Polestar Pilates Re-qualification Requirements

Continuing Education and Requalification

What are the requirements for re-qualification?

  1. 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 within a two year period commencing from the date of issue of the certification/qualification.
  2. Another option for Rehabilitation and Studio practitioners – you can remain in good standing with Polestar if you maintain your National Pilates Certification – Read more about the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) here. https://nationalpilatescertificationprogram.org/NPCP/About/NPCP.aspx  
  3. You can find out more about re-qualification and the requirements here, https://www.polestarpilatesasia.com/en/how-to-get-started/polestar-requalification/ 
  4. You can download more information and the application form from the above link. 
  5. You have different options for attaining Polestar CECs:
    1. CEC Courses and workshops. 1 CEC per hour. 
    2. Re-taking of modules (in person or online). 0.5 CECs per hour
    3. Online courses and workshops from Polestar https://polestarpilates.com/online-courses/ 

Can I Re-qualify with NPCP (National Pilates Certification Program) CECs?

Yes you can. 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. 
You will still need to go through the normal Polestar Re-qualification process and application, but instead of showing proof of Polestar CECs, you need to show proof of a valid NCPT credentials. You will need to provide details of this on the application form. 

When do I need to Re-qualify?

Once you have passed your exam, Polestar graduates need to re-qualify every two years. The deadline each year for submission is 31 Oct, regardless of the date of your exam. i.e. If you passed your exam in 2023 (regardless of which month), your next re-qualification deadline is 31 Oct 2025. The next one will be 31 Oct 2027 and so on. 

Any applications received after that date will be charged a late fee. 

How do I submit my re-qualification?

The new application form must be filled out, and copies submitted of the courses they have taken to be considered for re-qualification along with their processing fee payment of $75 USD (or a late fee of $150 USD).  You can find the form here - https://www.polestarpilatesasia.com/en/how-to-get-started/polestar-requalification/
 
Notes:
  1. Educators can re qualify free of charge. 
  2. Mentors can re qualify at a 50% discount.
  3. Students need only pay for their Studio re qualification and this will automatically renew their Mat and/or Reformer. 
  4. You can use the same CEC’s to re-qualify for multiple qualifications as long as those CECs were earned in the relevant two year period.
  5. All CECs must be earned between the date of the successful exam and the application deadline date.  Any CECs earned over and above the requirement for requalification during this period cannot be carried over to the next period. 
  6. CECs earned after successful requalification can be used for the next requalification.
  7. Applications should be submitted every two years (From the date of your qualification or the date of your last re-qualification)
  8. The deadline each year for submission is 31 Oct. Any applications received after that date will be charged a late fee. 

How do I earn Polestar CECs - what are my options for Continuing Education?

  1. There are a few options for earning CECs:
    1. In person options (Contact your host in order to see your options and pricing):
      1. Earn CECs at 1 per hour of CEC workshops that are conducted by Polestar. 
      2. Earn CECs at 1 per hour for any new core curriculum module. 
      3. Earn 0.5 CECs per hour for the re-take of any module or workshop. There will also be a 50% discount for re-takes. 
      4. Earn 1 CEC per hour for any approved external workshop or provider that is officially recognized as a complementary or Adjunct program to Polestar Pilates. This list is dynamic, so please check with us. Currently it includes
        1. Polestar Pilates Meets Spinefitter Course
        2. Oov Pilates Course
        3. Scoliosis Course provided by Lise Stolze and/or Hagit Beddishevsky
    2. Virtual options. Since Covid, The criteria for earning CECs virtually has been relaxed. Previously only a certain amount could be earned online, and online would only count for 0.5 CECs per hour. We are now allowing the full 16 to be earned online, and they will earn 1 CEC per hour. So it is much more attainable to earn your 16 CECs. Here are some online options that you can take advantage of
      1. Got to https://polestarpilates.com/calendar/ and click on the “Online” option. There is a large library of CEC courses and workshops available here. 
      2. You can re-take any online course at 50% discount
    3. Any hours taken with external providers do not count towards Polestar requalification (unless clearly stated). If you are unsure about what will count towards Polestar CECs, please check with us. 

Summary

RequirementDetail
Re-qualification PeriodEvery 2 years from exam or last re-qualification
Deadline31 October of due year
Required CECs16
FeeUSD $75 (late: USD $150)
CEC ValidityOnly within the relevant 2-year cycle
Online Courses Allowed?Yes, 1 CEC/hour (no restrictions post-Covid)
External CECs Accepted?No, unless stated otherwise
NPCP (NCPT) Option Available?Yes



What are the guidelines on how a Polestar Graduate can represent themselves? Will Polestar take away my qualification if I do not re-qualify

  1. Similar to a university degree, Polestar adheres to a policy that designates every Polestar Graduate as a perpetual graduate, allowing them to identify themselves as such regardless of whether they have undergone re-qualification.
  2. The original qualification or certificate bestowed upon a graduate remains intact and valid, as evidenced by the absence of an expiry date on the certificate. 
  3. It is essential to underscore Polestar's commitment to the ongoing education and professional development of Pilates instructors. While the initial qualification stands indefinitely, Polestar places considerable emphasis on the significance of Continuing Education. The encouragement for graduates to undergo re-qualification every two years serves as a proactive measure to maintain their status as "In good standing." Although this term bears no legal implications or requirements, it serves as a recognition of graduates who invest additional effort in their professional growth beyond the initial graduation milestone.
  4. Furthermore, it is important to note that some graduates may have expanded their expertise by pursuing education in other related movement areas. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of a teacher's credentials, it is recommended to inquire directly with them for a full list. Additionally, any credentials issued by Polestar can be reliably verified through our verification process.

