Search
What's the difference between a studio, an RYS and a YACEP?

Studio

  • not registered with Yoga Alliance
  • brick + mortar (physical) location
  • offers classes
  • not an individual, but run by individuals

RYS®

Registered Yoga School

  • registered with Yoga Alliance
  • can have multiple locations
  • offers yoga teacher trainings
  • some training must be done in person
  • not an individual, but run by individuals

YACEP®

Continuing Education Provider

  • verified by Yoga Alliance
  • may teach at many locations
  • offers continuing education
  • may teach online/remote or in-person courses
  • is an individual

Key

  • Has E-RYT® designation, qualified to be a YACEP®
  • Administrative role; may also be a teacher or trainer
  • Teacher or trainer role
  • Type of teaching or training offered

The Big Picture

Only individuals can be YACEP®s. This means if you are an owner and you're qualified, you can become a YACEP®. So may your teachers, trainers or any other staff, depending on their qualifications. However, your RYS® or studio can not be a YACEP®.

Any E-RYT® is prequalified to be a YACEP®. RYT®s who are not yet at the experienced level, or those who are not registered with Yoga Alliance, may be eligible at a later time based on their education and experience.

Learn more about YACEP® eligibility

Studio

  • not registered with Yoga Alliance
  • brick + mortar (physical) location
  • offers classes
  • not an individual, but run by individuals

RYS®

Registered Yoga School

  • registered with Yoga Alliance
  • can have multiple locations
  • offers yoga teacher trainings
  • some training must be done in person
  • not an individual, but run by individuals

YACEP®

Continuing Education Provider

  • verified by Yoga Alliance
  • may teach at many locations
  • offers continuing education
  • may teach online/remote or in-person courses
  • is an individual

Key

  • Has E-RYT® designation, qualified to be a YACEP®
  • Administrative role; may also be a teacher or trainer
  • Teacher or trainer role
  • Type of teaching or training offered

The Big Picture

Only individuals can be YACEP®s. This means if you are an owner and you're qualified, you can become a YACEP®. So may your teachers, trainers or any other staff, depending on their qualifications. However, your RYS® or studio can not be a YACEP®.

Any E-RYT® is prequalified to be a YACEP®. RYT®s who are not yet at the experienced level, or those who are not registered with Yoga Alliance, may be eligible at a later time based on their education and experience.

Learn more about YACEP® eligibility

Yoga Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)(6). Yoga Alliance Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). This website refers to the two organizations as "Yoga Alliance." Copyright 2024 Yoga Alliance. Yoga Alliance, the Yoga Alliance logo, RYS, RYT, and YACEP are registered marks with the USPTO and other jurisdictions.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Copyright 2024 by Yoga Alliance