Frequently Asked Questions

Want to become a certified sleep consultant? Here is how. All you need to do is enroll in one of our specially designed programs.

If your primary goal is to quickly gain certification and begin working with families as soon as possible, the Core Program is ideal for you. It is designed to teach you the fundamental skills and knowledge you will need to be a successful sleep consultant and help families. The program has several courses, and each course is structured to build your skills. One step at a time. You will take tests and work through case studies that are designed to prepare you for the kinds of challenges that you will actually face on the job.

There is no final exam to stress about. We believe in a more realistic approach to learning, one that involves continuous feedback rather than a one-time, high-stakes test. You will receive guidance and constructive feedback to help you grow your skills as you go along.

You can complete the training quickly (for up to 3 months), or you can study part-time and balance work and family responsibilities. In that case, you have a full year to complete the program, making it easier for you to fit your studies around your life's other important commitments. So, you can take the time you need to really get the knowledge and apply what you have learned in a practical way.

By the time you have successfully completed all your tests and case studies, you will not only earn your certification but also gain the confidence and know-how to excel in the world of sleep consulting.

All you need to become a successful sleep consultant is a solid training program that gives you practical knowledge and skills. That is exactly what we offer.

We turn research into clear, practical strategies that help parents.

All students work on multiple case studies based on real situations. The course is structured, comprehensive, and focused on helping students support families with care.

Our program helps students understand what works - and why. We use the scientific approach, grounded in research-based materials and credible methods. You can see the full curriculum here: https://iiisleep.com/sleep-consultant-course-of-study/

When you complete the program, you earn a certificate that is respected internationally because this is not an online badge or something you can obtain over a weekend. It reflects your work - study, exercise, and critical thinking. You are expected to learn, apply, and reflect. That includes writing sleep plans, completing exams, and working through case studies with feedback.

Our program is recommended by pediatricians, psychologists, lactation consultants, childcare providers, counselors, and many other professionals from around the world. You can read their reviews here: https://iiisleep.com/reviews-international-institute-of-infant-sleep/

Yes, ongoing support and guidance are key features of our program. Our teachers are available through the Canvas platform to provide the support and answers you need. You can reach out with any questions you may have. 

We offer exercises based on authentic real-world cases. These exercises serve to bridge the gap between theory and practice as they confront you with real challenges that require actionable solutions. Each exercise is selected for its relevance and practical value, ensuring the skills you learn will be useful in your future career.

Our exams simulate challenges you are likely to face in your career. After completing each exam, you will receive detailed feedback from your instructors, identifying both your strengths and areas where you can improve. Your development is important to us. 

Our team is with you every step of the way. We are here to help you become a successful sleep consultant.

In our programs, you will study all the internationally recognized and safe sleep training methods. These methods can be generally grouped into three core categories: “Let Cry”, “Maybe Cry”, and “No Cry”. 

There are many parents who cannot bear even the thought of their child crying. To help those parents, you will study many "No Cry" methods. The most famous method in this category is "Fading." We will review this approach in detail, and you will learn how to adapt it so it can fit the needs of any child. You will study the methods and tools of Elizabeth Pantley and William Sears. They focus on a caring, child-centered approach to sleep. These methods are based on step-by-step plans that can be tailored to the sleep patterns of every child. Alongside that, you will also study Professor McKenna's tools and techniques, which you can use with parents who are supporters of the attachment parenting style.

In situations where parents are severely sleep-deprived and have difficulties following their babies' cues but still want to actively help their child learn to sleep, 'Maybe Cry' methods can be very helpful. Here, you will learn about the Chair Method, where parents sit next to the crib in a chair, moving the chair further away each night until the child can fall asleep on her own. You will also learn about the Pick Up, Put Down method, which offers another alternative. This sleep training method involves going through the child's normal bedtime routine and putting her to bed drowsy but awake. If the child starts to cry, the parent picks her up and provides emotional support.

