How to Become a Yoga Instructor: A Complete Career Guide

Our love for yoga spans far and wide. In fact, it’s estimated that 300 million people practice yoga globally, with the community continuing to grow. If you’re one of these passionate practitioners, then the thought of becoming a yoga instructor has probably crossed your mind more than once.

Personally, it was the best decision I made. Getting certified to teach yoga means that yoga can be part of your daily life, and better yet, you get the chance to share it with others. But, how do you become a yoga instructor? How long does it take to get yoga certified? And what do you need to teach safely and professionally?

As the founder of Arhanta Yoga Ashrams and a yoga teacher for over 23 years, I’ve trained more than 21,000 students from across the world, many of which battled with the same questions you might be asking right now. To help you take the next step in your career with confidence, this guide covers how to become a yoga instructor, from qualifications and insurance, to costs and career guidance.

What Does a Yoga Instructor Do?  

A yoga instructor, or yoga teacher, is responsible for leading asana classes and helping students improve their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga. An ordinary week can include of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan and teach yoga classes that are appropriate for the level and abilities of the students in the class
• Create a safe and supportive environment for students to practice yoga
• Consistently learn new techniques, practices, and evolving knowledge in the yoga field
• Build relationships with students and create a community atmosphere in the studio
• Promote the studio and attract new students

What Do You Need to Become a Certified Yoga Instructor?

Generally speaking, anyone with the passion and desire to learn yoga can become a yoga teacher. However, there are a few requirements yoga associations and studios expect you to have, such as a 200-hour yoga teacher training course (Yoga Level 1) and some teaching experience. 

Qualifications 

Major yoga associations like Yoga Alliance and International Yoga Association regard the 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) as the minimum requirement to teach yoga professionally. This yoga instructor certification is designed to introduce practitioners to the wide and often complex world of teaching yoga, covering the fundamental aspects of yoga asana practice, philosophy, physiology, and anatomy. 

Once you become yoga certified, you receive a 200-hour yoga instructor certification that is internationally recognised by studios, gyms, and professional yoga associations. With this certification, you are also eligible to  become a Level 1 – RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hours) with Yoga Alliance. 

Read More: A Simple Guide to Yoga Certification Titles & How to Earn Them

Experience

If you want to become a yoga teacher, some yoga experience is recommended before you enrol in a 200-hour YTT, although not required. 

At Arhanta Yoga Ashrams, we have complete beginners enrol with very little experience. While hesitant at first, our 26-day, intensive yoga teacher training course is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to begin teaching almost immediately. However, some students may need more time or a different learning environment—everyone is different. 

It’s important to note that many yoga jobs prefer a year of hands-on experience and a proven track record of teaching yoga. So, seizing every opportunity to teach yoga to different students and develop your skills will be key to a successful career as a yoga teacher.  

License & Legal Requirements 

There are currently no laws in the UK, Europe, or the US that regulate who can teach yoga. Governments and national yoga associations don’t require teachers to hold a license or legal certification. That said, you do need the legal right to work in the country you are teaching in. And while it’s not a legal requirement, most studios and employers expect teachers to have completed a recognized yoga trainer certification, such as the 200-hour TTC.

It’s also strongly advised to have yoga teacher insurance before you start teaching, especially in public or studio settings. This protects you in case of injury claims and is often required by studios, gyms, or retreat centers (jump to find out recommended coverage for yoga teachers). 

How to Become a Yoga Instructor?

To become a yoga instructor, start by completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training course at an accredited school. While optional, registering with a professional yoga alliance is recommended. After certification, you can join a studio, further your education, or start your own business—every practitioner’s path will be unique.

Below is a detailed guide that you can follow for each of the major steps to becoming a certified yoga instructor. Approach these steps with patience, don’t take shortcuts, and remember, teaching yoga is a life-long journey.

Step 1: Develop Your Yoga Practice 

While not mandatory, many yoga teacher training courses suggest developing your personal practice before enrolling, and I agree. This could be improving your physical fitness and flexibility by attending studio classes, or following yoga philosophy lessons on YouTube to deepen your understanding of the practice—anything to jumpstart your studies and understanding of yoga at a deeper level.

