How Assessment Works

Yoga Alliance International uses a competency-based assessment system designed to evaluate real teaching ability, not just training hours or the reputation of a school. Our method is transparent, fair, and aligned with modern standards in yoga education.

This page outlines exactly what happens after you apply for a credential and how we verify that you meet the requirements of a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200 / RYT-300 / RYT-500).

1. Submit Your Application

Your assessment begins when you complete the online application form.
We ask for:

  • Your full name and contact information

  • The level you’re applying for (200, 300, or 500 hours)

  • Any past training certificates

  • Any teaching experience or workshops (optional)

No one is rejected based on lineage, style, or training format.
Online, hybrid, and in-person graduates are all evaluated equally.

2. Upload Your Training Evidence

You will provide supporting documents that show your yoga education. This may include:

  • Certificates from any school or program

  • PDFs of course outlines or syllabi

  • Workshop or continuing education records

  • A brief summary of your learning experience

We do not judge the school you attended.
We evaluate your competence, not the brand you trained with.

3. Submit a 15-Minute Teaching Video

This is the core of the assessment.

You will record a short teaching demonstration showing:

  • Verbal cueing

  • Sequencing logic

  • Safety awareness

  • Breath integration

  • Presence and communication

  • Modifications or adjustments if needed

The video can be filmed on a phone. It does not need to be high-quality production — we only assess teaching ability.

4. Assessment Review by Our Team

A trained assessor will review:

  • Your documents

  • Your teaching video

  • Your communication and clarity

  • Safety, structure, and student consideration

  • Alignment with the competency standards of your chosen level

We aim for clarity and fairness — not perfection.

If anything is missing, we email you directly and give you a chance to re-submit.
There is no penalty for needing clarification or adjustments.

5. Competency Verification

Once your materials meet the required level, your file moves to final verification, where we check:

  • Consistency between your training, skills, and desired credential

  • Ethical conduct expectations

  • Minimum knowledge of yoga foundations

  • Ability to lead a safe class

This is the step that creates legitimacy:
Every credential is earned, not purchased.

6. Receive Your Credential

After successful verification, you receive:

  • Your Registered Yoga Teacher certificate (PDF)

  • Your credential ID number

  • Your verification status in our internal system

  • Optional renewal reminders and continuing education guidance

You may now use the credential (RYT-200 / RYT-300 / RYT-500) on your website, bio, and teaching materials.

7. Annual Renewal (Optional)

Renewal is simple.

You may submit:

  • New teaching hours

  • Short continuing education items

  • Any video updates (optional but useful)

This keeps your credential active, and shows ongoing development.

Why Our Assessment Matters

Unlike registry-based organizations that only list teachers, YAI provides true credentialing by verifying teaching skill.
This system ensures:

  • Fairness

  • Inclusivity

  • Consistency

  • Safety

  • Competency over politics

  • Modern adaptation to online/hybrid training

It gives teachers and schools across Canada a transparent, accessible way to earn meaningful recognition.