Raising standards nationally and internationally

Introducing Australia’s first nationally recognised Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching as well as Yoga Alliance and YTAA accredited program.

Byron Yoga Centre is proud to announce it is now a registered training organisation (RTO) and able to offer a Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching to complement our existing Level 1 and Level 2 courses. This new formal recognition means we now offer an expanded teacher training course incorporating additional certificate units designed to prepare the yoga teacher for all aspects of running a yoga studio. This qualification is recognised not only throughout Australia but internationally, and with the Yoga Alliance (YA) and the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia (YTAA).

Pete Jackson spoke with BYC Operations Manager, Vanessa Thompson, to find out how this new development in our teacher training benefits not only those new to teacher training but past students as well. 

Pete: So Vanessa ... what does RTO mean to teacher trainees?

Vanessa: Being an RTO means national recognition as a certified yoga training institution. We now offer nationally recognised yoga teacher training through the Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching, allowing our students to attain skills of the highest quality which are accepted and valued anywhere in Australia. It also means our teaching staff are nationally recognised for their training and assessment skills.



Pete: What did the Centre need to do in order to comply with these nationally agreed standards?

Vanessa: It underwent an extensive audit and compliance process to become an RTO. We were able to prove that our teacher training was of such a high standard and that our teachers are qualified to deliver all units set out in the Certificate IV course, including new additional units to prepare students for all aspects of yoga studio management and administration. 



Pete: How does this enhance the Centre’s training capacity, on a national level?



Vanessa: Registration is like a stamp of approval. It recognises us as a credible training provider that meets national standards. This means our teachers are seen as nationally accredited trainers and assessors, with our qualified Level 2 teachers delivering training of the highest quality in the form of the Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching. 



Pete: How does the accreditation change the way we teach? 



Vanessa: While the course content stays essentially the same, we have added some valuable material relevant to those students who wish to run a yoga studio. The added emphasis is on dealing with clients, our future yoga students, in the most professional way. What’s more, the units are transferable to other RTOs and may apply to other courses that our students may choose to do in the future. Perhaps of most interest and value are units in “Communicating Effectively with Clients”, “Senior First Aid”, “O H & S” as well as units based in health and medicine. The course still holds the internationally recognised Yoga Alliance 500 hour Accreditation and eligibility for the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia (350 hours).

Pete: What does it mean for our teachers?

Vanessa: It means our teachers are nationally accredited trainers and assessors, having successfully undertaken the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment  in addition to their yoga teaching qualifications, which means they are qualified to deliver appropriate training for the Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching.



Pete: How will fees reflect this new standard in teaching? 



Vanessa: The length of the course has been increased from seven to eight weeks, adding 40 contact hours. This has been reflected in the course price but also in the increase of course quality, delivery and assessment. Delivering the Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching means our students achieve a recognised qualification that is accepted not only in Australia but internationally. 



Pete: What can existing teachers look forward to with this new level of training?

Vanessa: BYC sees itself setting the standard in yoga teacher training in Australia. It’s hoped in the near future we’ll also be able to offer a short bridging course for those existing teachers who have completed the previous Level 1/2 course and who are seeking this higher level of accreditation.

Pete: How does it help our students, post study?

Vanessa: The training and qualification provided by RTOs are highly valued by employers and sought after by those developing a career. They’re also recognised by many public and private institutions, including hospitals and other health institutions, schools and sporting organisations, allowing the yoga teacher to explore possible new additional teaching opportunities beyond the private yoga studio.

Pete: So the horizon for past and current students has expanded significantly with the opportunity to attain this new higher qualification.

Vanessa: The new Certificate IV course offers an exciting way to further develop your yoga teacher training. It’s a great fit for any student who’s considering going beyond a Level 1 and 2 course now or in the future.

Byron Yoga Centre’s full time 8 week training is Australia’s first, fully accredited Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching and is also YA and YTAA accredited. Find out more about teacher training opportunities with Byron Yoga Centre by clicking here.