There will also be cases when parents need to change their child's sleep patterns as quickly as possible. The parent is experiencing severe exhaustion and lacks the resources for a long sleep training process. Methods in the "Let Cry" category can help in these cases, and you will learn how to implement and adapt them. You will learn about the "Extinction" method, "Check and Console," and any combination of the above, including the famous Ferber method.

In addition to all of that, you will learn how to choose the right sleep training method while taking into account the child's age and temperament and aligning it with parents' expectations. This is essential because all children are different, and you need to know how to adapt the sleep training methods to help any child in order to be a successful sleep consultant.

And yes, there will be families who do not want to use any sleep training methods but still dream of a full night's sleep. You will learn how to help those families too. You will learn how to help parents teach their children to sleep through the night without using any sleep training methods. There are many ways to help the child learn that without using any traditional sleep training techniques.

Choosing the right program is the first step. Here is a more detailed guide:

Core Program

The Core Program is the best place to start if you want to become a certified sleep consultant and begin working with families soon. It teaches you the fundamental knowledge and skills you need to support healthy sleep. You will learn how to assess common sleep challenges, create a plan, and guide parents through the process.

You will also work through case studies based on real family situations so you can apply what you have learned. Most students complete the program in about 3 months when studying a few hours per week. If you are ready to start helping families or add sleep consulting to your existing work, this program gives you a clear, structured path forward.

Advanced Program

The Advanced Program is for people who want to go beyond the fundamentals. This course of study includes everything from the Core Program, plus a full set of advanced topics. Students learn how to support sleep through growth spurts, how to apply attachment theory to real situations, and how to communicate clearly and respectfully, even in very sensitive situations.

All students also receive complete business training. While some schools offer short modules on business basics, we have built a full business section into the Advanced Program. Students learn how to create a successful brand, present their work professionally, and connect with the parents.

Many sleep consultants feel unsure about how to present their services or talk about pricing. In the Advanced Program, students learn how to communicate clearly and respectfully - in a way that builds trust and helps parents understand the value of their work. They learn how to explain what they offer, how to handle common questions, and how to guide parents toward a decision without pressure or scripted sales talk.

Instagram can be a powerful tool for reaching families - but only if you know how to use it with purpose. In this program, students learn how to build an account from scratch and grow it steadily, using strategies designed specifically for child sleep consultants. Students learn what kind of content to post, how to write in a way that connects with parents, and how to build real engagement.

You do not need to go viral. You need to be clear, consistent, and easy to find. We show students how to do that - step by step.

Program duration - around 6 months when studying a few hours per week.

Extensive Program

The Extensive Program includes everything from the Core and Advanced Programs - with the addition of one-on-one guidance for setting up your business from the ground up. It is designed mostly for people who need support in IT (website development and SEO), marketing, and business consulting. It is intended to help them launch their practice successfully. 

The Extensive program costs significantly more because it includes services that are very expensive to provide, like website development and SEO. Building a professional website and making sure it is optimized for search engines is a complex process that requires skilled professionals, which drives up the cost. These are not quick or simple tasks—they take time and expertise.

To become a certified sleep consultant, the duration can vary depending on the program you choose and how much time you can commit to the coursework. On a weekly basis, you will receive learning materials in various formats: video lectures (recorded in advance, and you can watch them as many times as you need), written materials, graphics, charts, and presentations. You take all of your courses online, and you study at your own pace. Students have 24-hour access to study materials, allowing them to complete the training at their own pace.

Core Program

The Core program is designed to teach students the fundamental skills and knowledge they need to be successful sleep consultants and help families. Students learn how to assess sleep problems, guide parents, and create plans. Students also work through multiple case studies to build real-life problem-solving skills.

Duration - approximately 3 months if you commit to studying a few hours per week. Learn more about the Core program, including the curriculum and career paths.

Advanced Program

The Advanced program covers all the knowledge from the Core Program and also covers a wide range of advanced topics. Students learn how to support sleep through growth spurts, how to apply attachment theory to real situations, and how to communicate clearly and professionally with parents.

