Pilates Instructor Course

This course is not yet available. Reformer Pilates uses specialised equipment to add resistance and support, developing different skills and teaching applications to Mat Pilates.

Is this a Pilates teacher training qualification?

Worth being straight about, because it decides whether we're the right fit for you.

This is not a full Pilates teacher training programme. Dedicated teacher-training providers run long-form courses that take someone with no fitness background all the way to a qualified Pilates teacher, usually with studio hours, reformer work and contact days. Those run six months to two years and cost several thousand dollars.

What we do is narrower on purpose. Most of our students already hold a fitness qualification and already have clients. This course adds mat Pilates on top: the classical sequence, how to teach it, and how to programme it around the training you're already running. You finish able to teach at least eight exercises from the original 34, and you register with AUSactive as a Pilates Instructor. If you're starting from zero instead, read how to become a Pilates instructor in Australia first. It lays out both routes honestly.

Who are these Pilates Instructor Courses for

Personal Trainers who want to start running Pilates classes / incorporating Pilates principles into their sessions
Group Fitness Instructors who want to start running Pilates classes / incorporating Pilates principles into their sessions
Gym Instructors who want to start running Pilates classes / incorporating Pilates principles into their sessions
Pilates enthusiasts who want to start running Pilates classes

What You'll Gain from our Pilates Certification Courses

Recognised Pilates instructor certification
Ability to register with AUSactive as a Pilates Professional
Online, flexible learning
Skills applicable in studios, gyms, and private settings

A group Pilates class performing a seated side stretch on reformers

A Pilates participant performing a kneeling leg extension on a reformer

Entry Requirements

Pathway 1

There are no entry requirements for Pathway 1 – anyone is able to study these courses

Pathway 2

To complete a Pilates Certification via Pathway 2, you are required to hold either a Certificate III in Fitness or Certificate IV in Fitness or equivalent.

How The Process Works

Choose Your Course

Choose which Pilates course you would like to take.

Registration Online

Once you've selected your course, register through our easy-to-use online portal. Fill in your details, choose your payment option, and secure your spot. Registration is quick and straightforward. Once you've completed payment – you'll have immediate access to your coursework.

Complete the course

After registering, you'll gain immediate access to all course materials. The course is 100% self-paced so you can enjoy the flexibility of completing the course on your schedule, with engaging content that fits into your busy life. Whether you prefer to learn in short bursts or dedicate longer sessions, you're in control.

Pass the Final Assessment

At the end of the course, you'll complete a final assessment to test your knowledge and ensure you've mastered the material. You have unlimited attempts to complete the assessment. Once you have passed the final assessment, you will be a qualified Pilates Instructor.

Submit your Certificate to your registration body (AUSactive)

Once you have received your completion certificate, you submit this to your registration body (AUSactive) and you will be a registered Pilates Instructor.

A Pilates participant in a kneeling lunge on a reformer

Who Designed Our Courses?

An instructor leading a group Pilates class on reformers

Fitness Education Online

At Fitness Education Online, we are proud to be one of Australia's leading and multi-awarded fitness education providers, offering a wide range of CPD-approved courses tailored for Australian fitness professionals. Our courses are fully recognised by AUSactive (formerly Fitness Australia), Physical Activity Australia, and REPs NZ, ensuring they meet the highest standards for accreditation and professional development in Australia and New Zealand.

While based in Australia, our accredited courses are also globally recognised, extending to fitness professionals in the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. This includes recognition by CIMSPA in the UK, EREPS, and REPs Ireland, making them ideal for those seeking international qualifications.

Our courses are specifically designed to help fitness professionals enhance their skills, meet registration requirements, and excel in their careers, no matter where they're located.

Who Are Our Courses Registered with?

AUSactive (formerly Fitness Australia)

AUSactive is Australia's leading organisation for fitness accreditation, dedicated to setting the benchmark in the health and fitness industry. Our AUSactive CPD-approved courses are designed to help fitness professionals meet their professional development needs while improving their skills in areas like exercise programming, client safety, and fitness business management. By completing these AUSactive-recognised fitness courses, you'll maintain your registration, enhance your expertise, and deliver exceptional results to your clients.

