Here you can get information on exams, badges and certification from Yoga Teacher Central.

We think you’ll enjoy taking the exams. The questions are well-thought-out and the subject matter is quite engaging and significant for teachers. You’ll get an inspiring teaching after answering each question. At the end of the exam, you see a summary of wrong answers and the relevant teachings,  giving you a personal study guide targeted to your needs.

This is an hour well-spent!

Get links below for each exam, and for a no-risk trial exam.

For information on yoga teaching standards in general, and information on the Study Program, see Teacher Certification Overview. For additional resources, scroll down to “Related Information.”

What You Need to Know

1. You may take any of the 12 exams in any order.
2. Once you begin the exam, you have a time limit (25 to 90 minutes, depending on exam length).
3. You have 3 tries and 30 days to pass each exam.
4. Each exam is $12 USD. You will not be charged for multiple attempts, and there is no consequence for re-takes.
5. After submitting each answer, you’ll be notified if it is correct or incorrect and get a teaching that includes the answer. At the end of the exam, you see a summary of wrong answers and the relevant teachings,  giving you a personal study guide targeted to your needs.
6. Passing requires 75% correct. For each exam you pass, you’ll get a certificate of passing.
7. There are two or three exams in each category (Humanities, Anatomy, Safety, Teaching Arts, and Yoga Techniques). After passing all exams within a category, you earn a badge.
8. After passing all exams, you earn certification status and the certified logo.
9. Teachers who earn badges and certification will be posted on a public page to provide verification of their results.
10. Get links to each exam below.

The questions appear like this:

Free No-Risk Trial Exam

Get a feel for how the exams work with this free sample exam. You are warmly invited to provide feedback if you have any. We’d love to know what you think, and to incorporate your thoughts.

• Don’t worry about whether you’re prepared or not. It’s just an opportunity to see how the exams work. It will not be counted as having taken an exam.
• The sample exam is on the Roots of Yoga. To prepare or to view the scope and focus of this subject matter, review self-assessments here and here.
• You’ll get immediate feedback on whether each answer is correct or not.
• There are 25 questions plus a 15-word vocab mix and match, so it’s likely to take you 15 to 30 minutes. You have a 45-minute time limit.

Take Free Sample Exam

All Exam Links Here

After you’ve passed the exams in a category, email us. We’ll confirm your status and send you the badge. After passing all exams, we’ll send you the certification logo. After each badge and certification, we’ll add you to a public list for verification of your status.

Here are quick links to every exam. For details on each, scroll down.

Roots of Yoga exam

Yoga Philosophy Foundations exam

Anatomy & Biomechanics exam

Physiology exam

Student Safety Foundations exam

Ethics & Equity exam

Teaching Foundations exam

Adaptation Foundations exam

Personal & Professional Concerns exam (coming Apr 14)

Breath & Pranayama Foundations exam (coming Apr 17, 2024)

Asana, Mantra & Meditation Foundations exam (coming Apr 20)

Pose Categories exam (coming April 23)

HUMANITIES Level 1

Roots of Yoga Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 45 min
• Questions — 25 questions
• Point Value — 39 points (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Required to Pass — 30 points (75%)

Subjects

• Origins & Sources of Yoga
• Branches of Yoga
• Sanskrit Introduction
• Sanskrit Study & Teaching Tips
• Sanskrit First Words for Teachers

Readiness

• Yoga History self-assessment
• Sanskrit self-assessment

Take Exam

• Roots of Yoga exam

Yoga Philosophy Foundations Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 45 min
• Questions — 26 questions
• Point Value — 51 points (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Required to Pass — 39 points (75%)

Subjects

• Defining Yoga
• Foundational Philosophies
• Bhagavad Gita Introduction
• Yoga Sutras Historical Context
• Yoga Sutras Overview & Structure
• Kleshas Introduction
• Eight Limbs Overview
• Yamas & Niyamas Overview

Readiness

• Yoga Philosophy Foundations self-assessment

Take Exam

• Yoga Philosophy Foundations exam

ANATOMY Level 1

Anatomy & Biomechanics Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 90 min
• Questions — 43 questions
• Point Value — 120 points (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Required to Pass — 90 points (75%)

