Frequently Asked Questions

Space is limited and applications will be processed on a first come, first-served basis.

Space will only be reserved upon receipt and acceptance of the application form and deposit payment.

Fees are subject to change.

Applicants must be over 18 years old.

Some courses have prerequisite conditions such as relevant experience and education.

Students must be able to fully participate in and physically perform all elements of the course and its content.

Course deposits are non-refundable and are specific to each course and date.

Course transfer is possible provided you notify us in writing at least 30 days prior to the course start date. A new non-refundable course deposit will be required to secure a place on an alternative course.

Full and final payment is due 30 days before the course start date. Once this payment has been made, the course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

You must attend all days of the course to be considered to have completed the course.

Please refer to the Merrithew Policies & Procedures below for information on making up missed attendance.

To book your exam, please email education@corepilatesstudios.co.uk.

Exam fees are:
STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus: £250
STOTT PILATES Intensive Reformer: £250

Combined exam for both courses: £275

Please let us know if you are re-sitting your exam, as the resit fee is £120 per exam element.

If you need to change your exam date, please notify us at least 30 days prior to the exam date to avoid additional charges.

Before You Book Your Examination

The following information explains the procedure to obtain your STOTT PILATES Certification.

How can I complete the Practice Teaching, Observation and Physical Review hours?

In order for your course to be considered complete, a minimum number of Observation, Practice Teaching and Physical Review hours are required.

These hours should be completed between instructed sessions at any Merrithew Training Center, at home, or at a facility with a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor or Instructor Trainer.

Additional training may be required before certification.

Practice Teaching and Physical Review hours must be logged outside of class time.

The practice logs must be submitted on your exam date, either written or practical. If all logs are not submitted within 7 days from the last portion of the exam, the entire exam will be void.

Observation

Observation hours can be logged during relevant course homework or after a STOTT PILATES course.

Observation hours can be accrued by watching a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor or Instructor Trainer teach clients in person or online.

Observation hours can also be completed by observing relevant course videos on DVD or through Merrithew Connect.

Merrithew recommends that 50–80% of Observation hours are completed by watching a Certified Instructor or Instructor Trainer.

Please ensure you receive permission from the Merrithew Training Center and/or presenting Instructor well in advance.

Physical Review

Physical Review hours mean physically performing the exercises learned in class.

Physical review of the material is important to ensure full understanding within your own body before attempting to teach someone else.

It is also important to ensure your body is prepared for the increased challenge at each level of repertoire as you move through STOTT PILATES Instructor Training.

Taking a class with a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor or Instructor Trainer, or working out with relevant course videos on DVD or through Merrithew Connect, can qualify as Physical Review hours.

Physical Review hours can be completed individually or with other students.

Students can participate in an online Pilates session or join an online group Pilates class that teaches STOTT PILATES repertoire with a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor or Instructor Trainer.

Students can also attend a Merrithew Online Workshop offered by Merrithew Training Centers worldwide or the Corporate Training Center.

Practice Teaching

Practice Teaching hours can be fulfilled by teaching STOTT PILATES course repertoire to family, fellow students, friends or clients.

This includes cueing and correcting them through a workout.

Practice Teaching can be completed in person or by using a video conferencing program, such as Skype or Zoom.

Where can I find course hour requirements?

Comprehensive course hours can be found under the course name and details on the Merrithew Comprehensive Program page.

Intensive course hours can be found under the course name and details on the Merrithew Intensive Program page.

What examinations should I take?

The following examinations are available in Level 1, Level 2 or Combined Levels 1 & 2:

• Matwork
• Reformer
• Matwork & Reformer
• Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels

If you take the CMR, IMP, IR or ICCB courses, you are eligible to take a Level 1 examination.

If you take the AM, AR or ACCB courses, you are eligible to sit for a Combined Levels 1 & 2 examination.

If you examine at Level 1, including written and practical components, and wish to upgrade to Level 2 certification later, practical component only, there is a separate fee.