Physical Activity Australia

Physical Activity Australia provides accreditation and professional development opportunities for fitness professionals across the country. Our Physical Activity Australia-approved PDP courses are tailored to meet the highest standards of education, covering everything from program design and client care to advanced fitness techniques. By enrolling in our PDP-recognised courses for Physical Activity Australia, you'll stay compliant with their requirements while expanding your knowledge to better support your clients.

REPs NZ

The New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs NZ) is the leading authority for fitness accreditation in New Zealand. Our REPs NZ-approved CPD courses are designed to help fitness professionals maintain their registration, advance their skills, and adhere to industry standards. With a focus on areas like client safety, programme design, and fitness trends, our REPs NZ-recognised fitness courses equip you with the knowledge to excel in the New Zealand fitness industry and deliver superior services to your clients.

ESSA (Exercise & Sports Science Australia)

ESSA is Australia's premier professional body for exercise and sports science practitioners, dedicated to advancing exercise as a vital component of health and well-being. Our ESSA-approved CPD courses are specifically designed to meet the continuing professional development requirements for exercise physiologists, sports scientists, and other ESSA-accredited professionals. These courses focus on key areas such as exercise programming for special populations, injury prevention, and evidence-based practice, enabling you to maintain your accreditation, enhance your professional skills, and improve client outcomes.

Support

Email to Support Team

If you encounter any technical issues or have general questions about the course, you can reach out to our dedicated support team. We're here to assist you with any concerns you may have, ensuring a smooth learning experience.

Email to Course Presenter

For course-specific questions, you can directly email the course presenter. Whether you need clarification on the material or advice on applying the concepts, the presenter is available to guide you through the content. Contact details will be provided within the course materials.

Access to a Private Facebook Group

Join our Facebook group for course participants, where you can connect with peers, share insights, and ask questions. The group is a supportive community where both fellow students and course instructors are active, offering additional tips and encouragement as you progress.

Pilates instructor courses: frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a qualified fitness professional?

Our Pilates instructor courses are designed for qualified fitness professionals. If you're not currently qualified, alternative entry pathways are available and are explained on the individual course pages.

Is the Pilates certification recognised?

Yes. Our Pilates instructor courses provide recognised Pilates certification suitable for fitness professionals looking to teach Pilates in gyms, studios, and private settings.

Can I study online and at my own pace?

Yes. All Pilates instructor courses are delivered online, allowing you to study at your own pace while balancing work and other commitments.

What's the difference between Mat and Reformer Pilates?

Mat Pilates focuses on bodyweight-based exercises performed on the mat, while Reformer Pilates uses specialised equipment to add resistance and support. Each course develops different skills and teaching applications.

What qualifications do I need to be a Pilates instructor?

There's no single licence in Australia. Employers and insurers generally want either a recognised Pilates teacher training qualification, or a fitness qualification plus Pilates-specific training. Our Mat Pilates Instructor Course takes the second route: you hold a Certificate III or IV in Fitness, add mat Pilates, and register with AUSactive. If you don't hold a fitness qualification yet, Pathway 1 has no entry requirements.

How long does it take to become a Pilates instructor?

Full teacher training programmes usually run six months to two years, often with contact hours you have to physically attend. Ours is self-paced and online, so it comes down to your own schedule. Most students fit it around clients over a few weeks rather than a few terms.

How do I become a Pilates instructor in Australia?

Two routes. Start from scratch with a dedicated Pilates teacher training provider, or, if you're already working in fitness, add Pilates to the qualification you hold. The second is faster and considerably cheaper, and it's the one we support. Either way, sort your insurance and AUSactive registration before you take your first class.

How much do Pilates instructors earn in Australia?

Rates vary by city, by studio, and by whether you're employed or running your own sessions. Most of our students aren't replacing their income; they're adding Pilates classes to a personal training schedule, which lifts weekly earnings without needing more clients. The same maths applies to the other CPD courses for fitness professionals we run.

Not qualified in fitness yet? You have two options: study this course through Pathway 1, or get the fitness qualification first and come back to Pilates. Most people do the second, and our fitness qualifications set out the route. It'll cost you less and take less time than starting with a full teacher training programme.

Ready to get started?

Choose your Pilates course and get immediate access to your coursework once you've registered.

View the courses

Pilates Instructor Courses

Pilates Certification Courses