Pursuing a career in yoga can be a life-changing decision. However, with 200-, 300-, and 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTT), it can be difficult to know where to even start. To help you make the best decision and take the next step in your practice with confidence, we’ve broken down the key differences of these foundational courses, giving you a clear understanding of what you can expect from each level and which is the right fit for your yoga teacher journey.
Key Differences Between a 200-, 300- & 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course
Enrolling in a yoga teacher training course is one of the best decisions you can make. However, before you begin your journey, it’s important to understand the differences between the three foundational training courses in yoga: 500-, 300-, and 200-Hour YTTs.
Yoga Teacher Training Courses
Course | 200-Hour | 300-Hour | 500-Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
Level | Beginner/ | Intermediate/ Experienced | Advanced (Highest International Standard) |
Prerequisite | None | 200-Hour YTT | Combination of 200- & 300-Hour YTTs. The 200-hour course will be completed first, followed by the 300. |
Duration | 26 Days | 29 Days | 56 Days |
Average Cost (Europe) | From €3250 | From €3550 | From €6800 |
Curriculum |
What Is a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training?
A 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course is an intensive program designed to teach aspiring instructors the essential principles and practices of yoga. It is considered the minimum requirement for teaching yoga and covers the basics and fundamental aspects of yoga, such as asana practice, philosophy, physiology, and anatomy in yoga. When you successfully complete this course, you receive a 200-hour certificate that is universally recognized by entities such as the Yoga Alliance (US) and the International Yoga Federation.
How Long Does a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Take?
The term “200-hour” refers to the total hours you’ll dedicate to learning in this course. These hours can be condensed into an intensive month or extended over one or two years to accommodate students’ preferences and schedules.
What Can I Expect from a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training?
The curriculum might vary between different schools, but a comprehensive 200-Hour Teacher Training program should provide you with the skills and knowledge to structure and teach a class with confidence.
Typically, the curriculum covers the foundations of yoga anatomy and physiology, classical yoga asana, teaching techniques, as well as yoga philosophy. It should also offer sufficient practical teaching practice for the smooth running of a yoga studio or school.
After completion of this course, you can register with any yoga association or federation as RYT-200, (Registered Yoga Teacher 200) level 1.
Read: How Much Yoga Experience Do You Need to Become a Yoga Teacher?
How Much Does a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Cost?
The cost of a 200-Hour YTT will depend on several factors including the venue of the course (be it online or at an ashram) and the duration. Generally, the average price for a 200-hour teacher training at an ashram in Europe is €3250, while a training at an ashram in India may be slightly less at €2250.
Despite not being in-person, online courses offer a number of benefits, one being affordability. Without the cost of food or accommodation, online courses are significantly cheaper, with fees starting at €1490. So, if budget is an important factor in your decision, you might want to consider an online course.
Can I Start Teaching Yoga with a 200-Hour Certification?
Yes, a 200-hour certification is the worldwide accepted standard for teaching yoga.
Do I Need to Register as RYT-200?
It is not mandatory to register as RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance (or any other yoga teacher federation) in order to teach yoga professionally. You can teach with a 200-hour certification. In some countries, however, registering as RYT-200 might increase your credibility if you are looking for a job.
Are All 200-Hour Courses the Same?
Not at all, some 200-hour courses barely cover a fraction of what others do. This is why it’s important to look at the curriculum and thoroughly research the program to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.
What Is a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course?
The 300-Hour YTT is an advanced yoga course. Also known as the second level yoga teacher training course, it's suitable for those who have already finished the first level (200-Hour YTT) and want to enhance their skills and abilities as a yoga teacher.
What Can I Expect from a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training?
A 300-Hour YTT has an entirely different curriculum to a 200-Hour YTT. During this course, you will deepen your understanding of fundamental asanas while also learning how to teach more challenging asanas and pranayama techniques. You will explore advanced yoga philosophy and physiology, as well as various other yoga styles like Vinyasa and Yin Yoga.
How Long Does a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Take?
The 300-Hour YTT is spread over 300 hours, offering a more intensive yoga training experience. It is often referred to as “Advanced Yoga Teacher Training”, as its goal is to build on the foundation of the 200-hour teacher certification, helping you advance your teaching skills and personal practice.
How Much Does a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Cost?
As the 300-Hour YTT is an advanced course, it is usually completed in-person at an ashram. The course fees can be anywhere from €3550 to €3950, depending on the type of accommodation you choose.
Can I Complete a 300-Hour YTT Without a 200-Hour Certificate?
At most yoga training schools, a 200-hour teacher certification is the basic requirement for enrolment. After you’ve completed your 300 hours, you can register as RYT-300. As you would have successfully completed a 200-Hour YTT, you can register as a RYT-500. This advanced teaching certificate shows that you can teach yoga with the deeper knowledge and skills developed through more extensive studies.
See: Can You Follow a Yoga Teacher Training when English isn’t Your First Language?
What Is a 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course?
A 500-Hour YTT is the highest international standard for yoga teachers. It is an intensive, life-changing course created for serious practitioners who want to deepen their practice as well as individuals who intend to set up their own yoga class or studio. After completing this program, you can register as an Advanced Yoga Teacher or RYT-500 with the Yoga Alliance.
What Can I Expect from a 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training?
At most yoga schools, a 500-Hour YTT combines the 200-Hour (level 1) and the 300-Hour (level 2) YTT over several weeks. During the course, you study teaching methods and techniques, instructions and modifications of yoga asanas, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy, pranayama as well as bandhas in depth. This course also provides extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology to teach safe classes to students of different ages, backgrounds and experience levels.
How Much Does a 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Cost?
As a 500-Hour YTT is a combination of a 200- and 300-hour course, it will typically add up to the cost of these two, which is roughly €6800. However, this will depend on the course duration, type of accommodation you choose, and other preferences you have.
Final Thought
I hope this post has helped clear up some questions you had about the differences between the 200-, 300-, and 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. Choosing a course is be a big commitment of both time and money, so be sure to do your homework and find the best yoga teacher training course for you.
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