How Long Does It Take to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Becoming a yoga teacher on paper doesn’t take that much time, but truly embodying the skills of a yoga teacher can take a lifetime.

There are many different paths to becoming a yoga teacher depending on the lineage or yoga style you pursue, along with your background in these areas.

The path to becoming a yoga teacher is not always clear. So we’ll give you all the information you need to determine how long it takes to become a yoga teacher and whether or not this is the path for you!

How Long Does It Take to Complete Yoga Teacher Training?

Yoga teacher training courses are typically defined by the number of hours of training included in the program.

For example, the foundational level of yoga teacher training is 200 hours, whereas the advanced level is 300 hours. When combined, this becomes the 500-hours level of training.

But these hours are not an exact amount – sometimes training programs include more hours beyond this, and some of these hours can also be dedicated to teaching time or self-study. Additionally, different schools might lay out these hours in different ways.

Some training schools spread their yoga teacher training program over a year or more, whereas other training programs condense all of these hours into 1 or 2 months. Each school approaches it a little bit differently, but ultimately the time it takes to complete the level of yoga teacher training you sign up for is defined by the number of hours.

In Summary

The 200-hour yoga teacher training program, the foundational level of yoga training, can take 1 month to 6 months or more, depending on the school you choose to study from.
The 300-hour yoga teacher training programs last around 5 weeks to over 1 year.
The 500-hour yoga teacher training programs are simply a combination of the 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Good Yoga Teacher?

Despite all of these hours and various training programs, the length of time to become a good yoga teacher is a very different question.

Some people have a natural skill for teaching yoga, whereas others may require more time and energy to develop their teaching skills. There is no set definition, and it varies for each person.

Some yoga teachers also say that becoming a good yoga teacher can take a lifetime!

The best way to become a good yoga teacher is to continue to be a student and to get out there and teach at the same time!

Maintaining a dedication to your personal yoga practice and learning yoga from other more advanced teachers can help you continue to grow your skills in this field.

But ultimately, the best way to learn is by beginning to teach what you know and refining your skills over time.

Is It Worth It to Become a Yoga Instructor?

For some people, becoming a yoga instructor is a profound journey that brings them to their true purpose or dharma in life.

We all have unique skills, and becoming a yoga teacher simply might not be the right fit for everyone. But for those who feel called to become a yoga teacher, it can truly be a path of profound transformation and awakening into your true purpose in life.

It is important to remember that, like any other career, working as a yoga instructor is not always easy! It can be a difficult path to take and certainly has its ups and downs. But when something connects so deeply to your heart and soul, it is all worth it in the end!

How Long Should I Practice Yoga Before Becoming a Yoga Teacher?

Before becoming a teacher in any profession, it is good to first be a student and engage with the subject in your own life for a while.

Practicing yoga is essential to becoming a qualified yoga teacher because if you don’t know how to practice yoga in your own life, then how can you teach it to others?

But we are all beginners in yoga at some point, and we all start somewhere.

Some beginners will join a yoga teacher training class simply to build a solid foundation in these practices.

So, while it’s certainly helpful to have experience with yoga before enrolling in a teacher training program, there’s no set amount of time you need to practice. The critical thing to remember is to always continue learning on your path as a yoga teacher!

What Are the Steps to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Becoming a yoga teacher is not always a straight line, and it can look a bit different for everyone.

But in general, there are a few basic steps to becoming a yoga teacher.

5 Foundational Steps to Becoming a Yoga Teacher

Practice yoga on your own.
Find a yoga studio or school that offers yoga teacher training courses and begin taking classes from them to see if you like their style and teaching methodology.
Once you have found a school or teacher you like, sign up for their 200-hour yoga teacher training course.
After completing or during your 200-hour yoga teacher training course, begin teaching free classes to friends and family to get some practice.
Go to your local yoga studio and apply to teach there, teach paid classes online, or start your own yoga studio.

The number of paths a yoga teacher can take after completing their 200-hour teacher training is endless.

So, give yourself some space to explore and find what works best for you!

How to Choose the Best Yoga Teacher Training Course

Everyone has different things they are looking for in their yoga teacher training course. But in general, there are a few key questions to ask when choosing your yoga teacher training course.

Who are the teachers?
What is the background and experience level of the teachers?
Is the program taught all by one person or by multiple teachers?
Are the classes online or in-person?
If online, are the classes synchronous or asynchronous?
Is the program registered with Yoga Alliance?
What qualifications will you have after completing the program?
What lineage does the school follow?
What yoga styles are taught in the training?
Is there mentorship included in the program?
Are their opportunities to practice teaching and receive feedback?
How many other students are in the course?
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
What are the past students doing as yoga teachers now?
Can you speak with past students to get information on their experience in the program?
How much does the yoga teacher training program cost?
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
How long does it take to complete the course?
What is the policy for absences from classes?

Beyond all of the above general questions, the most important thing is to ask yourself how you feel about the program.

Your body is constantly sending you messages and insights. So, listen to your gut instinct and follow your intuition to make this life-changing decision.

And of course, the timing of the course is always a primary consideration! Some people prefer a more extended time period to really absorb the content and build their skills.

In contrast, others like month-long intensive programs to fully immerse themselves in the practice.

Both options are suitable for different people, so check in with yourself and find what works best for you!