Choosing the Best Sleep Consultant Certification
When it comes to choosing the best sleep consultant certification for you, the options can be overwhelming. There are SO many programs out there. Some are great, some are decent, and others are just scams. With the amount of programs out there, it’s essential you do in-depth research to pick the right sleep consultant certification for you.
I have had many students come to IPSP with horror stories of other programs — needing to re-do their courses because they chose a program that lacked the crucial points in their curriculum. If you’ve made the exciting (and profitable) choice of becoming a certified baby sleep specialist, here’s what you need to know while you look for a course.
Choosing the Best Sleep Consultant Certification: What to Look For
Qualified Instructors
This is usually the MOST IMPORTANT part of choosing the best sleep consultant certification for you. If you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best! It’s incredibly important to look for programs taught by professionals with relevant qualifications, like medical, legal, or educational backgrounds. At IPSP, our courses are led by experts who have tons of real-world experience and the educational credentials in pediatric sleep, nutrition, lactation, and child development.
A Clear, Well-Rounded Curriculum
This is the area I see most courses struggling. While many other programs just put together a bunch of videos, worksheets, and interviews, you want to find a program that has a structured and clear path for learning. The best sleep consultant certification courses will cover all the essential topics, including the science of sleep, sleep training techniques, and managing challenging sleep disruptions.
Another essential piece of curriculum you need is all about the business-side of sleep consulting. While you can learn the basics, you need to know what to do when you get out into the real world of baby sleep. The IPSP curriculum includes units that cover how to attract and manage clients, how to create and sell customized sleep plans, and goes over any liability issues you may need to know. A good program will teach you not just the science, but will aim to make you a competent, confident, and well rounded sleep consultant.
A Support System
Being a part of a supportive community of other students makes the largest difference in your learning experience. Programs that actually foster peer-to-peer interaction are the ones that allow you to share resources, ask questions, and dive into complex topics. IPSP provides access to an entire network of training consultants (some of whom have been in this industry for decades), which means you’re sure to get ongoing support during your coursework and after.
Flexible Coursework
Life can be busy, and you’re not looking for a drill sergeant for an instructor. It’s crucial to have at least SOME flexibility in your coursework. That doesn’t mean to look for a course without accountability structures tied in (which IPSP has), but you should be allowed to work at your own pace from anywhere you are. IPSP offers 100% online courses that you can complete on your schedule, making it easier to balance your new education with everything else going on in your life.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Questionable Instructors
One major red flag is a program that doesn’t have instructors with credentials. Watch out for programs that rely solely downloadable materials without offering interactive lessons or access to a qualified instructor. Real expertise and experience makes a huge difference to your learning process down the road, and you want to set yourself up for success. All of our lessons are taught by trained medical professionals and experts in their fields (hey to all my fellow RNs out there!).
There ISN’T a Framework
Anyone can make an online course. You need a program that has a structured educational framework with clear and MEASURABLE objectives. A good program will guide you through a well-organized curriculum with very specific learning goals for each lesson. If a program seems disorganized or vague about its teaching methods, it’s best to look somewhere else. You can check out IPSP’s curriculum right here to know exactly what you’ll learn in each unit!
Suspicious Hidden Costs and Fees
Transparency with your tuition is essential. Be cautious of programs that advertise low costs but have hidden fees (especially recertification fees, this is SUPER common in the sleep consulting certification space!). IPSP offers affordable tuition with no annual recertification fees, and we keep all costs completely transparent. You know what you’re paying for from the beginning.
Limited Support
Just like any education you get, you need to be able to ask questions. Lack of support will leave you feeling isolated during your training, and a lot less likely to complete your program. You should look for a program that gives you regular access to instructors and ways to connect with your peers, like the big community we have at IPSP.
Why Choose IPSP?
We’ve trained over 1,000 sleep consultants since 2014, and would love to welcome you to the community. We proudly stand out due to our:
- Qualified Faculty: Meet the experts here!
- Comprehensive Curriculum: 104 lessons, 21 quizzes, 4 tests, 7 case studies, and 1 final exam to be exact.
- Supportive Community: Check our incredible network of graduates and alumni.
- Flexible Coursework: All of our courses can be completed at your own pace.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or scammy practices. Know exactly what you’re paying for.
If there is one piece of advice I could offer upcoming baby sleep consultants, it is to not skimp on your education. When it comes to choosing the best sleep consultant certification, you want to invest in a program that equips you with the tools and support needed for a thriving career. You can enroll in IPSP today and take that first step! I’d love to see you in our network.