Additional examination information

• Exam material is cumulative.
• You must receive a total mark of 80% with neither mark below 75% in order to achieve certification.

If you hold a STOTT PILATES Matwork certification and want to certify in STOTT PILATES Reformer, or vice versa, you must take a combined STOTT PILATES Matwork & Reformer examination so that your ability to program various equipment repertoires together can be tested.

You may wait until completion of the second or final course to take a combined repertoire examination.

If you prefer to pause between courses, you may take an examination to become certified in one course only, and then take other combined examinations after completing the second or subsequent courses. Separate examination fees apply.

You are eligible to take a Full Certification examination if you have completed all levels of training on all pieces of equipment, including Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, and have also taken the Injuries & Special Populations course.

Where are written and practical components completed?

The written component must be conducted at a location where you can be monitored.

This may be at a Merrithew Training Center or at a public, college or university library.

The practical component must be conducted in the presence of an Instructor Trainer at an authorized Merrithew Training Center.

The written and practical components may be taken on different days, but must be taken within 7 days of one another and completed at the same venue, or both portions must be submitted via proctor.

If both portions are not completed within 7 days, the examination will be void.

The exam components must be completed together and cannot be divided. Students must complete both portions at the same Training Center or through a proctored option.

Level of Certification

If you have only taken Intensive or Comprehensive courses covering Level 1, Essential and Intermediate repertoire, and have not taken the Level 2 Advanced repertoire courses, you may only take a Level 1 examination.

If you have taken the Level 2 repertoire courses and do not hold a Level 1 certification, you may choose to take either a Level 1 or Combined Levels 1 & 2 examination.

If you have taken the Level 2 repertoire courses and already hold a Level 1 certification, you are only required to take the Level 2 examination, which is practical only.

You may choose to examine at Level 1 on one portion of the repertoire and Level 2 on another portion, for example Matwork Level 1 & 2 and Reformer Level 1 examination.

As a general rule, Merrithew does not recommend testing on only part of the repertoire learned. Students are encouraged, where reasonable, to test on all levels and all repertoire for the courses taken.

Exceptions can be made if you and your Instructor Trainer feel it is impossible for competency to be reached in all areas within the prescribed time period, with the provision that you will not teach that repertoire.

If you test for a Combined Levels 1 & 2 certification and only do well on the Level 1 repertoire, you are awarded Level 1 certification.

If you are taking a combined Matwork & Reformer examination, or a combined Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels examination, and testing for Levels 1 & 2, you may be awarded Level 1 in one portion of the repertoire and Level 2 in another portion.

What if my course finished longer than six months ago?

If you did not take the exam within six months of completing your course, you must complete private sessions or approved workshops to regain eligibility.

The number of required private sessions or workshops depends on how long ago the exam eligibility period ended:

• If less than 12 months have passed since your exam eligibility expired: complete a minimum of 1 private session or attend 1 specific workshop.
• If 12 to 24 months have passed: complete a minimum of 2 private sessions or attend 2 specific workshops.
• If more than 24 months have passed: complete a minimum of 3 private sessions or attend 3 specific workshops.

Minimum private session hours for reinstatement

• Matwork: 1 hour
• Reformer: 1 hour
• Matwork & Reformer: 1 to 2 hours
• Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels: 2 to 3 hours

The Instructor Trainer may recommend further private sessions or study as preparation.

The reinstatement is valid for 60 days and does not provide an additional six months to complete the examination.

Students must select a workshop related to the examination they are being reinstated for. For example, students cannot take the STOTT PILATES Exam Preparation: Matwork workshop if they are only examining in Reformer.

Workshops for reinstatement must be selected from the approved form only. Other STOTT PILATES workshops are not eligible to count toward the reinstatement process.

All sessions and/or workshops must be completed within 30 days. Once the final session and/or workshop is completed, the student has 60 days to examine.

A workshop completion letter must be submitted with the completed form.

