How to Get Certified in Yoga

One of the first questions people ask when they decide to become a yoga teacher is how to get certified in yoga. The good news is that it is actually much simpler than you might think! Becoming a yoga teacher takes time and effort, but with the correct information and a clear plan, you will be well on your way to an exciting new career as a yoga teacher.

In this article, we will answer all your burning questions about how to get certified in yoga, along with a straightforward step-by-step process for becoming a yoga teacher online today. Now, let’s get started!

What Certification Do You Need for Yoga?

Before making the choice to become a yoga teacher, it is vital to understand the types of yoga teacher certifications. The foundational level for yoga teacher certification is the 200-hour yoga teacher training. This is considered the first level of training for a yoga teacher and is the most common certification available.

Many yoga teachers only complete the 200-hour yoga teacher certification. However, some yoga teachers choose to go deeper and pursue additional training to become a 500-hour certified yoga teacher or explore continuing education yoga courses to become specialized in specific yoga styles and practices. But at the end of the day, the 200-hour yoga teacher training certification is the base level of certification that you need to work as a yoga teacher in most places.

Who Can Become a Yoga Instructor?

The beautiful thing about yoga is that this practice is genuinely accessible to everyone! Yoga teachers come in all shapes, sizes, abilities, and backgrounds. There are no limitations to who can be a yoga teacher besides a sincere desire to practice and learn this powerful, ancient practice.

Many online yoga teacher training courses focus on teaching accessible yoga, which makes this practice open and available to all. Accessible yoga teachers emphasize discovering how to adapt each pose to your body rather than forcing your body into a specific shape. We all have unique and individual needs, and as a yoga teacher, you can discover how to adjust your practice for yourself and others.

How Do I Start a Yoga Certification?

Starting a yoga teacher certification is as simple as signing up for a yoga teacher training course! Many yoga teacher training programs do not have any entry requirements besides a sincere desire to learn yoga and the dedication to engage in this practice.

However, some yoga teacher training schools have more stringent entry requirements and may interview the students or require them to have an established daily yoga practice before beginning the course. It is best to check directly with your desired yoga teacher training program to see their entry requirements before registering for the course.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Yoga Instructor?

As mentioned, the foundational level of yoga teacher training is a 200-hour course. If you are focused and dedicated, you could complete the entire program in a few weeks to a month. In fact, many in-person or destination yoga teacher training courses do precisely that. However, some schools prefer to extend the timeline of the course to give you more time to integrate and understand the information by extending the program to last a few months or years.

Many online yoga teacher training programs are self-paced, meaning that you can complete the course on your own time and at your own speed. This flexibility in training gives you the added bonus of moving at your own pace so that you can finish it as quickly or slowly as you desire. The average time for completion is a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of a year or two. However, many yoga schools do not limit the maximum time for the training, allowing you to take as long as you need.

Is Yoga Certification Worth It?

If you are reading this article, then you have likely already decided that pursuing a yoga teacher training is worth your time. But you may still have some lingering questions about whether becoming a certified yoga teacher will actually give you more teaching opportunities or improve your employability.

A yoga teacher training certification is considered the entry-level requirement to become a yoga teacher. So, if this is a path you are interested in pursuing, it is essential to have a qualified Yoga Alliance certification to increase your opportunities and establish to employers your base set of skills. Yoga teacher training can give you this strong foundation for work opportunities, expanding your horizons as a yoga teacher.

However, many yoga students choose to pursue a yoga teacher training course simply for their own enjoyment or enrichment. A yoga teacher training course is also a great way to learn more about yoga and to establish a strong foundation in your personal yoga practice. Rather than attending group classes, a yoga teacher training course can help you design your self-practice for at-home yoga, allowing you to dive deeper into the vast field of yoga in your personal life.

How Much is Yoga Teacher Training?

The cost of getting certified as a yoga teacher ranges greatly. The main factor that influences the cost is whether you choose to do the training in person or online. In-person yoga teacher training courses are often more expensive because they also include travel costs, accommodation, and food. The benefit of an online yoga teacher training program is that you can complete it from the comfort of your own home with nothing but an internet connection and a laptop or smartphone.

The average cost of a yoga teacher training course can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars or more, depending on the length of the training. But remember, the cost of the training isn’t always an indication of the quality! Many high-cost yoga teacher trainings may provide you with the same level of education as a lower-cost online yoga teacher training course. It is vital to research the teachers and school to ensure you receive the necessary training no matter the cost.

3 Steps for How to Get Certified in Yoga Online

Now let’s get into the depths of how to get certified in yoga in 3 simple steps! Starting the path to becoming a yoga teacher may seem intimidating at first, but it is actually incredibly accessible if you know where to start.

1.     Choose Your Online Yoga Alliance Yoga Teacher Training Course

The most important step to beginning your certification process is choosing the right yoga teacher training school for your needs. Firstly, ensure your desired school is registered with Yoga Alliance, as this is considered the main body that regulates yoga schools. Next, you will want to check the qualifications of the teachers and what is covered in the course to ensure that you receive the training you need. Try taking a few sample classes if you can to see if you resonate with their teaching style. Check reviews as well and ask for recommendations from others to find the right fit for you!

2.     Complete the Yoga Teacher Training Requirements

Now for the fun part: actually completing the coursework in your yoga teacher training! Studying yoga can initially feel like an overload of information. Many teachers explain this process like trying to drink from a firehose. It takes time to absorb all the material, and becoming a yoga teacher is a lifelong process. So, pace yourself and let the information sink in over time. Becoming a yoga teacher is an exciting and worthwhile journey, but it also takes patience and dedication to walk this path.

3.     Start Teaching Yoga!

Once you have completed your yoga teacher training, now you get to start teaching and sharing the gifts of yoga with others! The best place to start is teaching locally in parks or to your friends and family. The more that you practice teaching, the better your skills will become. You may also choose to register your certification with Yoga Alliance – this is often recommended for teaching at some yoga studios or getting yoga teacher liability insurance. However, registering with Yoga Alliance is not a requirement, and the decision to register is a personal choice.

Become a Certified Yoga Teacher in Our Online YTT Course!

If you are ready to take your next step and become a yoga teacher, then finding a yoga teacher training course to become a certified yoga teacher is the best choice for you. A yoga teacher training course prepares you to share the wonders of yoga with others and start an exciting new career as a yoga teacher. Learning the depths of yoga can take a lifetime (or more), so be patient with yourself as you embark on this exciting journey!

Our online yoga teacher training school offers a range of foundational yoga teacher training courses and continuing education programs to provide you with a deep understanding of yoga. In our online 200-hour yoga teacher training course, you can take the first step to becoming a yoga teacher, all from the comfort of your own home and at your own speed. So, reach out to us for more information on how you can register and begin your online YTT today!

 Is it worth getting certified in yoga?

best continuing education certifications for established yoga teachers