What is Yoga Alliance? (And Why You Should Care)
If you’re new to the world of yoga certification, here’s what you need to know: Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit organization representing the global yoga community. In simple terms, it sets the standards for yoga teacher training programs worldwide. With over 100,000 registered teachers and more than 7,000 accredited schools, Yoga Alliance certification is widely regarded as the gold standard in yoga education.
But not every training program you see online is Yoga Alliance–certified — and more importantly, not all Yoga Alliance–certified programs are created equal. When you’re investing your time, energy, and money into becoming a yoga teacher, that distinction matters. Certification ensures the program meets minimum standards for curriculum, ethics, and professionalism. It also opens doors: most yoga studios and online teaching platforms require Yoga Alliance recognition for their instructors.
Beyond certification, Yoga Alliance plays an active role in advocacy, safety, and accountability within the yoga space. Their current initiatives include:
- Establishing clear, measurable standards for yoga instruction
- Requiring all schools and teachers to commit to an Ethical Commitment, including a Scope of Practice (SOP), Code of Conduct, and values rooted in equity and inclusion
- Supporting transparency and accountability through verified student feedback and public school reviews
In short, Yoga Alliance is more than just a credential — it’s a commitment to quality, ethics, and integrity in the evolving world of yoga education.
Why Does The Yoga Alliance Certification Matter?
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.
How Yoga Schools Get Reviewed?
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.
Overall School Rating
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.
The Power of Net Promoter Score (NPS)
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?”
What Is Public and What Is Not?
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:
Your Best Interest Or Theirs
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.
How It Helps Our 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.
How to Choose the Right Yoga Teacher Training Program?
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:
- 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!
- The school should have published authentic reviews on it’s public profile within Yoga Alliance
- The school should have a healthy Net Promoter Score (ratings of 9 – 10)
- 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
- 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!
The 13 Leading Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs Rated by Students on Yoga Alliance
1. Drishti Beats
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.96 | NPS 9.8
School has been approved since April 2015
The Drishti Beats yoga teacher training is rooted in the Vinyasa flow style and enriched with practices like Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Sound Healing, and Dharma. This program offers detailed guidance on yoga postures, breathwork, meditation, mudras, and more, helping you create a balanced yoga space while exploring the art and business of teaching yoga.
Filmed across stunning locations and designed with over 25 years of wellness expertise, this immersive training is globally connected and deeply inspiring. The curriculum flows seamlessly, building chapter by chapter to guide your learning at your own pace. With on-demand access to masterclasses, lectures, and practical practices, you can tailor your experience to fit your individual schedule.
Weekly Gather round Zoom calls foster connection and provide space for discussion, meditation, and teaching practice, while one-on-one mentor sessions offer personalized support. As part of the program, you’ll also gain access to The Drishti Beats Village, a vibrant online community where students and alumni can connect, share insights, and grow together long after training ends.
The Drishti Beats yoga school has been set up to respect your own specific learning style and will allow you to create the schedule that works for you. No matter where you are in the world, upon completion you will receive the internationally recognized and Yoga Alliance accredited Drishti Beats certificate in your graduation package.
Yoga Alliance Review by leteca.zena Sep 22, 2025
Attending Drishti Beats was an absolutely amazing experience! The combination of high-quality yoga instruction, beautiful lessons, advices, and the uplifting energy of music created something truly unique. The teachers are not only knowledgeable and professional, but also deeply supportive, making every lesson inspiring and heart-opening. Whole time I was feeling stronger, more centered, and filled with joy. The community they’ve built is welcoming and encouraging — it really feels like being part of something special. I would recommend Drishti Beats to anyone looking for a yoga school that goes beyond just the physical practice and brings in connection, love, support and soul.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
2. Akasha Yoga Academy
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.93 | NPS 9.6
School has been approved since March 2012
About the school:
We provide a variety of highly professional online courses, so you can immerse yourself into genuine yogic wisdom from the convenience of your home.
The cornerstones of our teachings are:
• breath-based classical Hatha Yoga,
• energy-based Kundalini Yoga,
• Spiritual Heart Meditation, and the
• non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta.
We aspire to synchronize mind & heart, to combine rational understanding with deep-going practice, and to develop present moment awareness.
