How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training (200-Hour YTT Guide)

In short

A 200-hour yoga teacher training is the standard first qualification for teaching yoga. It takes 3–4 weeks full-time or several months part-time. Choose by the style taught, the lead teachers' experience, the group size, how much real teaching practice you get, and whether the school is registered with a body such as Yoga Alliance if you need that for work or insurance.

What 200, 300 and 500 hours mean

A 200-hour course is the foundation level and the usual minimum for teaching public classes. A 300-hour course is advanced training taken afterwards. Together they make 500 hours. Shorter courses of 50–100 hours are specialist modules, such as yin, prenatal or yoga nidra, or immersions for people who want to deepen their practice without teaching.

Do I need a Yoga Alliance course?

Yoga is not regulated by law in most countries, so no single certificate is required. Yoga Alliance is the largest international registry: graduates of a Registered Yoga School (RYS) can register as an RYT 200. Many studios and insurers ask for this or a national equivalent, such as Yoga Alliance Professionals or the British Wheel of Yoga in the UK. Check what is expected where you plan to teach.

Intensive or part-time?

Residential intensives (3–4 weeks) are immersive and popular in India, Bali, Thailand, Spain and Portugal. Days are long, typically 6:30 to 19:00 with one day off a week. Part-time courses spread the hours over weekends for 3–12 months, which leaves time to absorb the material and practise teaching in between.

What a good course covers

Asana technique, alignment and safe adjustments
Anatomy and physiology
Pranayama and meditation
Yoga history and philosophy
Sequencing and class planning
Plenty of supervised teaching practice with feedback
The basics of working as a teacher

Questions to ask the school

Who are the lead teachers, and how long have they trained teachers?
How many students are in the group?
How many hours will I actually teach?
What is included in the price (accommodation, meals, manual, exam fee)?
What happens if I miss days through illness?
Can I speak to a past graduate?

Browse upcoming yoga teacher trainings and send your questions to the school from the listing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a 200-hour yoga teacher training take?

Three to four weeks as a full-time residential intensive, or three to twelve months part-time at weekends.

Can I do a teacher training if I do not want to teach?

Yes. Many people take a 200-hour course to deepen their own practice and understanding.

How long should I have practised before a teacher training?

Most schools recommend at least six months to a year of regular practice. You do not need to be able to do advanced poses.

How to choose a yoga teacher training