RYT vs E-RYT – What’s the Difference?

Anyone with a solid understanding of yoga can teach it—but if you want to deepen your practice, gain structured knowledge, and become recognised globally as a yoga teacher, enrolling in a certified Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program is highly recommended.

Certification doesn’t just enhance your credibility—it also makes you more marketable, especially if you're planning to teach professionally. That’s why thousands of aspiring yoga teachers around the world sign up for certification programs every year.

As you explore your options, you’ll likely come across the abbreviations RYT and E-RYT. These are not just random letters—they represent official designations by Yoga Alliance, the world’s largest nonprofit organization that oversees yoga teacher standards.

If you're considering a career in yoga, it’s important to understand the distinction between these two credentials. Simply put:

• RYT stands for Registered Yoga Teacher

• E-RYT stands for Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher

While that sounds straightforward, there’s much more behind earning these titles. They reflect not just certification but teaching experience, commitment to the practice, and ongoing professional development.

Don’t worry—we’ll break it down for you clearly in the sections ahead. Let’s start with the basics and understand what each designation really means.

What is an RYT?

RYT stands for Registered Yoga Teacher—a credential awarded by Yoga Alliance to individuals who have successfully completed a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) course from a Yoga Alliance–registered school (also known as an RYS – Registered Yoga School).

To become an RYT, you must:

• Complete a minimum of 200 hours of teacher training from an RYS

• Apply and register with Yoga Alliance

• Agree to follow Yoga Alliance’s ethical guidelines and continuing education requirements

Once registered, you are recognized as an RYT at the 200, 300, or 500-hour level, depending on your training. This designation shows that you've received foundational instruction in yoga philosophy, teaching methodology, anatomy, and practice.

Best for: New teachers, recent YTT graduates, or anyone starting their professional teaching journey.

What is an E-RYT?

E-RYT stands for Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher. This designation is given to teachers who have not only completed formal training but also have significant teaching experience.

There are two main levels:

• E-RYT 200: You’ve completed a 200-hour YTT and logged at least 1,000 hours of teaching experience after certification, plus two years of teaching.

• E-RYT 500: You’ve completed a 500-hour YTT and logged at least 2,000 hours of teaching experience, plus four years of teaching since your first certification.

E-RYT teachers are qualified to:

• Lead Yoga Alliance–approved teacher training programs

• Serve as lead trainers in YTTs

• Mentor and guide other teachers

Best for: Senior teachers, studio owners, or those looking to teach at an advanced or leadership level within the yoga community.

RYT vs. E-RYT: Comparison Table

How to Become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

If you’re aspiring to become a certified yoga instructor recognized globally, registering with Yoga Alliance as an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) is one of the most trusted pathways. This certification not only builds your confidence and knowledge but also increases your credibility and employability in yoga studios worldwide.

Types of RYT Certifications

Yoga Alliance offers three main levels of registration based on the number of training hours completed through a Registered Yoga School (RYS):

RYT 200 – The Foundation Level

This is the entry-level certification for becoming a yoga teacher.
You must complete a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) from a Yoga Alliance–registered school (RYS 200).

The curriculum typically covers:

• Yoga philosophy and history

• Anatomy and physiology

• Asanas (postures) and alignment

• Pranayama and meditation techniques

• Teaching methodology and practicum

Most yoga studios require at least an RYT 200 certification for hiring teachers. It’s the essential first step in your teaching journey.

RYT 300 – The Advanced Training

After completing your 200-hour certification, you can pursue a 300 hour advanced training to deepen your knowledge and skills.

You’ll need to:

• Complete a 300-hour YTT from an RYS 300

• Often, schools require that you have completed RYT 200 beforehand

This level focuses more deeply on yoga philosophy, advanced teaching techniques, adjustments, sequencing, and personal growth as a practitioner and teacher.

RYT 500 – The Comprehensive Level

The RYT 500 designation is awarded to individuals who have completed a total of 500 hours of training. This can be done either:

• Through a single 500-hour program, or

• By combining a 200-hour and 300-hour program (from the same or different Yoga Alliance–registered schools)
  
  

Additional requirement: At least 100 hours of teaching experience after completing the training(s)

This certification reflects a high level of commitment and expertise and is ideal for those looking to teach at a senior level or specialize in areas like yoga therapy, prenatal yoga, or advanced philosophy.

Why Continue Learning After RYT-500?

Even after earning the RYT-500 designation—the highest standard of yoga teacher training recognized by Yoga Alliance—your journey as a yoga teacher doesn't end. In fact, it’s just the beginning of lifelong learning and growth.

To maintain your Yoga Alliance registration, all certified teachers are required to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within every three-year period. This ensures that teachers stay up to date with evolving techniques, research, and best practices in the yoga community.

But beyond fulfilling a requirement, continuing education offers real value:

• Stay Current with new developments in yoga, anatomy, and teaching methodologies

• Deepen Your Expertise in areas like yoga therapy, trauma-informed yoga, Ayurveda, or advanced philosophy

• Improve Your Communication & Cueing for more effective and inclusive teaching

• Refine Your Personal Practice through workshops, advanced trainings, or mentorship

• Expand Your Network by learning with senior teachers and connecting with a wider yoga community

Yoga is a living tradition—constantly evolving. By committing to ongoing learning, you not only become a better teacher but also continue to grow as a student of yoga, both on and off the mat.