While many schools offer some business content, in our Advanced Program, students receive comprehensive business training. All students learn how to create a clear brand identity, communicate in a way that builds trust, and connect with the families who need their support. They also learn how to build an online presence that reflects their work. This includes how to present their services, how to grow their visibility on social media, and how to reach parents in a way that is authentic and professional.

Duration - around 6 months when studying a few hours per week.

Learn more about the Advanced program, including the curriculum and career paths.

Extensive Program

This is the most comprehensive package. Beyond the coursework offered in the Core and Advanced Programs, students also receive one-on-one guidance from instructors to help them set up their own consulting business from the ground up.

The duration varies depending on your study commitment. Part-Time - about 12 months if you spend 4-6 hours per week. Full-Time - approximately 8 months based on the experiences of past graduates. Learn more about the Extensive program, including the curriculum and career paths.

Yes, you have the flexibility to speed up your learning in both the Core and Advanced programs. Here is how it works:

1. Complete the first month of your current program.
2. Assess how comfortable you are with the pace.
3. If you are finding it manageable and want to move faster, get in touch with our student department.
4. We will transition you to an accelerated track, unlocking all course materials for you right away.

This option allows you to tailor the program's pace to your own comfort level and time availability, enabling you to finish your certification even sooner than the standard timeframe.

A sleep consultant works with families of healthy children to improve sleep. We look at the full picture - bedtime routines, daily habits, naps, environment, and more. We ask detailed questions because every child is different, and so is every family.

Once we understand what is going on, we guide you through a plan. The advice is tailored. It’s practical, step-by-step support to help your child sleep better - and help you get more rest too.

Support does not stop with the plan. We stay with you as you try it, help you adjust if needed, and answer questions along the way. Our goal is to help your family build healthy sleep habits that last.

We only work with families of children who have been confirmed to be healthy by a qualified healthcare provider. If your child has medical symptoms - such as snoring or breathing difficulties during sleep - you will need to speak with your doctor first. We can begin once your child has been cleared by a pediatrician.

Within those limits, we can help you build a bedtime routine, choose the right nap and sleep times, and change habits that prevent good sleep. We help parents reduce night wakings and support their child in falling asleep more easily - using approaches that fit their family values and their child’s temperament.

Our role is not medical. It is practical, clear, and focused on what works in daily life. We meet families where they are and help them move forward.

The terms “sleep consultant” and “sleep coach” are often used to describe the same type of work. Some training programs try to separate the two, but in reality, the roles are the same. There is no official definition or legal difference between a consultant and a coach.

What matters is not the title, but the way the professional is trained and how they support families.

Graduates of the International Institute of Infant Sleep are trained to take a detailed and structured approach. They look closely at the child’s sleep habits, daily routines, and environment. They assess what may be disrupting sleep - from how the day is structured to how the child falls asleep at night.

From there, they create a tailored sleep plan. This plan is based on what the family needs, what the child can manage, and what methods the parents are comfortable with. This is a flexible plan that can be adjusted as needed.

Our graduates do not stop at giving advice. We advise them to guide families step by step through the process. This support often includes coaching elements - helping parents stay consistent, answering questions along the way, and making small changes to help the plan succeed.

This mix of structure and support is what makes the role effective. It includes both consultative and coaching tasks, because families need both: clear, evidence-based guidance and patient, responsive support.

Even though some programs may try to separate the two titles, in practice, there is no strict line. Whether someone calls themselves a sleep consultant or a sleep coach, the important thing is how they approach the work. At the International Institute of Infant Sleep, we prepare our students to do both - to assess, plan, and support families with care and professionalism.

Yes. Sleep problems in babies and young children are very common. They affect millions of families. Most parents do not expect sleep to be this hard - but when it is, they often have no idea where to turn. Pediatricians may notice the issue but do not have the time to walk families through daily routines, bedtime habits, or step-by-step changes. Online advice is often too general, and it does not answer the real-life questions parents have.

That is why more and more families are looking for someone who can actually help - someone who understands what’s going on and can offer a clear plan. They want support that fits their child and their home life. That is exactly what a trained sleep consultant can provide.

