Professional Development Outline
The Pilates Association Australia encourages professional development for its members. The PAA advertises approved workshops to ensure its members receive updated education and information relevant to the Pilates Method in accordance with our mission statement and codes. Courses, seminars and workshops that have been assessed by the PAA are published on our web site.
The PAA regards professional development to be based on the following fundamentals:
- Relevance – what makes a difference in the Pilates industry?
- Research – what are the latest findings and what is their impact?
- Forums for continuing discussion and debate.
- Sharing of information amongst members.
If a program is not published on the website and you wish to gain Professional Development Points (PDPs) for attending, be mindful that such courses are considered to be non-approved programs and will therefore not be allocated full PDPs.
PDP Accrual
PDPs are evidence of the currency of your education
Professional Development - PDP Accrual
The accrual of PDPs is an important process for any professional, particularly in an industry that is constantly developing, evolving and applying new research and ideas. PDPs are evidence of the currency of your education and provide the PAA with a basis for maintaining your currency of membership and health fund requirements.
Evidence of PDPs
Teaching Members are required to accrue 10 PDPs annually*:
- Pilates Practitioner and Studio Instructor members – 10 points
- Group Instructor (Mat/Reformer) members – 10 points
- Students/Associate members – not required
Evidence of ongoing PDP accrual is required, and will be checked annually at membership renewal.
Professional development activities are categorised as either Core or Secondary (PDP Accrual Tables).
A minimum of 50% PDPs must be accrued from the Core Category which focus on PAA approved, structured Pilates content. The remainder may be accrued from either Core or Secondary activities.
Professional development workshops or courses must reflect learning that is of a higher standard than industry entry-level certification.
*From 01 April 2026 the PDP Program will move to an annual cycle.
Members who are Practitioner Level 2 or above and wish to be eligible for Health Fund Provider status need to accrue 20 PDPs per year.
Pilates specific content
Approved Pilates programs must include Pilates specific content
Approved Pilates programs and Workshops
Approved Pilates programs are those which have been submitted to the PAA for assessment by the organiser and registered for points. These programs are listed on the PAA Approved Workshop page.
- Must be a Pilates-based program presenting repertoire, skills and information beyond industry entry-level certification.
- A maximum of 15 PDPs may be awarded for any one program.
Anatomy, physiology, pathology or business development
Must enhance the education of the certified Pilates instructor
Non-Pilates programs and Workshops
Non-Pilates programs include an extension of learning beyond certification level in anatomy, physiology, pathology and business development. It is not Pilates content, but is related to and will enhance the education of the certified Pilates instructor.
Non-Pilates programs and workshops may account for up to 50% of your PDP requirement.
All courses:
- must be delivered by an acknowledged ‘expert’, or suitably qualified and respected individual in their field or profession. You are required to supply a presenter biography.
- The full PDP amount stated on your certificate from non-approved sources may not be approved by the PAA. You are required to supply a full course outline for assessment of course content.
- Complementary movement based techniques are not eligible for PDPs.
Options for accruing PDPs
Ways PAA members may accrue PDPs
Ways PAA members may accrue PDPs
- Attend PAA approved Pilates specific professional development programs with a maximum of 15 PDPs awarded for any one event.
- Attend professional development programs delivered by PAA registered training organisations. Please refer to Workshops
- Attend formal workout sessions with PAA Principal or Level 4 members.
- Write and have published a research article for an industry-specific publication.
- Deliver a Pilates professional development program.
- Attend non-Pilates programs in Advanced pathology, anatomy extension, physiology.
- Attend business development programs.
- Attend non-approved Pilates specific educational programs. Presenter CV/bio and evidence that the content is beyond entry-level certification is required.
- Self-directed Pilates-focused learning, including:
- Watching Videos
- Listening to podcasts
- Educational reading
Ways for PAA members to accrue PDPs is also listed in the PDP Accrual Table.
PDP Extension
For Maternity or extenuating circumstances
Maternity leave or extenuating circumstances
Maternity leave – Extension to PDP due date:
The PAA provides members taking maternity leave the opportunity to extend their PDP period for up to 12 months, either pre or post-natal.
Members must apply in writing to the Committee before their maternity leave begins. Please email requests to: info@pilates.org.au
Extenuating circumstances – Extension to PDP due date:
Extensions to PDP due dates may be considered in extenuating circumstances (eg. illness).
Applications for extension must be made in writing to the Committee prior to your PDP due date: Please email requests to: info@pilates.org.au