What Happens if I do not re-qualify?

  1. Your qualification can never be taken away (like a university degree), and your name will still appear in the Polestar Graduate Search as a certified instructor. However, if you do not complete the required 16 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) within two years, your status will no longer be marked as "Current" in our system.
  1. Polestar recognizes instructors who actively pursue continuing education as "Current Polestar Instructors"—these individuals are highlighted in the directory to reflect their commitment to staying up to date with the latest industry standards. While your certification is never revoked, maintaining CECs helps reinforce your credibility and professional standing.

Can I catch up and re-qualify if I have missed previous re-qualification periods?

  1. Yes! If you have missed previous re-qualification periods, you can still catch up and regain your “Current” status by completing the required 16 Continuing Education Credits (CECs).

  2. You will just need to make sure that you accrue the correct amount of credits for the period missed. There will also be a late fee on top of the normal re-qualification fee for these cases.

Why Should I re-qualify? Why re-qualifying and Staying Current Matters

  1. As the Pilates industry continues to grow—especially in certain markets—clients are increasingly seeking instructors who demonstrate ongoing professional development. Being Current reassures clients and employers that you are committed to staying at the forefront of Pilates education.
  2. Polestar actively supports and encourages ongoing learning, and we are continuously making improvements to promote and recognize graduates who stay current.
  3. Additionally, in some regions, such as Australia, there is the potential for future legal requirements regarding continued education for Pilates instructors. While this is not currently mandatory, it is something to be mindful of as the industry evolves.


Why do we want you to re-qualify?

  1. Ensuring Competency and Quality
    1. The primary goal of requiring re-qualification every two years is to ensure that all Polestar Pilates instructors maintain a high level of competency and quality in their practice. The field of Pilates, like any other health and fitness discipline, evolves with new research, techniques, and best practices. By requiring ongoing education, we ensure that our instructors are up-to-date with the latest developments, thereby providing the highest quality service to their clients.
  2. Commitment to Professional Development
    1. Re-qualification through earning CECs underscores a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. This policy encourages our graduates to continually expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and stay engaged with the Pilates community. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement, which is essential for both personal and professional growth.
  3. Standardization and Consistency
    1. The policy ensures standardization and consistency in the quality of instruction provided by Polestar Pilates graduates. By encouraging regular re-qualification, we create a benchmark that all instructors must meet, ensuring that clients receive a consistently high standard of instruction regardless of which Polestar Pilates instructor they work with.
  4. Accountability and Responsibility
    1. The re-qualification policy instils a sense of accountability and responsibility in our graduates. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and updating their qualification, reflecting their commitment to the profession and to the well-being of their clients. This accountability is crucial in building trust and credibility within the Pilates community.
  5. Addressing Knowledge and Skill Gaps
    1. For those who lapse and wish to re-qualify, requiring them to earn the CECs they missed ensures that any knowledge or skill gaps that may have developed during their absence are addressed. This approach guarantees that all re-qualifying instructors possess a minimum level of current knowledge and expertise as those who have consistently maintained their certification.
  6. Enhancing Professional Reputation
    1. Regular re-qualification enhances the professional reputation of Polestar Pilates instructors. It signals to clients, peers, and employers that our instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in their practice. This can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement and recognition within the industry.
  7. Alignment with Industry Standards
    1. Requiring ongoing education and re-qualification aligns with industry standards in health, fitness, and other professional fields. Many professional organizations mandate continuing education to ensure their members remain competent and informed. By adhering to similar standards, Polestar Pilates demonstrates its commitment to excellence and professionalism.
  8. Upholding the Polestar Pilates Name
    1. We must be strict in applying this policy because the Polestar Pilates name is attached to the re-qualification, signifying that our instructors are current and fully qualified. Our reputation for excellence depends on the integrity of this process. If we allow lapses without requiring the appropriate CECs to be earned, we risk diminishing the value of our re-qualification certificate and the trust that clients and the Pilates community place in our brand. Strict adherence to this policy ensures that every instructor bearing the Polestar Pilates re-qualification certificate is truly up-to-date and capable of delivering the highest standard of Pilates instruction.
  9. Conclusion
    1. The policy of requiring Polestar Pilates graduates to re-qualify every two years by earning CECs, and making up missed CECs if they lapse, is a critical component of maintaining the integrity and quality of our program. It ensures that our instructors remain knowledgeable, skilled, and committed to professional development, thereby upholding the high standards that Polestar Pilates is known for. Strict application of this policy is essential because our name and reputation are tied to the original qualification as well as the subsequent re-qualifications, guaranteeing that our instructors are current and fully qualified. This policy not only benefits the instructors themselves but also ensures the best possible outcomes for their clients and the broader Pilates community.

           

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