Top 15 Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs Rated by Yoga Alliance (October 2024 Update)

Last updated: September 22, 2024

So, you’ve probably been searching for the best online yoga teacher training programs for a while now, right? And I bet this is like the 45th article you’ve read about “The Best Yoga Teacher Trainings” or “Top Yoga Certifications.” At this point, you’re likely rolling your eyes at another listicle. Trust me, I feel your pain. Choosing the right online yoga teacher training is no small task. So, let’s cut through the noise and get down to what really matters—finding the best online yoga schools based on actual Yoga Alliance reviews (not affiliate commissions).

A lot of “advice” out there tries to deconstruct online yoga teacher trainings into these nice little lists, as if you can just find the right yoga school (!) by clicking on an affiliate link (more on this later on) like you’re going grocery shopping in the today’s special aisle. And sure, you probably should google “the top…” and “the best…” and all that, as we will see, but to me, all of these affiliate lists seem like slapping a couple of sun salutations in the middle of a savasana. Technically, they don’t really hurt to read, but by themselves, they don’t actually answer the question. Which are the best online yoga teacher training certifications and schools out there right now? Luckily, the many students (over 100,000 to date!) who came before you and registered with Yoga Alliance hold the answer to that question.

My goal in this completely impartial, unbiased, and with no under-the-table endorsements article is to give you a well-rounded understanding on how to do your own research into the best online yoga teacher trainings that are currently available to you. It is essential to weigh your best options when deciding which school to trust with your money. But even more importantly, with your yoga education. So, let’s help you find the online yoga teacher training certification that is right for you.

For those new to the world of yoga certification, let’s break it down: Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit representing the global yoga community. In plain terms, this means they set the standards for teacher training programs around the world. With more than 100,000 registered teachers and 7,000 yoga schools, their certification is kind of like the Ivy League of yoga education.

Not every school you find online is Yoga Alliance-certified. If you’re investing your time and money into a program, you want to make sure it meets the Yoga Alliance standards for quality, ethics, and professionalism. Plus, most yoga studios (whether you’re looking to teach in-person or online) require this certification for teachers.

Advocacy is a key component of the Yoga Alliance, but they have taken it to the next level to ensure quality and safety in yoga teaching and practice by:

• Creating quantitative standards for yoga instruction
• Establishing a member-wide Ethical Commitment that includes a Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice, and dedication to equity.
• Fostering accountability through fair and full feedback regarding RYSs.

Founded in 1999 to protect diversity and set quality standards for yoga training and teaching, Yoga Alliance has worked diligently to improve the yoga education experience and continue to help positively shape its progression. Thus, the Yoga Alliance-approved certification has become the benchmark by which most practitioners measure trainings and teachers.

So, why does the Yoga Alliance Certification matter? Because it is the most highly respected authority on yoga training. The immense work and collaboration that went into their 18-month Standards Review Project has ensured that quality yoga teachers are available and accessible.

This is the reason why many fitness facilities, gyms, and studios require yoga teachers to become certified with a Yoga Alliance-approved program.

To become a certified yoga teacher, you need to complete a 200 hour program. Although different schools offer shorter certificate programs, in terms of the number of hours, Yoga Alliance requires that you to receive 200 hours of educational training, at a minimum, before becoming a recognized yoga teacher.

As part of the Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing system, trainees that complete a teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS) are required to review and give feedback on the school and their yoga teacher training journey before they are able to continue registering as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). In other words, Yoga Alliance isn’t telling you one training is better than another, the students are. They become the eyes and ears for Yoga Alliance in teacher trainings around the world, and the yoga community becomes more accountable as a whole.

During the RYT application process, all trainees are required to review the school, staff, and the yoga program they completed. The survey asks trainees to provide feedback on:

• Whether the syllabus reflects what was taught during the training
• Whether the training met the outlined learning objectives
• Whether the number of Lead Teacher Contact hours matched the course description
• Whether or not they would recommend the teacher training

Trainees also have an option to leave general comments and this is when things get interesting.

Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System is intended to provide future yoga teachers (so you) with useful information when choosing the right yoga teacher training certification. Each Registered Yoga School must have a public profile that includes a rating, between one and five stars. This is the unit of measurement of the quality of the teacher training program based on the schools’s past alumni experiences.

Each yoga school can choose to publish on its own public profile the reviews former trainees left upon graduation. If a yoga school wishes to publish any of the comments provided, then all comments will be made public and attributable to the reviewer. Now, think about it for a second. Yoga helps us cultivate a deep sense of surrender (Pranidhana) to life. It is about self-awareness (Svādhyāya), trust (Shraddha), and community (Kula). If a yoga school chooses NOT to make its hard earned reviews public on Yoga Alliance directory to people like you, this should be your first red flag.

