What is an AYC Specialist Designation?
A Certified Yoga Specialist (CYS) designation recognizes advanced education and focused expertise in a specific area of yoga. Specialists have the ability to provide AYC accredited programs within their specialty. See more about our standards here.
Unlike a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) credential, a CYS designation highlights teachers who have pursued significant additional training, practical experience, and ongoing study within a particular specialty.
How much does it cost?
The Specialist designation is a one-time $150 verification fee for each specialty.
Why is there an additional fee?
Becoming a specialist typically requires years of dedicated study, continuing education, mentorship, and real-world teaching experience. Our review process is designed to ensure that each designation accurately reflects that level of commitment.
Is it required?
No. Specialist designations are completely optional. Your core teaching credentials remain valuable on their own.
Can I receive a Specialty badge if I'm not a Specialist?
Absolutely! If you've completed specialty training, you can still have that training verified and displayed on your AYC profile as a Specialty Badge.
Specialty badges recognize that you have completed education in a particular area and make it easier for students, studios, and employers to see your qualifications.
A helpful reminder:
Specialty Badge = I completed specialty training.
Certified Yoga Specialist (CYS) = My education, experience, and
competency have been independently verified at an advanced level: I can educate others.
What are the CYS Levels?
Although specialty categories each have a unique review process, AYC generally offers four CYS levels to recognize progressive expertise:
Level 1 – Practitioner Educator: Demonstrates foundational specialty training and the ability to safely guide students within that specialty.
Level 2 – Teacher Trainer: Has at least four years (or 400 hours) of specialty teaching experience and can coach and mentor others.
Level 3 – Advanced Trainer: Has extensive teaching experience and the ability to adapt specialty practices for a wide range of students and learning needs.
Level 4 – Subject Matter Expert: Recognized as a leader in the specialty with decades of experience, advanced knowledge, and significant contributions to the community.
How to apply:
Visit the "Add Credentials" section of your teacher profile while in Edit mode and follow the prompts:
Who should apply?
The CYS designation is ideal for teachers who have developed substantial knowledge and experience in a specialty and want that expertise to be independently recognized on their AYC profile, and for those who want to provide training in their Specialty category.
If you're unsure whether your experience and training qualifies, our credentialing team is happy to help. Contact us at [email protected] at any time.