Yoga Alliance uses sound research, data, and proven methodologies to shape its standards to meet the global yoga community’s needs, including their adaptation to the online environment.
In order to host teacher training programs online, Registered Yoga Schools (RYSs) must follow a unique set of requirements, and adhere to the Yoga Alliance Ethical Commitment.
To uphold the integrity of its credentials, Yoga Alliance regularly assesses its policies and procedures and may incorporate additional changes to existing and future standards requirements.
The 2021 OTE was first created at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The application window is now closed; we invite you to explore the 2022-2023 Online Teaching Application below.
RYSs that wish to teach online in the upcoming years must apply to the 2022–2023 Online Teaching Application. This serves as a bridge to all RYSs being required to up-level to the Elevated RYS Standards by December 31, 2023. Information regarding Elevated 300 and 500-hour Standards, as well as specialty credential information, will be arriving prior to the end of this year.
Maybe! Within the Elevated RYS 200 Standards, RYS 200s are allotted up to 40 online hours in the Yoga Humanities and Anatomy & Physiology Educational Categories. If you plan to offer any online hours outside of that between now and the end of 2023 or have yet to up-level, you must apply for the appropriate Online Teacher Training Requirement per your timeline.
As part of the 2022-2023 RYS Online Teaching Application, we are requiring a blend of asynchronous (prerecorded) and synchronous (interactive) learning. We offer many resources that address both types of learning.
Yes, in order for trainees to register, an RYS must be registered in current status during the time of training. Some schools may include self-paced learning (asynchronous) but it must also include synchronous learning.
Yes, as long as your program still adheres to Yoga Alliance standards and the program curriculum was approved by Yoga Alliance, you may move your exempted online training to in-person training.
We understand that pricing for online teacher trainings vary widely, which can create confusion amongst students and competition between schools. How schools price their programs is a business decision of the school and not regulated, mandated, or within the scope of Yoga Alliance. However, we do encourage all schools to price their programs accordingly based on the effort and cost being put into them, including RYS credential-holder status, and to not undervalue your offer and the quality standards your training upholds. We would like to remind members that the development of online teacher training standards is an opportunity to meet the broader yoga community’s needs and evolution of times, rather than change or devalue existing programs. We encourage students who are trying to understand the difference between schools and different price points to contact us at Yoga Alliance so we can outline the standards an RYS credential-holder is bound to, as well as the requirements being followed in the 2022-2023 RYS Online Teaching Application. We also encourage schools to advertise on their Yoga Alliance dashboard if they offer scholarships so students with financial hardships can still have access to the training.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and in the order received. You will receive an email notification once your application has been reviewed. If you have any further questions or have not heard back within 7-10 business days of submission, please email [email protected].
Nope! However, if you plan to continue teaching online through 2022 or 2023, please fill out the 2022-2023 Online Teaching Application.
Only existing RYSs with current training programs can apply to teach online. Once your initial RYS application is approved, you can then apply to teach your program online.
There is no deadline. Trainees will be able to register any time after graduating a training at an RYS.
Yes, you are still eligible to apply. While participating in the YA CommUnity is no longer a requirement outside of the 2021 Online Teach Exemption, you are still welcome and encouraged to engage with your peers in this platform! Doing so helps to grow your network and enhance your yoga profession and practice.
Through December 31, 2023. The requirements within this application will not be applicable after that time, as all RYSs will be operating under the Elevated RYS Standards at that time.
If you are currently operating under the 2021 Online Teaching Exemption, but your program does not end in 2021, you will need to complete the 2022-2023 Online Teaching Application to remain in compliance.
For answers to common questions about our new standards, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.