I want to apply for assessment. What are the membership requirements?
If you plan to apply for assessment in any given year (deadline May 1st) you must be a fully paid member in good standing the previous year.

What is the deadline for applying for an assessment?
May 1. All forms must be in the hands of the Certification Chair by midnight of May 1.

Should I send my application by certified or express mail?
No. The Certification Chair cannot take the responsibility of having to sign for documents.

What is the fee for taking the assessment?
$275. (The fee is $250 if you are retaking the assessment and have already passed the written exam.)

Where can I get an application and recommendation forms?
Members can download them by logging in. Non members must join before they can order the Certification Manual and assessment forms.

Will I be a certified teacher after I pass the Teacher in Training assessment?
No, you will be a Teacher in Training. You must pass the Introductory assessment in order to be a certified teacher.

Who can be a recommending teacher?
Your weekly teacher can be a recommending teacher if he or she is certified Intermediate Jr. I or above and at least one level higher than you are. At least one of your recommending teachers must be certified Intermediate Jr.II or above.

Which recommendation forms do I use if I am applying for Teacher in Training or Introductory assessment?
You need two forms: one from a teacher who is willing to mentor you and a second from a teacher who is willing to recommend you.

If I am applying for Intermediate Jr. I or above which recommendation form do I need to use?
You need to use the Recommendation forms not the Mentoring forms. Applicants for Intermediate Junior I,II, and III assessments must submit recommendations from two teachers certified at least one level higher than that for which the candidate is applying. Applicants applying for Intermediate Senior I must submit only one recommendation from a teacher certified Intermediate Senior III or above.

Do I have to pay a fee to have a recommending teacher write me a recommendation?
No. Recommending teachers must provide this service for free.

What if I am pregnant at assessment time?
You are not allowed to participate in the assessment if you are pregnant (no exceptions). If you know you will be pregnant at assessment time, use the assessment cancellation form to drop out of your assessment as early as possible. See cancellation questions.

Where can I find the schedule of upcoming assessments?
Visit the venue page for assessment dates.

How often are assessments held?
Assessments are held annually during late summet and fall.

Are all levels of assessment held each year?
No. The higher levels are not held every year. Assessments are offered based on assessment applicants. A minimum of 8 candidates is required to hold an assessment at a given level.

What are the best ways to prepare for assessment?
Read the current Certification Manual. Take a teacher training course from a senior teacher or teachers. Practice and teach the poses on your syllabus. Practice timing yourself to teach six poses in forty minutes. Form a study group. Read all the assigned reading materials. Remember that you are held responsible for the syllabuses and the reading assignments that precede your level.

What if I have to cancel my scheduled assessment?
Complete the cancellation form. You will receive a refund of all but $75 of your payment if you cancel 10 days or more before your assessment. Thereafter your assessment fee is forfeit.

What is the fee for re-taking the assessment if I have already passed the Written Exam?
To retake both the Demonstrated Practice and Teaching Skills assessment the fee is $250. To retake either the Demonstrated Practice or the Teaching Skills the fee is $200.

If I fail my Introductory assessment, what should I do to maintain my status as a current Teacher in Training?
You will need to re-take the Introductory assessment at least once every two years until you pass it.

How long must I wait before re-taking an assessment?
One year. Teachers in training must re-take the assessment before two years have passed or lose Teacher in Training status.

Is there a limit on how many times I can re-take the Teacher in Training and Introductory assessments?
No, there is no limit.

What can I do if something comes up and I can't take the Introductory assessment at the end of the second year?
There should be a form on the website for submission. If you cannot find the form, write a letter to the Certification Chair requesting a one-year extension. The letter must clearly outline your reason(s) for requesting an extension.

Can I get an extension for longer than one year?
No, a one-year extension will only be granted once.