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Plan your training
500-hour yoga teacher training
Explore a full training programme or build on your 200-hour course with advanced study. Compare the routes and choose a pace that gives you time to learn.
Choose a pace that leaves time to learn and teach.
- Two routes
- One 500-hour course or eligible 200 + 300
- Before joining
- Check where your previous training fits
- Look for
- Time to teach, learn and receive feedback
The starting point
Compare the two training routes.
A 500-hour programme combines foundation and advanced study. The number describes training hours, rather than someone’s teaching experience.
Yoga Alliance’s Registered Yoga Teacher 500 (RYT 500) route accepts an eligible integrated 500-hour programme or an eligible 200 + 300 combination. Training is only part of the registration requirements.
Where should you start?
If you have not trained before, check how an integrated programme teaches the foundations before moving on. Find out how progress is assessed and what happens if you need more time.
If you already have a 200-hour certificate, a suitable 300-hour course may be your next step. Ask the school to confirm whether it accepts your previous training.
Inside the training
Build on what you learn.
Check how your teaching develops through each stage.
Learn the foundations
See how the first stage prepares you to teach.
Study in more depth
Find out how later lessons build on earlier ones.
Teach and try again
Look for regular feedback and time to use it.
Stay supported
Check who helps between course dates and afterwards.
Read more about what you’ll learn
An integrated course can let you stay with the same teachers and approach. It may run as an intensive or in stages. Check whether there is time to practise teaching between those stages.
Taking 200 and 300 hours separately gives you a chance to teach before returning to study. You can also consider a different school. Check that the courses fit your learning goals and any registration requirements.
The school should explain what changes as you move into advanced study. Look for more depth in observation, class planning, communication and adapting practices.
Check how often you teach and receive feedback. Ask who helps with assignments and whether support continues between course dates.
If specialist subjects are included, find out how far they take you. A short introduction does not prepare you for every student group or for clinical work.
Plan your study
Time, format and fees.
Check the timetable, full costs and help available from teachers.
Questions to ask a school ↓How much time will you need?
Check the whole timetable, including preparation, assignments and assessments outside lessons. Find out the deadline for finishing and whether extra time is available.
Consider work, family and your own practice. If you need to travel more than once, include each trip in your plans and budget.
Does the price cover the whole course?
Get a written breakdown of tuition, assessments, mentoring, materials and accommodation. Check whether the advertised price covers all stages.
Read the refund and postponement rules for each stage. Ask what happens if a trainer changes or a course date moves. Keep the answer with your booking details.
What comes after training?
Leave time to teach, reflect and ask for feedback. Keep notes about what worked and what you want to discuss with a mentor.
Keep learning about the practices and people you teach. Seek specialist guidance when a student needs support beyond your training.
Your training and certificate
One programme or 200 + 300 hours?
For Yoga Alliance registration, your training must meet its requirements. This can be an eligible integrated 500-hour programme or an eligible 200-hour and 300-hour combination. The two schools can be different.
You also need at least 100 teaching hours since completing the qualifying Registered Yoga School 200 (RYS 200) or RYS 500 training. Check the current requirements before choosing a course for this purpose.
An integrated foundation and advanced pathway.
Eligible foundation and advanced programmes.
Before you book
Questions to ask a school.
Use these questions when you speak to the course team.
Does this include foundation training, or do I need a 200-hour certificate?
What changes between the foundation and advanced stages?
Who watches my teaching and gives feedback?
What work must I do outside lessons?
Does the price cover the whole course?
What teaching records will I need for registration?
Common questions
What else would you like to know?
Here are a few things to check before joining.
Must I repeat 200 hours if I have already completed it?
Not necessarily. An eligible 300-hour course may be the next stage. Confirm admission with the school and check registration requirements with the relevant organisation.
Does graduating make me RYT 500 automatically?
No. The school issues a graduation certificate. Yoga Alliance registration is a separate process with training and teaching-experience requirements.
Can I take 200 and 300 hours at different schools?
Yes, within Yoga Alliance’s route, if both programmes and schools hold the appropriate active registrations. You must also meet the other requirements.
Find a school
Find a place to learn.
Read about yoga schools and contact the course team to discuss your experience and questions.
Explore yoga schools ↗Further reading
Check current requirements with the provider or relevant organisation before applying.