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Guide

How to choose a yoga teacher training

A teacher training is a significant investment of time and money. Whether you want to teach or simply study more deeply, it helps to understand the common course levels and to ask each school the same clear questions before you book.

What 200, 300 and 500 hours mean

A 200-hour course is the common foundation level. Advanced 300-hour courses build on it, and the two together make up 500 hours. Many schools register these courses with Yoga Alliance, a US-based non-profit registry; graduates of a Registered Yoga School can apply to register as teachers. Registration is voluntary and is not a government licence, so what studios, gyms and insurers ask for varies by country.

What a foundation course usually covers

Yoga Alliance’s school standards organise training into techniques and practice, anatomy, philosophy, professional essentials such as teaching method and ethics, and a practicum where trainees teach and receive feedback. A well-designed course should give you supervised teaching time, not only lectures.

Questions to ask every school

Who teaches the course?

Ask about the lead trainers’ teaching experience and which parts of the course they lead in person.

How are the hours delivered?

Check how many hours are live contact time and how many are self-study or online.

How big is the group?

Smaller groups usually mean more individual feedback during practice teaching.

What style and lineage?

Make sure the style taught matches the practice you enjoy and want to share.

What does the fee include?

Confirm accommodation, meals, manuals, exam fees and any registration costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

Read the refund and deferral terms before paying a deposit.

What happens afterwards?

Ask about mentoring, alumni support and continuing education.

Choose a format that fits your life

Intensive residential courses typically run for three to four weeks, often in destinations such as India or Bali. Extended courses spread the same hours over weekends for several months, which leaves more time to absorb the material. Some schools also offer online or hybrid formats; check how practice teaching and feedback are handled.

Be cautious of

Guaranteed jobs or income, pressure to pay quickly, unclear fees, and qualifications you cannot verify with the issuing body. YogiSoul lists course details from schools’ own published information; always confirm dates, prices and credentials directly with the school before you book.

Sources

1. Yoga Alliance — Registered Yoga School credentials and standards. yogaalliance.org