Sleep consultants help parents understand what needs to change and how to do it. They work through real challenges like frequent night wakings and short naps.

As more parents learn that this kind of help exists, the demand keeps growing. Families are talking about their results. Professionals - including pediatricians, psychologists, and childcare providers - are referring parents to trained consultants.

This creates space for people who are well trained and ready to do the work. Sleep consulting is becoming a respected path, built on trust, knowledge, and care.

Many sleep consultants start part-time. The work is flexible. You can set your own schedule and take on clients based on your availability. This makes it a good fit if you are balancing other work or family commitments. You can build your practice at your own pace.

Some consultants stay part-time. Others choose to grow their business and take on more clients over time. Both paths are possible. You decide what works best for you.

For the Core Program, you could make back your investment with just one client. However, please keep in mind that this depends on the consultation fees you decide to charge.

If you go with the Advanced Program, it usually takes helping a few families to make back the money you invested in your education.

It is important to note that the speed at which you earn back your investment depends on various factors, like your dedication and the quality of your services. You will need to invest time and effort into building a client base and offering valuable advice, both of which you will learn in our programs. However, this is not a shortcut to quick riches! It is the start of what could be a rewarding and profitable career.

A sleep consultant will typically charge between $200 to $500 for online consultations.

How many families can you help per month? This is your business and it will be your decision to make.

You do not need to leave your job - unless you want to. Many people begin this work alongside other commitments. It is possible to train and start taking clients without making big changes to your current schedule.

You can begin part-time. Take on a few clients. Build your experience. Grow your confidence. All while keeping your existing job.

The role of a sleep consultant offers flexibility. You decide when and how much you work. This gives you time to see if this is something you want to do long term.

Training is also designed to fit your life. Our program is online and self-paced. You can study when it works for you and apply what you learn right away. You do not need to rush. You can take the time to learn the content and grow your skills gradually. Many of our students start this as a side project. Over time, some move into it full-time. Others prefer to keep it part-time. Both options are possible.

It is important to understand that financial success in this field takes time. You will need to learn the work, apply it well, and keep building your skills. Families will trust you because of the results you help them achieve - not because of a title or certificate. Building a client base does not happen overnight. It often starts slowly. Many consultants get their first clients through personal contacts or referrals. Over time, satisfied families begin to recommend your services to others. That is how your reputation grows.

But for that to happen, the quality of your work matters. You need to listen, stay consistent, and genuinely care about the families you help.

It generally takes students about 3 months to complete the Core program. However, we understand that many students balance work and family responsibilities. For this reason, our students have an additional 9 months on top of that, just in case they need to take breaks or handle other life commitments.

This program is designed to be flexible and self-paced. You do not have to worry about assignment deadlines. You can go through the course at your own pace. So once you enroll, you will have a full year—12 months—to complete the program.

No, there isn’t a final exam. 

Instead of stressing over a final exam, our students have manageable tests and case studies throughout the program.

We do not believe a one-time test proves you are ready to support families. What matters is learning how to think through problems, apply knowledge, and adapt to each situation.

The goal of this program is to help you build skills you can actually use - step by step, with feedback along the way. By the time you finish, you will know how to support families with care.

Yes, you can. The Core Program costs 649 USD. You can break it down into 3 payments:

• Reservation fee - 49
• Tuition payment - 280
• Last payment - 320

There are no hidden fees or extra charges! We designed this payment plan to help you manage your budget and make things easier for you.

It generally takes students about 6 months to complete the Advanced program. However, we understand that many of our students have work and family obligations. For this reason, our students have an additional 6 months on top of that, just in case they need to take breaks or handle other life commitments.

The program is designed with flexibility in mind, as it is self-paced. You don't have to worry about assignment deadlines. You can go through the course at your own pace. So once you enroll, you will have a full year - 12 months - to complete the Advanced program.

No, there isn’t a final exam. 