Approved reinstatement workshops

• STOTT PILATES Exam Preparation: General Overview
• STOTT PILATES Exam Preparation: Matwork
• STOTT PILATES Exam Preparation: Reformer
• STOTT PILATES Exam Preparation: Cadillac, Chair & Barrels
• STOTT PILATES Beyond Biomechanical Principles
• STOTT PILATES Postural Analysis Review

How much will it cost to write an examination?

For up-to-date examination fees, please contact the Merrithew Training Center where you wish to schedule your examination.

Preparing For Your Examinations

What is a passing score?

You must receive an average score of 80% across the practical and written components and achieve a minimum score of 75% on each portion in order to pass.

Both requirements must be met in order to achieve certification.

What will I be asked to do for my practical examination?

The time allotment for each practical examination is as follows:

• Matwork: 1 hour
• Reformer: 1 hour
• Matwork & Reformer: 1.5 hours
• Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels: 2 hours

The initial 5 to 10 minutes of the examination are dedicated to information gathering.

You are required to ask your subject pertinent questions regarding history, physical condition and goals.

For the postural analysis portion of the examination, you are required to analyze the subject from both sides, front and back view, using visual observation and palpation.

You must verbally relay your findings to the examiner.

You are also required to give a general description of your planned workout, including which muscles or muscle groups will be targeted, which alignment issues will be addressed, and which props or modifications may be necessary.

For the next 5 to 10 minutes, you will review the STOTT PILATES Principles with your subject.

The Principles should be introduced in proper sequence using clear imagery and movement cues to help your subject understand and focus on greater body awareness.

Choose movement sequences from The Principles pages in the manuals that best demonstrate each Principle and also serve as part of the warm up for your subject.

You must clearly explain why each Principle is important and how it will be incorporated into the remainder of the workout.

If appropriate, you may teach one or more of the remaining warm up exercises, but should be mindful of time constraints so that all key points are covered and proper cueing and correcting are demonstrated.

STOTT PILATES Principles: Breathing

• In through the nose, out through the mouth with pursed lips.
• Emphasis is on 3D breath, especially into the posterior and lateral aspects of the rib cage.
• Exhaling deeply can help activate the deep support muscles by engaging the transversus abdominis.
• Explain the action of the transversus and how it stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic region, especially in neutral position.
• The gentle contraction of the deep pelvic floor muscles also aids in firing the transversus abdominis.
• This breath pattern helps avoid unnecessary tension in the neck and shoulders.
• This breath pattern helps relaxation.
• The rib cage opens out and up during inhale, promoting spinal extension, and closes in and down during exhale, promoting spinal flexion.

STOTT PILATES Principles: Pelvic Placement

• In neutral pelvic placement, the natural lordotic curve of the lumbar spine is present.
• ASIS and pubic symphysis lie approximately in a horizontal plane drawn parallel to the floor when lying supine.
• Neutral promotes good shock absorption and efficient movement patterns throughout the body.
• Neutral is usually used during closed kinetic chain activities.
• Imprinted position is a slight posterior pelvic tilt with slight lumbar flexion.
• Imprint is used to gain stability if neutral cannot be maintained and is often used during open kinetic chain activities.
• Imprint involves shortening of obliques without activation of glutes.

STOTT PILATES Principles: Rib Cage Placement

• Emphasis is placed on breathing into the posterior and lateral aspects of the rib cage.
• The abdominal wall attaches to the lower ribs, so students should maintain abdominal engagement and avoid popping the ribs.
• Abdominals stabilize the rib cage and therefore the spine during movement of the arms.
• This Principle is used to keep the spine neutral and stable.

STOTT PILATES Principles: Scapular Movement & Stabilization

• The scapula lacks bony attachment to the ribs and spine, attaching only to the clavicle.
• This provides mobility to the upper limb, which must be counterbalanced with stability.
• It is important to balance the surrounding muscles and control the movement of the scapulae.
• The scapulae should lie flat on the rib cage and glide across it without winging.
• Available movements include protraction, retraction, elevation, depression, upward rotation and downward rotation.
• Stabilizing the scapulae is necessary during the initiation of every exercise.

