Yoga Alliance Defined

Short Definition

Yoga Alliance is the largest international nonprofit registry for yoga teachers and training schools. Founded in 1999, it establishes minimum training standards and maintains a directory of registered teachers (RYTs) and schools (RYSs) that meet those standards.

What Yoga Alliance Does

Think of Yoga Alliance as a credentialing body—similar to how other professions have licensing boards, though yoga registration remains voluntary. The organization sets curriculum requirements for training programs, maintains a searchable registry of teachers and schools, and provides a framework studios can use when hiring.

When a school registers with Yoga Alliance (becoming an RYS—Registered Yoga School), they agree to include certain subjects in their curriculum: anatomy, teaching methodology, philosophy, practicum hours, and more. Graduates can then register as RYTs, signaling to studios and students that they've completed recognized training.

Why Yoga Alliance Matters

• Shared standards—creates baseline expectations for what "trained teacher" means
• Portability—credentials recognized across studios, gyms, and countries
• Continuing education—registered teachers must maintain their credentials through ongoing learning
• Consumer protection—students can verify a teacher's credentials through the registry
• Insurance eligibility—many liability insurance providers require Yoga Alliance registration

Credential Types

For Schools

• RYS-200—registered to offer 200-hour foundational training
• RYS-300—registered to offer advanced 300-hour training
• RYS-500—registered to offer comprehensive 500-hour training

For Teachers

• RYT-200—completed 200 hours of training from an RYS
• RYT-500—completed 500 hours total (200 + 300 or single program)
• E-RYT—Experienced RYT with additional teaching hours
• YACEP—Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider

Specialty Credentials

• RPYT—Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher
• RCYT—Registered Children's Yoga Teacher

Important Perspective

Yoga Alliance registration is valuable but not mandatory. Many excellent teachers trained before Yoga Alliance existed or chose lineage-based programs outside the registry system. The credential tells you someone completed structured training—it doesn't measure wisdom, presence, or teaching skill.

Similarly, registration doesn't guarantee quality. A newly registered RYT-200 and a master teacher with decades of experience hold the same base credential. Use registration as one data point among many when choosing a teacher or program.