About Iyengar Certified Teachers
Teacher certification in the Iyengar system is standardized throughout the world and monitored by National Iyengar Yoga Associations. No other system of yoga has a nationally administered test to ensure the expertise and quality of its teachers. The standards for Iyengar teacher certification are set by B.K.S. Iyengar and monitored in the United States by the BKS Iyengar National Yoga Association of the United States.
Teachers in the Iyengar system are held to rigorous standards. They must study yoga and then teaching skills for a minimum of four years, tutor with, and undergo the observation of a mentor, be recommended by two certified Iyengar teachers, and pass two thorough tests before being certified. There are five levels of certification, each subdivided into two or three sub-levels.
Teachers must pass an extensive two-day assessment at each sub-level. The assessment includes a demonstration of the candidate's practice of the appropriate level of asana and pranayama (poses and breath-work); a written exam covering philosophical material, teaching points and modifications for common problems; and a practice class in which the candidate demonstrates his or her teaching skills in front of three senior teachers who act as assessors.
Iyengar yoga teachers' studies do not end after earning a teaching certificate. All certified teachers are expected to undergo continuing education with Senior Level teachers and/or the Iyengars.