Your FAQ's for completing Small Apparatus written assessment/s, work placement and practical assessment.
We understand that with multiple study pathways available—especially for students completing both Matwork and Reformer (or the full Diploma / Complete Pilates Instruction)—it can sometimes be challenging to see how the pieces fit together depending on the pathway you choose.
The Small Apparatus Written Assessment is part of your journey when you undergo Matwork or / and Reformer, and this guide is here to help you navigate it with clarity.
Whether you're focusing on one pathway, dual pathways or the full Diploma, it offers clear definitions, pathway explanations, and visual aids to support your understanding and help you move forward confidently on the path you've chosen.
Who does this apply to?
This FAQ is for:
Students enrolled in a single pathway (Matwork only or Reformer only)
Students completing both (dual) pathways (Matwork and Reformer) including those who are completing the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction or the Complete Pilates Professional.
What ever your pathway, Small Apparatus Written Assessment is a required component for both Matwork and Reformer in your course.
Key Definitions
Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
Single Pathway | You are enrolled in only one modality—either Matwork or Reformer. You’ll complete the Small Apparatus Written Assessment for your aligned pathway. |
Dual Pathway (Including Diploma / The Complete Pilates Instruction Students) | You are enrolled in both Matwork and Reformer (Including the Diploma / The Complete Pilates Instruction Students). You’ll complete a Small Apparatus Written Assessment — for each modality. You have flexibility in choosing when to sit your Small Apparatus Practical Assessment—either during your first pathway or your second. However, the timing of your practical assessment will determine which assessment pieces need to be submitted by that point. |
Small Apparatus | Refers to Pilates equipment, such as Magic Circles, Foam Rollers, Fit Balls, Poles, Therabands, and Hand and Ankle Weights. |
Written Assessment | A theory-based task that demonstrates your understanding of how to apply Small Apparatus in teaching within the scope of the pathway you are completing. |
Work Placement Hours – Teaching | Time spent actively teaching Small Apparatus to real clients or peers at an affiliated Work Placement Studio or In-Person Teaching Clinic. |
Work Placement Hours – Observation | Time spent observing qualified instructors teaching Small Apparatus in real settings at an affiliated Work Placement Studio or Digital Studio. |
Practical Assessment | A formal assessment where you demonstrate your ability to teach using Small Apparatus either in-person or digitally. |
PIC System | Structured framework of categories in which repertoire is placed when programming. |
Q: I'm a dual pathway student - Why do I need to do the Small Apparatus Written Assessment for both Matwork and Reformer if I have already done my Small Apparatus Unit?
A: As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Pilates ITC assesses your work against nationally recognised Units of Competency. That means every assessment must be mapped to specific criteria in the national standards.
Even though the Small Apparatus Written Assessment is linked to one unit of competency, it also contributes to other assessment criteria across both pathways. So yes—even if you've already completed the Small Apparatus unit, to complete all units within each modality, we still require the Small Apparatus written assessment for both Matwork and Reformer.
This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about giving you the chance to:
Demonstrate your skills in different modalities (Matwork vs Reformer)
Apply your knowledge across different PIC systems
Receive valuable feedback and practice in varied contexts
Q: What are the requirements if I’m doing a single pathway?
A: If you're completing only Matwork or only Reformer, you’ll need to complete the following before your Small Apparatus practical assessment:
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Small Apparatus Written Assessment | Submit at least one written assessment relevant to your pathway |
Work Placement Hours – Teaching | Minimum 25 hours |
Work Placement Hours – Observation | Minimum 5 hours |
Learning Management System (LMS) | Complete LMS Small Apparatus modules |
Practical Assessment | Complete once all above are submitted. Please note that all other pathway assessments, LMS modules, work placement and fees must be completed to sit the practical assessment. Please refer to the Practical Assessment Policy & Procedure. |
Once completed, this satisfies the Small Apparatus unit of competency.
Q: What if I’m doing a dual pathway?
A: You’ll still need to complete a Small Apparatus Written Assessment for each pathway. You can choose when to sit your Small Apparatus practical assessment—either during your first or second pathway.
