The question: “What is the difference between a CYT and an RYT,” has been constantly asked. To add to the confusion, the world has many yoga registries and more than one alliance. To be brief: An RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) is a registration credential created by the world’s registries and granted to a teacher after a teacher is certified. While there are no set regulations on what level of training is necessary to teach yoga, choosing to pursue teacher certification demonstrates a teacher’s commitment to yoga. CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher) certification reveals that a yoga instructor has pursued a certain level of education in yogic methods and philosophy. Despite the avalanche of new information, teachers voluntarily continue to improve their skills with a variety of educational avenues available. Onsite workshops and intensives continue to exist while online, distance learning, and virtual courses are readily available.
It is important to understand the difference between being certified and being registered as a yoga instructor. You may teach yoga as either a CYT or an RYT. The difference comes from being registered with the US Yoga Alliance, or another yoga registry, after a certain level of training has been completed according to their requirements. Guidelines change and don’t depend on information from third parties. When in doubt, contact the prospective registry directly. To be honest, only the registries can explain their guidelines and rules changes. When you ask, “What is the difference between a CYT and an RYT,” you may get a different answer each time you call and even if you call the same place twice.
Now back to the subject: To become a CYT, or certified yoga teacher, one goes through an educational program with a yoga teacher training school. Certification is evidence to students that you have pursued an active education in your yoga practice. Certification as a yoga teacher allows you to teach yoga classes and start your own practice.
The principal elements of yoga: asana, breath, meditation, mantra, and more, are focused on within certification programs. Additionally, learning to modify poses for beginners, knowing the fundamentals of posture and alignment, how to explain a pose verbally, and correct common mistakes, is crucial to becoming a certified yoga teacher.
A minimum of 200 contact (face-to-face training) hours is required by the US Yoga Alliance to be considered a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). The framework of these training hours is broken down into five categories of techniques training and practice, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy and ethics, teaching methodology, and practicum. The aim of this program is to have a deep understanding of yoga, as well as a comprehensive ability in teaching others.
Consider your training to become a yoga instructor as part of a lifelong learning experience, yet one that has steps and levels to attain. Much like any other profession that requires a progression of degrees, the practice of yoga instruction begins with becoming a Certified Yoga Teacher. Now, when you hear someone ask: “What is the difference between a CYT and an RYT,” you have an informed opinion, but when you want to know a specific registry’s policies, read their website and call them directly if you have questions.
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