Our offerings range from Teacher Training Courses and yoga intensives to meditation retreats and workshops which we hold in tropical Bali and other destinations around the globe.
Authenticity & inspiration, passion & enthusiasm are our hallmarks.
Yoga Alliance Review by Taylor Radack Sep 6, 2025
It was so amazing, full of love and joy! The community and teachers are wonderful!
3. Yoga Farm Ithaca
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.89 | NPS 9.4
School has been approved since April 2017
About the school:
Yoga Farm Ithaca is a nonprofit center for education, yoga and retreat on 65 beautiful acres of woods, waterfalls, and meadows just outside of Ithaca, NY.
We offer incredible online yoga teacher trainings to an amazing community of students and teachers all over the world.
We’ve been called “The Most In-Person Online Yoga Teacher Training in the world”, by our graduates.
Our original 200 hour YTT is called the ‘Radiant Warrior Online Yoga Teacher Training’. It teaches Hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, mindfulness, meditation and inquiry. More than 1000 have graduated from this program.
We’ve since added the ‘200 hour Kundalini Warrior Online Yoga Teacher Training’, which is a modern, feminine form of Kundalini yoga. Our educators have been inspired by ancient teachings of Kundalini and have modernized the technology for the modern householder.
Our 300 hour YTT is called the ‘Spiritual Warrior Advanced Yoga Teacher Training’. In it, we teach kundalini yoga (a modern, trauma informed method drawn from ancient traditions), the science of Ayurveda, Lunar Wisdom and the Enneagram.
Yoga Alliance Review by Julie Nelson Sep 9, 2025
YFI teachers and training bring a special, accessible, loving approach, that truly is living yoga. I’m grateful for this accepting way of teaching that welcomes all in actions and words.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
4. Zazyoga
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.88 | NPS 9.0
School has been approved since November 2018
About the school:
Why chose Zazyoga for your 200-hour YTTC?
Gain an in-dept understanding of the practice of yoga
With the recent rise of yoga injuries, we make it our mission to teach you how to practice and teach safely. Whether it is during practices, asana labs, or anatomy classes, proper alignment is our underlying theme! Beyond the physical practice, each of our classes give you tangible and applicable tools to integrate in your own life and in your career as a yoga teacher, from pranayama and kriyas to how you can transform your thoughts with yoga philosophy.
Build your teacher skills to become a confident and inspiring teacher
Our course offers extensive teaching practice experience, so that when you graduate, you can immediately start your career as a confident yoga teacher.
Embrace the yoga tradition in your modern life
Respecting the yoga tradition does not have to deny our modern lives! Our course is practical and adapted to your reality, so that you can apply tangible tools to your life.
Receive personal support in an intimate environment
We create a safe environment to learn, growth, and discover more about yourself. You will receive dedicated personalized one-on-one support from your teachers for your own unique specific needs.
Yoga Alliance Review by Michaela Rana Oct 8, 2025
I recently completed a 200-hour Zazyoga online certification, and it was an incredible experience. The program was highly flexible, allowing me to learn at my own pace, which was perfect for balancing with my other commitments. The course covered everything from yoga philosophy to anatomy, providing a well-rounded education. The teachers were incredibly attentive and supportive, offering detailed feedback and guidance throughout. I felt well-prepared and confident in my abilities by the end of the program, and I truly felt ready to step into the role of a teacher. It was a comprehensive and enriching journey that equipped me with all the tools I need to teach yoga with knowledge and confidence.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
5. The Mazé Method
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.86 | NPS 9.1
School has been approved since November 2018
About the school:
The Mazé Method 200-hour teacher trainings take you on a journey of self-discovery and education into all things yoga. Our foundational training (200–hour) program is ideal for serious students of yoga, aspiring yoga teachers, and teachers with varying levels of experience. Our curriculum combines detailed alignment and intelligent sequencing with vinyasa theory, and provides you with sound knowledge and skills to teach safe and effective yoga classes. This training is recognized by Yoga Alliance and focuses in three areas of study: The Theory and Practice of Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, and The Art of Teaching. Trainees may thus register with Yoga Alliance at its RYT-200 level upon successful completion of this training. The Mazé Method 300 hour teacher trainings are a year-long learning journey to unlock and unleash your potential and provide you with tools to increase the potency and breadth of your teaching. You will learn self-empowerment strategies to better help yourself on your own path. You will be making a serious investment in the quality of your yoga education, the depth and skill of your yogic practices, the potency of your teaching skills, and improving your knowledge. Enrollment is limited to 45 students or less. You will receive help from Noah individually and from the group as a whole. At the end of this program you will receive a certificate, which qualifies you to register with Yoga Alliance at the 300 RYT level and you also become eligible to continue to participate in The Mazé Method’s post 300 hour certification program.
