Ultimate Guide to Spotting Fraudulent Sleep Consultant Certification Programs
Once you’re ready to apply for your Sleep Consultant Certification, you’ll be looking for a great school.
But which school?
That’s what my students have asked me. Unfortunately, they have asked it after coming to us because other schools failed them. That’s all too common: what looks like a great deal could mean a loss of your time, money –– and still no certificate, or even worse, a bogus one!
Here’s our ultimate guide to spotting fraudulent sleep consultant programs, plus the best ways to find a school that’s right for you.
All Sleep Certification Programs are Not Created Equal
(Here’s What You Need to Know)
While it would be wonderful to be able to trust all certified sleep consultant “schools,” not all the programs you see online are legit.
Some schools fall short of a complete program you can build a career out of. And others, sad to say, are “fakes.” In my research, I’ve counted no less than five “schools” so far that were copy-and-pastes of random information. (And had no actual instructors!)
Luckily, there are a few red flags so you can immediately spot fraudulent Sleep Consultant Certification programs and avoid choosing the wrong school.
Let’s take a look at those now.
Signs a Sleep Consultant Certification Program is Fake
(Or Extremely Low-Quality)
There are no instructors listed on the website
This is critical. If you can’t find researchable, qualified teachers listed on the site itself, chances are high that it is a fraudulent course.
PRO TIP: Choose a school that visibly lists their instructors on their website, plus their credentials.
The Director/Lead Instructor is a “Sleep Consultant”
The instructor (or instructors) is just another sleep consultant with no training whatsoever on the school’s topics. There should also be instructors with solid medical training. There are three MAJOR issues with this:
- If your instructor states they are a sleep consultant BUT have no other relevant education or credentials, your education will be incomplete at best. Such schools also face regulatory dangers and may shut down without any notice.
- It is unethical for anyone to position themselves as an educational instructor or expert on topics they lack the credentials for.
- The wrong information could ultimately get you sued and may even cause harm to your client’s child in the long run.
PRO TIP: Any legitimate school will list the credentials of its instructors. These should include medical diplomas and/or certifications. If you have to hunt for this information, or if the info isn’t given at all, run. Learning the wrong information could be devastating to your future and your client’s health. Meet the credentialed faculty of IPSP®
High Percentage of Negative Reviews
Any school can get a negative review here or there. No one program will be perfect for every student. However, if reviews are excessively bad, if there are very few of them, or if there are more than one or two slightly bad reviews, pay attention. Others who have been down this road are trying to tell you something!
It’s worth mentioning that we checked Glassdoor and found one very outspoken, well-advertised “sleep consultant school” received such comments as owner is a fraud; horrible training; broken promises; and do your research and get properly certified. That never bodes well, especially with actual accusations of fraud.
PRO TIP: I echo that third sentiment above –– do your research. Check verified review sites like Glassdoor and see what former students have to say.
The program hasn’t been around for very long
When a sleep consultant certification school is new or nearly new, there is a chance it will close its door –– and take your money with it. Like the company above whose website now says “we are taking a break,” you could find yourself out hours of work and thousands of dollars.
(By the way, we’re proud to say IPSP has been running strong for 10 years, with students becoming highly successful in their field after graduation.)
PRO TIP: Verify that the school of your choice has existed for at least five years.
The program’s cost is well under the industry standard
You may be saying, “What? It doesn’t cost enough?” Real talk alert: running a school and hiring faculty and experienced instructors is expensive. If a course is priced well below industry standards ($3500-$5000), you’ve just been given the gift of a red flag! It is extremely likely that the school has not hired the appropriate faculty and probably does not have the classes you need to become a successful sleep consultant.
PRO TIP: Take schools that cost in the hundreds (or under $3000) out of your list of possibilities. They likely do not have the resources you need.
Hidden Curriculum
The curriculum, or other very important information, is hidden. Schools that are exceptional are proud of their program. Trust me: when a school is confident in its capabilities, everything you need will be in full view on the website. The director is readily available to answer questions and responds promptly.
PRO TIP: You should never have to “hunt” for information. If the site seems to have something to hide, you may be spotting a fraudulent sleep consultant certification program. Take it off your list.
The Curriculum Looks identical to Another School
This is a big red flag, and you can probably guess why –– the course may have been copied from another school, important information removed and sold to you for half the price. (How do you know who’s copying who? You will likely see some of the above red flags.)
PRO TIP: If you’re still not sure, a call or email to the school should help you decide who’s the real deal. And don’t just take their word for it. Ask for proof!
Not sure if a program is legitimate? Just ask!
We want you to be a successful sleep consultant, even if it’s not with us! To date, we’ve found 5 completely fraudulent programs. Some of which we were successful at shutting down with legal notices. However, some are still functioning under different company names.
When looking for a legitimate sleep consultant certification program, it is important to find a program that has happy graduates, great reviews, and no hidden details. A qualified school offers student instruction from medical professionals that have years of experience, so both you and your future clients are protected. Such courses are not the least expensive, but they will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your career, not just a pretty badge.
To your success,
