Choosing the right yoga certification can feel like choosing a new path in life—exciting, a little overwhelming, and full of potential. If you’ve been exploring your options, you’ve probably come across two key designations: RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher). But what do these terms really mean? And which one fits your goals, your experience, and your future as a yoga teacher?
Let’s break it all down in a clear, human way, so you can make the decision that aligns with your journey.
What is an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher)?
An RYT is someone who has completed a yoga teacher training program that meets the standards of the Yoga Alliance, typically either a 200-hour or 500-hour course. Once you’ve finished the training, you register with Yoga Alliance to gain the official RYT status.
Key Points:
- Requires completion of a Yoga Alliance-approved training program.
- Most common starting point is the RYT 200 (200 hours).
- Can advance to RYT 500 with additional training hours.
Who Should Consider RYT Certification?
This is perfect if you:
- Are just beginning your teaching journey.
- Want to gain foundational knowledge of yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and asana practice.
- Are aiming to start teaching in studios or privately.
- Want to build credibility with a recognized credential.
Why it matters: Many studios and employers require or prefer teachers with at least an RYT 200. It’s the most basic, yet essential certification to get your foot in the door.
What is an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher)?
An E-RYT is a step beyond. The “E” stands for “Experienced,” meaning the teacher not only completed their training but has also logged a specific number of teaching hours and has been teaching for a minimum number of years.
Types of E-RYT Certification:
- E-RYT 200: Requires 200-hour training + 1,000 hours teaching experience over 2+ years.
- E-RYT 500: Requires 500-hour training + 2,000 hours teaching experience over 4+ years.
Who Should Aim for E-RYT?
This certification is designed for those who:
- Have been teaching for a while and want to deepen their professional credentials.
- Are looking to become lead trainers in yoga teacher training programs.
- Want to establish a leadership role in the yoga community.
- Plan to open a yoga studio or develop their own training curriculum.
Why it matters: If you dream of training other teachers or being a lead teacher in a YTT program, E-RYT is not just helpful—it’s essential.
Major Differences Between RYT and E-RYT
| Feature | RYT | E-RYT |
|---|---|---|
| Training Hours | 200 or 500 | 200 or 500 |
| Teaching Experience Required | None | 1,000 to 2,000 hours |
| Years of Teaching | 0 | 2+ to 4+ years |
| Can Lead YTT Programs | No | Yes |
| Ideal For | New teachers | Experienced professionals |
How to Choose the Right One for You
1. Assess Your Current Experience
Are you new to teaching? RYT is your go-to. If you’ve been teaching for years, and already have the required hours, E-RYT will validate your experience.
2. Know Your Goals
If your aim is to simply start teaching classes, RYT is enough. But if your long-term goal includes mentoring, training others, or starting your own school, E-RYT is a must.
3. Think About Credibility
While RYT gives you a good baseline, E-RYT shows you’ve walked the walk. It instantly adds professional credibility in the eyes of studios, students, and collaborators.
Can You Upgrade From RYT to E-RYT?
Yes, absolutely. Many teachers begin as RYT 200, gain teaching experience, and then upgrade to E-RYT 200. Same goes for RYT 500 to E-RYT 500. It’s a natural progression as you deepen your knowledge and spend more time teaching.
To upgrade, just:
- Keep a log of your teaching hours.
- Track the years you’ve been actively teaching.
- Maintain your Yoga Alliance registration.
Both RYT and E-RYT certifications serve distinct purposes on your yoga teaching path. If you’re just stepping into this world, RYT is the solid, structured starting point you need. But if you’ve already been guiding others on the mat and are ready to take on bigger leadership roles, E-RYT opens more doors and amplifies your impact.
In the end, it’s not just about a label—it’s about your evolution as a teacher, your desire to serve, and your commitment to the practice. Choose what aligns with your current stage, but keep your eyes on where you want to go.
