IB
ICONIC Board
of Holistic Health
Recognized Education Pathways

Yoga Therapy
Education Pathway

ICONIC Board recognizes IBC-recognized yoga therapy education programs meeting ICONIC Board's professional training standards as meeting the prerequisite education requirements for the corresponding IBC credential tiers. This pathway is specific to the clinical practice of yoga therapy — distinct from yoga instruction.

800+ Training Hours · IBC Tier II Entry Standard
IBC-HHP™ · Primary Credential for Yoga Therapists
Unregulated Nationwide · IBC sets professional standard
This Pathway Covers
Yoga Therapy (Clinical Practice)
IBC-recognized yoga therapy programs (800+ hours therapeutic training) — clinical application of yoga for health outcomes, supervised client care, therapeutic protocols. Minimum 800 training hours required.
vs
Not Covered by This Pathway
Yoga Instruction (RYT)
Standard yoga teacher training credentials are yoga instruction credentials, not yoga therapy credentials. A yoga teacher training credential alone does not qualify for this pathway.
IB
Board Recognition Notice
ICONIC Board of Holistic Health — Formal Recognition

ICONIC Board of Holistic Health recognizes yoga therapy education credentials from IBC-recognized yoga therapy training programs as meeting the prerequisite education requirements for the corresponding IBC holistic health credential tiers. Graduates of IBC-recognized programs may be eligible to apply for the relevant IBC credential, subject to meeting all remaining requirements.

This recognition is specific to yoga therapy — the clinical application of yoga postures, breathwork, and mindfulness practices to address individual health conditions under a therapeutic framework. ICONIC Board's recognized yoga therapy pathway requires completion of a comprehensive yoga therapy training program of 800+ hours including supervised client contact, with a clear distinction between therapeutic practice and yoga instruction.

ICONIC Board notes that yoga therapy, unlike many medical and allied health professions, is currently unregulated at the state level across the United States. There is no state licensure requirement to practice yoga therapy. ICONIC Board's IBC credentialing provides the professional practice standard for yoga therapists operating within a holistic health context.

Important: Education prerequisite recognition does not constitute automatic credentialing. All applicants must independently satisfy ICONIC Board's requirements for professional practice hours, ethics attestation, CE compliance, and application review. If you integrate yoga therapy with any licensed healthcare practice (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health counseling), your professional licensure requirements take precedence over any ICONIC Board credential. The IBC credential is a professional practice standard; it does not constitute or substitute for any state licensure.
Recognition of education pathways does not constitute endorsement, partnership, or affiliation with listed institutions. ICONIC Board independently evaluates programs based on published curriculum standards and documented practitioner outcomes.
Last reviewed: April 2026  ·  Next scheduled review: October 2026

Education Pathway Mapping

The following yoga therapy programs and credentials are recognized as meeting the education prerequisites for the corresponding ICONIC Board credential tiers. Practitioners who have completed 800+ hours of yoga therapy training, including supervised client contact, enter at IBC-HHP™ as the primary tier.

Credential Landscape Note: ICONIC Board establishes professional practice standards for yoga therapy practitioners through a structured credentialing framework based on education hours, supervised practice, and demonstrated competency. No single credentialing body affiliation is required — eligibility is determined by meeting ICONIC Board's published hour thresholds and competency standards for each tier. There is no state licensure requirement for yoga therapy practice in the United States.
🎓

Currently in Training? Start as an IBC-HHC™ Candidate

Students actively enrolled in a recognized education program who have not yet completed their training may apply for IBC-HHC™ Candidate status — the official pre-credential entry point for practitioners in training. Candidate status provides access to the ICONIC Board professional community, directory listing, and a clear pathway to full credentialing upon program completion. Learn more about IBC-HHC™ Candidate →

