Yoga Schools – Standards and Forms

STANDARDS FOR SCHOOLS AND TEACHER TRAINING COURSES

This section provides details on the requirements to be met by a Yoga Center for Certification for the 200 and 500 levels, in order to ensure that all graduates meet our high standards of education. Contact hours are those received by the student with the physical presence of a teacher. The number of non-contact hours (independent study) should include: assigned reading or other homework, study groups unsupervised, observing yoga classes, etc. The total hours given below are the minimum requirements.

 There are 4 options for registration:

1. Certified Yoga Studio: Certified to conduct Yoga Classes, Workshops and Retreats. Ideal for Studios or centres offering simple training or venue hire. A minimum of 1 Teacher who is a Certified 200 Hour Yoga Teacher or Equivalent Training in any Tradition or Teaching.
2. 200 Hour Certified Yoga School: Certified to conduct Yoga Classes, Workshops, Retreats, Train and Certify 100, 200 Hour Level Yoga Teacher Training. A minimum of 1 Teacher who is a Certified 500 Hour Yoga Master or Equivalent Training in any Tradition or Teaching.
3. 500 Hour Certified Yoga School: Certified to conduct Yoga Classes, Workshops, Retreats, Train and Certify 100, 200, 300 and 500 Hour Level Yoga Teacher Training. A minimum of 1 Teacher who is a Certified Senior Experienced 500 Hour Yoga Master or Grand Master or Equivalent Training in any Tradition or Teaching.
4. Others – type of Certification requested

 Breakdown of the course requirements-

• 200 – level program YTTC

1. Techniques (total of 140 hours with 100 hours of contact). Training techniques and practice: asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, exercises or yoga, mantras, mudras, etc.
2. Teaching Methodology (total of 20 hours, with 10 contact hours). Principles of demonstration, observation, support / correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities/skills of a teacher and student learning methodology.
3. Anatomy and Physiology (total of 20 hours, 10 contact hours). Physical Anatomy, Physiology and subtle anatomy.
4. Practical Teaching (total 20 hours with 10 contact hours). Student teaching and observing and assisting in classes taught by others. Times must be a combination of supervised and unsupervised hours.
5. Yoga Philosophy / Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga teachers (20 hours with a minimum of 8 contact hours). Includes study of yoga philosophies, yoga lifestyle and ethics for yoga teachers.
6. Electives / Tasks (Up to 30 hours, a minimum of 20 hours non-contact). Includes personal practice of yoga techniques specified, presentations and assigned specific tests and or assignments.
Total contact hours: 150 for a 200 level course

• 300 – level program YTTC

1. Techniques (total of 160 hours with 140 hours of contact). Training techniques and practice: asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, exercises or yoga, mantras, mudras, etc.
2. Teaching Methodology (total of 30 hours, with 20 contact hours). Principles of demonstration, observation, support / correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities/skills of a teacher and student learning methodology.
3. Anatomy and Physiology (total of 20 hours, 15 contact hours). Physical Anatomy, Physiology and subtle anatomy.
4. Practical Teaching (total 25 hours with 15 contact hours). Student teaching and observing and assisting in classes taught by others. Times must be a combination of supervised and unsupervised hours.
5. Yoga Philosophy / Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga teachers (20 hours with a minimum of 15 contact hours). Includes study of yoga philosophies, yoga lifestyle and ethics for yoga teachers.
6. Electives / Tasks (Up to 45 hours, a minimum of 35 contact hours). Includes personal practice of yoga techniques specified, presentations and assigned specific tests and or assignments.
Total contact hours: 240 for a 300 level course

• 500 – level program YTTC
1. Techniques (total of 225 hours to 125 hours of contact).Training techniques and practices: asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, ekagrata, pratyahara, dharana, samadhi, Samyama, sama, vyayamas exercises or yoga, chanting of mantras and meditation. 
2. Teaching methodology (a total of 40 hours with 35 hours of contact). Principles of demonstration, observation, support / correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities / skills of a teacher and the student learning process. 
3. Anatomy and Physiology (total of 50 hours with 30 contact hours). Physical Anatomy, Physiology and subtle anatomy. 
4. Psychology and Spirituality of Yoga (a total of 50 hours with 20 hours of contact). Psychology (Chitta, Manas, Buddhi, Smriti, samskaras, vasanas, Koshas and chakras, marmas, nadis, etc.)
5. Philosophy / Ethics / Lifestyle (total of 75 hours with 25 contact hours) Study Text Classic Yoga (Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, etc) , ethics for yoga teacher and development of a healthy yogic lifestyle. 
6. Teaching Practice (total 60 hours with 30 contact hours).Student teaching practice and observation and assistance in practical classes taught by teacher educators.
Total contact hours- 440 for a 500 level course

* All Certificates for graduating students from the certified schools/ centers/ organisations to be provided by Yoga Alliance International only. Schools/ Organisations and Teachers are not authorised to print the Yoga Alliance International Logo on Certificates that are not issued directly by Yoga Alliance International..

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOLS

This code of conduct is the statement of ethical and professional behavior, which certified yoga schools undertake to respect and comply in full.

• Recognise the limitations of my skills and scope of practice and, where appropriate, refer students with a specialised requirements.
• Respect the privacy and personal rights of all students, regardless of age, handicap, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion.
• Avoid words and actions that can be considered sexual harassment.
• Follow the traditional yoga principles as written by Patanjali (Yamas and Niyamas).
• Maintaining a safe, comfortable and clean for the practice of yoga room.
• Follow all local and national laws that apply to teaching yoga and general business practices.

*Should a school fail to comply with this code of conduct your registration may be revoked following a review of any complaints received

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