Yoga Alliance Review by Kea Newman Oct 18, 2025
This was a very thorough training, and I feel that I really improved my teaching skills. I liked that I could take this training at my own pace but also had access to contact Noah or meet live when/if needed. The assignments throughout the training were challenging but gave me an opportunity to immediately apply what I had learned. The content is comprehensive and a lot of information to absorb so I know I will likely come back and review the material again.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
6. Yoga & Ayurveda Center / Online Yoga School
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.81 | NPS 8.9
School has been approved since March 2012
About the school:
Yoga & Ayurveda Center / Online Yoga School is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, which designates this teacher training program as one which follows Yoga Alliance’s standards. Students who complete a verified training with this school may be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs).
Yoga Alliance Review by Georgina Alejandra Rojas Huerta Oct 18, 2025
I had a wonderful experience with this online Yoga School! The course is incredibly complete and well-structured, covering everything you need to feel confident as a yoga teacher. What I loved the most is how kind and supportive the team is – they ‘re always there to answer any questions, and they repond very quickly. Their dedication and care truly make a difference. I’m so grateful for this training and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality yoga education.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
7. Brett Larkin Uplifted Yoga
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.81 | NPS 8.8
School has been approved since July 2016
About the school:
Join veteran online yoga teacher trainer Brett Larkin in the premier virtual yoga teacher training since 2015. Award-Winning video content to download & enjoy on our mobile app (lifetime access to content), 600 page paper manual shipped to your door, weekly video calls with the same students each week. How it works:
Step 1: Access Home Study Video Curriculum
Start watching the second you enroll. High-quality 30 minute videos of lectures and yoga practices for tight schedules. Download videos via our mobile app for easy on-the-go learning.
Lifetime access to content of both your Home Study material and Live Call replays.
600 page printed color manual mailed to you serves as a companion workbook to the videos (experiential asana section provided as an immediate digital download).
Step 2: Transformational Live Call Experience
Progress with the same students each week in a 4-month transformational journey with Live Q&A and group discussions expanding on the Home Study Curriculum.
Real time Feedback as you practice teach with fellow students LIVE.
Peers keep you motivated and accountable from Day 1 to celebrating your graduation, just like an in-person training.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by Jenny Smiechowski Sep 23, 2025
I loved the Uplifted 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training. It was incredibly thorough and the teachers were great. I learned so much. I also love that we get lifetime access to all of the training materials. There is so much fantastic material that I’m excited to revisit as I continue my yoga teacher journey.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
8. Siddhi Yoga
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.80 | NPS 8.9
School has been approved since May 2015
About the school:
Siddhi Yoga is a premier institute offering yoga teaching in a holistic environment, under the guidance of great yogis. RYT 200 residential courses are taught at Siddhi Yoga. Students come from all across the globe to learn this vedic science, in its true and original form.
Teachers at Siddhi Yoga have deep knowledge of yoga, Ayurveda, sadhna (meditation) and other vedic scriptures. Conversant with many yoga styles including hatha, ashtanga, kundalini and vinyasa yoga they bring to their students not just vedic scripture knowledge but also initiate them into the process of achieving divinity or oneness of mind and body through yoga.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by Margastha Aug 6, 2025
I really enjoyed my yoga journey with Siddhi Yoga International. The modules were very informative and the teachers were available to answer our questions at any time. It’s really a great way to start your training.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
9. YogaRenew
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.79 | NPS 8.8
School has been approved since June 2015
About the school:
The YogaRenew Yoga Teacher Training Program was designed to enable yogis from all different backgrounds worldwide to be able to follow their dream and passion of getting their yoga teacher certification.
Our program was designed to make yoga teacher training accessible and affordable for all looking to deepen their practice and share their love of yoga to the world.
