Virginia Requiring Yoga Studios That Train Future Instructors To Be Licensed
Virginia is now requiring yoga studios that train future Yoga teachers to be licensed by the state. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia says Virginia code requires them to certify and license the yoga schools because they teach someone a vocation. In other words, the yoga schools are considered to be schools of higher learning.

The move came as a shock to many yoga schools. The certification process can cost up to $2,500 per school and the argument is many schools rely on the education dollars to stay afloat.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia says it's in no way looking to make extra money.

A spokesperson says it's requiring the yoga schools to be licensed by the end of the year to protect students, end of story.

SCHEV says Virginia Code requires that all vocational schools be licensed and regulated by the state. Massage schools, nail salons and even dog grooming schools fall under the same guidelines.

Yoga classes for the general public are not subject to certification, as they are avocational and are not intended to prepare a student for actual or potential employment.

There are approximately 26 facilities in Virginia that offer yoga teacher training programs.

Each school has been notified of the requirement for certification. Although SCHEV usually requires schools operating without certification to begin the process within 30 days of contact, these schools have been afforded an extension until December 31, 2009

Schools must come into compliance by certifying by this date or cease offering the teacher training programs.