Accreditation
Are Polestar courses accredited by international organizations such as PMA, AFAA, or NASM?
Polestar Pilates has a long-standing and strong relationship with the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). Polestar courses and advanced education programs earn PMA Continuing Education Credits (CECs).
In recent years, the PMA exam has transitioned to an independent organization known as the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP). Polestar Education supports this national certification program, which aims to standardize the quality of Pilates practice.
Graduates of Polestar’s Comprehensive Courses (Pilates for Rehabilitation and Pilates Studio) are eligible to take the NPCP certification exam, provided they have access to either:
- A computer-based exam center in their country, or
- An NPCP-sponsored Paper & Pencil Exam.
Accreditation In Hongkong
For all courses in Hong Kong, Polestar applies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points through the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association (HKPA). All upcoming courses have pending CPD applications, with approval expected soon (Polestar has a history of successful applications). No matter the course, the HKPA in the past has approved 15 CPD points.
21 March 2025 NOTE: We have not heard back from the HKPA in over a year despite multiple follow ups. We have heard that they are understaffed and struggling to keep up with applications, but what it means is that we have not had any approvals for a while)
While Polestar does not hold additional official accreditations, many organizations recognize Polestar courses as part of their continuing education programs. Since Polestar is a well-established Pilates qualification, some organizations may accept it as an external education provider.
If you are seeking CEC points, we recommend checking directly with the relevant organization to confirm eligibility.
What happened to the PMA and the PMA exam?
The PMA decided to move the PMA exam to an independent certification organization and it is now called the National Certification Exam. This exam is still very much relevant and we recommend all of our students to take it if they can. The certification is independent from the PMA.
What is the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP)?
The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) is an organization that provides Pilates instructor certification, aiming to establish and maintain professional standards within the Pilates teaching field. Polestar Education backs the National Pilates Certification Program to standardize Pilates practice.
If you graduate from Polestar Pilates Comprehensive (Pilates for Rehabilitation or Pilates Studio), you qualify for the NPCP exam if:
Your country have a computer exam center, or
You can access the NPCP-sponsored Paper and Pencil Exam.
To keep your status as a Comprehensive graduate, you must either: Become a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) within two years of graduation, or complete 16 hours of Polestar Pilates Courses every two years if the NPCP exam isn't available.
You may apply for the NPCP Comprehensive Exam here; select the “Get Certified” tab and download the Candidate Handbook and Application.
What is the difference between Polestar CEC and NPCP CECs?
Polestar recommends that all of its Comprehensive graduates get certified with the National Pilates Certification Program. This is an independent body that sets standards for professional competency. Candidates who provide evidence that they meet established professional standards are awarded the title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT).
You can find out more information here -
For Polestar re-qualification, there are two ways to meet the criteria for re-qualification - either via Polestar CECs or via the NPCP. You can find our CEC Policy attached. Via the NPCP, you need to show that you have the current title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT). You can find more information on their website, but to maintain that title, you will need to earn a certain number of NCPC CECs in a given time frame.
So if a course says it offers NPCP CECs, that means it has been approved by the NPCP. One of the consequences of this is that you can go outside of Polestar in order to earn NPCP CECs.
For example, the Polestar Anatomy course will earn you both 8 Polestar CECs and 8 NPCP CECs.
Is Polestar still part of the PMA (i.e. an approved school)?
Polestar was previously part of PSAP as an approved school, but the program has t transitioned to ITTAP. At present, Polestar has paused its involvement with ITTAP. We continue to monitor the PMA and support its success, as Polestar played a key role in its formation, initial exam, and governance. Our standards remain among the highest in the industry and consistently exceed the requirements set by third-party organizations.
The Polestar courses meet ITTAP requirements, and graduates of the Comprehensive course are eligible to take the NPCP exam. We are continuing to look at the program and stay informed but right now we are not taking part.
We are continually reviewing the program and will re-evaluate our participation as circumstances evolve.
In addtion; In the last couple of years the PMA decided to create/appoint the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) for exams, if someone wants to do the NPCP Exam they need to have done a Pilates Training (all equipment, not just Mat or Reformer) with a reputable Pilates Training School.
Polestar is recognised as one of these Schools, therefore if you do the Polestar Comprehensive (Studio/Rehab) Course you can sit the NPCP Exam and it should be easy to pass.The NCPC does not have it's own curriculum, just an Exam.
Related Articles
Continuing Education and Requalification
What are the requirements for re-qualification? In order to remain in good standing with Polestar Education after completion of the examination process students must accrue 16 POLESTAR Continuing Education Credits (CECs). These should be completed ...