What Does Yoga Alliance Certified Mean? And Why You Need It

Like in other areas of fitness, you do not need a credential or certification to teach yoga, but it is strongly recommended. Getting clients and helping them get results is difficult without the right training and credentials. 

For yoga, the largest certifying organization is Yoga Alliance (YA). If you’re serious about working in this field, you need to know more about YA, what it offers, and how to be recognized as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). 

What is the Yoga Alliance? 

The Yoga Alliance is the largest non-profit organization for yoga in the U.S. As of 2020, YA recognized more than 7,000 yoga schools and 100,000 yoga instructors. The purpose of YA is to support the yoga community with high-quality instruction and access. These are some examples of what YA does: 

• Promotes self-regulation in the industry to ensure access, quality instruction, and safety

• Provides safety standards, a code of conduct, an ethical commitment, and a scope of practice for yoga schools to follow

• Fosters accountability in members 

• Advocates for the yoga community against unfair practices

• Provides schools and instructors with business advice and best practices

The Yoga Alliance is led by executives and is governed by a board of directors. Committees help carry out specific functions, and a public charity promotes broader access to yoga. The YA became an official organization in 1999. 

What is a Yoga Alliance Certification? 

For yoga schools and instructors, one of the most important things YA does is set standards. YA is not actually a certifying organization. It does not provide training or certifications. Instead, it offers standards that allow instructors and schools to self-regulate. 

Registered Yoga School (RYS)

Schools that train yoga instructors can earn the distinction of being an RYS through the Yoga Alliance’s process. An RYS has been recognized as upholding the YA standards for training teachers. It is not an accreditation but rather a registry. 

The registry serves as a listing of credible professionals based on set minimum standards. One of the reasons YA uses a registry system rather than certification or accreditation is that it aims to maintain diversity in the yoga community. The system is designed to uphold basic standards while allowing schools and instructors to represent all aspects of yoga practice. 

To apply to become an RYS, a school must complete an in-depth application describing how they meet the standards. They can choose from several categories of standards that differ in the number of hours of training students complete and specialties like children’s or prenatal yoga. Once the YA has reviewed and accepted the application and the school has paid the fee, it is able to call itself an RYS. 

Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

Individuals interested in teaching yoga can earn a similar distinction to the RYS. The Registered Yoga Teacher recognition is similarly a registry rather than a certification. If you are an RYT, it means that you have met the training and experience standards for instructors as outlined by the YA and have become a member of the organization. 

The basic requirements for becoming an RYT include completing a yoga teacher training program through an RYS, completing 30 hours of continuing education every three years, and paying the annual membership fee. The registered schools are required to provide instruction in techniques and training, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology, and yoga philosophy and ethics. 

As with schools, teachers can select from among several levels of membership: 

• RYT 200. This is the basic level, which requires 200 hours of training within one RYS. 

• RYT 500. At this level, the instructor has completed 500 hours of training and 100 hours of teaching experience. 

• Experienced RYT 200. Experienced RYTs qualify to be lead trainers and to provide continuing education to instructors. Requirements include the RYT 200 designation and 1,000 teaching hours. 

• Experienced RYT 500. To achieve this level, instructors need 500 hours of training and 1,500 hours of teaching. They can train other instructors and offer continuing education credits. 

You can also become an RYT for kids yoga and prenatal yoga. These require 200 hours of yoga instructor training, plus additional training in each area of expertise. 

Check out this ISSA blog article to learn more about various yoga styles such as yin yoga, hatha yoga, and more. 

What Does Yoga Alliance Certified Not Mean? 

It’s important to understand the limitations of the YA registry. The organization sets standards and recognizes schools and instructors for meeting those standards. This is not the same as issuing a yoga teacher certification or accrediting a program. 

If you complete a yoga training program at an RYS, meet the Yoga Alliance standards, and join the organization, you can call yourself an RYT. The school you attend may offer you a specific certification separate from this distinction. 

Benefits of Becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher

No particular credentials or certifications are required to become a yoga teacher, but it’s a good idea to have something to illustrate your qualifications. You’ll find it much easier to break into the industry, to get a job, and to win over clients if you have something to show for your training and experience. And the Yoga Alliance's RYT designation does just that.

1. Credibility and Recognition

The RYT designation is recognized globally and provides credibility to your yoga teaching practice. Employers and clients often look for this certification as it assures them that you’ve met the standards of training and professionalism set by Yoga Alliance.

Being RYT-certified signals to students and employers that you have met the required standards in terms of education, training, and ethical practices.

2. Career Opportunities and Higher Pay

Many yoga studios, wellness centers, gyms, and retreat programs prefer or require instructors to be RYT-certified. With this certification, you're more likely to be hired as a yoga teacher.

Being a registered teacher can lead to higher pay rates or more opportunities to teach. Many studios offer higher compensation for teachers who have completed RYT training compared to non-certified instructors.

3. Continued Professional Development

Yoga Alliance provides access to a wide range of resources, including workshops, continuing education, and networking opportunities that help you stay up-to-date on new yoga trends and teaching techniques.

As an RYT, you are required to complete continuing education. This keeps you engaged in your personal development and ensures that you continue to grow as an instructor.

4. Ethical Standards and Accountability

Yoga Alliance has a code of conduct and ethical guidelines that you must follow. This ensures that you uphold a high standard of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the yoga community.

Being part of the Yoga Alliance registry means you're held accountable for maintaining the standards that reflect your training and professionalism, providing an extra level of trust and assurance to your students.

5. Networking and Community

As an RYT, you gain access to a global network of fellow yoga teachers and practitioners. This community can provide support, advice, and inspiration for your teaching career.

Yoga Alliance offers an online platform for members to connect, ask questions, share ideas, and seek advice from other yoga professionals.

6. Business Growth

By joining Yoga Alliance, you get a profile on their website, which allows potential clients or students to find you easily. This can help you grow your student base and expand your reach as a yoga instructor.

Yoga Alliance provides tools and resources to help you market your services, from creating a professional profile to offering business tips that can help you run a successful yoga practice.

7. Access to Discounts and Perks

As an RYT, you get discounts on yoga products, insurance, and other tools that can help with your teaching and business operations.

From yoga gear to insurance, Yoga Alliance offers a range of perks that can make running your yoga business or teaching practice more affordable.

8. Personal Growth and Development

Becoming an RYT involves a deep dive into yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodologies, and more. This not only benefits your teaching but also enhances your personal yoga practice.

Completing your training and becoming registered with Yoga Alliance provides a sense of accomplishment, helping you feel more confident in your ability to teach and inspire others.

Working as a yoga instructor can be so rewarding. Here are some of the major benefits of helping clients practice yoga. 

How to Get Started Becoming an RYT

The first step in becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher is to find a school on the RYS registry. Keep in mind that at least your first 200 hours of training must be completed at one school, so choose carefully. Enroll in the instructor training program to become an RYT 200. From there, you can start gaining teaching experience and work your way up to an RYT 500, and experienced teacher, and beyond. 

Teaching yoga is a great career, a side hustle, and an addition to an already fulfilling fitness career. Wherever you are on your personal training journey, aligning with Yoga Alliance and becoming an RYT is a smart move. 

The ISSA offers a Yoga-Alliance-approved online yoga teacher training course that will certify you and prepare you to apply to become an RYT. It’s easy to enroll, affordable, and quick to complete. You will end up with a credential from ISSA—recognized by leaders in the fitness industry—and an RYT listing to help you start getting clients. Start your ISSA Yoga 200 course today!