The Association of Yoga Professionals

Raising the Bar for Yoga

Welcome to The AYP, the world’s first and only certifying organization for teachers of hatha yoga. Founded in response to a growing consensus in the global yoga community that:

  • Standards for yoga teachers have become both too low and too poorly enforced; and,
  • At least in part because of this, yoga has become too often taught in ways that are either ineffective, unsafe or both;

The AYP seeks to offer a higher standard and greater accountability among teachers of yoga, as well as to help connect students of yoga with those teachers most qualified to serve their needs. As a service-based, 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, The AYP is committed to operating in accordance with yogic principles, and it is our pleasure and our honor to serve you!

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a yoga teacher, yoga student or yoga studio, The AYP has something to offer. Find out about the benefits, as well as the eligibility requirements of becoming an AYP Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT), Student Member or AYP Member Studio or Yoga School today!

A New Standard

Between a peer-reviewed application process, a standardized certification exam and a required course on ethics, you can be sure that all AYP Certified Yoga Teachers are highly qualified and deeply passionate about teaching yoga.

Continuing Education

In an effort to help both teachers and students up-level their knowledge base and skill set, The AYP offers a variety of courses, mentorships, trainings and other online resources. All AYP members are entitled to discounts on all AYP programs.

Yoga In Action

As a registered 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, The AYP is committed to donating 50% of its annual proceeds toward the The AYP Scholarship Fund. Click here to find out more about how you can support The AYP in its mission to be of service and raise the bar for yoga.

What Does The AYP Mean for Me?

If you’re a yoga instructor with a different credential, or if you’re a studio owner or Teacher Trainer who offers a training registered with another organization, you may have some questions about what The AYP can do for you. The short answer is, The AYP can do a lot. To find answers to many, if not all of your questions, please visit our FAQ page. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, you are always welcome and encouraged to send an email to: info@theayp.org.

The AYP is a community of yogis, by yogis and for yogis who care about preserving the integrity of the yoga tradition as it evolves to meet the needs of the modern world. If that describes you, we look forward to hearing from you, and we hope you will join us in our mission to bring more of yoga’s incredible benefits to more of the people who seek and need them.

With deep gratitude and excitement for what the future holds… Namaste!

Become a Student Member today and receive a free AYP T-Shirt!