In this section, you'll be asked to relate your understanding of the Nadis, the Marmas, Charkas, the Koshas, Prana Vayus, the Granthis and Kundalini Energy to the general practice and instruction of yoga. 

Here the Assessment asks you to highlight your knowledge of the ancient origins of Yoga. To this end, the History of Yoga is best reflected in the ancient writings that include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita , Siva Samhita, Tirumantiram, Tirumarai, Agamas, Ramayana and the Puranas. To understand each of these will take a lifetime.

In preparation for the Assessment, spend time writing a summary of several ancient books, something about its intent and contribution to the knowledge base of what the practice of yoga can accomplish. Then, bring forward how these books are relevant today. 

Yoga philosophy is drawn from several fundamental yoga texts (including, but not limited to): The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita & Siva Samhita. Like Yoga History, writing a strong summary of several books is well worth your time, especially noting how its message impacts the modern practice of yoga.

Your knowledge of the structural and functional classification of the nervous system, its regulation and how it can be modulated through the variant practices of yoga (asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, etc.) is significant knowledge to know as an instructor. The Assessment will cover basic anatomy as applied to yoga poses, the biomechanics of movement (kinesiology) and the interrelationships of the major systems of the human body. 

As it pertains to your lineage, what are the fundamental asanas and their traditional sequences. Be versed in explaining the significance of instruction that includes the bandhas, kriya, mudras, meditation and pranayama, In general be able to articulate the nuances of the major yoga genres (such as: Hatha, Iyengar, Ashtanga, IAYT, Kundalini, Kriya and Hot Yoga).

As it pertains to your lineage, you'll be asked to express the physical, psychological and energetic effect of the asanas. Be able to explain how an instructor fosters yoga accessibility for differing body types, the Sanskrit names of the major poses, how are mantras augment the practice and what kind of props are helpful for particular asanas.

You'll be asked about your knowledge of the spiritual, psychological, verbal and physical boundaries that form the ethical foundations of teaching yoga. Be aware of how to foster an environment of teacher accountability as well. 

Here you'll be asked of your awareness of the emergent definitions of mental traumas as defined by DSM-6 (PTSD, acute stress disorder and complex trauma). These types of trauma bring particular physiological signs that may manifest in a yoga class. To this end you might be asked how you would respond. 

Each yoga teacher brings to their mat a personal bias due to their upbringing, education and the cultural to which they espouse. Here you'll be asked what constitutes inclusive instruction including the language and instructional behavior that reflects this awareness. 

Teaching a safe yoga class (1:1 or group) is about creating an environment where students are free from coercion to perform physical feats beyond their capacity; where there is no harassment and emotions can be expressed freely. The Assessment addresses these issues plus the notion of safe boundaries, physically, socially and spiritually. Finally, able understand the safe use of a variety of props, what constitutes a safe modification or adjustment as well as the ability to address the contraindications to a yoga practice. 

In the Assessment we'll ask that you can understand the various options in business structures (LLC vs Corp vs city business license), what business supporting IT Systems are available, the difference between SEO and Social Media Marketing, website and Google management, employees vs Independent Contractors, accounting software, professional liability coverage and a few taxation issues. 

The professional instruction of yoga requires a commitment to a regular personal practice preferably with a Mentor. In this module you'll be asked what your intentions are as it applies to your lineage, and how you've coupled this to a pathway of growth as a yoga instructor.