Questions About Correspondence Courses for Yoga Instructor Certification

You may wonder how a person can become a Yoga Instructor through correspondence courses, online learning or through a program offered on a DVD. These are some of the options available for the new teacher or an already practicing teacher to gain more certification in the same or different areas of yoga. With time being unavailable to many persons wishing to further their education or money not being available to travel to distant locations to further their education, online and correspondence courses and distance learning are very appealing. The following are some common questions and answers about Yoga Certification through correspondence courses.

Q. How can I become a Yoga Instructor without training face-to-face with a certified instructor and how can I become certified without having the personal contact of a certified instructor?

A. With streaming video, the Internet has provided a new way to communicate with your instructor with many types of online and DVD training. Instead of the traditional still pictures used in the past and extensive reading required by the old way of distance learning and correspondence courses, correspondence and distance learning have changed the way a student and teacher interact. With Internet email and Internet telephone now available at no additional cost, and online video chatting available, communication is instant and corrections or testing can done immediately. Many certified yoga instructors can be recertified through non-contact continuing education units (CEUs) available online for continuing education of Yoga Instructors and are approved by the Yoga Registries.

Q. There must be testing requirements. What type of testing is given?

A. There are testing requirements. Instead of the traditional true and false questions, you are given essay questions, which will help you retain more of the information you learn. There will also be research questions and a synopsis you will have to tackle. Then up to 50% of your grade will be based on a video you make demonstrating several yoga techniques including meditation techniques, breathing and relaxing exercises. You will be required to demonstrate, adjust, assist and explain pranayama (breathing) and asana (posture). Depending on the type of exam you are given other requirements may include but not be limited to Mudras (gestures with the hand) and bandhas (locks).

Q. Will I have to know all of the Hatha Yoga aspects?

A. In order for a Hatha Yoga Instructor distance learning course to be well-rounded, it should contain at least the following educational materials: yoga philosophy, yoga teaching methodology, asana and adjusting posture alignment, chakras, bandhas, anatomy, physiology, modifications, kinesiology, mudras and yamas, pranayama, niyamas, meditation and relaxation. A good course will also include yoga teacher ethics, how to work with kids, seniors, special needs persons and teaching tips.

These are requirements that anyone aspiring to become a Certified Yoga Instructor should know to reach Level I certification. There are more advanced training courses available, which include continuing education units, to further your education and your level of certification and expertise.