How to Become a Certified Yoga Teacher: A Guide to Yoga Certification Board Courses, Levels & Fees

What is the Yoga Certification Board (YCB)?

The Yoga Certification Board (YCB) was established in 2018 by the Ministry of AYUSH to bring standardisation, credibility, and recognition to yoga education.

Its primary goals are to:

• Develop uniform standards for yoga education.
• Certify yoga teachers, evaluators, and therapists.
• Accredit yoga institutions across India and abroad.
• Promote yoga as a career path with government recognition.
• Integrate yoga with modern healthcare through therapeutic training.

Simply put: If you want to teach yoga in India with credibility, YCB certification is the gold standard.

Why is YCB Certification Worth It? The Value of Government Recognition

Before YCB was created, yoga teaching in India was mostly unregulated. Many people were teaching yoga without a standardised syllabus, which led to variations in quality and authenticity.

The YCB was set up to:

• Standardise yoga education across India and globally.
• Provide government-recognised certifications for yoga professionals.
• Ensure quality assurance in yoga training and teaching.
• Promote yoga as a career with structured levels of qualification.
• Bridge traditional yoga knowledge with modern validation.

The YCB Certification Pathway: All Levels Explained

The YCB offers a structured progression:

• Yoga Volunteer – Level 0 (36 Hours)— Introductory awareness program.
• Yoga Protocol Instructor – Level 1 (200 Hours) — Entry-level teaching qualification.
• Yoga Wellness Instructor – Level 2 (400 Hours) — Yoga for preventive health & wellness.
• Yoga Teacher & Evaluator – Level 3 (800 Hours) — Advanced teaching & evaluation.
• Yoga Master – Level 4 (1600 Hours) — In-depth mastery of yoga practices and philosophy.
• Assistant Yoga Therapist – Level 5 (400 Hours) — Basics of yoga therapy.
• Yoga Therapist – Level 6 (800 Hours)— Professional application of yoga in healthcare.
• Therapeutic Yoga Consultant – Level 7 (1600 Hours) — Highest level: research & consultancy.

Now let’s dive into each level in detail.

🧘 1. Yoga Volunteer – Level 0 (36 Hours)

Overview

This is the foundation course offered by YCB. It is designed for yoga enthusiasts who want to:

• Understand yoga fundamentals
• Learn the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP)
• Volunteer in community yoga programs

It is not a professional teaching qualification, but acts as a gateway to higher-level certifications.

Syllabus

• Introduction to Yoga: History, meaning, and schools of yoga.
• Common Yoga Protocol: Asanas, pranayama, meditation, relaxation.
• Wellness Principles: Yoga for daily life, stress relief, and mental health.
• Community Contribution: How to participate in Yoga Day events and awareness programs.

Eligibility

Minimum age: No Bar

Open to all (no prior education needed).

Exam & Certification

No formal written exam.

Completion certificate awarded by YCB.

Career Scope

Can work as a yoga volunteer in awareness campaigns.

Eligible to join higher-level YCB courses.

🧘 2. Yoga Protocol Instructor- Level 1 (200 Hours)

Overview

This is the first professional-level certification.

Trains you to teach yoga at the community level.

Focuses on CYP practices, widely taught during International Yoga Day.

Syllabus

• Asana Training: 40+ basic yoga postures.
• Pranayama & Kriyas: Breathing techniques and cleansing practices.
• Philosophy: Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga texts (introductory level).
• Anatomy & Physiology: Basics of body systems and yoga’s impact.
• Teaching Skills: Conducting group yoga sessions, safety, and communication.

Eligibility

Minimum 10th pass (Class 10).

Age: 18 years and above.

Career Scope

Community yoga instructor.

Eligible to teach in schools, local societies, NGOs, and small wellness centres.

🧘 3. Yoga Wellness Instructor- Level 2 (400 Hours)

Overview

This course is designed for those who want to teach yoga for preventive healthcare and wellness.

Moves beyond CYP to include therapeutic applications for common health conditions.

Syllabus

• Advanced Asanas & Pranayama: Over 60 postures with modifications.
• Shatkarmas: Cleansing practices like Neti, Dhauti, Kapalabhati.
• Yoga Therapy Basics: Yoga for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and stress.
• Lifestyle Applications: Yoga for students, seniors, and office-goers.
• Philosophy: In-depth study of classical yoga texts.
• Advanced Anatomy & Physiology: Musculoskeletal, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
• Teaching Methodology: Designing structured yoga classes.

Eligibility

Minimum 12th pass (Class 12).

Prior experience in yoga practice is recommended.

Career Scope

Yoga teacher in AYUSH wellness centre, schools, fitness centres, and studios.

Corporate yoga trainer.

Run own yoga studio focusing on wellness.

🧘 4. Yoga Teacher & Evaluator- Level 3 (800 Hours)

Overview

An advanced-level certification.

Prepares you to teach, evaluate, and assess yoga students.

Suitable for senior teaching roles in universities and institutes.

Syllabus

• Advanced Practices: Asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas.
• Yoga Texts: Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita.
• Pedagogy & Evaluation: Methods of teaching and assessing yoga students.
• Therapeutic Yoga: Application for chronic diseases and mental health.
• Research Orientation: Basics of yoga research and academic writing.

