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If you’re ready to take the journey to become a yoga instructor, you’ve likely come across the term “Yoga Alliance certified.”
But what exactly does that mean, and why should it matter to you as you seek out your yoga teacher certification?
Yoga Alliance is a non-profit organization based in the United States that sets standards for yoga teacher training programs and yoga schools. Their primary mission is to support and promote the integrity and diversity of the teaching of yoga.
Established in 1999, Yoga Alliance has grown to become a globally recognized credentialing body for yoga instructors and schools. The organization maintains a registry of yoga teachers and yoga schools that meet their defined standards.
These standards ensure that teachers and schools provide quality education and maintain a certain level of professionalism in the field.
To become Yoga Alliance certified, a yoga school must meet specific educational standards set by the organization. These standards cover a broad spectrum of yoga knowledge, including techniques, training, and practice, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy, lifestyle and ethics, and practicum.
Once a school meets these standards and becomes a Registered Yoga School (RYS), students who complete their teacher training programs can apply to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
The RYT designation indicates that the teacher has received a certain level of training and adheres to Yoga Alliance’s ethical standards.
The organization also offers Continuing Education (CE) opportunities to ensure that yoga teachers continue to develop their skills and knowledge over time.
Also, Yoga Alliance provides resources for teachers and schools, including access to a community of professionals, online workshops, and business tools.
Yoga Alliance offers a vast credentialing system to differentiate education and experience levels of Registered Yoga Teachers.
Teachers that have completed a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training course.
Teachers that have completed a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training course and have taught for a minimum of two years after completing training and accumulated a minimum of 1,000 teaching hours.
Teachers that have completed a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training course and a Yoga Alliance certified 300 hour yoga teacher training course, or a Yoga Alliance certified 500 hour yoga teacher training course. These teachers must also have taught a minimum of 100 hours.
Teachers that have completed a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training course and a Yoga Alliance certified 300 hour yoga teacher training course, or a Yoga Alliance certified 500 hour yoga teacher training course and have taught for a minimum of four years since completing their original training and accumulated a minimum of 2,000 teaching hours.
Teachers that have completed both a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training course and a 95 hour children's yoga teacher training and accumulated a minimum of 30 hours teaching children’s yoga.
Teachers that have completed both a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher training course and an 85 hour prenatal yoga teacher training and accumulated a minimum of 30 hours teaching prenatal yoga.
Teachers that wish to offer continuing education to other yoga instructors and are registered with an experienced yoga teacher designation.
Yoga Alliance also offers a varied credentialing system to differentiate Registered Yoga Schools based on their curriculums and training hours.
Schools that can offer a 200 hour yoga teacher training.
Schools that can offer an advanced 300 hour yoga teacher training.
Schools that can offer a 500 hour yoga teacher training.
Schools that can offer a 95 hour children’s yoga teacher training.
Schools that can offer an 85 hour prenatal yoga teacher training.
For all Registered Yoga Teacher designations, the initial fee to register is $50 USD. Annual/renewal dues are $65 USD. And to upgrade from any previous designation or add on an additional specialized designation, there is an additional $50 USD fee. To register as a continuing education provider costs an additional $20 USD.
For all Registered Yoga School designations, the initial fee to register is $400 USD per training program. Annual/renewal dues are $240 USD.
As you consider where to pursue your yoga teacher certification, you might wonder whether it’s worth choosing a program that is Yoga Alliance certified.
Here are some factors to consider:
Programs that are Yoga Alliance certified follow a standardized curriculum, ensuring that you receive a comprehensive education in yoga. This can be particularly important if you’re new to teaching and want to ensure you cover all the necessary bases.
Being Yoga Alliance certified can lend credibility to your qualifications as a yoga instructor. Many studios and employers prefer or even require their teachers to hold an RYT certification, as it demonstrates a commitment to a recognized standard of education and professionalism.
Whether or not you actually register with Yoga Alliance, it’s probably a wise idea to study with a school that at least offers you the opportunity to register with them at any point in the future should you choose to do so.
Yoga Alliance is recognized across the globe, so its standards are valued internationally. There are no downfalls to studying with a Yoga Alliance certified school, but there could be potential downfalls to training with a school that is not Yoga Alliance certified.
The RYT designation is recognized internationally, which can be beneficial if you plan to teach yoga in different parts of the world. It provides a consistent benchmark that potential employers or clients can trust.
Yoga Alliance members gain access to a vast network of professionals and a wealth of resources, including workshops, online training, and business support. This community can be invaluable as you navigate a teaching career.
Yoga Alliance emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and offers numerous opportunities for continuing education. This can help you stay current with trends and developments in the yoga world and continuously improve your teaching skills.
Although choosing a school that is Yoga Alliance certified is typically a wise option, you should still be wary and do your research. Not all Yoga Alliance schools are the same and Yoga Alliance has so many schools that are listed in their registry that they cannot possibly control and regulate all of them.
Some schools don't actually follow the curriculum that Yoga Alliance approves for them. Some schools don't actually teach for as many hours as is required. Some schools don't actually hire experienced teachers to lead their courses. And the list could go on and on.
So definitely do your research and read testimonials and reviews from former students when you choose your school. Don't just assume because a school has a Yoga Alliance certification that it means that you will receive a great education from them.
Choosing a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher certification can provide numerous benefits, from standardized education and international recognition to a supportive community and ongoing educational opportunities.
While it’s not the only path to becoming a yoga instructor, it’s a well-regarded and respected route that can help ensure you’re well-prepared to teach with confidence and integrity.
If you’re passionate about sharing the gift of yoga with others and want to align yourself with an organization dedicated to maintaining high standards in yoga education, pursuing a Yoga Alliance certified teacher training program could be a valuable step on your journey. Just be sure to check more than just a school's Yoga Alliance registration on your search.
Join Nomad Yoga for a transformational journey into the world of yoga! Our Yoga Alliance accredited 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings are designed to move you deeper into your personal practice while simultaneously preparing you to offer your teachings to the world.
Our teachers hold the highest Yoga Alliance certifications and our curriculum far surpasses the standards set by Yoga Alliance. Join a Nomad Yoga training for the highest-quality education in the field.