We as teachers, mentors, and schools should have a clear understanding of the value of teaching yoga as a service and being of service to others through our own teachings.

Let’s talk Net Promoter Score (NPS) for a sec. You’ve seen it alongside the ratings, but what does it actually mean? In short, the NPS is a measurement of how likely students are to recommend the training to others. It’s not about how good the training is—it’s about how enthusiastic the graduates are. A score of 9 or higher? That means students are practically jumping at the chance to tell their friends to sign up. Schools with high NPS scores tend to have happy students and great experiences.

NPS ratings are calculated by taking each trainee’s response, to the same question as the Overall School Rating (i.e. “How likely are you to recommend this teacher training to a friend?”), and putting them into one of three groups:

• Ratings of 9 – 10 are considered “promoters.” These trainees are likely to be enthusiastic about urging their friends to take this teacher training certification.
• Ratings of 7 – 8 are considered “passives.” These trainees are satisfied with the teacher training, but are not likely to be recommending the training to others.
• Ratings of 6 or less are considered “detractors.” These trainees are unhappy with their experience and unlikely to recommend the school to others.

The NPS is calculated by taking the percentage of promoters minus the percentage of detractors. The resulting number is a measure of how likely the trainees, who have completed the training, are to actively recommend the training to others.

Like with the reviews, a yoga school can choose whether to display the Net Promoter Score (NPS) on the school’s public profile. If it’s not there, well there is your second red flag. Just ask yourself this question: “Why would a school choose to hide such an important factor from the yoga community?”

Overall School Rating will always be publicly visible on the school’s profile within Yoga Alliance. Trainees rate from 0-10 how likely they are to recommend a yoga teacher training program, and this is converted to a five-star rating. Beyond the public Overall School Rating, schools can decide what other information is shown on their public profile related to:

• Training content ratings and comments
• Knowledge/teaching skills ratings and comments
• Net Promoter Score
• General comments

Here is a sample School Evaluation Survey to give you an idea how the rating system works:

We are increasingly researching the internet for the advice and experience of others. All too often yoga studios, schools, and teacher training certifications get “reviewed” and rated on different websites that are saturated with affiliation links. An affiliate link is a great way for a blog to recommend a service or product while asking the school to give the blogger “a cut” $ each time a visitor makes a purchase. The problem with this kind of a “relationship” is the bloggers will always put their bottom line before the best interests of yoga or those earning a living by teaching it.

By contrast, Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System’s sole motivation is to serve the interests of the yoga community while maintaining the integrity of both the practice and the profession of yoga. Social Credentialing provides a meaningful alternative to the unverified, arbitrary, and sometimes inflammatory ratings and comments that consumer sites and blogs deliver. It protects the community while providing the public with a reliable and fair source of information and advice.

By combining feedback with established educational and training standards, Social Credentialing expands the Yoga Alliance credentialing process from a closed, centralized system to a transparent, dynamic dialogue between all members of the yoga community.

Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System adds both credibility and transparency to the whole yoga community. By capturing feedback from trainees, schools are able to grow and improve their yoga teacher training programs, but more importantly, it helps potential trainees make an informed decision when selecting a yoga teacher training program.

It also:

• provides transparency about what schools teach in their trainings.
• asks the community to self-regulate and ensure compliance with Yoga Alliance Standards.

Pursuing a training that is internationally recognized is key for a successful yoga teacher career. More importantly, investing in the right Yoga Alliance approved training can dramatically increase your chances for fantastic results in the long run, and actually make you a more knowledgeable and more effective yoga teacher.

I highly recommend that the school you pick to trust with your yoga education should always have these five factors:

1. The school is registered with Yoga Alliance AND you can easily find it listed on the Yoga Alliance directory. Too many “online schools” and different blog articles will tell you that they are registered with Yoga Alliance but will NOT provide you with an easy access link to their public profile. This is a major red flag!
2. The school should have published authentic reviews on it’s public profile within Yoga Alliance
3. The school should have a healthy Net Promoter Score (ratings of 9 – 10)
4. The school should have over a 100 student reviews. This is a tough one, I know. But as of 2024, some of the new “online schools” out there are just in it for a quick profit so pay attention to this. If the school has been registered 2-3 years ago and has 10-20 reviews, something is wrong
5. The school you pick should have its own Yoga Alliance recognized certificates*

*If the school name is different from the name printed on the certificate, then there is something wrong. Pay attention to this. Here are two great articles for your continuing research: 10 Reasons to Choose Online Yoga Teacher Training Certification and What To Look For In Online Yoga Teacher Training In 2024.

Always visit the Yoga Alliance website to look at these important factors before making your decision!