This period is also great for exploring the many different styles of yoga, such as Yin, Hatha, and Vinyasa Flow, to name a few. When you feel that you have a basic understanding of yoga and what it's like to be a yoga teacher, you will be ready to enrol in a 200-hour YTT.

Becoming a yoga instructor is a continuous journey, but along the way, you will receive a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most yoga schools require you to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training course and obtain a yoga instructor certificate to teach professionally. As a result, there are numerous  ashram and online training programs with daily support that make getting certified much easier. 

Here is a breakdown of the steps you will need to take to become a certified yoga instructor:

Step 2: Find & Complete a Yoga Teacher Training

Choosing the right yoga instructor certification course is one of the most important steps on this journey. Before you decide, do some research and consider factors like: 

• Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Become a Yoga Instructor?
• Course level:  50-, 100- & 200-Hour Yoga Certification Courses? Differences Explained
• Learning style: What Is Intensive Yoga Teacher Training? Is It for You?
• Language: Joining a YTT If English Isn’t Your First Language - What to Know
• Location: Why You Should Learn to Teach Yoga in India

There’s also the choice between online programs for practitioners that don't have the time or funds to study abroad, and residential programs at an ashram for those wanting an immersive and intensive experience. 

A good place to start is by looking at Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) who offer courses that are certified and meet international standards of 200 hours of training. These schools are usually registered with yoga associations and institutions like the Yoga Alliance, International Yoga Federation, and European Yoga Association. Their yoga certifications should also be recognised and accepted by yoga insurance companies. 

Lastly, I’d suggest looking at the school’s course reviews and social media presence before making the final decision. This will give you a better understanding of the training experience offered and if it's right for you. 

Once you’ve found the right school and course, enrol and complete your training. Remember to prepare yourself and make the most out of the experience—it can be truly life changing if you approach it with an open heart and willingness to learn. 

Step 3: Consider Insurance & Other Requirements 

Another common question I hear is, "Do you need a license to be a yoga instructor?" There are no legal requirements to become a yoga teacher. However, to practice yoga safely, it is strongly advised to take out public liability insurance of at least $2 million to cover you in the event of injury and property damage. The fee will depend on your coverage level, insurance provider, and location, but for most, it’s usually a small monthly payment. 

Registering with an international yoga association or national body is also advised, although not mandatory, as it shows gyms and studios that you have been trained to a high standard. For some gyms and studios, it is a requirement to be a member of recognised yoga and physical activity organisations in the country. Most of these groups can be joined online using your yoga certification and might require an annual membership fee. 

Read More: What are the Legal Requirements for Teaching Yoga in Your Country and Worldwide?

Step 4: Continue Educating Yourself 

Many yoga instructors go on to complete an advanced 300-hour yoga teacher training course to gain a deeper understanding of yoga and become a Level 2–RYT 500. Different from a 200-hour YTT, this course provides in-depth lessons on advanced yoga philosophy and physiology, as well as various other yoga styles like Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. 

If you're an RYT or an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), you'll need to complete 75 hours of Continued Education every three years after your first registration to keep your certification status. 45 hours should be spent teaching yoga, while the remaining 30 can be done through online yoga teacher training courses or other distance learning options.

As a result, many teachers enrol in shorter 50-hour courses that explore yoga styles a 200-hour YTT only briefly touches on, such as Yin, Prenatal, and Yoga Nidra. These not only broaden your skills in different yoga styles, meditation, and pranayama, but also help keep your own yoga practice alive.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that yoga is a life-long journey of growth and continuous learning. Although I have 40,000+ hours of experience, I am still learning from my students and take every opportunity to continue my studies in yoga. 

Also Read: What’s the Difference Between a 200-, 300- & 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Yoga Instructor? 

To get yoga instructor certified, you need to complete a minimum of 200 hours of study. This can take several months, or just 26 days, depending on your budget, schedule, and learning preferences. The hours are usually divided into contact hours (hours spent in class or practicum) and non-contact hours (hours spent studying independently or practicing teaching), but this will also depend on the program's format, whether full-time or part-time, in-person or online.

