Creating an AYC Accredited Training Program
Becoming an accredited training provider with the American Yoga Council shows your commitment to high-quality, ethical, and consistent yoga education. Follow these steps to design a program that meets AYC standards and serves your students effectively.
AYC Standards
AYC accreditation is based on professional, transparent, and measurable teaching outcomes.
Program details
Core Competencies
Faculty qualifications
Student assessment
Ethical and professional conduct
When you’re ready to start, travel to your school page and enter Edit mode. Select the button: Add Certification Program or Add CE Program. Here you will also be able to edit any drafts you have previously started. You can also start a brand new Certification Program by selecting “Create Credentials” from the drop down menu in the upper right hand corner.
Select Badge:
Select the correct AYC Level CYT1-3 (Certified Yoga Teacher) or CYP (Certified Yoga Practitioner). Your students will have the option to be awarded this AYC badge upon graduation when they submit their teaching credentials on their profile.Fill out additional information regarding the structure of your program
Program overview: Explain the purpose, expectations and style/lineage of your training program.
Core Competencies: Define Your Learning Objectives
Write specific outcomes for each section of your program. Graduates should leave with measurable skills and knowledge. This is the most important part of your program application.Option to add photos and videos for a beautiful program page
Core Competencies
AYC accreditation is based on professional, transparent, and measurable teaching outcomes. Keep each learning objective clear and outcome-based.
Our prompt: “By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…” Your answer: 1. What the students will learn. 2. How well 3.How it will be assessed
These competencies are the foundation of your credentialing program. An effective program will clearly outline what the course is about, will attract the right students, and ensure they leave feeling adequately prepared to teach post graduation. Each competency will be rated by student experience upon completion of the program in an effort to keep teachers accountable, and understand where there is room for improvement. This also gives AYC the opportunity to showcase highly rated programs.
See worksheets attached below for additional help writing core competencies
Verify Faculty Qualifications
List each lead trainer and supporting faculty. AYC requires that lead trainers meet a minimum professional standard and demonstrate current, active teaching experience. At least 2/3 of your program must be led by faculty certified one level above the certification offered.
Submit Student Assessments
Include written, practical, and teaching evaluations. Students must show competency in all key areas before graduation. Define clear criteria for passing and provide feedback throughout the program.
Set your AYC verification fee
All members pay a one time fee when uploading their teaching credentials (in order to receive an AYC badge). We give schools the power to set this fee at a number that feels true to them.
Verification fees are payable to AYC 40% goes to you (the school) 10% to the Give Back Fund, 50% AYC Operations.
Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct outlines the shared values, expectations, and standards of behavior for everyone participating in the teacher training. It serves as a guide for how we treat one another, uphold professionalism, and maintain a safe, respectful learning environment. Each school is required to submit their own code of conduct in addition to the one set by AYC.
Apply for Accreditation
Submit your application at the bottom of the page. If applicable, pay the one time accreditation fee of $108. Once received, your program moves into review. You’ll receive feedback or an approval notice once the review is complete.
Creating an AYC-accredited training program requires clarity, structure, and accountability. When done well, it elevates your credibility and ensures a consistent, high-quality learning experience for your students.
For additional assistance creating your Core Competencies, we have included the following worksheets. Please download, copy and paste the text into a new document to use as a guide.