200- vs. 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training: The Differences

By: Steph Ball-Mitchell, ERYT500, RPYT, RCYT, YACEP, CAADC

Yoga teacher training is an exciting journey of personal growth and development. Though there are a variety of available courses, the two most popular options are the 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training. If you or someone you know are looking to dive into yoga philosophy, we explore the differences between 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher training here. Now, you can make a suitable decision for your desires.

Course Overview

The 200-hour yoga teacher training program provides foundational education on anatomy, physiology, yoga philosophy and history, pranayama techniques, asanas (poses), and teaching methodology. Upon completion of this course, students receive certification to teach entry-level group classes and an opportunity to continue their education with Yoga Alliance.

The 300-hour yoga teacher training builds upon the topics covered in the 200-hour course and deepens the wisdom and practice. In addition to these foundational topics, students learn more advanced postures and techniques, such as inversions and arm balances. This additional training also covers specialized areas of yoga, such as prenatal yoga or kids’ yoga. Teachers who complete this certification can teach public classes at an intermediate level and offer private instruction.

Time Requirements

Typically, the 200-hour course has a set duration of three to four months. This is a full-time commitment and requires that students devote their time accordingly. The 300-hour YTT online usually takes approximately six months to complete, and some schools allow practitioners to spread out the course over one year.

What’s unique about an online course is the ability to move at a pace that aligns best with your existing schedule. Online Yoga School understands the daily demands of all beings and offers this fully accredited experience to anyone.

Certification Opportunities

The 200-hour certification allows teachers to teach public classes, whereas the 300-hour certification also includes private instruction opportunities. Additionally, the 300-hour course allows teachers to pursue advanced certifications in specialized areas of yoga. All courses are complete with Yoga Alliance accreditation and certifications, and each one opens new doors to advanced educational materials with yogic wisdom, Ayurvedic methodologies, meditation, mantras, and more.

Yoga teacher training is an enriching experience that can provide practitioners with a deep understanding of the practice and relevant teaching techniques. Whether you’re looking for foundational education or more advanced schooling, there are options available to fit your needs. Understanding the differences between 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher training courses can help you make the best decision for your practice and YTT journey.

Let Online Yoga School be your trusted, accredited partner for your yoga relationship, whether new or old. We look forward to helping you expand and invite you to enroll today!