The number of breathwork certifications has grown fast, and they vary enormously in depth, price and quality. If you are thinking about becoming a certified breathwork instructor, these are the eight questions I would ask before choosing a programme, including my own.
1. Who is the lead teacher?
In my view, a training is only as good as the person behind it. Look at the lead teacher’s own practice and teaching experience: how many years have they practised, how many students have they trained, and do they still teach regularly? Watch some of their free content to see whether their style resonates with you.
2. What techniques will you learn?
A solid breathwork instructor certification covers a broad range of techniques: calming and energising, traditional pranayama and modern methods. I would be wary of programmes built around one single technique. As a teacher, you need different tools for different people and situations.
3. Does it teach you how to teach?
Practising a technique and teaching it are different skills. Check that the training covers session design, giving instructions, holding space, working with groups and one-to-one, and handling emotional release. The best programmes include practice teaching with feedback.
4. How is safety covered?
Breathwork is powerful. A responsible certification teaches contraindications, how to screen students, how to adapt or replace techniques, and what to do when someone feels unwell. If safety gets only a few minutes in the curriculum, I would look elsewhere.
5. Is there live contact with the teacher?
Recorded lessons are convenient, but live sessions are where you ask questions, get corrected and feel the energy of a group. A good online training combines self-paced lessons with live sessions, and lets you watch recordings if you miss one.
6. What does the certification actually give you?
Breathwork is not a regulated profession in most countries, so certifications differ widely. Check what you receive: a certificate of completion, continuing education credits such as Yoga Alliance CEUs, and whether there is an assessment or final test. A clear assessment shows that the certificate means something.
7. How much time and money does it take?
Breathwork certifications range from a weekend to many months, and from a few hundred to several thousand euros. Look at the total hours of content, the number of live sessions, how long you keep access to the material, and whether payment plans are available. A higher price does not automatically mean better quality.
8. What support do you get afterwards?
Your journey as a teacher really starts after the course. Useful extras include session templates, a community of fellow teachers, continued access to the material and guidance on starting to teach.
How my own certification compares
For transparency, here is how my own Breathwork & Pranayama Instructor Course answers these questions:
- Teacher: I lead it myself, with more than 25 years of personal practice and over 4,000 instructors trained so far.
- Techniques: 20 breathwork and pranayama techniques in Module 1, plus advanced pranayama in Module 2.
- Teaching skills: session design, templates and practice teaching in a safe space with other students.
- Live contact: 5 live sessions with me on Zoom, with recordings if you can’t attend.
- Certification: LIFE AWARENESS™ Breathwork Instructor certification after a final test, plus 50 Yoga Alliance CEUs.
- Time and price: 35 hours of video lectures, one year of full access, €399, with a two-instalment payment plan available.
- Support: community access, journaling and self-development program, and templates to start teaching.
Still exploring? Read my post How to Become a Pranayama Breathwork Instructor in 5 Steps for a closer look at the path.
