Yoga has become one of the widely popular exercises and holistic practices to maintain health and wellness around the world over the past few decades. Along with this growth comes the growing need for appropriately qualified yoga instructors who are qualified and capable of conducting safe classes. The certification sets a recognized standard for yoga teachers; thereby giving assurance that one who teaches is adequately trained and knowledgeable. What does it mean, though, to hold a Yoga Alliance certification? And is it really necessary for an aspiring yoga teacher?
This article will dive into the basics including the process of how to get certified, do you even need certification by Yoga Alliance in order to teach yoga, are alternative certifications like the YogaRenew certification, actually accepted by Yoga Alliance, and some popular questions that may arise in your mind regarding certification.
 What is Yoga Alliance Certification?
Yoga Alliance is a nonprofit organization providing standards for yoga teacher training programs. Upon completion of such a training program, a teacher of yoga is then eligible to earn a certification and is thereby officially known as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
Through the Yoga Alliance, teachers can achieve a variety of levels of accreditation: the RYT 200, which requires 200 hours of training; the RYT 500, which requires 500 hours of training; and specialized credentials in the form of the ERYT, or experienced registered yoga teacher. For both new and old teachers, certification through the Yoga Alliance is a benchmark that enhances and promotes their professional credibility in the practice.
Getting certified with Yoga Alliance means that a yoga teacher becomes a part of a professional network that connects him to job opportunities, continuing education, and resources which facilitate his teaching journey. Most employers and studios require this certification, and students come seeking professional training and knowledgeable teachers. The registered yoga teacher Yoga Alliance designation has really become an important credential in the industry.
Also Read: 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
How to Get Yoga Alliance Certification?
The first step is completing a yoga alliance registered teacher training program. Such programs are offered in all possible combinations in person, online, or hybrid formats. This leaves very little to hope for except that even the most reserved person might be found at a center that conveniently fits his or her schedule and location.
1. Select a Registered Yoga School (RYS): Certification requires a program recognized by the Yoga Alliance. The organization classifies schools as RYS 200, RYS 300, and RYS 500 levels, each representing the hours within their respective programs.
2. Training Hours to be Certified: Courses offered at the level of certification include anatomy, philosophy, teaching methodology, and experience working with students in how to lead yoga poses.
3. Apply to Yoga Alliance: The final step, after completing an approved program, is to apply for registration with Yoga Alliance. The association will verify and review your credentials to finalize the documentation. After successful approval, you’ll be placed on the rolls of officially registered yoga teachers under Yoga Alliance.
4. Renew Your Certification: Yoga Alliance encourages continuous learning, and renewing your certification means to complete ongoing education and renewal requirements. Renewal typically entails a small fee and proof of hours accumulated in additional training.
Is Yoga Alliance Certification Necessary?
Whether or not to get your certification depends on your yoga teaching purpose. While such certification is technically not a legal requirement to practice yoga teaching, it offers you many benefits:
1. Credibility: Many yoga studios and health clubs require or prefer their teachers to be certified by Yoga Alliance. Being certified can make a difference in job opportunity.
2. Standardized Training: Certification creates confidence and trust in the standard of instruction, which can help enhance teaching quality and the student’s trust in them.
3. Insurance: Some insurance companies specifically offer liability coverage for Yoga Alliance certified teachers, especially if they are self-employed.
4. Community and Networking: The association gives a very large connection and networking group, which can help teach access others by finding more teaching opportunities or even keeping them informed of industry news and issues.
To the fact, some seasoned teachers may boast that their professional experience and personal teaching philosophy are enough. Another certification program does exist, like YogaRenew, which includes teacher training but has absolutely no affiliation with Yoga Alliance.
Read Also: Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs
 Is YogaRenew Yoga Alliance Certified?
YogaRenew is a standalone, independent yoga teacher training program that offers online certification courses. Although YogaRenew courses are designed to be more comprehensive for teaching yoga, they are not Yoga Alliance certified. YogaRenew clearly targets offering affordable and accessible training towards those who have other goals which may not necessarily require a Yoga Alliance credential. For those who are considering YogaRenew, one should put into balance whether one’s teaching goal and the market required such credential.
In The End
Among yoga instructors, a certification by Yoga Alliance is a recognized credential that guarantees teachers are well trained and committed to ongoing education. Although it isn’t technically necessary to teach yoga, many studios and students prefer teachers with the credentials, while reputation keeps standards for practice high. The many benefits of yoga instructor training for an individual who wants to become a yoga instructor could range from credibility to entrance into a community of professionals.
It all depends, therefore, on your teaching ambitions and your market. Though there are many other certifications other than Yoga Alliance, it remains one of the better markers of quality and professionalism for any yogi teaching it.
People Also May Ask!
To be certified, one needs to complete a registered teacher training program, such as an RYS 200, and apply through Yoga Alliance to become an RYT.
No, it is not legally required, though many studios and clients prefer certified instructors.
The RYT 200 is 200 hours, which can take the better part of several weeks or even a couple of months, depending on the program.
No, it is not Yoga Alliance certified, although it does present a pretty respectable teacher training program that some may feel is sufficient.
Second, by way of certification, they should be recognized by Yoga Alliance. To sustain their status, this certification requires renewal every year. The teacher is encouraged to take some form of ongoing education to keep their certification status intact.
