Contact us

FAQ


INTRODUCTION

World-wide, Yoga is a self-regulated practice. In India , Yoga has always been learnt from a Guru belonging to a particular tradition. The spread of Yoga worldwide has made this traditional style of acquiring knowledge difficult.

YAI was set up to ensure that authentic traditions are preserved in the teaching of Yoga while at the same time modern scientific knowledge is incorporated into the pedagogy.

Fees
Yoga Alliance International charges a ONE TIME ONLY FEE for Teachers and Schools Certification. This means NO annual renewal Fees.


Other information

All schools/teachers applying for YAI-certification have to accept that they will follow the YAI-Code of Practice, and follow the suggested YAI standards.


Application forms for YAI Certification are available for download here.

FAQ

What is Yoga Alliance International?

Yoga Alliance International (YAI) is a network of dedicated, like-minded people devoted to the cause of personal transformation. The YAI community has members from around the world who are all accessible by email or on the Internet.

What is YAI certification ?

For individuals
YAI registers yoga teachers from all traditions and styles and yoga schools whose teacher training programs (200 hour-500 hour or above training courses) meet basic identified standards.The purpose of the Yoga teacher certification is to make sure that instructors have an excellent knowledge of all yogic aspects and safety issues.

The YAI Directory provides recognition of the knowledge, training and experience of the teacher. Employers are confident hiring a yoga professional knowing that your training meets required standards. YAI certification is recognised by Yoga Organisations worldwide.

For schools
YAI certifies schools whose teacher training programs meet  the standards set out by YAI on its website. YAI-certified schools are entitled to deliver YAI-certified teacher certification programs, and candidates completing these programs are automatically entitled to YAI certification.

Who issues YAI Certificates?

YAI certificates for individuals and Yoga schools are issued by YAI, and carry signatures of both YAI functionaries and that of the Head of the certified Yoga School.

A YAI certified teacher or school may use the acronym YAI-CYT (YAI Certified Yoga Teacher or School) after their name and may use YAI logos in advertising and promotional materials. Details of school programs will also be available on YAI sites. A photo of the teacher and a yoga-related resume will be displayed on YAI sites.

How can a yoga school join the YAI network?

YAI certifies yoga schools that train individuals to become yoga teachers. A yoga school that wants to be certified may be may be from any tradition, style or country. The yoga schools should conduct teacher-training programs (200 hour-500 hour or above training courses) that meet basic standards identified by YAI.

What is the process for certification?

Certification is granted after due process that may include interviews and assessment of capabilities of the instructors in the schools, and a one-time fee. For more details, see the sections below.

What are the basic standards identified by YAI?

Standards have been set out for 200-hour level training and 500-hour level training programs. The standards specify training in techniques and practice of asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, other exercises of yoga, and meditation. The standards also suggest basic teaching methodology, and the minimum contact hours needed to become a yoga teacher.

Are there special standards for higher training levels?

YAI standards for training at higher levels (e.g., Grandmaster level) will be made available to schools, which fulfill basic criteria and have an established training record.

What are the benefits of YAI certification?

The YAI Directory provides recognition of the capability of yoga teacher training courses in schools around the world. Employers are confident hiring a yoga professional knowing that your training meets our standards.

YAI certified schools are entitled to deliver YAI certified teacher certification programs, and candidates completing these programs are automatically entitled to YAI certification.

YAI Certification Process

For individuals

The purpose of the Yoga teacher certification is to make sure that instructors have an excellent knowledge of most aspects of Yoga and related safety issues.

YAI’s Certification is recognized by Yoga Organizations worldwide. Details of YAI certified teachers are available on YAI web-sites.

Note that YAI certificates for individuals are issued by YAI, and carry signatures of both YAI functionaries and that of the Head of the certified School. Certificates that do not carry signatures of YAI functionaries but are issued directly by the certified school are not valid YAI certificates.

Certification Process
For individual Candidates who complete a TTC from a YAI-certified school

Such candidates are automatically eligible for YAI certification. They can obtain these Certificates from their schools on payment of a nominal fee to their school.

Certification Process

For Established Teachers

If you have substantial Yoga teaching experience (at least 10 years) , and wish to obtain YAI Certification, please contact us as we look at your case under Special Consideration category.

For Yoga Schools

The purpose of the Certification for Yoga schools is to ensure that the TTC programs offered by these Institutions meet, at the very minimum, the standards set out by YAI on this site. YAI-certified schools are entitled to deliver YAI-certified TTC programs, and candidates completing these TTC programs are automatically entitled to YAI certification.

YAI Certification will enable Schools to conduct TTC at the 200 hrs and 500 hrs Levels. In addition, they will be permitted to use our logo in advertising and promotional materials. Details of their programs will be available on YAI sites.

Certification Process

To be considered for YAI Certification, institutions are required to fill up an application form, complete an interview and pay the applicable fees. Schools that offer specialised Yoga courses such as Yoga Nidra programs, Aerial Yoga, etc are also welcome to apply for YAI certification.

A YAI certified school may use the acronym YAI-CYS (YAI Certified Yoga School) after their name and may use our logo in advertising and promotional materials. Details of their programs will also be available on YAI sites.