STOTT PILATES Principles: Head & Cervical Placement

• The cervical spine should hold its natural curve and the skull should be balanced directly above the shoulders in sitting or standing.
• Pads or pillows may be needed in supine or prone to prevent hyperextension of the cervical spine.
• The cervical spine should continue the line of the thoracic spine in neutral, flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation.
• Cranio-vertebral flexion occurs when flexing the upper torso from a supine position.
• The chin should not be jammed into the chest.
• These methods dynamically stabilize the cervical area and help avoid strain.

What is evaluated in the practical examination?

• Postural Analysis: following the full postural analysis as per chart, covering all sections, palpating and visually explaining findings.
• Stated Focus of Workout: describing a clear workout focus, incorporating muscular and movement requirements.
• STOTT PILATES Principles: presenting the Principles separately to the Warm Up in Matwork, teaching all points in each section, and using appropriate movements or exercises for each Principle.
• Programming Skills: choosing each exercise based on the stated workout focus, meeting the goals of the workout and the needs of the client, and creating a well-rounded workout.
• Ability to Cue: using imagery, verbal cues and kinesthetic cues to guide the client through exercises and transitions.
• Ability to Correct: using imagery, verbal cues and kinesthetic cues to ensure correct alignment and proper execution.
• Ability to Modify: choosing modifications that help the client get the most out of each exercise, using props and variations appropriately.
• Knowledge of Content: knowing the relevant repertoire, exercise names and levels, modifications, starting positions, movement patterns, breath patterns and equipment use.
• Teaching Manner & Energy: guiding the client with control, developing rapport and displaying effective attitude, motivational and verbalization skills.
• Rhythm & Pace: teaching with fluidity, using transitions, choosing an appropriate pace, encouraging proper timing of movement and breath, and fitting the workout into the allotted examination time.

You should expect to be questioned periodically on exercises and choices so the examiner can evaluate the depth of your understanding and how you administer the exercises.

After working on each individual piece of equipment, you may be asked to teach exercises of the examiner’s choosing to spot check your knowledge of the entire repertoire.

The number of exercises listed for each examination type is the minimum requirement. More exercises may be included where time allows.

An exercise with variations only counts as one exercise. For example, Footwork positions 1, 2 and 5 count as one exercise, not three.

Advanced versions of exercises that are only slightly different from Intermediate versions do not count as meeting the minimum requirement of Advanced exercises, but may be included.

The workout portion of the examination does not allow enough time to complete the full repertoire. Exercises should represent a well-rounded workout addressing all aspects of movement, including flexion, extension and rotation, while covering the required number of Essential, Intermediate or Advanced exercises and remaining appropriate to the subject.

Matwork Examination

Following the postural analysis and STOTT PILATES Principles, you will guide your subject through a 40–50 minute workout combining Essential and Intermediate level exercises.

• Level 1: minimum 8 Essential and 4 Intermediate exercises.
• Combined Levels 1 & 2: minimum 4 Advanced exercises in addition to the Level 1 requirements.

You are encouraged to use props including the Fitness Circle, Flex-Band, Arc Barrel and any others used during the course.

Props should be used to facilitate or add challenge to an exercise as required by the subject.

Reformer Examination

Following the postural analysis and STOTT PILATES Principles, you will guide your subject through a 40–50 minute workout combining Essential and Intermediate level exercises.

• Level 1: minimum 6 Essential and 4 Intermediate exercises.
• Combined Levels 1 & 2: minimum 6 Advanced exercises in addition to the Level 1 requirements.

Matwork & Reformer Examination

Following the postural analysis and STOTT PILATES Principles, you will guide your subject through a 70–80 minute Matwork and Reformer workout combining Essential and Intermediate level exercises.

