What Is the Difference Between a CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher) and RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher)?
When in pursuit of becoming a yoga teacher, there are some key program differentiators that one must be aware of. There are several different yoga teacher training programs out there and different registries that recognize different qualifications. This article will explain the differences between a Certified Yoga Teacher and a Registered Yoga Teacher and why you may prefer to pursue one accreditation over the other.
What Is a CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher)?
Being a Certified Yoga Teacher means studying yogic methods and philosophy. This accreditation serves as evidence to your students that you have studied the subject in which you are sharing. There are different registries out there that CYTs can be a part of to further validate their qualifications. It’s important if pursuing a CYT to understand if your program is affiliated with a legitimate registry and if you will be required to obtain continuing education credits. Just because a program is called a 200-hour yoga teacher training program does not mean it is recognized as being reputable.
Despite the convenience of receiving a certificate and in some instances without needing to maintain continuing education, this has given many Certified Yoga Teacher Training programs less credibility. Many yoga studios and programs require their yoga teachers to at least obtain their RYT-200 and if not, they need to be registered under a legitimate registry.
What Is a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher)?
A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is a distinction given to yoga teachers whose training and teaching experience meet Yoga Alliance requirements. A RYT must complete training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS), be confirmed by Yoga Alliance, and be current with annual fees and continuing education.
This accreditation not only shows your students that you are qualified to teach yoga, but that you actively maintain your commitment to the practice by staying current with standards. Being an RYT is more commonly seen as more legitimate compared to a CYT.
There are different RYT certifications one can achieve when growing into their yoga career, the first foundational step is acquiring a RYT-200 certification. This designation means one has studied and completed at least 200 hours of training under a Registered Yoga School with the Yoga Alliance.
What Is the Yoga Alliance?
The Yoga Alliance is now the leading international nonprofit association representing the yoga community, fostering and supporting the high-quality, safe, accessible, and equitable teaching of yoga. Established in 1999 the Yoga Alliance serves as a yoga professional directory and resource. In order to be registered with the Yoga Alliance, one must follow their credentialing system and standards. Yoga Alliance’s founders and committee members aim to foster a system that honors the diversity in yoga yet still promotes safe and competent teaching.
What Are the Benefits of Being an RYT?
There are several benefits of being a RYT, such as access to a library of educational programming from thought leaders and experts in the field of yoga. Today, members enjoy a robust video resource archive full of continuing education workshops, community events, community sanghas, and master classes to enhance their professional and personal practices. In addition to this, many companies such as Prana, Hugger Mugger, Gaiam, Jade Yoga, and more offer exclusive discounts and affiliate opportunities to RYTs.
200-Hour Nature-Based Yoga Teacher Training
Interested in becoming a RYT-200? As of June 30th, 2022, Pinecone Yoga Institute is recognized by the Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga School, which designates our teacher training program as one which follows the Elevated Yoga Alliance’s Standards. Students who complete verified training with the Pinecone Yoga Institute may be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers.
200-Hour Nature-Based Yoga Teacher Training incorporates an emphasis on cultivating a relationship with nature along with a foundational yoga practice. We are working on securing locations and course dates and are so excited to share this offering soon!
