In the evolving world of yoga, credentials matter—especially for those who want to teach, lead workshops, or train future instructors. While many are familiar with RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), the term E-RYT holds even more weight in the yoga community. But what exactly does E-RYT mean? And how can it benefit your yoga teaching career? In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the E-RYT certification, its requirements, and why it’s a significant milestone for yoga teachers.
What is E-RYT?
E-RYT stands for Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, a credential awarded by Yoga Alliance to instructors who have not only completed the necessary teacher training hours (such as RYT 200 or RYT 500) but also have gained significant real-world teaching experience after certification.
This designation signals that a teacher isn’t just certified—they’re seasoned, knowledgeable, and capable of mentoring newer yoga teachers or even leading training programs.
Levels of E-RYT
There are two main levels of E-RYT, based on the amount of training and experience you have:
-
E-RYT 200: Awarded to those who have completed a 200-hour YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) and have taught at least 1,000 hours over a minimum of two years after completing the training.
-
E-RYT 500: For those who have completed a 500-hour YTT (or a 200-hour + 300-hour combination) and have taught 2,000+ hours over a minimum of four years.
These titles go beyond just academic training—they represent a mature understanding of yoga, the ability to guide others, and practical knowledge built through consistent teaching.
Why is E-RYT Important?
Whether you’re looking to grow your teaching career or establish a yoga school, becoming an E-RYT offers many benefits:
1. Recognition as an Experienced Teacher
Studios and students see E-RYT as a mark of trust. It shows you’ve spent years honing your skills in real-world settings.
2. Eligibility to Lead YTT Programs
Only E-RYTs can lead Yoga Alliance-registered yoga teacher trainings (RYS 200 or RYS 300). This is a huge step for those who want to open their own schools or lead teacher trainings.
3. Increased Teaching Opportunities
As an E-RYT, you’re more likely to be considered for advanced workshops, international retreats, and mentorship roles.
4. Better Earning Potential
Experience often translates to higher income, especially when leading retreats, private sessions, or teacher trainings.
How to Become an E-RYT
If you’re currently an RYT and want to earn your E-RYT designation, here’s a general path:
-
Complete a Certified YTT: You must complete a Yoga Alliance-recognized 200-hour (for E-RYT 200) or 500-hour (for E-RYT 500) teacher training.
-
Start Teaching: Begin logging your teaching hours immediately after certification. Keep records of where, when, and what you taught.
-
Meet the Hour Requirements:
-
E-RYT 200: 1,000 teaching hours over at least 2 years
-
E-RYT 500: 2,000 teaching hours over at least 4 years
-
-
Apply Through Yoga Alliance: Once eligible, submit your teaching logs, school credentials, and complete the online application.
RYT vs E-RYT: What’s the Difference?
While both RYT and E-RYT are certified through Yoga Alliance, the key difference lies in experience.
-
RYT indicates you’ve completed a training course and are registered.
-
E-RYT shows you’ve taken that knowledge into the world, taught extensively, and grown as a teacher.
To explore this difference in more depth, check out this helpful blog from Yog Kulam:
Where to Begin Your Journey?
If you’re just starting, finding a high-quality yoga school is the foundation. Yog Kulam, based in Rishikesh—the yoga capital of the world—offers Yoga Alliance-recognized 200-hour and 300-hour teacher training programs. These trainings are holistic, traditional, and designed to prepare you for a successful career in yoga.
And if you’re already certified and looking to deepen your path toward E-RYT status, Yog Kulam’s advanced YTTs and continued support can guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an E-RYT is more than a title—it’s a mark of dedication, growth, and trust. It reflects not only what you’ve learned but how much you’ve shared and impacted others through your teaching. Whether you aim to open your own school, lead teacher trainings, or expand your influence in the yoga community, E-RYT is a major milestone on your path.
