RKYT-500

Registered Kundalini Yoga Teacher 500 Requirements

These standards outline how to become a Registered Kundalini Yoga Teacher 500 (RKYT-500) with Yoga Alliance International.

The RKYT-500 credential is for Kundalini yoga teachers who have completed advanced Kundalini yoga teacher training or who can demonstrate equivalent training, teaching experience, and competence through the Yoga Alliance International grandfathering pathway.

RKYT-500 recognizes advanced study in Kundalini yoga, including kriya, mantra, meditation, pranayama, subtle body theory, yogic philosophy, teaching methodology, ethics, and advanced class facilitation.

Training Requirements

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 500 total hours of Kundalini yoga teacher training through one of the following pathways:

Option 1

A 500-hour Kundalini yoga teacher training program registered with Yoga Alliance International.

Option 2

A 200-hour Kundalini yoga teacher training plus an additional 300-hour advanced Kundalini yoga teacher training.

Option 3

A 500-hour Kundalini yoga teacher training, online or in person, from a recognized yoga school, Kundalini yoga organization, lineage-based training program, or established international yoga education provider.

Option 4

Equivalent Kundalini yoga training, professional teaching background, or substantial experience through Yoga Alliance International’s grandfathering pathway.

Grandfathering may be available for experienced Kundalini teachers who do not hold a formal 500-hour certificate but can show substantial training, teaching history, mentorship, lineage study, long-term practice, or demonstrated competence.

Areas of Study

A 500-hour Kundalini yoga teacher should have training or experience in areas such as:

• Kundalini kriya
• Meditation
• Mantra and sound practice
• Pranayama
• Mudra and bandha
• Chakra and subtle body theory
• Yogic philosophy
• Kundalini lifestyle principles
• Teaching methodology
• Class structure and sequencing
• Ethics and professional boundaries
• Trauma-aware teaching principles
• Student safety and modification
• Advanced practice development

Teaching Requirements

No specific teaching-hour minimum is required to register at the RKYT-500 level.

However, RKYT-500 is an advanced registration. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a mature understanding of Kundalini yoga practice, teaching methodology, student safety, and ethical instruction.

Applicants applying through grandfathering may be asked to provide teaching history, training history, references, class materials, or a short teaching sample.

Scope of Registration

The RKYT-500 credential recognizes advanced Kundalini yoga teaching competence.

It is intended for teachers who offer Kundalini yoga classes, workshops, retreats, advanced trainings, meditation programs, pranayama sessions, mantra-based practices, and related yoga education.

RKYT-500 is a yoga teaching registration. It is not a medical, psychological, or clinical therapy license.

Maintaining Your Registration

To remain active, you must:

• Follow the Yoga Alliance International Code of Conduct
• Teach within your scope of training and experience
• Maintain accurate registration information
• Renew your membership when due
• Represent your credential honestly and accurately