Professional Essentials
What's tested
This domain covers the business and ethics of teaching. The central idea is scope of practice: you teach movement, breath, and meditation; you do not diagnose, treat, prescribe, or perform psychotherapy. Know informed consent, confidentiality, waivers, insurance, emergency plans (first aid and CPR), boundaries and dual relationships, trauma-informed language, consent for hands-on assists, and cultural respect when using Sanskrit and philosophy.
Business essentials appear too: contracts, cancellation policies, pricing, taxes, record-keeping, continuing education, and maintaining registration with Yoga Alliance. Expect scenario questions - a student discloses an injury or a medical condition, or asks for medical advice.
Traps: promising cures ("this pose fixes sciatica"); diagnosing; adjusting without consent; posting student photos without permission; oversharing or slipping into a therapist role; treating a signed waiver as a substitute for safe teaching. Watch for "refer out" - it is often the correct choice when a question describes persistent pain, pregnancy complications, or a mental-health crisis.
Rule of thumb: teach, don't treat; when in doubt, refer out. Worked example: a student says their knee clicks and hurts in Triangle - offer a modification, ask before any hands-on assist, avoid diagnosis, and suggest a healthcare professional if it persists.