YAA Equivalency Certification
Overview
The YAA recognizes high standards of yoga teacher training obtained either provincially or internationally in a diversity of styles. Yoga Teachers with 200-Hour or 500-Hour certificates are eligible to apply for YAA Equivalency Certification. More than one teacher training program can be combined and credit may be granted for classes and workshops taken after teacher training programs.
Why Certify?
There is currently no legislation or licensing requirements for regulating yoga teachers in Alberta. Teacher training programs do exist that claim to train teachers in a very short time period, with no prior yoga experience required. So why would a yoga teacher voluntarily submit to the stringent requirements set by the YAA?
It is precisely because they believed in setting high standards, to benefit and protect both the teachers and the public, that dedicated local yoga teachers banded together to form the Yoga Association of Alberta almost 50 years ago. The YAA is now recognized as having some of the highest training and certification standards in North America, and is a thriving community of mutual inspiration and cooperative peer support.
The Yoga Sutras call for steady practice over an extended period of time, along with devotion, discipline, deep understanding and faith. The Bhagavad Gita defines yoga as skill in action. Yoga teachers and yoga teacher training should exemplify these qualities.
200-Hour Requirements
- 200 hours of yoga teacher training from a YAA or Yoga Alliance recognized hatha yoga program (assessment is available).
- A minimum of 2 years since the applicant started his or her first formal hatha yoga teacher training program.
- A minimum of 10 hours of teacher training, workshops or classes with a YAA Certified Senior Teacher or a YAA sponsored Senior Teacher (one YAA Teaching Skills Workshop or two YAA Core Curriculum Classes recommended). YAA sponsored events and other events province-wide are listed on our Events Calendar. Please see our Teacher Directory to find YAA Senior Teachers.
- A character reference letter (see form for details).
- Current CPR Certification (any level).
Please contact the Certification Coordinator at with any questions.
500-Hour Requirements
- 500 hours of yoga teacher training from a YAA or Yoga Alliance recognized hatha yoga program, or an equivalent combination of programs (assessment is available).
- A minimum of 2 years since the start of your first (200-Hour) hatha yoga teacher training program.
- A minimum of 10 hours of teacher training, workshops or classes with a YAA Certified Senior Teacher or a YAA sponsored Senior Teacher (one YAA Teaching Skills Workshop or two YAA Core Curriculum Classes recommended). YAA sponsored events and other events province-wide are listed on our Events Calendar. Please see our Teacher Directory to find YAA Senior Teachers.
- A character reference letter (see form for details).
- Current CPR Certification (any level).
Advanced Training Levels
With further training and experience, YAA Certified Teachers may also qualify for Advanced Training Levels with recognition for Intermediate (750-Hour Level) and Senior Teacher Status (1,000-Hour Level).
Don't Yet Qualify?
Teachers who have graduated from a YAA or Yoga Alliance approved 200-Hour training but do not yet meet the full YAA Certification requirements can apply for the Equivalency Upgrading Track and gain access to professional support including the YAA’s liability insurance, Teacher Directory, and events listings. There is no application fee but Full or Lifetime YAA Membership is required. Teachers are expected to attend a minimum of 10 hours of training with YAA Certified Senior Teachers over a two-year period and are guided and encouraged to apply for YAA Equivalency Certification once they’ve met the full requirements.
Application
- To apply for Equivalency Certification, download and submit the Equivalency Certification Application. Required documentation is outlined on the form. All documents can be mailed to our office or emailed to .
- Pay the Equivalency Certification Fee online, submit a cheque with your application, or call the YAA Office with a credit card number. ($350 fee now includes Lifetime YAA Membership.)
- Applicants with significant experience as required may also include an Application for Intermediate or Senior Teacher Status with the applicable documentation and the Upgrade fee ($75).
- Any questions, email . You will be contacted directly with initial assessment results within 2 weeks. Final Certification requires approval of the Certification Committee and Executive Board (Jan, May & Sept approvals).
All YAA Certified Hatha Yoga Teachers meet professional upgrading standards and maintain regular attendance in both classes/workshops and teaching hours, and must apply for Recertification every three years.
Own Your Own Studio?
If you are running your own teacher training program, your students can apply for YAA Equivalency Certification. This will give them connection with professional support, discount insurance rates, and recognition by the Yoga Alliance. Students can still continue to access classes and workshops through your studio, and apply them towards ongoing Recertification requirements with the YAA. This ensures long-term engagement with your students throughout their career!
Ensure all your teachers and trainers are YAA Certified, and your studio will also be recognized for the highest standards of quality teaching, integrity, and credibility.
Contact to ask us about our upcoming accreditation program and get your program pre-approved.