Tier I — Associate
IBC-HHA™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Associate
Graduates of foundational yoga therapy training programs (200–500 hours with a therapeutic focus) may be eligible to apply for the Associate credential. Practitioner must additionally meet practice hours, ethics, and CE requirements.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
IBC-Recognized Yoga Therapy Program — Foundation Phase (200–500 Hours)
Partial completion of an IBC-recognized yoga therapy training program (foundational phase, minimum 200 documented training hours with a therapeutic application component). Applicants must provide documentation of program enrollment and hours completed.
Yoga Teacher Credential with Documented Therapeutic Specialization
Yoga teacher credential combined with a documented therapeutic yoga specialization or continuing education module of 50+ additional hours specifically addressing therapeutic application and client assessment protocols. Applicants must provide curriculum documentation for Board review.
Kripalu School of Yoga Therapy — Introductory Training
Introductory or foundations training through the Kripalu School of Yoga Therapy. Foundational yoga therapy methodology with therapeutic application orientation. Applicants must provide program documentation for Board review.
Tier II — Practitioner Primary Entry Tier
IBC-HHP™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
Practitioners who have completed 800+ hours in an IBC-recognized yoga therapy training program, including supervised client contact hours, meeting IBC-HHP™ eligibility thresholds may be eligible to apply for the Practitioner credential. IBC-HHP™ is the primary entry tier for practicing yoga therapists. Client contact hours and professional documentation still required.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
IBC-Recognized Yoga Therapy Program — Complete Training (800+ Hours)
Practitioners who have completed 800+ hours in an IBC-recognized yoga therapy training program, including supervised client contact hours, meeting IBC-HHP™ eligibility thresholds. IBC-HHP™ is the primary credential tier for practicing yoga therapists. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) — 800-Hour Professional Training
Complete 800-hour professional yoga therapy training through Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT), an established IBC-recognized yoga therapy program. Comprehensive therapeutic yoga curriculum with clinical application components. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Kripalu School of Yoga Therapy — Complete Professional Certification
Complete professional yoga therapy certification through the Kripalu School of Yoga Therapy. Comprehensive curriculum covering therapeutic methodology, individual client assessment, and supervised practice. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy — Professional Training
Professional yoga therapy training through Breathing Deeply. Evidence-informed yoga therapy curriculum with a strong emphasis on condition-specific protocols and supervised clinical practice hours. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Other IBC-Recognized Yoga Therapy Programs (800+ Hours)
All other yoga therapy training programs meeting IBC-recognized standards with a minimum 800-hour curriculum and documented supervised client contact hour requirements. Applicants must provide program documentation for Board review.
Tier III — Educator
IBC-HHE™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Educator
Advanced yoga therapists with recognized teaching, faculty, or trainer roles within IBC-recognized yoga therapy programs — or equivalent documented instructional contributions to the yoga therapy field — may be eligible to apply for the Educator credential. Teaching or supervisory practice documentation required for full qualification.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
Faculty at IBC-Recognized Yoga Therapy Training Programs
Faculty or lead instructors at IBC-recognized yoga therapy training programs with documented curriculum responsibilities. Formal instructional role with documented curriculum delivery responsibilities. Holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHE™.
Recognized Continuing Education Provider in Yoga Therapy
Recognized continuing education provider in the yoga therapy field with documented curriculum delivery to practicing yoga therapists. Documented course delivery, curriculum publication, or workshop instruction evidence required for Board review.
Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) — Graduate Faculty, Yoga Therapy
Faculty in the Master of Science in Yoga Therapy program at MUIH, one of the leading academic yoga therapy programs in the United States. Active graduate-level teaching and mentorship role. Holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHE™.
Published Yoga Therapy Educators with Curriculum Development
Practitioners with published yoga therapy curriculum, peer-reviewed educational contributions, or recognized teaching roles in accredited yoga therapy training programs. Documentation of instructional contributions and published work required for Board review.
Tier IV — Doctorate
IBC-HHD™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Doctorate
Doctoral-level academics in yoga therapy or integrative health, senior faculty at accredited programs, published researchers, and recognized founders of yoga therapy training traditions may be eligible to apply. Extended application review, doctoral documentation, and Board assessment required.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
Master of Science in Yoga Therapy — Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)
Graduate-level MS in Yoga Therapy from MUIH, one of the leading accredited academic yoga therapy programs in the United States. Research-focused curriculum combining yoga therapy theory, clinical application, and academic scholarship. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Graduate Certificate in Yoga Therapy — Loyola Marymount University
Graduate Certificate in Yoga Therapy from Loyola Marymount University's Extension program, a recognized academic yoga therapy credential from an accredited university. Combined with 800+ hours of completed yoga therapy training and 2,000+ documented client hours, graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
PhD or Doctoral Research in Yoga, Integrative Health, or Mind-Body Medicine
Doctoral degree in Yoga Studies, Integrative Health, Mind-Body Medicine, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, combined with completion of an 800+ hour yoga therapy training program and documented yoga therapy practice. Practitioners meeting this criteria may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Founders and Senior Faculty of Recognized Yoga Therapy Training Programs
Founding faculty or senior faculty of recognized yoga therapy training programs with recognized published contributions to the field, evidence-based research output, or curriculum development at scale. Exceptional review track — Board assessment required. Founders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Advanced Pathway Requirements — Doctoral + Examination
Diplomate Pathway Requirements
  • Hold a current, active IBC-HHD™ (Doctorate credential) in good ethical standing
  • Documented post-IBC-HHD™ practice with 2,500+ cumulative professional contact hours
  • Pass the ICONIC Board Diplomate Qualifying Examination — a structured written examination assessing advanced clinical competency, ethics, and field leadership
  • Two letters of professional recommendation from IBC-credentialed practitioners at IBC-HHD™ or above
  • Sustained continuing education compliance throughout the credentialing period
The Diplomate designation is the first of two advanced tiers awarded through structured examination — representing demonstrated mastery at the highest clinically-practiced level in holistic health.
Tier V — Diplomate
IBC-DHH™
ICONIC Board Diplomate in Holistic Health
Candidates meeting the examination and practice requirements may be eligible for the Diplomate designation. Extended application review and Board examination are required. Exam fee: $795.
Board-Conferred Distinction — Nomination Required
Fellow Pathway Requirements
  • Hold a current, active IBC-HHD™ (minimum) or IBC-DHH™ in good standing
  • Nomination by two sitting ICONIC Board Fellows or Board Directors
  • Distinguished contribution to the holistic health field: published research, curriculum development, institutional leadership, or national/international policy influence
  • 15+ years of sustained, documented professional practice and contribution to the profession
  • Board review and affirmative vote by the ICONIC Board Fellowship Committee
The Fellow designation is the highest distinction ICONIC Board confers — board-selected and reserved for practitioners whose careers have shaped the profession at scale. Fellowship is not applied for; it is awarded.
Tier VI — Fellow
IBC-HHF™
Fellow of the ICONIC Board of Holistic Health
Fellowship is board-conferred and not directly applied for. Eligible candidates are nominated by sitting Fellows or Board Directors and reviewed at the Board's discretion.