Instead of stressing over a final exam, our students have manageable tests and case studies throughout the program.

The goal of our program is to help you build new skills, not pass an exam. By the time you finish, you will know how to support families with care.

Yes, you can break the cost into 4 payments. There are no hidden fees or extra charges.

Yes, you certainly can. If you are taking the Advanced Program, you actually have the option to get 2 certificates. This is a good option for many students who want to start practicing and working as sleep consultants as soon as possible.

Once you complete the courses that are part of the Core Program, just send an email to the Students Department. They will verify you have completed all the required work for the Core Program and issue you a certificate for it. Later on, when you finish the entire Advanced Program, the Students department will issue you a second certificate.

This way, you can start helping families sooner with your Core Program certificate while still going for your Advanced Program certificate.

There are exams at the end of each course (tests with multiple-choice answers and case study exams), and you will receive written feedback on Canvas from the teachers.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes because they are an important part of the learning process. This is how we grow and learn. If your teacher labels your assignment with "N" for "needs improvement," view it as an opportunity to grow and improve your skills. You will receive constructive feedback, and your teachers will guide you until you reach the right answer. 

We are here to support you and help you become a successful sleep consultant.

The Core program is composed of 7 courses, each focused on various aspects of sleep consulting.

• IMS511 Science of Sleep
  
• IMS101 Introduction to Pediatric Sleep Consulting
  
• IMS421 Safe Infant Sleep
  
• IMS425 Infant Sleep from Birth to 4 Months
  
• IMS111 Infant Sleep 5-12 months
  
• IMS739 Solving Toddler and Preschooler Sleep Problems
  
• IMS841 Sleep Training Techniques

At the end of each course, students are required to take an exam. These exams come in 2 formats: multiple-choice tests and case study exams.

You will receive detailed, constructive feedback from our teachers through our online platform, Canvas. If you don't pass an assessment on your first try, don't worry at all. Take it as an opportunity to grow and improve your skills.

You can retake both the tests and case study exams as many times as needed to successfully complete them.

The Advanced program is composed of 14 courses, each focused on various aspects of sleep consulting.

• IMS511 Science of Sleep
  
• IMS101 Introduction to Pediatric Sleep Consulting
  
• IMS421 Safe Infant Sleep
  
• IMS425 Infant Sleep from Birth to 4 Months
  
• IMS111 Infant Sleep 5-12 months
  
• IMS739 Solving Toddler and Preschooler Sleep Problems
  
• IMS841 Sleep Training Techniques
• IMS431 Growth Spurts and Developmental Leaps
• IMS304 Attachment Theory and Child Sleep
• IMS435 Conditions Affecting Sleep
• IMS437 Introduction to Sleep Disorders
• IMS903 Sleep Plan Workshop
• IMS905 Working with Families
• IMS907 The Business of Sleep Consulting. Marketing Strategies and Techniques

At the end of most courses, students are required to take an exam. These exams come in 2 formats: multiple-choice tests and case study exams.

You will receive detailed, constructive feedback from our teachers through our online platform, Canvas. If you don't pass an assessment on your first try, don't worry. Take it as an opportunity to grow and improve your skills.

You can retake both the tests and case study exams as many times as needed to successfully complete them.

No, there aren’t any set deadlines for the exams. The program is designed to be self-paced, allowing you full flexibility in your study. Although we have a formal start date for each semester, such as September 14, 2021, for the fall semester of 2021, there are no set end dates for assignments.

Every week, you will receive learning materials on Canvas, our learning management platform. You are free to complete the assignments according to your own schedule.

We use a scientific approach. The program is grounded in research-based materials and credible methods. You can see the full curriculum here: https://iiisleep.com/sleep-consultant-course-of-study/

We turn research into clear, practical strategies.

All students work on multiple case studies based on real-world situations - questions parents ask. The course is structured, comprehensive, and focused on preparing students to support families with care.

No, because sleep consulting is not a regulated profession.

Sleep consultants have a similar professional status to parenting coaches, breastfeeding consultants, and life coaches. These are unregulated professions. That means there is no official government accreditation body for training programs in this field.

