Q: Will this qualification be recognised internationally?

Yes – and that’s one of the many reasons students choose this course! The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is accredited by REPs Ireland, which is part of the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs). This global partnership connects professional registers from around the world, giving your qualification international credibility and recognition. So whether you plan to teach in Ireland or take your career abroad, your certification travels with you.

Question 1

Can anyone apply for this course?

Accepted Answer

No prior qualifications needed! The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is a primary qualification, which means it’s designed for everyone &#8211; whether you’re completely new to the field or simply ready to start a new chapter. If you’ve got a passion for movement and helping others, you’re in the right place.

Question 2

What will I be qualified to do after the course?

Accepted Answer

You’ll be fully qualified to teach mat-based Pilates classes to individuals or groups &#8211; in gyms, studios, wellness centres, or as a self-employed instructor.
If you already work in health or wellness, this qualification also empowers you to integrate Pilates principles into your existing practice, enhancing the support you offer to your clients.
Best of all, you’ll graduate with the confidence and skills to deliver safe, effective, and inspiring Pilates sessions that truly make a difference.

Question 3

Is this qualification accredited?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is fully accredited by REPs Ireland, ensuring it meets the highest European standards set by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).
REPs Ireland operates independently to maintain quality and professionalism in the fitness industry &#8211; so when you qualify, you can be confident your certification is recognised, respected, and held to rigorous international standards.
All approved education providers (including NTC!) are independently audited every two years, meaning your training is always up to date and of the highest quality.

Question 4

Will this qualification be recognised internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes &#8211; and that’s one of the many reasons students choose this course!
The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is accredited by REPs Ireland, which is part of the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs). This global partnership connects professional registers from around the world, giving your qualification international credibility and recognition.
So whether you plan to teach in Ireland or take your career abroad, your certification travels with you.

Question 5

How much can I earn as a Pilates instructor?

Accepted Answer

With the demand for Pilates continuing to grow, popular classes often book out weeks in advance &#8211; making this an exciting and rewarding career path.
Qualified instructors frequently earn €1,000+ per week, depending on how many classes they choose to teach and how many clients they work with.
One of the greatest benefits? Flexibility. You’re in control of your schedule, your class sizes, and your income. Whether you want a full-time career or a supplementary income stream, this qualification gives you the tools to thrive.

Question 6

Are there many job opportunities for Pilates teachers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Pilates is in high demand, with gyms, fitness centres, wellness studios, and community hubs actively seeking qualified instructors. Its popularity continues to grow &#8211; not just among the general public, but also within elite sports, as many top-level teams now integrate Pilates into their regular conditioning plans.
Whether you’re teaching group classes, working 1-to-1, or partnering with a fitness facility, opportunities are plentiful. Many NTC graduates start part-time and quickly grow their client base &#8211; transitioning into full-time Pilates professionals.
Your success will be shaped by your energy and commitment &#8211; and with the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork from NTC, you’ll have everything you need to thrive.

Question 7

Where is this course available?

Accepted Answer

You can join the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork at two excellent locations:

Dublin, at the National Training Centre &#8211; Ireland’s leading provider of health and fitness education.
Waterford City, at the modern and accessible Waterford Marine Search and Rescue facility.

Both venues offer a professional, supportive learning environment to help you get the most from your training.

Question 8

How long does this course take to complete?

Accepted Answer

The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is designed to fit around your lifestyle. It runs over six months, combining flexible online learning with practical in-person training:

In-person classes: Two Saturdays per month
Live online lectures: Thursday evenings, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Can’t make a live online lecture? No problem &#8211; all online lessons are recorded and available to watch later. While you’ll still get the full content, attending live gives you the chance to ask questions in real time and interact with tutors and classmates.

Question 9

How will I be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Assessment is designed to support your learning and help you succeed. At the end of the course, you’ll complete a multiple-choice written exam and a practical teaching assessment, both focused on what you’ve learned and practised throughout the programme.
You’ll also complete a Learner Workbook during the course, which includes manageable, real-world tasks that reinforce your progress step by step.
With ongoing support and clear guidance from your tutors, everything is set up to help you feel confident and prepared.

Question 10

Do I need to complete work experience?

Accepted Answer

Work experience is not a requirement of the course, but it’s something we’re happy to support if you’re interested.
Some students see work experience as a great way to explore the workplace and make industry connections, while others prefer to focus fully on their studies. The choice is entirely yours. We’re aware that some placements may involve routine or admin-style tasks that don’t reflect your full skill set, so it’s important to manage expectations.
If you’re keen to gain work experience, we’ll do our best to help connect you with gyms and facilities offering placements. Just get in touch with our support team once your course begins, and we’ll guide you through what’s possible.

Question 11

What is the success rate like?

Accepted Answer

Between 80% and 90% of students successfully complete all final assessments on their first attempt. Most others will need to repeat just one exam, and only a small number need to repeat more than one.
Success on this course is very achievable for anyone who attends tutorials regularly and puts in consistent effort. You don’t need to have a background in Pilates or science to do well &#8211; just a willingness to learn and stay engaged throughout.
If you’re committed to your studies, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Question 12

Can I pay by instalments?

Accepted Answer

This course must be paid in full before the start date, and an instalment plan isn’t available at this time. However, you can secure your place with a deposit, which gives you extra time to prepare and plan the balance payment.
This structure helps us keep class sizes small and ensure every student receives the highest standard of education and support.

Question 13

Are there any grants available for course fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students of the National Training Centre often receive partial funding through the Department of Social Protection’s Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG).
To explore this option, you will need to contact your Intreo office or Local Employment Services (LES) facilitator to confirm your eligibility.
If you already hold a recognised fitness instructor qualification accepted by REPs Ireland you may be eligible for up to 25% funding through the Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. For more information contact Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet.

If you need assistance, feel free to contact the NTC office at 01 882 7777.

Question 14

Will I need to arrange insurance after I qualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you plan to work with clients after qualifying, NTC requires that you hold professional indemnity insurance. This protects you if a client takes legal action due to an injury they believe was caused by your professional advice. If you’re working from a private premises, you may also need public liability insurance unless it’s already covered by the venue.
To make this easy, NTC has arranged a discounted insurance scheme with Balens Ltd. It’s available exclusively to our graduates and includes broad cover such as:

Professional indemnity and public liability

Legal expenses

Loss of reputation or documents

Intellectual property breaches

First aid and Good Samaritan Acts

The policy covers up to €4 million per claim in Ireland, with unlimited claims and legal defence costs. It also includes retroactive cover and run-off cover (if you stop practicing) at no extra charge.
You’re also covered for working abroad (excluding the USA/Canada unless requested) with no time limit, as long as you’re based in the UK or Ireland.
For more details or to apply, contact Balens at 00441684 580771 or e-mail- info@balens.co.uk

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National Training Centre, Dublin

When did your course begin?

January 2026 intake

January 2026 intake

May 2026 intake

September 2026 intake

September 2026 intake