Specialty & Leadership Designations

Beyond the six sequential credential tiers, ICONIC Board awards parallel designations that recognize specialized expertise, supervisory roles, and research contributions. Parallel designations are earned alongside your sequential IBC tier — not instead of it. Stacked notation example: IBC-HHP™ · Specialist.

Specialist Parallel
IBC-HHS™
Specialist in [Modality]
Available to practitioners holding IBC-HHP™ or above who demonstrate documented specialty expertise in a defined holistic health modality. Application fee: $195/specialty.
IBC-HHS™ requirements →
Supervisor Parallel
IBC-HHS-SV™
Clinical Supervisor
Recognizes practitioners who supervise students or junior practitioners in professional settings. Requires IBC-HHE™ or above plus documented supervisory practice. Fee: $345.
IBC-HHS-SV™ requirements →
Examiner Parallel
IBC-HHX™
Certified Examiner
Conferred on credentialed practitioners authorized to administer ICONIC Board assessments. Requires IBC-HHD™ and Board approval. Fee: $295.
IBC-HHX™ requirements →
Research Parallel
IBC-HHR™
Research Fellow
Recognizes practitioners actively contributing peer-reviewed research or evidence-based publications in holistic health. Requires IBC-HHD™ plus documented research output. Fee: $395.
IBC-HHR™ requirements →
Full Parallel Designation Reference: For complete requirements, fees, and stacking notation for all parallel designations — including IBC-HHX™ (Certified Examiner), IBC-HHR™ (Research Fellow), IBC-HH-EM™ (Emeritus), and IBC-HH-DF™ (Distinguished Fellow) — visit the Credentials overview page or review individual credential pages linked above.

How to Apply Using This Pathway

Using a recognized yoga therapy education pathway simplifies your application — your completed yoga therapy training program documentation satisfies the education prerequisite for your tier.

1

Identify Your Tier

Find your program in the mapping above. For most practicing yoga therapists who have completed an 800+ hour yoga therapy program, that is IBC-HHP™. If you hold a faculty role at a recognized yoga therapy training program in addition to your practitioner training, apply at the highest qualifying tier. Click "Apply" for the corresponding IBC tier.

2

Submit Credential Documentation

Upload your training program completion certificate and documented client contact hours log, or your official program enrollment letter. ICONIC Board accepts program completion documentation directly — a separate education transcript review is not required for recognized programs.

3

Meet Remaining Requirements

Ensure you also satisfy the practice hours, ethics attestation, and any continuing education requirements specific to your tier. If you integrate yoga therapy within a licensed healthcare scope, confirm active licensure before applying. The Board will advise on any gaps in your application.

Ready to Apply?

Select your tier above, or begin with the Associate level if you are new to ICONIC Board credentialing. Applications are reviewed within 5–7 business days. The IBC credential is the unified professional practice standard for yoga therapy professionals.

Begin Your Application →