Option 1: Sit the Small Apparatus practical assessment during your first pathway
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Small Apparatus Written Assessment | Submit the written assessment specific to the pathway of study before your practical assessment. |
Work Placement Hours – Teaching | Minimum 25 hours before first practical assessment. |
Work Placement Hours – Observation | Minimum 5 hours before first practical assessment. |
Learning Management System (LMS) | Complete LMS Small Apparatus modules |
Practical Assessment | Complete during first pathway. Please note that all other pathway assessments, LMS modules, work placement and fees must be completed to sit the practical assessment. Please refer to the Practical Assessment Policy & Procedure. |
Second Written Assessment | Submit a second written assessment during your second pathway (Matwork or Reformer) |
Once completed, this satisfies the Small Apparatus unit of competency, however for dual pathway students they must still submit a Small Apparatus Written Assessment for their second pathway as the assessment maps into other units of competency required for your whole pathway completion.
Option 2: Sit the Small Apparatus practical assessment during your second pathway
This option gives you flexibility to build your hours gradually across both pathways while still meeting national standards.
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Small Apparatus Written Assessment | Submit written assessment specific to the pathway of study before your practical assessment. |
Work Placement Hours – Teaching | Total 25 hours (can be split across both pathways, e.g. 12.5 hrs each) |
Work Placement Hours – Observation | Total 5 hours (can be split across both pathways, e.g. 2.5 hrs each) |
Learning Management System (LMS) | Complete LMS Small Apparatus modules |
Practical Assessment | Complete during second pathway. Please note that all other pathway assessments, LMS modules, work placement and fees must be completed to sit the practical assessment. Please refer to the Practical Assessment Policy & Procedure. |
Once completed, this satisfies the Small Apparatus unit of competency.
Q: What if I’ve already completed the Small Apparatus unit?
A: Even if you've received a competent outcome for the unit with the completion of your first pathway, the written assessment still contributes towards the remaining units of competencies in your pathways and plays a key role in your overall course experience. It helps you show competency in different teaching environments and ensures you're confident and capable across both modalities.
Think of it as a chance to deepen your skills—not repeat them.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. These requirements aren’t just about compliance—they’re about helping you become a confident, versatile Pilates professional. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to your Educator or Student Support. We love helping you succeed.
Diagrams.
Option 1: Single Pathway and Dual Pathway (Including Diploma / The Complete Pilates Instruction Students).
Please note that all other pathway assessments, LMS modules, work placement and fees must be completed to sit the practical assessment. Please refer to the Practical Assessment Policy & Procedure.
Option 2: Dual Pathway (Including Diploma / The Complete Pilates Instruction Students).
Please note that all other pathway assessments, LMS modules, work placement and fees must be completed to sit the practical assessment. Please refer to the Practical Assessment Policy & Procedure.
Q: What Small Apparatus should I use when programming for my Written Assessment?
A: For your Small Apparatus Written Assessment, you'll be working with the following:
Magic Circle
Pole
Fitball
Hand and Ankle Weights
Foam Roller
Theraband
These are the Small Apparatus included in your course content—and they’re the ones we’ll be assessing you on. While there are many other wonderful small apparatus and props out there, we want to make sure you are mastering your craft and your programming reflects the training you’ve received. That way, your assessment stays focused, fair, and aligned with your learning.
We absolutely encourage you to stay curious and take note of other Small Apparatus you come across during your work placement and Pilates journey. Exploring beyond the course is part of what makes this field so exciting—but for assessment purposes, we’ll stick to what’s in the curriculum.
Q: Can I log a Small Apparatus hour if it wasn’t used for the entire duration of the session?
A: Yes, you can! Small Apparatus is designed to enhance, support, progress, or regress movement—and it doesn’t need to be used for the full hour to count. Whether it features in just a few exercises or throughout the entire session, you can log the hour as long as Small Apparatus was meaningfully included in your teaching or observation.
Q: Can I log the same hour for both Small Apparatus and another modality, like Reformer or Matwork?
A: Great question—and one we hear often. The short answer is no: one hour equals one hour. You’ll need to choose which category to apply it to. While Small Apparatus may be used within a Reformer or Matwork session, each logged hour must be assigned to just one modality for clarity and consistency in your records.
If you have any questions about the Small Apparatus component of your studies, our friendly Student Support team is here to help—Contact us.