Teacher Certification

How Your Iyengar Teacher Is Trained

The Iyengar certification process is highly rigorous, assuring you of an instructor who practices and is well trained in the art, science, and philosophy of yoga. Prospective teachers confirm their dedication through years of studying yoga.  Additional teacher training includes the study of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, philosophy, and practical teaching methods.  Candidates for certification apply to an assessment process that includes recommendations by mentoring teachers, a review of study and teaching experience, and a comprehensive, three-part examination.

Prospective teachers must show proficiency in performance of the asanas, or postures, and take a written exam on philosophy, anatomy, and practical knowledge of teaching.

In the third and most important part of the test, the candidate is observed teaching a class and assessed by a panel of senior teachers.

This process is repeated a year or two later, with additional postures and more comprehensive evaluation. Teachers are granted full certification at the Introductory level only after satisfactorily completing all parts of this examination process, which takes place over several years.  Full certification allows the teacher to use the official Iyengar Certification Mark shown below.

The process of teacher training and evaluation is repeated with higher standards and different material at six additional levels of certification, from Introductory to Intermediate Senior, preparing teachers to teach at increasing levels of competency. Still higher levels of certification are granted directly by B.K.S. Iyengar. For more information on teacher training and certification, visit the IYNAUS website. For more information on the teacher training program at the Institute, contact us at info@iyengarnyc.org.

back to top