If you’ve been looking into yoga teacher training, you’ve probably come across terms like “Yoga Alliance,” “Yoga Australia,” and “IICT.” But what do these registrations really mean? And how do they affect your path as a yoga teacher? 

With the recent announcement that our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training is now Yoga Alliance approved, we wanted to break it all down and help you understand what this means for you. 

What Is a Registered Yoga Teacher? 

A Registered Yoga Teacher is someone who has completed a yoga teacher training program that meets the standards set by an accrediting body, such as Yoga Alliance or Yoga Australia. Once you complete the training, you can register with that organisation and gain recognition as a professional yoga teacher. 

This registration can help with: 

• Insurance eligibility in many countries 

• Teaching opportunities in international settings or online platforms that require a Yoga Alliance RYT number 

• Credibility and professionalism as a teacher 

Understanding the Different Organisations 

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the commonly known associations: 

Yoga Alliance (YA) 

• Based in the USA, globally recognised 

• Allows you to register as an RYT after completing a Yoga Alliannce approved training 

• Useful for international teaching and credibility on global platforms 

Yoga Australia (YA) 

• The leading professional association for yoga teachers in Australia 

• Known for its comprehensive standards and strong advocacy for yoga as a profession 

• Recognised by many insurers and studios across Australia 

Side note: I’m a proud staff member and long-term member at Yoga Australia and can vouch for their genuine care, standards, and integrity!  Yoga Australia is my top recommendation for Australian teachers.

IICT (International Institute for Complementary Therapists) 

• A broad-based professional body covering many wellness modalities, including yoga 

• Offers affordable insurance options for multi-modality practitioners 

• Great for yoga teachers who are also coaches, bodyworkers, or other complementary health practitioners 

What This Means for Live to Serve Academy Students 

With our 200hr training now registered with Yoga Alliance, our students can: 

• Register internationally as RYTs 

• Enjoy access to broader teaching and insurance opportunities 

• Gain another stamp of approval for the depth and quality of the course 

This is in addition to our recognition with Yoga Australia, meaning you have multiple pathways for professional development, depending on your goals. 

Which Registration Should You Choose? 

It depends on your aspirations: 

• Want to teach overseas or on global platforms like Insight Timer or YouTube? Yoga Alliance is a helpful credential. 

• Staying in Australia and looking for the most widely respected registration? Yoga Australia is the gold standard. 

• Teaching yoga as part of a broader wellness business? IICT could be the most cost-effective and versatile option.  

You don’t need to register to be a good teacher. But professional registrations can make life easier, help you get insured, and open doors for teaching opportunities. 

At Live to Serve Academy, we’re proud to offer options that meet diverse student needs. Whether you're here to explore yoga more deeply or build a career in wellness, we're here to support your journey every step of the way.