You are allotted approximately 30 minutes for Matwork exercises and 40–50 minutes for Reformer exercises.

For the Matwork portion, you are encouraged to use props including the Fitness Circle, Flex-Band, Arc Barrel and any others used during the course.

Props should be used to facilitate or add challenge to an exercise as required by the subject.

• Level 1 Matwork: minimum 6 Essential and 3 Intermediate exercises.
• Level 1 Reformer: minimum 6 Essential and 4 Intermediate exercises.
• Combined Levels 1 & 2 Matwork: minimum 3 Advanced exercises in addition to the Level 1 requirements.
• Combined Levels 1 & 2 Reformer: minimum 4 Advanced exercises in addition to the Level 1 requirements.

Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels Examination

Following the postural analysis and STOTT PILATES Principles, you will guide your subject through a workout for the remaining 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, combining Essential and Intermediate level exercises.

You are allotted approximately 20 minutes for Matwork exercises and approximately 30 minutes for Reformer exercises.

The remaining 50 to 60 minutes are dedicated to Cadillac, Stability Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and Arc Barrel.

This includes approximately 15 minutes on Cadillac, 15 minutes on Stability Chair, 10 minutes on Ladder Barrel, 5 minutes on Spine Corrector and 5 minutes on Arc Barrel.

• Level 1 Matwork: minimum 4 Essential and 3 Intermediate exercises.
• Level 1 Reformer: minimum 6 Essential and 3 Intermediate exercises.
• Level 1 Cadillac: minimum 2 Essential and 2 Intermediate exercises.
• Level 1 Stability Chair: minimum 2 Essential and 2 Intermediate exercises.
• Level 1 Ladder Barrel: minimum 1 Essential and 1 Intermediate exercise.
• Level 1 Spine Corrector: minimum 1 Essential and 1 Intermediate exercise.
• Level 1 Arc Barrel: minimum 1 Essential and 1 Intermediate exercise.

Combined Levels 1 & 2 requirements are completed in addition to the Level 1 requirements:

• Matwork: minimum 3 Advanced exercises.
• Reformer: minimum 3 Advanced exercises.
• Cadillac: minimum 2 Advanced exercises.
• Stability Chair: minimum 2 Advanced exercises.
• Ladder Barrel: minimum 2 Advanced exercises.
• Spine Corrector: minimum 1 Advanced exercise.
• Arc Barrel: minimum 1 Advanced exercise.

Do I have to follow the exact order of the exercise chart?

One of the most important examination criteria is that you can create a workout that addresses the needs of the client and has flow.

The ability to program is also extremely important, so the workout must balance client needs and flow.

You are encouraged to follow the order of the exercise charts for the greater part of the examination.

Exercises may be taught out of order if you can provide a reason for the change, such as creating better flow, using a preparatory exercise or adding a counter-movement after the previous exercise.

You must be able to justify your choice.

This is particularly appropriate when more equipment is being used, as in a Full Certification examination.

Level 2: Practical Only

For Level 2 practical examinations, you do not need to do postural analysis, stated workout focus or the STOTT PILATES Principles.

The test is designed to evaluate the depth of your understanding of the exercises and how to relate them to your subject.

Fitness Circle, Flex-Band and Arc Barrel may be incorporated into the Matwork portion.

• Advanced Matwork examination: no longer than 30 minutes and includes at least 6 Advanced exercises after a brief warm up.
• Advanced Reformer examination: no longer than 30 minutes and includes a brief warm up and approximately 9 Advanced exercises.
• Advanced Matwork/Reformer examination: no longer than 45 minutes and includes a brief Matwork warm up, approximately 3 Advanced Matwork exercises and 9 Advanced Reformer exercises.
• Advanced Matwork/Reformer/Cadillac, Chair & Barrels examination: 1 hour and includes a brief Matwork warm up, approximately 3 Advanced Matwork exercises, 6 Advanced Reformer exercises, 4 Cadillac exercises, 2 Chair exercises, 2 Ladder Barrel exercises, 1 Arc Barrel exercise and 1 Spine Corrector exercise.

