YOGA ALLIANCE · CERTIFICATION GUIDE
Yoga Alliance Certification Guide
RYT-200 · RYT-500 · RPYT · YACEP Explained
Yoga Alliance is an international yoga organisation with a global teacher registration system. This guide explains the main certification levels, who they are for, and how to progress as a yoga teacher.
RYS
HKYA registered school
QUICK NAVIGATION
Certification Levels
Certification Levels Explained
FOUNDATION LEVEL
RYT-200
REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER 200
Requirements
- Complete a 200-hour training course from a Yoga Alliance registered RYS 200 school
- Study yoga philosophy, asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, and teaching skills
Best For
- Students who want to become yoga teachers
- Practitioners who want systematic yoga training
- Students planning to continue to RYT-500 later
RYT-200 Course Details →
EXPERIENCED FOUNDATION
E-RYT 200
EXPERIENCED REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER 200
Requirements
- Already hold RYT-200 registration
- At least 1,000 hours of teaching experience
- At least 2 years of teaching experience
Best For
- Teachers who want to build a stronger professional profile
- Teachers who want to offer more advanced classes
ADVANCED LEVEL
RYT-500
REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER 500
Requirements
- Complete 500 hours of training
- Option 1: Complete a full RYS 500 programme
- Option 2: Complete RYT-200 plus a 300-hour advanced programme
- Study advanced asana, yoga therapy, pranayama, and teaching methods
Best For
- RYT-200 graduates who want deeper professional training
- Teachers who want to offer advanced courses, workshops, or private training
RYT-300 Advanced Course →
SENIOR ADVANCED LEVEL
E-RYT 500
EXPERIENCED REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER 500
Requirements
- Already hold RYT-500 registration
- At least 2,000 hours of teaching experience
- At least 4 years of teaching experience
Best For
- Teachers who want to train future yoga teachers
- Teachers who plan to open their own yoga school
- Teachers building a high-level personal brand
- Teachers who want to apply as YACEP providers
PRENATAL YOGA SPECIALIST
RPYT-85
REGISTERED PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER
Requirements
- Already hold RYT-200 registration
- Complete 85 hours of prenatal yoga teacher training
- Study safe asana, breathing, prenatal support, and birth preparation
Best For
- Teachers who want to specialise in prenatal yoga
- Teachers interested in pregnancy and postnatal wellness
- Teachers who want to offer prenatal yoga classes
RPYT-85 Course Details →
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER
YACEP
YOGA ALLIANCE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER
Requirements
- Usually suitable for experienced teachers
- Allows teachers to offer Yoga Alliance CE credit courses
- Registered yoga teachers need continuing education every 3 years
Best For
- Teachers who want to offer specialist courses
- Teachers who want to provide CE credits to other yoga teachers
Continuing Education Courses →
Certification Comparison
| Level | Training Needed | Experience Needed | Main Use |
| RYT-200 |
200 hours |
None |
Entry-level teaching qualification |
| E-RYT 200 |
After RYT-200 |
1,000 hours / 2 years |
Experienced teacher status |
| RYT-500 |
500 hours |
None |
Advanced teaching and workshops |
| E-RYT 500 |
After RYT-500 |
2,000 hours / 4 years |
Teacher trainer level |
| RPYT-85 |
RYT-200 + 85 hours |
None |
Prenatal yoga specialist |
| YACEP |
For experienced teachers |
Depends on profile |
Offer CE credit courses |
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between RYT-200 and E-RYT 200?
RYT-200 is the foundation certification after completing 200 hours of training. E-RYT 200 requires RYT-200 plus at least 1,000 teaching hours and 2 years of teaching experience.
Q2. Can I study Yoga Alliance training in Hong Kong?
Yes. You can study with a Yoga Alliance registered school in Hong Kong, such as ForAllYoga / Hong Kong Yoga Academy, and apply for Yoga Alliance registration after completing the course.
Q3. Do I need RYT-200 before RPYT-85?
Yes. To register as RPYT-85 with Yoga Alliance, you need to hold RYT-200 first and complete the 85-hour prenatal yoga teacher training.
Q4. What are CE credits?
CE means continuing education. Registered Yoga Alliance teachers are required to complete continuing education regularly to keep learning and improving.
Related Reading
RELATED GUIDES
FORALLYOGA · HONG KONG YOGA ACADEMY
4/F, 17 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay · +852 6104 0100
forallyoga.com/en
