Following the launch of new occupational standards for yoga professionals, the sector skills council for active leisure and learning, SkillsActive, has developed a conversion process to enable existing yoga teachers to gain entry onto the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

In partnership with yoga organisations, experts from the fitness industry and the REPs, SkillsActive has introduced an accreditation of prior experience and learning (APEL) process which recognises the skills and knowledge involved in being a Level 3 yoga teacher.

The APEL process is designed for yoga teachers who undertook qualifications and training before the national occupational standards for yoga were launched in May 2005.

It is also suitable for instructors who have studied in other countries but have kept up-to-date with their continued professional development.

The process will enable successful candidates to apply for registration as a Level 3 yoga teacher with the REPs.

Lee Buck, SkillsActive’s standards and qualifications officer, said: “This is another step forward for the yoga community and will hopefully start to address some of the problems that individuals face when trying to gain entry to the Register.

“Individuals will be able to submit evidence of their skills and knowledge and be evaluated against the newly approved standards.” Details: www.skillsactive.com