If a legitimate accreditation body is created in the future, we will absolutely pursue this accreditation. But at this stage, it does not exist.

We secure the quality of our program by using a scientific approach, grounded in research-based materials and credible practices and methods, which you can see here: https://iiisleep.com/sleep-consultant-course-of-study/

IICT is not a legitimate accreditation body. And even IICT admits that they are not legitimate - the information is listed on their FAQ page:

"Is IICT a government accredited regulatory body? No, IICT is a self-regulated professional membership body and is not affiliated with any government regulatory bodies."

Source: IICT website -> https://www.myiict.com/faqs/

Unfortunately, IICT "accreditation" does not carry any weight of official recognition. For this reason, our institute selected another organization to oversee and assess all programs.

At the International Institute of Infant Sleep, we prioritize credibility and transparency. Instead of associating with potentially misleading "accreditation bodies," we choose to invest our resources in meaningful endeavors. For example, we use Google Cloud Services so we can provide a better online learning experience for our students. 

After reviewing available options, we chose the World Organization of Certified Sleep Consultants (WOCSC) to review and assess our programs. This organization focuses specifically on sleep consulting, which aligns with our area of work. Our program has been reviewed and approved by WOCSC.

At this stage, there isn’t an official and legitimate accreditation body for people and courses in our field. Sleep consultants hold a similar professional status to parenting coaches, breastfeeding consultants, or life coaches.

However, we are continuously monitoring the industry and are well-prepared to adapt to any future regulations that may be introduced. 

No, you do not need a certificate, license, or degree to be a sleep consultant because this is an unregulated profession, similar to parenting coaching or life coaching.

What you do need is a solid training program that gives you practical knowledge and skills.

Our program helps students understand what works - and why.

Our program uses a scientific approach, grounded in research-based materials and trusted methods, which you can see here: https://iiisleep.com/sleep-consultant-course-of-study/

We turn research into clear, practical strategies that help parents support healthy sleep in their children. All students work on multiple case studies. These reflect the real questions parents ask. The course is structured, comprehensive, and focused on helping students support families with confidence.

Yes, our courses are approved by the World Organization of Certified Sleep Consultants (WOCSC). After reviewing available options, we chose WOCSC to review and assess our programs. This organization focuses specifically on sleep consulting, which aligns well with our goals. We are pleased that our courses meet their standards and have been approved.

At this stage, there isn’t an official and legitimate accreditation body for people and courses in our field. Sleep consultants hold a similar professional status to parenting coaches, breastfeeding consultants, or life coaches.

We hope that in the future a legitimate accreditation body will be established. We continuously monitor the industry. We remain ready to meet formal standards that may be introduced. If regulation comes, we are ready to act.

We consulted multiple external experts, including pediatricians, and other healthcare providers. The consensus was clear and unanimous!! It is unethical and beyond the scope of a sleep consultant or coach to address these medical conditions! Our role is to offer advice on behavioral sleep issues related to sleep associations and sleep-wake rhythms in healthy children.

Consulting on medical sleep problems is a matter that should only be handled by professionals with medical degrees and specialized training in sleep medicine. The sleep patterns and challenges of children with such conditions differ significantly from those of typically developing children. These children, in most cases, require specialized medical intervention and tailored therapies. Healthcare professionals like pediatricians and neurologists go through years of schooling and clinical experience to solve issues like this. Advice on bedtime routines, sleep associations, and sleep-wake rhythms works excellent for healthy children. However, for children with special needs, this advice could be inadequate or even harmful!

Given our external experts' insights and our ethical considerations, we decided not to include those subjects in our program. We fully agree with them that offering a certification in such a sensitive and specialized field would be irresponsible and unethical. In many countries, this would also be against the law!

We firmly stand by this ethical guideline! We do not offer courses on this specialized topic, and we assert unequivocally that sleep consulting for children with any medical condition should be conducted solely by qualified medical experts who have undergone rigorous training.