For instance, at Arhanta Yoga, we offer a 4-week intensive yoga teacher training course designed to challenge and shape students into confident, well-rounded yoga teachers in only 26 days. The fast pace and full days of yoga practice, teaching methods, anatomy study, and philosophy classes make for a concentrated yet transformative experience.

There are many benefits of this accelerated approach, especially in terms of personal and professional growth. But when choosing a YTT, it’s essential that you take into account your specific budget, learning style, and what you hope to gain at the end of the course.

It's also important to note that becoming a yoga instructor is a continuous learning process. Even after you get certified to teach yoga, you should continue learning new techniques and styles, which can take a lifetime.

Can You Complete a Yoga Instructor Certification Online?

Yes, you can definitely complete a yoga instructor certification online. There are several benefits and drawbacks to getting certified online. If you need more time or the funds for an in-person yoga teacher training course, then an online course provides complete flexibility and comprehensive training without putting strain on your pockets. That said, completing a yoga teacher training at a traditional ashram is a life-changing experience that offers interactive training, unique cultural experiences, and lifelong friendships. 

At Arhanta Yoga, we have an online academy with numerous teacher training programs that can be completed from anywhere and at any time. These online yoga courses include in-depth video instruction, reading materials, and assignments that can all be done online. Although you won't have the personalized guidance of a residential yoga teacher training, online courses at Arhanta Yoga provide lifetime support from your trainer. This means that if you have any questions, you can contact your course teacher during or after your training has been completed. 

Do You Need to Register with a Yoga Association?

It is recommended that new teachers register as a member of a yoga association or alliance after completing a yoga instructor certification. This shows prospective employers and students that you are qualified and uphold the high standards set by an independent organization. 

There are also independent groups in the UK, USA, and Europe that share the latest yoga developments and provide trainings that meet the necessary requirements, but it is not compulsory to be a member.

How Much Does a Yoga Instructor Make? 

Practitioners wanting to become certified yoga instructors often ask if it’s possible to maintain a fulfilling and financially stable life in this career. The answer is yes; there are numerous ways you can turn your passion into a successful career. Of course, your yoga teacher salary will depend on your experience, location, and the path you choose to take as an instructor, but on average, a yoga instructor can earn a decent living. 

Additionally, some yoga instructors may choose to work independently by offering private classes or teaching at various studios or gyms. In this case, their income may be based on the number of classes they teach and the rates they charge.

It's important to note that earning a high salary isn't the only consideration when becoming a yoga instructor. Many choose this career path for their love of teaching and helping others. Ultimately, the joy and satisfaction of being able to help someone improve their life and well-being through yoga is priceless.

What Can You Do As a Certified Yoga Instructor? 

Outside of teaching yoga at a studio or gym, there are many different ways to make a living as a yoga teacher, such as managing a retreat centre or even starting a YouTube channel. Newly certified yoga instructors tend to work at smaller, local studios first before going on to work in large gym settings or retreats. Some also go off to specialize in specific styles like Prenatal or Kids and Teen Yoga, helping others heal and find balance in their lives through yoga.  

If you are a newly certified yoga instructor and struggling to find a job due to experience or a lack of connections, try taking classes at the studios you’d like to teach at and introduce yourself to the trainers and owners. By building a relationship with the managers and other employees, you get a foot in the door and are much more likely to be hired. 

It’s also very popular for new teachers to rent a studio space and provide their own classes, perhaps at a reduced rate at first while building their client base. Sharing yoga tutorials and tips on social media platforms like Instagram is another great way to get exposure in the community and kickstart your career.  

For many mid-senior teachers, the next step after working as a yoga teacher is to start your own yoga business. There are various avenues you can take, each with its own unique challenges, so enrolling in a yoga business course can provide useful tips and guidance in your personal journey. 

Final Thought 

Teaching yoga is an enriching and gratifying path if you wish to take it. Not only will it help you find fulfillment in your career, but it'll also bring new friendships, knowledge, and experiences. Of course, taking the first step and starting a yoga teacher training course is by no means easy. But the journey will lead you on an endless road of personal growth and self-exploration that'll change your life forever.