Our trainings offer you the opportunity to deeply enrich your practice and understanding of yoga. This comprehensive YTT will give you a strong foundation for yoga philosophy and practice.
As a student, you’ll learn all the aspects of yoga teacher training and learn all the skills needed to become a knowledgeable yoga teacher.
Yoga Alliance Review by Jennifer Dallis Sep 30, 2025
The course was very organized and the live sessions were amazing. I do wish there had been more times available to accommodate other time zones.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
10. My Vinyasa Practice
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.77 | NPS 8.6
School has been approved since October 2016
About the school:
My Vinyasa Practice is a yoga school training yoga teachers in vinyasa, hatha, and the application of yogic philosophy to daily life. My Vinyasa Practice l is founded on the principles of accessible and affordable yoga teacher training designed to meet teachers where they are at while facilitating interpersonal growth. All of our trainers have had extensive training with truly amazing teachers. It is our mission to make yoga, spiritual self studies and education affordable and scalable.
We offer multiple training formats that span several different industries. My Vinyasa Practice offers yoga teacher trainings, health and wellness certifications, and continuing education programs for yoga teachers and professionals. We are currently offering trainings in Austin, TX and international intensives.
Yoga Alliance Review by Sasha Jolly Oct 22, 2025
MVP was a wonderful introduction into YTT. The self-paced and affordable program was perfect for me. It is a great YTT program for anyone who wants to step their toe in the water of YTT to see if they want to do continuous training. I do feel like I still need in person training for creating the best sequences and create meaning flows. Some of the video and audio for recording were blurry / muffled. Overall, great online program!
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
11. Sampoorna Yoga
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.68 | NPS 7.9
School has been approved since May 2011
About the school:
We are a Yoga Teacher Training Center rooted in Indian yogic tradition. Our name, ‘Sampoorna’, is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘full’, ‘total’, or ‘absolute’. And it truly reflects what we aim to bring to our students through our yoga courses and retreats.
This concept of totality and completeness is reflected in our teachings, in the respect we have for yoga traditions, and the acceptance of students from all traditions and lineages, all over the world. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional and comprehensive yoga instruction to support your personal practice and your teaching journey.
We are one of the best yoga teacher training schools in India. We opened our doors in 2009, and since then we have graduated more than 12,000 yoga teachers from all over the world through our In-Person YTTCs, Refresher Courses, and Yoga Retreats in our two locations: Goa, India, and Costa Rica, and also with our Online courses. The majority of our alumni have become very successful yoga teachers, yoga studio owners, and even yoga school founders.
Yoga Alliance Review by Lowri Battista Sep 19, 2025
I was recommended to do my yoga teacher training through a friend and I was so glad, Sampoorna yoga were amazing. So much knowledge passed on and support by a whole group of people. I was able to complete my training when i was working away in a different country which suited me and helped me to achieve what i wanted to.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
12. East+West Yoga
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.66 | NPS 7.9
School has been approved since August 2019
About the school:
East West Yoga is a globally recognized yoga teacher training school that bridges the ancient wisdom of Indian yoga with contemporary Western practices. Offering immersive programs in Bali, Costa Rica, and Thailand East West Yoga provides comprehensive 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Alliance-certified trainings led by master-level instructors from India and around the world.
These programs cater to individuals seeking to deepen their personal practice or embark on a professional teaching journey.
East West Yoga emphasizes high teaching standards, ensuring that instructors have extensive experience and embody the principles of yoga both on and off the mat.
The curriculum encompasses asana alignment, smart sequencing, biomechanics, meditation, and the philosophical foundations of yoga.
Beyond the mat, East West Yoga is committed to social responsibility through its foundation, which supports local communities in training locations via financial donations and service projects. This initiative reflects the organization’s dedication to extending the benefits of yoga beyond individual practice to broader societal impact.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by Sara Wilder Reilly Sep 21, 2025
My training with East West Yoga went beyond any expectation I had. Not only did I deepen my own connection to my personal practice, but I left inspired to teach and in complete awe of the process and my fellow teachers. I am excited to continue my yoga journey knowing that I have a foundation that has set me on the path to success.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
13. The Kaivalya Yoga Method
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.61 | Hidden NPS
School has been approved since April 2012
About the school:
The Kaivalya Yoga Method has been formulated after over a decade of dedicated study and research and teaching experience. It is a comprehensive compilation of the fundamentals of yoga directed at creating teachers who can translate this ancient practice for a modern-day audience while staying true to yoga’s highest aim.