Which Yoga Instructor Level Is Right for You?

Choosing the right yoga certification level depends on where you are in your journey and what your goals are as a teacher or practitioner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your professional credentials, Yoga Alliance offers certification paths that support every stage of growth.

RYT 200 – The Foundation

If you're a beginner or just stepping into the world of yoga instruction, the RYT 200 is the perfect place to start. This foundational level gives you the essential tools to begin teaching yoga confidently and safely.

Best for: Aspiring yoga teachers, personal development, teaching at local studios or online

RYT 300 – The Next Step

If you’ve already completed your 200-hour training and want to deepen your knowledge, the RYT 300 is your next step. It builds upon what you’ve already learned and explores more advanced practices, teaching techniques, and philosophical studies.

Best for: Teachers looking to expand their skill set, teach more advanced classes, or specialize in certain areas

How do you register yourself on Yoga Alliance?

In order to register with the Yoga Alliance, you will need to do the following:

1. Take a Yoga Teacher Training program that is Yoga Alliance approved. You can search for registered yoga schools on the Yoga Alliance website.

2. Register an account on the Yoga Alliance website and sign in.

3.Provide your application for registration by furnishing evidence of your completion of a Yoga Alliance accredited teacher training program. You will also have to furnish a signed copy of the Code of Conduct and the registration fee.

4.When your application is processed and accepted, you will receive a confirmation email from the Yoga Alliance.

5.You will then be listed on the Yoga Alliance directory as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

It should be noted that there are various levels of registration with the Yoga Alliance, such as RYT 200 and RYT 500. Your level of registration will be based on how many hours you have done in your teacher training program and how much teaching experience you have gained.

Which Is the Best Teacher Training School?

The Yoga Alliance is the world’s leading authority in yoga education, setting global standards and accrediting yoga schools that meet its rigorous requirements. These Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) are committed to delivering high-quality, standardized training in alignment with traditional yogic principles and modern best practices.

One such highly respected RYS is Rishikesh Yogkulam, located in the heart of Rishikesh, India—widely regarded as the Yoga Capital of the World.

Rishikesh Yogkulam draws students from across the globe to immerse themselves in authentic yoga study in a serene and spiritually charged environment. Nestled near the banks of the holy Ganga River and surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, the school offers the ideal setting for deep transformation and self-discovery.

What sets Rishikesh Yogkulam apart:

• A traditional yet accessible curriculum designed for both beginners and advanced practitioners

• Courses that cater to all certification levels, including RYT 200, RYT 300, and RYT 500

• A team of highly experienced, Yoga Alliance–certified teachers

• A supportive environment that promotes personal growth, self-discipline, and authentic learning

• Focused preparation not just for becoming a teacher, but for living yoga as a way of life

Whether you're starting your yoga journey or looking to upgrade your skills to become an E-RYT, Rishikesh Yogkulam provides comprehensive, accredited programs that help you grow confidently on your path—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is RYT 200 in yoga?

RYT 200 stands for Registered Yoga Teacher – 200 Hours. It is a globally recognized certification awarded by organizations like Yoga Alliance to individuals who have completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program. This foundational course includes key elements such as yoga philosophy, anatomy, alignment principles, and teaching methodology, preparing students to begin their journey as professional yoga instructors.

2. What are the requirements to receive an RYT 200 from Yoga Alliance?

To become an RYT 200 through Yoga Alliance, you must:

• Complete a 200-hour YTT from a Registered Yoga School (RYS 200)

• Teach a minimum of 10 hours under observation (practicum requirements may vary by school)

• Pass the final assessment or exam as defined by the training school
  After fulfilling these steps, you can apply to register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 200.

3. What is the difference between RYT and E-RYT?

The main distinction lies in teaching experience:

• RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) is awarded upon completion of a certified YTT program.

• E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) is a higher designation that requires significant teaching experience—typically 1,000+ hours of teaching and 2+ years post-certification.
  It reflects a deeper level of expertise and qualifies you to lead YTT programs and mentor new teachers.

4. What are the different Registered Yoga Teacher levels (RYT)?

Yoga Alliance recognizes the following RYT levels based on completed training hours:

• RYT 200 – Foundation level (200 hours of training)

• RYT 300 – Advanced level (300 hours, often built on top of RYT 200)

• RYT 500 – Combined or cumulative 500-hour certification (200 + 300 hours or a single 500-hour course)
  These levels help track your progress and demonstrate your growing expertise as a yoga teacher.

5. Are Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Programs worth it?

Absolutely. While formal certification isn't legally required to teach yoga everywhere, a Yoga Alliance–accredited YTT program offers significant benefits:

• Global recognition – Teach anywhere in the world

• In-depth knowledge of yoga's physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions

• Personal transformation – Deepen your own practice and self-awareness

• Professional visibility – Joining Yoga Alliance increases exposure and networking opportunities

• Mentorship – Learn directly from experienced, certified yoga teachers

A good YTT doesn't just teach you how to instruct—it shapes you into a more conscious and connected individual.