What is the best preparation for the practical portion of my examination?

In addition to fully understanding the material conceptually and physically reviewing the exercises, the best preparation is practice teaching as many different people as possible.

This may include family, friends and classmates.

Practice teaching helps you apply your knowledge, adapt to many different body types, improve your teaching skills and become comfortable with your teaching experience.

You should practise teaching within the specified timelines and meet at least the minimum number of exercises.

What do I need to know for my written examination?

The written examination consists of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank or matching questions, and muscle identification questions.

It takes approximately 2–3 hours to complete, although students are not required to finish within a specified time limit.

The examination tests knowledge of:

• Basic anatomical terms, including anatomical neutral, anatomical directional terms, anatomical movements, planes and axes, joints and articulations, tendons, ligaments and body prominences.
• Muscle origin, insertion and action.
• Recognition of diagrams of individual muscles.
• Concentric, eccentric and isometric contractions of specific muscles during specific movements and exercises.
• Movements that make up exercises and their proper anatomical descriptions.
• Order of Essential and Intermediate Matwork for Matwork, Matwork & Reformer or Matwork, Reformer & CCB examinations.
• Order of Essential and Intermediate Reformer for Reformer, Matwork & Reformer or Matwork, Reformer & CCB examinations.
• Ideal postural alignment and groups of opposing muscles.
• Poor postural alignment and muscular imbalances.
• Modifications to exercises for poor postural alignments.
• Programs to accommodate poor postural alignments.
• Proper equipment setup, starting positions, movement patterns and the major intent or goal for each exercise.
• The STOTT PILATES Principles, including anatomical descriptions and purpose.
• Proper anatomical terminology in all relevant categories.

Recommended anatomy resources

In addition to STOTT PILATES manuals and support materials, students are required to study basic functional anatomy.

The following outside resources are highly recommended:

• Trail Guide to the Body, Andrew Biel
• Atlas of Anatomy, Gilroy, MacPherson, Ross
• Trail Guide to the Body, 6th Edition Flash Cards, Andrew Biel
• AnatomyMapp, Books of Discovery
• Anatomy Flash Cards, Anne Gilroy
• Anatomy of Movement, Blandine Germain

Policies and Procedures for Written Examinations

• No person will be allowed entrance to the examination room during an examination except the examinees concerned and those supervising the examination.
• You must arrive at the examination room at least 15 minutes before the examination begins.
• The Examination Supervisor has authority to assign seats at their discretion.
• You may be asked to provide signed photo identification.
• Accepted photo identification may include an up-to-date passport, current driver’s license or current health card, provided it contains a photo and signature.
• You must not communicate with anyone in any manner during the examination.
• You may not leave the examination room unescorted for any reason, including using the washroom.
• If you require the washroom, you must raise your hand, wait for the Examination Supervisor and be escorted.
• All coats and jackets must be placed where you cannot access them during the examination.
• Unauthorized aides must be stored inside a securely closed bag and placed at the outside edge of the room away from the testing area.
• There is no access to bags, personal items or their contents until the examination is completed.
• Unauthorized aides include, but are not limited to, notebooks, personal notes, pencil cases, cell phones, laptops, watches and personal items.
• You are permitted to have only water, pen or pencil and an eraser at your testing space.
• Questions will be answered during the final 15 minutes of the examination.
• The Supervisor will notify students when questions may be asked.
• You must raise your hand and wait for the Examination Supervisor to come to you.
• You must not leave the room until the Supervisor collects all examination papers and informs you that you may leave.

The Merrithew Training Center is not responsible for personal property left in examination rooms.

What video content can I review prior to my examinations?

All STOTT PILATES repertoire is available to purchase through Merrithew Connect.

