Navigating the Sleep Consultant Certification Process

Would you love to help families find healthy and happy sleep? If so, becoming a certified sleep consultant might just be the perfect move for your career. This guide will show you how to become a certified sleep consultant. This includes selecting a program, undergoing training and classes as well as beginning your career as a dependable sleep expert for families and building your business. Get ready to discover what happens in the world of sleep consultancy and embark on an amazing journey to help families enjoy quiet nights and restful days.

Discovering the World of Sleep Consultants

Before we get into the certification process, let's talk about what a sleep consultant is and does. A sleep consultant is an expert in baby and toddler sleep that can help families get better rest through interventions like sleep training. They create custom designed sleep plans that promote healthier sleeping patterns among little ones by changing their schedule, educating on the basics of sleep hygeine, and help parents ease their babies into sleeping more independently. Sleep consultants can work with families remotely or in-person. They can offer 1-on-1 services or help families through group coaching, courses or guides. A good sleep consultant can make a huge difference in the lives of families, and can also make a good salary to help support their own family financially.

Choosing the Sleep Consultant Best Certification Program

There are several things to look for in a high-quality sleep consultant certification program. First, look for a comprehensive and evidence-based curriculum. Secondly, look for qualified instructors and contributing experts that cover a holistic view of baby and toddler sleep. A good program will have trainings in sleep science, child development, sleep training research, attachment, sleep safety, sensory systems, feeding, age considerations and more. They should also offer a comprehensive business building module to help you get your business off the ground! Many certification courses require trainees to volunteer to work with families while under the mentorship or supervision of an instructor as part of their field experience, but try to find a course that offers a paid internship. In addition, look for a certification course that is approved by a prestigious organization like the Association for Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC). This ensures that you're investing a program that upholds the highest standards and gives you the most benefits. The Sleep Consultant Academy through the Collective for Family Rest and Wellness offers all of these things and more!

Exams and Assessments

Essential testing has to be done after all sleep consultant training sessions are completed successfully. Such assessments may involve written exams, case studies, practical tests or oral examinations depending on the requirements of your chosen certificate. When you are preparing for your exams, revise class notes; try some sample questions; ask for help from your sleep consulting community if needed (your program should offer a supportive community to join!) You must pass these tests in order to become certified and start your career as a sleep consultant.

Graduating and Earning your Certification and Badge

By passing all of your tests and evaluations you become a Certified Sleep Consultant! This is an exciting day and a big accomplishment! The certificate attests that you have satisfied the demands set out by your particular certification program and demonstrated to be in possession of the requisite skill sets necessary for functioning as a sleep practitioner. The badge you receive to put on your website and social media assures parents that you have completed the necessary training to competently help them with their child's sleep issues. Put this certificate where everyone can see it and make use of it for promotional purposes!

Entering the Career of Sleep Consulting and Building your Business

Now is the time to start as a Certified Sleep Consultant, with your certification in hand! The first step will be to establish your own sleep consulting practice so that you become a known expert in this area around where you live. Approach professionals such as pediatrics, lactation consultants or doulas operating in related fields who may know clients that need sleep coaching for referrals. Some of the avenues through which you could advertise your services to possible customers include social media and business networks as well as word of mouth. Hard work, dedication to families and commitment can also help you evolve into an experienced and trustworthy sleep consultant.

Want more information on becoming a pediatric sleep consultant? We spill all the details on our webinar about what it’s like to be a sleep consultant and go through our program! If you’d like to chat with one of our co-founders to see if the program is a good fit, click here to book a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call.