How to Become a Certified Meditation Teacher in Five Easy Steps!

Melissa Zegley
RYT-500, Reiki Master, Grand Master of Meditation

When people hear that I am a certified meditation teacher they often ask, “how do I become a certified meditation teacher?” Truthfully? Becoming a certified meditation instructor has become more accessible in recent years. So many doors have been opened by remote learning since the COVID pandemic and you too can become a certified meditation teacher!

First: Decide if there is a specific style of meditation that you wish to teach. There are many options to choose from, including:

• Guided Meditation
• Sound Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Vipassana
• Transcendental Meditation
• Progressive Relaxation
• Loving Kindness Meditation
• Moving Meditation
• Mantra Meditation

This is not an all-inclusive list but gives you an idea of some of the options that are available to you. You may be drawn to one, or perhaps multiple styles of meditation. There is a certified meditation training to meet your needs, whatever style you chose. Of course, training courses and their availability will also vary dependent on the style you are interested in.

Second: Do you want to take in person training, hybrid or remote? What level of training do you want to pursue?

The next step is to decide how you would like to become a certified meditation teacher. The COVID pandemic has changed the face of learning everywhere, including in the yoga and meditation field. You have the option to study in person, online or in a hybrid setting. Many studios and schools that once offered only in person trainings are now offering online programs. Many, like ours, have always been online making them accessible and often more affordable to all students.

There is no one right way to take your training and your certification will be the same no matter which option you chose. Traditionally, your training would have been between you and a guru which was a beautiful way to learn but in today’s world there are options for everyone.

When making a decision about how you would like to complete your training, be sure to take you individual needs and learning style into account. Would you like to be able to complete a course at your own pace? Is long term or lifetime access to materials important to you? Is having the accountability of an in-person class important to you?

There are pros and cons to each type of training. The obvious pro to in person training is the small group that you are training with. Typically, these trainings are small and have a set curriculum and timeline which can be a pro or con depending on what you are looking for in a training. You will have lifetime access to your training material, but no updates. The other con to in person trainings is the cost.

Hybrid trainings combine in person and online training. You are often able to complete sections of the training at your own pace while have the added support and accountability of a live training. These can be pros or cons depending on your needs. You may have lifetime access to the online training materials. The cost for a hybrid program typically falls in between in person and online training programs.

Online trainings often offer you lifetime access to the training materials, which includes any updates made to the training. This allows you go back to the material for review at any time, which is definitely a pro. Many online trainings are completely self-paced, allowing you to work the training into your daily life. Online trainings are also the most affordable option for training as well. Many online trainings offer live elements as well.

You also need to decide what level of training you wish to pursue. There are 100 Hour, 200 Hour, 300 Hour and 500 Hour programs available. As well as Grand Master of Meditation programs.

Third: Do you want to register with Meditation Alliance International?

Is registering with Meditation Alliance International important to you? If so, make sure that the meditation teacher certification course you chose will allow you to register upon completion.

Fourth: Look for a meditation teacher training that meets your needs. Narrow down the search and ask questions!

Once you have made the decision how you would like to take your training and if you want to register with Meditation Alliance International, research the programs that are available. Narrow down the list and see which two or three looks best to you. Make sure to compare the benefits of a 100 Hour, 200 Hour, 300 Hour or 500 Hour courser. Compile a list of questions and reach out to those two or three. Ask your questions and see if their answers resonate with you.

Fifth: Enroll and complete training When you have decided which program is the best fit for you, enroll and enjoy your journey. Complete the training, earn you certificate and begin leading meditation.

What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation?