A considered path to teaching yoga.
The EYF Pedagogical Committee sets a shared training framework for schools seeking certification from the federation, while respecting different yoga traditions and approaches.
- Teacher training
- 640 hours
- Minimum period of study
- 4 years
- Areas of study
- 6 areas
One petal for each area of study, as long as its share of the hours.
Practice with depth. Teaching with care.
These are the European Yoga Federation's requirements for the certification of yoga teacher training schools and their programmes.
EYF teacher training comprises 640 hours over a minimum of four years, combining theoretical study, personal practice and teaching skills.
Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of yoga.
Deepen personal experience and understanding of the yogic path.
Learn to communicate yoga clearly and with an open mind.
Explore different traditions and approaches with flexibility and respect.
Six areas.
One foundation.
The minimum programme combines knowledge, personal experience and the ability to teach.
Select an area to see what it covers.
Yoga methodology100hours
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the study of different paths of yoga, and Hatha Yoga practice.
General knowledge60hours
Yoga history, Ayurveda, Indian epics, Western philosophy and psychology, and the relationship between Eastern and Western thought.
Philosophy120hours
The six darshanas, key texts of the yoga tradition, Hinduism, Tantra and Buddhism.
Pedagogy90hours
Teaching methods, class structure, the teacher–student relationship, knowledge of the body, injury prevention and first aid.
Theory and practice of yoga160hours
Anatomy and physiology, asana, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, relaxation, concentration and meditation.
Elective study110hours
Time allocated to elective study within the training programme.
It starts with your own practice.
Students entering an EYF-certified school's yoga teacher training programme must:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Already practise yoga.
- Be motivated to undertake the training.
Assessment and certification
Minimum length of the final thesis, assessed by the school.
Continuous assessment
EYF recommends continuous assessment of each student's understanding and yogic attitude throughout the programme.
The final assessment
Schools determine the form of the final assessment. It must include oral, written, practical, pedagogical and theoretical elements, together with a final thesis of at least 40 pages assessed by the school.
EYF certification
The certified school submits a final report, including a pass or no-pass outcome, to the EYF Pedagogical Committee. The committee issues the corresponding EYF Yoga Teacher Certification.
Questions about the EYF framework?
Contact the Secretariat for information about teacher training standards and school certification.