Many yoga organizations and studios offer instruction and certification for yoga teachers. As there is no single professional organization, overseeing standards for certification requirements may vary depending on the studio or group presenting the course. Teachers typically have experience practicing yoga and may have additional experience in dance, pilates and exercise studies.
Prerequisites
Experience and prerequisites vary according to the organization presenting the certification course. The Yoga Alliance, for example, allows practitioners with yoga experience to complete their 200-hour teacher training course, but individuals must hold the 200-hour certification before they pursue more advanced training. Other studios permit individuals to enroll with minimal experience or simply a reference from a current yoga teacher.
Finding a Course
The "Yoga Journal" and the Yoga Alliance both offer databases with information about teacher certification courses. Interested candidates should first decide if they wish to travel or study close to their home. Many training courses are offered as one-month intensive workshops. Other trainings are design to take place over the course of six months to a year to offer flexibility for students with full-time work schedules.
Course Content
The Yoga Alliance notes that teacher training typically focuses on human anatomy, physiology and yoga poses. They emphasize proper technique, posture and breathing, and instruct teachers on yoga philosophy and principles of meditation and relaxation. It's important for students to select a style of yoga in which they would like to focus because they different types of yoga vary in their instruction. For example, Hatha yoga has a more gentle practice, while Bikram yoga has a very defined sequence of poses and is practiced in high temperature spaces.
Examinations and Certifications
Teacher training usually culminates with both written an practical examinations. Courses accredited by the Yoga Alliance also require a 10-hour practicum with an experienced yoga teacher. The practical exam requires prospective teachers to evidence adequate knowledge of yoga poses and proper alignment. Teachers must pass the exams and apply for a teaching credential in order to practiced as a certified instructor. Most yoga teachers seek continuing education practice through specialized workshops and from teacher mentors.
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