Yoga Instructor Certification Course - How To Choose? 2022 Guide ...

Step 1: Do Yoga Regularly

Before being able to teach yoga to students, you need to be a dedicated yoga student!
• Hatha has become a ‘catch-all’ category to describe the general ‘flow’ yoga that you can find in most studios in the West. In general, though, Hatha yoga is slower-paced than most vinyasa classes, and poses are usually held for several breaths. This style offers an excellent introduction to the world of yoga and helps develop a deeper understanding of yoga principles.
• Vinyasa is a ‘flowy’ popular style of yoga among students. Often accompanied by music, vinyasa classes flow from one posture to another without holding the poses for too long. This emphasizes on combining breath and movement (one breath for one movement) in a meditative yet usually fast-paced routine.
• Ashtanga-Vinyasa descended from the Ashtanga lineage, an ancient philosophy over 5,000 years old, developed in Mysore, India, by the late Pattabhi Jois. Exploring the history of yoga through styles like Ashtanga offers a profound appreciation for its roots and traditions. The Ashtanga Vinyasa method is defined by connecting breath with movement in a flowing sequence.

Generally we recommend at least 6 months of consistent yoga practice before embarking on a yoga teacher training. It’s also a good idea to have tried the yoga style that you are going to train in (e.g. Ashtanga-Vinyasa, Hatha, etc.) before embarking on the yoga course or to go on a Yoga Retreat.

Step 2: Complete a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program

Students should seek a Yoga Alliance-registered program to ensure adherence to industry standards, covering philosophy, anatomy, and methodology. Completing a 200-hour training program is the first step to becoming a certified yoga teacher and meeting the requirements for professional credentials.
• RYT: Registered Yoga Teacher is a credential exclusive to Yoga Alliance, with RYT-200 requiring completion of a 200-hour registered training. This designation signifies that you’ve completed a yoga teacher training that meets the rigorous standards set by the Yoga Alliance Foundation. RYT-500 indicates either a 500-hour program or a combination of 200 and 300-hour courses.
• E-RYT: Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher is a newer Yoga Alliance credential featuring E-RYT 200 and E-RYT 500. You can obtain two years of post-training with an additional requirement of 1,000 teaching hours with an RYS-200 registration.
• CYT: Certified Yoga Teacher is a general designation, not specific to Yoga Alliance’s directory, contrasting with RYT. This is exclusively for those registered with the Yoga Alliance. Successfully completing a program with these qualifications ensures you are considered a certified yoga teacher recognized within the industry.

Step 3: Get Certified

At the end of a 200- or 500-hour teaching training program, students need to pass a final exam to get certified. This could involve a written test, a practical test, or both. A consistent personal yoga practice is essential for building the skills and confidence needed to excel in these assessments and earn your yoga certification. Many yoga certification programs emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure comprehensive learning.

Step 4: Register With Yoga Alliance

This isn’t a legal requirement, although many employers prefer teachers who are Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs) with the Yoga Alliance. Attaining this credential ensures you are recognized as part of the global network of Yoga Alliance-registered yoga professionals.
• Yoga Alliance, the largest global registration body for yoga schools and teachers, differs from traditional accreditation bodies and does not directly certify schools.
• While Yoga Alliance doesn’t provide certification, schools must align with their standards, submitting their curriculum for approval to offer Yoga Alliance-registered training.
• To register with Yoga Alliance, individuals need to attend training from a registered school with Yoga Alliance-registered yoga teachers. This ensures compliance with specified hours for anatomy, practice, and technique, giving graduates credibility and recognition in the yoga industry.

Step 5: Consider Taking Advanced Yoga Training

Once you’ve got some experience, you might want to pursue a 300-hour advanced training in Bali, or a 500-hour certification from Yoga Alliance to deepen your knowledge and expand your skills. These programs are ideal for those who want to specialize further or work toward becoming a certified yoga therapist.

Remember, becoming a great yoga instructor is about more than just a yoga teacher certification. It’s about a commitment to learning and a passion for helping your students grow. Choosing a teacher training that is Yoga Alliance-approved ensures that the program meets high industry standards, further enhancing your credentials as a professional instructor.

Many yoga teacher training registered programs emphasize advanced techniques, teaching methodologies, and anatomy, equipping you with the tools to guide your students with confidence and expertise.