Each state has further regulations governing the practice of Physical Therapy that a therapist must adhere to. A breach of the regulations is grounds to remove a Therapist from practice. In contrast an Alexander Teacher needs to be knowledgeable in the basic principles of the Technique and have experience in applying these to their own movement patterns. They also need practice in teaching these principles to others and should have a working knowledge of the writings of F. M. Alexander, the originator of the Technique. Teachers often have had experience in other fields and came to teach the Technique after having had lessons themselves.
Some teachers train in less formal apprenticeship programs.
Both methods have produced fine teachers although there is no set of objective standards or test of competency administered by a neutral third party. Historically there has been relatively little training in the details of anatomy and physiology but these areas are emphasized more today. Alexander teachers refer their students to a medical practitioner if there is any suspicion of a medical problem. They are not, however, trained specifically in disease identification or public health measures. A good analogy of how they practice can be drawn with teachers in other fields such as instrumental music instructors, personal trainers, or martial arts instructors.