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Tantric Buddhism can be divided into two different schools. The first and earliest is the Nyingma Tradition. The second are the group of traditions collectively known as the Sarma (New) Schools. The New Schools are made up of the Kadam, Sakya, Marpa Kagyu, Shangpa Kagyu, Jonang,  Gelug and others. According to the Sarma Schools Kriya Tantra is the first of the four classifications of Buddhist Tantra: Kriya, Charya, Yoga, Anuttarayoga.

Kriya itself is divided into the Three Families: 1. Tatagata, 2. Padma, and 3. Vajra. Those are followed by a general category of Tantras applicable to all three families. The three families are each divided into sub-categories. The Tatagata Family has the largest number with eight categories. The Padma and Vajra Families have five categories each based on the first eight categories of the Tatagata Family. The majority of texts catalogued as belonging to the Kriya Tantra are classified under the categories of the Three families. Very few texts belong to the general fourth category.

The Three Families of Kriya Tantra:

1. Tatagata Family | 2. Padma Family | 3. Vajra Family