Is ISSA Yoga Certification Nationally Accredited? A Comprehensive Guide

As a yoga instructor, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to obtain your certification. Your certification not only ensures that you have the skills and knowledge to teach effectively but also impacts your credibility in the eyes of students, studios, and employers. In today’s world, with many different certification programs available, it’s essential to know whether a specific program is nationally accredited—especially if you're planning to teach at a studio or seek employment at a fitness facility.

One such program is ISSA Yoga Certification, offered by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). If you’re considering this certification, you might wonder: Is ISSA Yoga Certification nationally accredited?

In this blog post, we will answer that question and explore what it means for a yoga certification program to be nationally accredited, how ISSA compares to other yoga certification programs, and what the ISSA Yoga Certification can offer you.

1. What Is National Accreditation for Yoga Certifications?

National accreditation for yoga certification programs means that the program has met the standards set by an officially recognized body, such as the Yoga Alliance, or in some cases, other organizations that specialize in fitness, health, or education. Accreditation is a way of ensuring that the program adheres to specific quality standards and that the certification holds value in the broader professional community.

For example, many yoga instructors and studios recognize certifications from the Yoga Alliance because it is the largest and most widely accepted accrediting body in the yoga industry. A certification that is accredited by Yoga Alliance allows instructors to register as RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), which is often a requirement for teaching at many studios and gyms.

2. Is ISSA Yoga Certification Nationally Accredited?

The ISSA Yoga Certification is not directly accredited by Yoga Alliance or similar yoga-specific organizations. ISSA is a well-known organization for fitness and personal training certifications, and it is recognized for offering a variety of accredited certifications, particularly in the field of personal training, fitness nutrition, and wellness. However, when it comes to yoga, the certification provided by ISSA is not considered "Yoga Alliance accredited."

This means that while ISSA Yoga Certification can be a solid foundation for those looking to become yoga instructors—especially for those interested in combining yoga with fitness training—it does not come with the Yoga Alliance RYT status that many yoga studios and employers may require. If you're looking to teach yoga in a more traditional yoga setting (like a yoga studio), this could be a limiting factor.

3. How Does ISSA Yoga Certification Compare to Yoga Alliance-Certified Programs?

When comparing ISSA Yoga Certification to Yoga Alliance-accredited programs, there are several differences to consider:

Curriculum and Focus:

• ISSA Yoga Certification: This program emphasizes integrating yoga with fitness principles. It is designed to teach yoga instructors who may want to work in fitness centers, gyms, or health clubs. The course covers a wide range of topics such as anatomy, sequencing, yoga postures, breathing techniques, and teaching strategies, but it does not dive as deep into yoga philosophy and spiritual aspects as many traditional yoga certification programs.

• Yoga Alliance-Certified Programs: These programs often have a more well-rounded approach to yoga that includes in-depth philosophy, ethics, history, and spirituality, in addition to physical postures and anatomy. Yoga Alliance-certified courses must adhere to specific requirements and offer a curriculum that includes 200 hours of training (for a 200-hour program) covering all aspects of yoga—physical, mental, and spiritual.

Accreditation and Recognition:

• ISSA Yoga Certification: ISSA is nationally accredited for fitness-related certifications, but their yoga program does not carry the same universal recognition that Yoga Alliance-accredited programs do in the yoga community. If you want to teach at a studio or be recognized as an RYT, you may need to seek a different certification that is accredited by Yoga Alliance.

• Yoga Alliance-Certified Programs: Yoga Alliance accreditation is the gold standard for many yoga instructors and studios worldwide. It ensures that your certification meets the highest standards in the yoga industry and provides you with the ability to register as an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher).

Teaching Opportunities and Employer Requirements:

• ISSA Yoga Certification: ISSA’s program is well-suited for individuals interested in teaching yoga in fitness clubs, gyms, or as part of a broader fitness training business. It is also ideal for those who want to teach yoga as a complementary practice alongside personal training or other fitness services. However, some traditional yoga studios may not recognize ISSA's certification since it does not carry Yoga Alliance credentials.

• Yoga Alliance-Certified Programs: Many yoga studios, especially in more traditional yoga settings, require instructors to be registered with Yoga Alliance. If you plan to teach at a studio or want to pursue a career in the yoga industry, Yoga Alliance certification is typically the standard.

4. Benefits of ISSA Yoga Certification

Even though ISSA Yoga Certification is not Yoga Alliance-accredited, there are still several advantages to earning this certification:

• Fitness Integration: If you’re a personal trainer or fitness enthusiast who wants to incorporate yoga into your training offerings, ISSA's yoga program is a great fit. It focuses on teaching yoga within the context of fitness, which may be more practical for those who want to offer yoga classes in fitness-oriented environments.

• Flexible Learning: ISSA offers a flexible, online certification course that can be completed at your own pace. This is beneficial for people with busy schedules or those who cannot commit to an in-person training program.

• Affordable: Compared to some Yoga Alliance-accredited programs, ISSA Yoga Certification is more affordable, which can make it an attractive option for those on a budget or looking to expand their skill set without a significant financial investment.

• Reputable Organization: ISSA is well-known and respected in the fitness industry, with accreditation from organizations such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Their programs are evidence-based, practical, and recognized in the broader health and wellness industry.

5. Who Should Consider ISSA Yoga Certification?

ISSA Yoga Certification may be ideal for the following individuals:

• Personal Trainers: If you are already a certified personal trainer and want to add yoga to your repertoire of fitness services, ISSA’s program can be a great option.

• Fitness Enthusiasts: Those interested in teaching yoga as part of a broader fitness business, such as in gyms or wellness centers, may find ISSA’s certification to be a perfect fit.

• Flexible Learning Seekers: If you need a self-paced, online certification program that allows you to work at your own speed and schedule, ISSA’s program offers flexibility and convenience.

6. Who Should Opt for Yoga Alliance-Certified Programs?

If your primary goal is to teach in traditional yoga studios or work as a yoga instructor in settings that require Yoga Alliance registration, you may want to consider a Yoga Alliance-accredited program. Additionally, if you are looking for a deep, holistic understanding of yoga that includes philosophy, spirituality, and ethical teachings, a Yoga Alliance certification may be more aligned with your needs.

7. Is ISSA Yoga Certification Right for You?

In summary, while ISSA Yoga Certification is not Yoga Alliance accredited, it is still a valuable certification for those looking to teach yoga in fitness centers, gyms, or wellness facilities. The ISSA program offers a practical, fitness-based approach to yoga and is ideal for personal trainers or those seeking a more flexible and affordable certification option.

However, if you want to teach in a traditional yoga studio or pursue a career as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), you will likely need to seek out a Yoga Alliance-accredited yoga certification program.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your goals, the type of yoga you want to teach, and the environments where you want to work. Carefully consider what will best suit your needs as you pursue your yoga teaching career!