Students should review the relevant videos from the list below:

• STOTT PILATES Essential Matwork Repertoire, 4th Edition
• STOTT PILATES Intermediate Matwork Repertoire, 4th Edition
• STOTT PILATES Advanced Matwork Repertoire, 4th Edition
• STOTT PILATES Essential Reformer Repertoire, 4th Edition
• STOTT PILATES Intermediate Reformer Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Advanced Reformer Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Essential Cadillac Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Intermediate Cadillac Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Advanced Cadillac Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Essential Stability Chair Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Intermediate Stability Chair Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Advanced Stability Chair Repertoire, 3rd Edition
• STOTT PILATES Complete Barrels Repertoire, 3rd Edition

I took IMP 2nd Edition and learned the Sixth Principle. Will I need to know it for the examination?

There will not be any questions on the written portion of the examination that relate directly to the Sixth Principle, movement patterns or additional information.

In the practical portion of the examination, it is not necessary to demonstrate content that is not in the course manuals.

However, students are encouraged to include these concepts within the body of the workout where appropriate.

Examples include describing leg alignment in exercises or explaining how a movement pattern is present in an exercise.

No marks will be taken away if this information is not included, but including it may show a more thorough understanding of the material.

Proctored Examinations

I can’t take my examinations at a Merrithew Training Center. What are my options?

If you are unable to complete your examination at a Merrithew Training Center, you may have the option of completing the examination by proctor.

The conditions of a proctored examination include:

• A third, uninterested party, such as a notary or public library, must oversee or supervise the written examination.
• The examination must be taken within the six-month period after the final certification course was completed.
• Examination fees for practical and written components must be paid in full before the written examination is sent to the specified proctor.

Use of a public library is standard protocol for most STOTT PILATES course examinations because these locations proctor examinations for various organizations.

Proctored Examination Procedures

Contact the Merrithew Education Programming team at exams@merrithew.com to express your intent to write an examination by proctor.

You will need to provide:

• Examination location, such as a public library.
• Mailing address and phone number.
• Contact person supervising the written examination.
• Method of payment, such as VISA, MasterCard, AMEX or money order.

The Education Programming team will send the Proctor the examination package digitally, which can be returned to exams@merrithew.com.

The package will contain:

• One copy of the STOTT PILATES certification course written examination.
• One copy of the receipt of payment.
• Instructions for the person supervising the examination.

Student Responsibilities for Proctored Examinations

• Set the time and date to write the examination.
• Provide up-to-date contact information, including phone numbers and email address, on the written examination so results can be issued.
• Submit completed Observation and Practice Logs on the examination date, either written or practical.
• If all logs are not submitted within 7 days from the last portion of the examination, the entire examination will be void.

Proctor Responsibilities

• Receive the examination package.
• Supervise the examination process.
• Agree the date, time and location of the examination with the student.

Video Examination Procedure

The purpose of the practical examination is to observe you as you lead a subject through a workout.

The subject must be familiar with the STOTT PILATES repertoire covered in the examination and capable of performing the required exercises safely.

The subject may be a student, STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor, client or another suitable person.

The videotaped exam time limits are:

• Matwork: 1 hour
• Reformer: 1 hour
• Matwork & Reformer: 90 minutes
• Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels: 2 hours

Exams that exceed the allocated time on the video will not be accepted.

Technical Considerations for Video Examinations

• Position the camera to observe a side view of the subject’s full body.
• Allow an additional 3 feet, or 0.9144 metres, on either end to ensure enough room to move.
• Keep the view close enough so details in the subject’s movement and the interaction between you and your subject can be seen.
• Test video equipment and sound level before recording.
• Ensure your voice can be heard on the recording.
• Face the camera and instruct on the far side of the subject to avoid obstructing the view.
• Camera adjustments should be performed only at natural breaks in the examination process, such as between postural analysis and Matwork, or between Matwork and Reformer.
• Video editing is not permitted.
• The recording should not be stopped at any other point during the practical component.
• The subject’s workout should be continuous.
• The use of notes, including postural analysis checklists or manuals, is not permitted.
• Videos must be submitted via a secure web link provided by the Education Programming team.