Below is a list of Yoga Alliance-approved schools that offer 200 hour and 300 hour online yoga teacher trainings and are available to you right now. Every review includes Overall School Rating and Net Promoter Score (OSR | NPS). Blue badge indicates full transparency by the school to help you make the most informed decision when deciding which yoga teacher training is right for you.

Yes! Learning yoga online has become increasingly popular and effective, especially since the onset of the pandemic. Many schools, like Drishti Beats, offer comprehensive 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) programs that include a mix of pre-recorded video lessons, live calls, and interactive assignments. A good online program offers personal mentorship, live feedback, and the ability to practice teaching in real-world scenarios.

A 200-hour YTT is the foundational program that qualifies you to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance. It covers the essential aspects of yoga practice and teaching, including anatomy, philosophy, class sequencing, and the business of yoga. It’s the minimum required to start teaching professionally.

A 300-hour YTT is an advanced training that builds on the foundation of the 200-hour course. It goes deeper into the anatomy, advanced postures, meditation, and subtle energy systems like chakras and bandhas. Completing a 300-hour YTT in addition to the 200-hour training makes you eligible to become an RYT-500, which gives you higher credentials and opens doors to more advanced teaching opportunities and workshops.

This depends on the specific program and your own schedule. Most 200-hour online YTTs are designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete the coursework at your own pace. On average, students take between 3 to 6 months to complete the training. Some students may finish faster if they dedicate more time each week, while others may spread it out over a year.

For those taking a 300-hour YTT, the timeframe can vary from 6 to 12 months depending on the intensity and depth of the program.

Prices for online yoga teacher training can range widely depending on the school, the type of program (200-hour or 300-hour), and the level of interaction. Generally, you can expect to pay between $400 to $600 for a good in-depth program. Some programs include additional perks like lifetime access to materials, one-on-one mentoring, and free access to future workshops or courses.

Always look out for hidden costs, like certification fees or required books, and check if the school offers any discounts or payment plans.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing the best online yoga teacher training for you:

•Yoga Alliance Certification: Make sure the school is Yoga Alliance-certified so your training is recognized globally.

•Reviews and Ratings: Check the school’s reviews, especially on the Yoga Alliance website. Look for schools with high ratings and positive student feedback.

•Teachers Support: Opt for programs that offer live calls, personal feedback, and opportunities to ask questions. Interaction with mentors and fellow students is key to success.

•Training Style: Choose a program that teaches the style of yoga you’re most passionate about, whether it’s Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, or another style.

•Course Structure: Look for a curriculum that covers everything from anatomy and physiology to yoga philosophy and sequencing. Some schools, like Drishti Beats, integrate unique elements like music and sound healing into the training.

Once you’ve completed your 200-hour or 300-hour online YTT, you’ll be qualified to teach yoga professionally. Most studios, gyms, and wellness centers recognize Yoga Alliance certifications, so you’ll be able to apply for teaching positions worldwide.

Many graduates also choose to build an online yoga business, offering virtual classes or private sessions. With the growth of digital platforms, the demand for online yoga instructors has increased, giving you the flexibility to teach from anywhere. You can also further your education by taking specialized courses or workshops in prenatal yoga, trauma-informed yoga, or yoga therapy.

Staying motivated during online learning can be challenging, but here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

•Set a Schedule: Block out time each week dedicated to your YTT coursework, just like you would for an in-person class.

•Join Live Calls: Participate in any live sessions or group discussions to stay engaged and feel part of a community.

•Track Your Progress: Break the course into smaller goals and celebrate your achievements as you move through each section.

•Stay Connected: Engage with your fellow students and mentors through chat groups, forums, or social media. Building connections can keep you motivated and accountable.

While flexible and accessible, learning online can be isolating. Community encouragement will play a role in inspiring you to complete your online yoga instructor training. Always ask if your yoga school and their yoga teacher program provides opportunities to communicate with others, includes social support via Facebook groups, forums, etc.

Your thorough research into the best yoga online teacher training certification will leave your intuition  telling you, “that’s the one.” Listen to your instinct; it rarely misleads you.

If you are considering a yoga teacher career path, becoming a yoga teacher is not as difficult as you might think. Once you’ve done your research, there are various ways to train and teach yoga. Some of these focus on a more modern style while others focus on traditional techniques. Some have a beautiful blend. Once you become an accredited yoga teacher, you will be free to develop your own signature style.

There you have it—the top 15 online yoga teacher training programs updated for October 2024, according to Yoga Alliance reviews. When choosing a school, remember that this is an investment not just in your career, but in your personal growth as a yogi. Trust the feedback from the thousands of students who have gone before you, and choose a school that resonates with your style, values, and teaching goals.

Pro Tip: Always double-check the school’s reviews on Yoga Alliance and see what former students have to say before making a decision.