Subjects

• Tips for Studying & Teaching Anatomy
• Anatomy & Study for Safety and Accommodations
• Musculoskeletal System Intro
• Connective Tissue & Fascia
• Location & Movement Terminology
• Muscle Movement & Contraction
• Joint Movements & ROM
• Muscle Pairs & Pose Examples
• Hyperextension & Hypermobility
• Spinal Regions & Vertebrae
• Back Muscles
• Spinal Functions
• Spinal Movements
• Healthy Posture
• Postural Issues & Conditions
• Teaching Spinal Anatomy & Posture
• Core Form & Function
• Core Fundamental Teachings
• TA & Engaging Deeper Abs
• Pelvic Floor
• Pelvis & Hips Anatomy Intro
• Hip Muscles
• Pelvic Tilt & Hip Movements

Readiness

• Anatomy & Physiology Prep self-assessment
• Musculoskeletal System self-assessment
• Spine & Back Anatomy self-assessment
• Anatomy of Posture self-assessment
• Core Anatomy self-assessment
• Pelvic Anatomy self-assessment

Take Exam

• Anatomy & Biomechanics exam

Physiology Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 75 min
• Questions — 37 questions
• Point Value — 56 points (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Required to Pass — 42 points (75%)

Subjects

1. How Yoga Supports Health & Physiology
2. How Trauma Affects Physiology & Wellness
3. Nervous System Overview
4. The Vagus Nerve
5. Stress & Relaxation Response
6. Why Yoga Works 
7. Respiratory Anatomy Introduction
8. Accessory Muscles & More
9. Physiology of Flexibility & Stretching
10. Stretch-Related Reflexes
11. Stretching Issues & Techniques 

Readiness

• Physiology, General self-assessment
• Nervous System & Stress self-assessment
• Respiratory Anatomy Self-Assessment
• Flexibility & Stretching Self-Assessment

Take Exam

• Physiology exam

SAFETY Level 1

Student Safety Foundations Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 25 min
• Questions — 13 questions
• Point Value — 13 points
• Required to Pass — 10 points (75%)

Subjects

• Injuries & Conditions in Yoga
• When to Refer Out
• Contraindications by Condition
• About Sensation & Pain

Readiness

• Student Safety Foundations self-assessment

Take Exam

• Student Safety Foundations exam

Ethics & Equity Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 30 min
• Questions — 20 questions
• Point Value — 20 points
• Required to Pass — 15 points (75%)

Subjects

• Teacher-Student Relationships & Ethics
• Equity in Yoga – Inclusion & Diversity
• Inclusive & Accepting Word Choice
• Cultural Appropriation & Cultural Exchange
• Body Positivity + Larger Bodies

Readiness

• Ethics & Equity self-assessment

Take Exam

• Ethics & Equity exam

TEACHING ARTS Level 1

Teaching Foundations Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 75 min
• Questions — 62 questions
• Point Value — 62 points
• Required to Pass — 47 points (75%)

Subjects

• Teaching Methodology Foundations Overview
• Humility & Boundaries
• Personal Practice & Study – Foundations
• Skillful Teaching
• Promoting Safety
• Space & Logistics Checklist
• Sacred Space & Ritual
• Teaching with Themes
• Body Language, Authenticity & Presence
• Sonic Components of Voice
• Wise Word Choice
• Defining & Teaching Alignment
• General Alignment Principles
• Choosing Alignment Cues
• Problem Cues: Spine & Pelvis
• Problem Cues: Standing Poses
• Adjusting & Assisting Guidelines
• Mindful Asana Transitions
• Inviting Inspiration
• Class Elements
• Sequencing Fundamentals & Guidelines
• Choosing & Arranging Poses
• Segmenting Your Class
• Sequencing & Pacing to Balance Energy

Readiness

• Teaching Foundations self-assessment
• Your Presence as the Teacher self-assessment
• Alignment, Adjustments & Transitions self-assessment
• Sequencing Foundations self-assessment

Take Exam

• Teaching Foundations exam

Adaptations Foundations Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — 25 min
• Questions — 14 questions
• Point Value — 14 points
• Required to Pass — 11 points (75%)