Eligibility

Minimum graduate degree in any stream.

Prior YCB certification (Yoga Wellness Instructor) required.

Career Scope

Senior yoga teacher.

Examiner/Evaluator for YCB exams.

Head of yoga departments in colleges/universities.

🧘 5. Yoga Master- Level 4 (1600 Hours)

Overview

This is the highest teaching-focused certification offered by YCB.

Represents mastery of yoga philosophy, practices, and teaching skills.

Prepares candidates for academic and leadership roles.

Syllabus

• Complete Mastery of Practices: Asanas, pranayama, mudras, kriyas, meditation.
• Philosophy: Detailed study of all major yoga scriptures.
• Advanced Anatomy & Physiology: Integration with medical sciences.
• Pedagogy: Designing yoga teacher training curriculums.
• Research & Publication: Guidance in yoga research projects.

Eligibility

Postgraduate/doctoral level education recommended.

Strong prior background in yoga required.

Career Scope

Yoga master trainer.

Curriculum developer for institutes.

Research guide in yoga studies.

🧘 6. Assistant Yoga Therapist- Level 5 (400 Hours)

Overview

Introduces yoga students to the field of yoga therapy.

Prepares them to assist yoga therapists in hospitals, clinics, and wellness centres.

Syllabus

• Yoga Therapy Basics: Yoga for lifestyle diseases (diabetes, obesity, hypertension).
• Patient Handling Skills: Working under supervision.
• Introduction to Ayurveda & Naturopathy.
• Yoga for Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, depression.

Eligibility

Minimum 12th pass.

Prior yoga training required.

Career Scope

Work as an assistant yoga therapist.

Entry-level clinical yoga roles.

🧘 7. Yoga Therapist- Level 6 (800 Hours)

Overview

One of the most important professional certifications.

Prepares candidates to use yoga for disease management and rehabilitation.

Syllabus

• Yoga Therapy Protocols: For diabetes, hypertension, asthma, arthritis, back pain, and depression.
• Clinical Exposure: Internships in hospitals and clinics.
• Case Studies: Practical training with patients.
• Research: Basics of evidence-based yoga therapy.

Eligibility

Graduate degree required.

Must have completed the Assistant Yoga Therapist course or equivalent.

Career Scope

Work as a Yoga Therapist in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and wellness clinics.

Collaborate with doctors, psychologists, and physiotherapists.

International opportunities in healthcare centres and yoga therapy retreats.

🧘 8. Therapeutic Yoga Consultant- Level 7 (1600 Hours)

Overview

The highest professional recognition in YCB’s therapeutic pathway.

Suitable for experienced yoga therapists and researchers.

Focuses on consultancy, research, and advanced clinical yoga therapy.

Syllabus

• Advanced Yoga Therapy Research.
• Specialised Clinical Yoga Protocols.
• Integration with Modern Medicine.
• Supervision of Yoga Therapists.
• Research Publications.

Eligibility

Postgraduate/Doctoral qualifications.

Significant prior experience in yoga therapy.

Career Scope

Yoga therapy consultant in hospitals.

Lead researcher in yoga therapy projects.

International career opportunities in universities and healthcare centers.

How to Get YCB Certification: The Exam Process

Every YCB exam tests knowledge, practice, and teaching skills:

• Theory Exam: 2 Hours Multiple-choice Questions Exam on philosophy, anatomy, and yoga methods.
• Practical Exam: Demonstration of asanas, pranayama, kriyas, meditation.
• Viva-Voce (Oral Exam): Interactive Q&A on theory and teaching ability.

👉 Exams are conducted online and offline through YCB-accredited exam centres.

⏳ Validity & Renewal of Certificates

YCB Promotes Continuing Yoga Education Program. By default, all professional-level certificates of YCB, AYUSH have a 5-year validity. After that, you can renew it with a nominal amount or upgrade it to the next level.

👉 Renewal ensures teachers stay updated and competent.

How Much Does YCB Certification Cost? (Exam Fees vs. Training)

(Approximate exam fees charged by YCB exam center; course fees vary by institution.)

👉 Note: Training fees depend on the institute, online/offline mode, and facilities provided. Foreigners will have different fees structure.

What Can You Do With a YCB Certificate? (Career Opportunities)

• Yoga Instructor in schools, colleges, and fitness centres.
• Yoga Therapist in hospitals and rehab clinics.
• Corporate Yoga Trainer for workplace wellness.
• Studio Owner / Entrepreneur.
• Evaluator / Researcher for YCB.
• International Trainer in wellness resorts and retreats.

🎯 Final Thoughts

The Yoga Certification Board (YCB) provides a structured pathway for yoga professionals — from beginners to masters. Whether your dream is to:

• Teach yoga in schools and studios,
• Work in hospitals as a yoga therapist, or
• Become a consultant and researcher in therapeutic yoga,

…YCB certification opens the doors to government-recognised credibility and international opportunities.

👉 If you are ready to begin, explore our YCB Yoga Teacher Training Courses at yogashout.com and take the first step toward becoming a government-certified yoga professional.