Registered Yoga Schools (RYS®s)
Yoga schools that provide Yoga teacher training may apply to register several types of programs with Yoga Alliance. Registration acknowledges that the training program meets standards for curriculum developed by Yoga Alliance and that training is conducted by qualified instructors.
Types of Yoga Training Programs
For more details, visit the standards for each type of program listed below:
How to Apply
To register your Yoga school, submit a paper application for review. The application asks for information on your faculty and curriculum. Yoga Alliance will review your application and contact you if anything is unclear. Once all materials are submitted, the process for review takes 60-90 days from the date of receipt of a complete application.
If you are currently developing your curriculum, here are a few ideas to help you start this process:
- Search for a local registered school and contact them about their experience creating a Yoga program
- Solicit experienced teachers in your area to co-teach, co-develop or review your program
- Start with the sutras, using the wisdom from the ancient texts to inform your Yoga curriculum as well as your training policies
- Reflect on your own training, what you enjoyed, what other elements you’d like to incorporate based on your experiences
- Price your program costs against the market and make a clear refund policy
- Schedule the program compassionately, consider what type of schedule you can wholly commit to and what type of schedule your potential trainees desire, as well as potential make-up sessions for special circumstances
Who can Teach
Faculty of RYSs must meet the criteria below:
Director: Director and Primary ERYT®s must be an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT 200 or 500) at the corresponding level of the training.
Primary E-RYT®s: The Director of Teacher Training must be an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200 or 500) at the corresponding level of the training. Directors of Teacher Training for RCYS® and RPYS® (Registered Children's Yoga Schools and Registered Prenatal Yoga Schools) must carry the corresponding specialty designation (RCYT® or RPYT®). For more information on the qualifications of an E-RYT, review the teacher designations.
Other Faculty: All teachers other than the Primary E-RYTs in the Yoga teacher training must be documented as either: a) a RYT, or b) having substantial training in the subject category they are teaching (at least 100 hours of education and/or experience).
What to Cover
Review the educational categories for what to cover in your RYS curriculum.
How to Maintain Registration
Schools must pay an annual fee to remain registered with Yoga Alliance. If registration lapses for more than one year, a school must reapply.