FAQ
Questions about IRPSA.
Understand studio accreditation, the different pathways and what the IRPSA badge means.
Questions & answers
What is IRPSA?
IRPSA is an independent international accreditation framework for studios offering Reformer-based training. It assesses professional standards across areas including client care, instructor requirements, studio systems, equipment and operational safety.
Link to this questionIs IRPSA an instructor certification?
No. IRPSA accredits studios. It does not replace instructor education or award a Pilates teaching qualification.
Link to this questionIs IRPSA only for traditional Pilates studios?
No. IRPSA recognises that the Reformer market includes different legitimate business and teaching models. Separate pathways allow the framework to be applied appropriately to Pilates/apparatus studios and Reformer Fitness studios.
Link to this questionDoes IRPSA decide what counts as Pilates?
No. IRPSA's role is not to police teaching styles or force every studio into one methodology. Studios must communicate honestly about what they offer, and accreditation assesses the professional systems appropriate to that model.
Link to this questionDoes accreditation mean a studio is risk-free?
No accreditation can remove all risk. IRPSA indicates that a studio has demonstrated the required systems and standards at the time of assessment and is subject to the applicable maintenance and renewal requirements.
Link to this questionWhy is accreditation needed if instructors are already qualified?
Instructor qualification is important, but studio quality also depends on how a business screens and places clients, maintains equipment, supervises classes, supports staff, manages incidents, handles emergencies and maintains consistent operating procedures.
Link to this questionWill IRPSA recognise different education providers?
IRPSA is intended to work across an international industry with multiple reputable education routes. Qualification requirements and recognition criteria are assessed against the applicable IRPSA standard rather than being tied to one commercial training provider.
Link to this questionIs IRPSA connected to a Reformer manufacturer?
No. Independence is central to the credibility of accreditation. Industry expertise may inform the framework, but commercial partners cannot purchase influence over accreditation decisions.
Link to this questionHow long does accreditation last?
Accreditation is awarded for a defined period and requires ongoing maintenance/renewal.
Link to this questionCan a studio display the IRPSA badge immediately after applying?
No. The accreditation badge is issued only after the studio has successfully completed the relevant assessment and met the applicable standard.
Link to this questionWhat if our studio does not meet every requirement immediately?
The accreditation process is intended to identify both strengths and gaps. Where the process allows corrective action, the studio will be told what needs to be addressed before accreditation can be awarded.
Link to this questionCan clients check whether a studio is accredited?
The public register is in preparation. Verified listings will become available as studios complete accreditation. Studio search is not yet available on this website.
Link to this question