Subjects

• Adaptation Principles
• Trauma Informed Teaching
• Working with Pain
• Pregnancy & Yoga
• Yoga & Pregnancy Cautions
• Beginners Introduction
• What Students Want & Need
• Mixed Level Classes

Readiness

• Adaptation Foundations self-assessment

Take Exam

• Adaptation Foundations exam

Personal & Professional Concerns Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — x min
• Questions — x questions (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Point Value — x points
• Required to Pass — x points (75%)

Subjects

• Reaching Your Teaching Potential
• Personal Practice & Study
• Inspiration to Teach
• Self-Care & Burnout
• The Business of Teaching
• Building Business & Revenue Streams
• Marketing Your Yoga Business
• Insurance & Continuing Ed

Readiness

• Personal Practice & Self-Care self-assessment
• Business of Teaching self-assessment

Take Exam

• Personal & Professional Concerns exam (avail Apr 14, 2024)

YOGA TECHNIQUES Level 1

Breath & Pranayama Foundations

Structure

• Time Limit — x min
• Questions — x questions (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Point Value — x points
• Required to Pass — x points (75%)

Subjects

• Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy
• Koshas Overview
• Chakras Introduction
• Pranayama Philosophy
• Breath Teaching Cautions
• Healthy & Restricted Breathing
• Natural Effortless Breathing
• Basic Breath Training
• Yogic Breathing
• Pranayama Teaching Foundations
• Ujjayi
• Nadi Shodhana
• Kapalabhati & Bhastrika

Readiness

• Subtle Body Foundations self-assessment
• Breathing Foundations self-assessment
• Pranayama Techniques self-assessment

Take Exam

• Breath & Pranayama Foundations exam (coming Apr 17, 2024)

Asana, Mantra & Meditation Foundations Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — x min
• Questions — x questions (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Point Value — x points
• Required to Pass — x points (75%)

Subjects

• Mudras Introduction
• Bandhas Introduction
• Purpose of Asana
• Pose Families Introduction
• Asana Categories Overview
• Mantras & Chanting Introduction
• Meditation & Mindfulness Introduction
• Meditation Effects
• Teaching Meditation

Readiness

• Asana Foundations self-assessment
• Mantras & Meditation Foundations self-assessment

Take Exam

• Asana, Mantra & Meditation Foundations exam (coming Apr 20, 2024)

Pose Categories Exam

Structure

• Time Limit — x min
• Questions — x questions (some questions are multi-part, vocab mix-and-match)
• Point Value — x points
• Required to Pass — x points (75%)

Subjects

• Standing Poses
• Surya Namaskar & Vinyasa Yoga
• Balancing Poses
• Core Strengthening Poses
• Arm Balancing Poses
• Backbending Poses
• Forward Bending & Hip Stretching
• Twisting Poses
• Inversion Poses
• Lateral & Asymmetrical Poses
• Meditation Seats
• Chair Yoga
• Restorative Yoga
• Yin Yoga

Readiness

• Pose Foundations self-assessment

Take Exam

• Pose Categories exam (coming April 23, 2024)

Related Information

See the following for factual, verifiable information on the Yoga Alliance registry, alternatives, teaching competency issues, proposed standards alternatives, and related subjects.

1. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR STANDARDS? — State of the self-governing yoga teaching field; many highly qualified teachers do not register with YA
2. TEACHING KNOWLEDGE STANDARDS — Proposed knowledge standards for yoga teachers
3. HEART OF YOGA YOGA TEACHING STANDARDS — Proposed standards in general including acknowledgement that “Yoga must be adapted to the individual, not the individual to the Yoga”
4. YTC TEACHER CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW — Yoga Teacher Central offerings
5. EXAMS, BADGES & CERTIFICATION — Yoga Teacher Central certification process
6. YOGA ALLIANCE MISPERCEPTIONS — Registration, certification, accreditation; Yoga Alliance misperceptions; why you don’t need to pay the YA fees; teacher and trainer reports of YA issues
7. OPTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS — YA alternatives; other organizations and standards proposals
8. INSURANCE PROVIDERS — Insurance options for yoga teachers and trainers (YA registration not required)