What Does It Mean To Be a RYS?

A Registered Yoga School (RYS®) is a distinction given to yoga teacher trainings that meet Yoga Alliance® Standards. A RYS must submit its training’s syllabus to Yoga Alliance, be verified by our credentialing team and be current with annual fees.

Yoga Alliance does not certify teachers or accredit schools. Yoga Alliance’s credentialing system is a registry, not to be confused with other types of credentialing systems (such as certifications, accreditations, licensure, etc.).

What is a registry?

A registry is a listing maintained by a professional association or entity which confers credibility on an individual, entity, or group based on published standards or guidelines determined by specified knowledge-based requirements (e.g., experience, education, examinations), grants individuals or entities a time-limited status on that listing.

When first developing our credentialing system and Standards, Yoga Alliance’s founders and committee members wanted to build a system that would honor the diversity in yoga while promoting safe and competent teaching. In 2013, we created Social Credentialing, an innovative system that blends the best features of social ratings websites and traditional credentialing processes to reflect the longstanding desire of the yoga community to increase the rigor and oversight of our credentialing system while protecting the diversity in yoga formats and styles.  

What are the different RYS levels available?

Registered Yoga Schools can apply for a variety of designations. Learn more about the different credentials for schools.

What are the benefits of being a RYS?

In addition to receiving the credential of a RYS, schools also receive a listing on the Yoga Alliance Directory, where aspiring and current yoga teachers can find teacher trainings. Registered Yoga School owners can access a variety of Member Perks, attend our Online Workshops for free and more. Check out all of the benefits.