Conducting the Video Examination

Please follow the practical examination timelines and minimum requirements outlined above.

You should state your name and the name of your test subject.

The test subject must be familiar with the required repertoire associated with your examination.

After Your Examinations

How long does it take to receive notification of my results?

Examination results will be sent directly to you, normally by email.

The Merrithew Training Center and/or Instructor Trainer will also be informed of the marks.

Marking takes between 4 and 6 weeks from the date of the examination.

Examinations are not returned but can be reviewed upon request.

What if I don’t pass my examination?

If you have to retake a portion of or the entire examination, this should happen within six months of the date of the original examination.

This ensures that the information remains relatively fresh while allowing time to study and improve in the necessary areas.

If the six-month time limit has passed, you are required to undergo the reinstatement process, which includes retaking both the written and practical portions of the exam.

If you take your examination for the first time and fail both portions, you have one more opportunity within six months to successfully pass the examination.

If you fail both portions a second time, you must wait six months before retesting.

Cheating Policy

Merrithew holds integrity and ethical conduct in high regard.

If a student is found guilty of cheating on any examination, they will be assigned a mark of zero for that examination.

The student will be unable to retake the examination for a minimum of six months.

Subsequent examinations, including retakes, must be completed either at the Toronto Corporate Training Center or at an authorized Merrithew Training Center, without the option for proctoring.

Students will be required to bear the cost of a Merrithew Instructor Trainer’s presence during the retake of the written examination.

Merrithew will not be held responsible for adverse effects resulting from enforcement of this policy.

Upon completion of the course, participants are qualified to teach the STOTT PILATES method of exercise.

Upon passing the exam, you will be recognised as a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor.

You may only identify as a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor once you have received your official certificate.

Certificates are issued by Merrithew and sent via email.

If you wish to appeal your practical or theory exam results, this must be done in writing no later than 30 days after the date of assessment. Supporting evidence is required. Please email education@corepilatesstudios.co.uk with all relevant information.

At the end of each course, you will receive a feedback form and we welcome your honest input.

If you wish to comment on any of our courses, processes or training experiences, please email education@corepilatesstudios.co.uk.

Prospective pregnant, injured or post-rehabilitation participants

While exercise during pregnancy and rehabilitation can be beneficial, Merrithew courses are physically demanding and have not been designed for pregnant participants, injured individuals or those in a post-rehabilitation phase.

As a result, we are unable to accept registrations from students who are knowingly pregnant or who are currently or recently injured.

Courses require full physical participation and performance of all exercises.

Auditing

Merrithew allows auditing of selected STOTT PILATES courses provided the student has previously completed the same course.

Absenteeism and make-up hours

Make-up hours should be completed as soon as possible after being missed. These are arranged as private reviews at the student’s expense.

Students have six months to complete missed hours. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the course, requiring full re-enrolment to proceed to examination and certification.

Date of certification

Certification status begins on the date the exam is successfully completed. If exams are taken across multiple days, the final exam date is the official certification date.

Photography, video and audio recording

Photography, video or audio recording of any Merrithew course or workshop is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.

Observation hours

Observation hours may be completed during or after the course by observing STOTT PILATES Certified Instructors teaching clients or by viewing approved course materials.

Eligibility

Participants must be at least 18 years of age to enrol in any Merrithew course, workshop or examination.

Exam special accommodations

Requests for special exam accommodations must be submitted in writing at least 30 days prior to the scheduled exam date.

Certification appeals process

Appeals regarding exam results must be submitted in writing within 30 days of receiving results. Appeals are reviewed within 60 days.

Grievance and appeals process

Formal grievances must be submitted in writing within 30 days of course completion and will be reviewed within 60 days.