A variety of yoga organizations offer training courses for prospective instructors. If you're thinking about pursuing a credential, spend time researching different courses and styles prior to selecting a teacher training program. There is no single organization overseeing the standards for training and yoga instructors, and as such you should compare the curriculum, requirements and costs of different programs. Yoga organizations such as the Yoga Alliance and the Yoga Journal offer searchable databases of schools and programs.
Prerequisites
Many individuals develop an interest in teaching yoga after they have developed their own practice. Most teacher certification programs accept beginning yoga students who have a background in dance, pilates or a strong understanding of anatomy and fitness. The Yoga Alliance notes that prospective teachers who wish to attain advanced certification must first complete their 200-hour entry level certification course.
Selecting a Course
Yoga instructor trainees can choose from a variety of educational options. If you have the time and flexibility in your schedule, you can consider traveling to a location for an instructors retreat. These courses typically last from one month to six weeks and offer intensive studies that culminate in certification. If you are working full-time and can't travel, you can invest in course options closer to your geographic area. Many courses are scheduled over a period of six months to a year to offer participants flexible class scheduling. If you are researching course options, The Yoga Journal has an extensive database of programs you can choose from.
Curriculum
The majority of instructor training courses offer a survey of different yoga styles, such as Hatha, Vinyasa and Bikram. While courses survey a variety of styles, you will typically study one main style of yoga poses and alignment depending on the focus of the program you enroll in. The majority of teacher certification places an emphasis on anatomy and posture as they relate to yoga. Teachers also learn instructional strategies and yoga history and philosophy. The emphasis placed on the spiritual aspects and practices in yoga may also vary greatly depending on your choice of training course.
Examinations and Certification
The Yoga Alliance notes that students of their accredited teaching courses must complete a minimum of 200 contact hours, after which they are given written and practical examinations. Students must achieve satisfactory scores on both exams. In some cases a course will allow candidates to re-test in the event that their practical exams fall short of the standards. Once you complete teacher training, you will be eligible to apply for a credential from a professional organization, such as the Yoga Alliance.
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