School has chosen not to share its community reviews as of this time.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by Lynn Hudorovich Aug 8, 2025
The Kaivalya Yoga Method was a comprehensive online curriculum with extensive video lessons and demonstrations, challenging video assignments due periodically throughout the training as well as exams. I took extensive notes and took my time to allow all the amazing information to integrate. I was very prepared and learned so much.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Final Thoughts: Find the Best Training for You
There you have it! The leading 13 online yoga teacher training programs updated for 2026, thoughtfully ranked using authentic Yoga Alliance students reviews.
Choosing the right school is about so much more than a certification—it’s an investment in your personal growth, your journey as a yogi, and your ability to inspire and guide others. This decision is deeply personal, so take your time, trust your intuition, and let the experiences of those who have gone before you light the way.
As you explore your options, look for a program that resonates with your unique style, values, and teaching goals. Consider how it aligns with the kind of teacher you want to become and the community you want to build.
Above all, remember that this is your journey. Embrace it fully, let it unfold with curiosity and an open heart, and know that the right program will not only deepen your practice but also empower you to share the transformative gift of yoga with the world ♡
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yoga Alliance and why does it matter?
Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit registry of yoga schools and yoga teachers. It sets baseline standards for teacher training programs and collects verified graduate reviews. Many studios, gyms, and online platforms prefer or require teachers who trained with a Yoga Alliance–registered school because it signals recognized training quality and accountability.
Do I need Yoga Alliance certification to teach yoga?
Legally, most places do not require you to register with Yoga Alliance to teach yoga. But a 200-hour certificate from a Yoga Alliance–registered school makes it easier to get hired, to get insured, and to show students that you completed a recognized program.
How are yoga teacher training schools reviewed?
After graduation, each student submits feedback directly to Yoga Alliance before they can register as a teacher. Those verified reviews evaluate teaching quality, support, accuracy of the syllabus, and how confident the graduate feels about teaching. Yoga Alliance uses those reviews to create each school’s public rating and recommendation score.
What is a good Yoga Alliance rating or Net Promoter Score (NPS)?
A strong school usually has a rating close to 5 out of 5 and an NPS around 9 or higher out of 10. A high NPS means graduates aren’t just satisfied — they are actively recommending the program to their friends. That’s a sign of trust, mentorship, and real teaching readiness.
Can I become a certified yoga teacher fully online?
Yes. Many Yoga Alliance–registered schools now offer complete 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs online. When you graduate from one of these approved programs, you can register with Yoga Alliance and present yourself as a certified yoga teacher worldwide — including studios, retreats, and private clients.
Which online yoga teacher training is the best going into 2026?
Based on verified 2025 graduate reviews submitted to Yoga Alliance, Drishti Beats holds an overall school rating of 4.96 out of 5 and a Net Promoter Score of 9.8 out of 10. Graduates consistently report that they felt supported, prepared to teach, and confident after completing the program. Source: Yoga Alliance 2025 data set.
Have a Question? Let’s Connect!
Whether you’re just beginning your yoga journey or still considering if this is a path for you, choosing the right yoga teacher training is a big decision, and I’m here to help you make it with confidence. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for guidance—I’d love to hear from you and support you on your path. Namaste, Lori!
About the Author: Lori Lowell is an award-winning fitness educator, yoga professional, and industry visionary with over three decades of experience. As the co-founder of Drishti Beats, she has redefined yoga education with innovative programs that blend live music vinyasa flow yoga and comprehensive 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs, both live and online. An E-RYT© 500 and YACEP©, Lori’s immersive online platform, developed over six years and filmed across breathtaking locations around the world, is globally recognized as one of the most comprehensive yoga teacher training experiences, preparing students to become Yoga Alliance accredited teachers: RYT© 200 and RYT© 500.
She is the recipient of the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Scholarship Award and has received multiple accolades, including Gold’s Gym Visionary of the Year. Lori’s groundbreaking contributions to fitness and yoga education have been featured in Club Solutions Magazine, Club Business International, and 100 Women Who Love Their Jobs and Why by Joanne Burke.
🔗 Connect with Lori:
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Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance