The Difference Between 200hr and 500hr Yoga Teacher Training — Which One’s Right for You? 

If you're considering becoming a yoga teacher — or deepening your path as one — you've likely come across the terms 200hr and 500hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). But what do they really mean, and how do you know which one is right for you? 

At Live to Serve Academy we offer both. In this article, I’ll walk you through the differences between these two levels of training, what each can offer you, and how to choose the path that aligns with where you are now, and where you're heading. 

What is a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training? 

A 200hr YTT is the foundational training required to become a certified yoga teacher. It offers the essential knowledge and skills needed to begin teaching yoga confidently and safely. 

You’ll typically cover: 

• Asana (physical postures) — technique, alignment, and modifications 

• Anatomy and physiology 

• Basic pranayama 

• Meditation and mindfulness 

• Yoga wisdom and ethics 

• Sequencing and class planning 

• Teaching skills and practice 

This training is often the first step into the world of yoga teaching, and is suitable for: 

• Beginners or newer practitioners who want to deepen their practice 

• Those curious about becoming a teacher 

• Anyone looking for a systematic approach to learning about the wisdom and methodology of yoga 

At Live to Serve Academy, our 200hr YTT is rooted in holistic wisdom, blending classical asana, Ayurveda, mantra meditation, and personal development to help you not only become a certified teacher — but to truly live and embody the teachings. 

Yoga Australia and Yoga Alliance Standards: 

Graduates of a 200hr training meet the requirements for provisional registration with Yoga Australia, and are eligible for 200hr certification with Yoga Alliance. Yoga Australia recommends continuing to a 350hr level for full membership and professional recognition within the Australian yoga community. 

What is a 500hr Yoga Teacher Training? 

A 500hr YTT is an advanced level training. In most cases, this is a combination of your 200hr certification plus an additional 300hr training (at Live to Serve Academy, I refer to it as our 300hr Advanced YTT). 

This training includes two certification milestones, allowing students to advance through 350-hour and 500-hour qualifications as part of their progressive learning journey. 

This level is designed to: 

• Deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and energetics 

• Expand your teaching skillset with more advanced techniques, sequencing, and therapeutics 

• Support you to work with more complex student needs (injuries, life stages, special populations) 

• Refine your voice, leadership, and impact as a teacher 

• Explore and develop skills for running workshops and retreats 

• Deepen your personal sadhana (spiritual practice) 

At Live to Serve Academy, our 500hr program combines both the 200hr and 300hr advanced training into one complete pathway — or can be taken as a 300hr post-grad if you already have your 200hr certification. Our focus is on giving you the tools to become not just a yoga teacher, but a confident practitioner who lives, leads, and serves with confidence.

Yoga Australia and Yoga Alliance Recognition: Completing 350hr or 500hr qualifications meets the Level 1 and Level 2 teacher registration requirements with Yoga Australia, respectively. These higher levels of registration are well-suited for teachers looking to specialise in areas such as Ayurveda for Yoga, Yin Yoga, or Kids Yoga, and may also support your eligibility to teach on YTT faculties, deliver professional development courses, or run workshops. 500hr graduates are also eligible for the Yoga Alliance 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500) designation. 

How to Choose Which One is Right for You 

Choose 200hr if: 

• You’re newer to yoga and want a comprehensive introduction 

• You’re ready to take the first step into teaching 

• You’re craving personal growth and community through yoga 

• You're already working with an existing modality and want to blend yoga into what you're already doing. 

Choose 500hr if: 

• You already have a 200hr and are ready to go deeper 

• You’re looking for professional development or mentorship 

• You feel called to elevate your offerings and impact 

• You'd like to work with a more holistic and therapeutic framework 

• You’re on the path to training and mentoring other teachers 

Both trainings offer transformation, but in different ways. The 200hr gives you the essential tools to start. The 500hr helps you refine, deepen, and expand. 

Final Thoughts 

Yoga is a lifelong journey, and your training should support you not just to teach — but to live, learn, and serve with confidence. Whether you’re just beginning or ready to go further, there is a training path that’s right for you. 

Ready to start or continue your journey? 

Explore our 200hr and 500hr Yoga Teacher Training programs - both fully online and guided by a team who walks the path with you. 

Start your Yoga & Ayurveda journey today! Deepen your practice, transform your life, and discover the joy of serving with our Yoga Teacher Training - fully online and self-paced, with live mentoring.