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.

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 on your journey to becoming a sleep consultant. Here is a more detailed guide:

Core Program

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. With a commitment of just a few hours per week, you can complete the course in about 3 months. The Core Program offers the quickest path to becoming a certified sleep consultant, making it a highly suitable option for people who are ready to make an immediate impact or supplement an existing income.

Advanced Program

Are you passionate about not just becoming a sleep consultant but a leader in the field? For those who wish to elevate their skills and deepen their understanding of sleep consulting, our Advanced Program is the natural choice. It is a comprehensive journey that equips you to become a successful sleep consultant and an impactful business owner.

This course not only covers all the essential knowledge from the Core Program but will also teach you advanced topics that are essential for anyone looking to learn all the details about sleep consulting. You will explore subjects like growth spurts and developmental leaps, attachment theory in relation to child sleep, and how to work with parents in a considerate and professional way. You will learn how to critically analyze and implement sleep solutions for a wide range of challenges families may face. You will learn the skills and tools you need to offer families more comprehensive and personalized sleep solutions.

This program doesn't just make you a consultant; it makes you a businessperson. Learn how to create a recognizable brand identity, connect authentically with parents, and establish yourself as the go-to sleep consultant in your area.

Struggling to connect with parents? We offer strategic training on reaching and engaging parents who need your help.

Powerful Branding
We guide you through the vital steps of creating a compelling brand identity, making sure you are not just another face in the crowd but the face families recognize and trust.

Digital Presence
Your online reputation matters. Our step-by-step social media guide is designed specifically for sleep consultants. Learn how to optimize your website, captivate your audience on social media, and stand out in a crowded digital world.

Ethical and Persuasive Sales Techniques
Unlock the power of psychological triggers to ethically enhance your sales process. Our program trains you in persuasive techniques that resonate with parents without compromising your integrity.

Instagram Mastery
We will show you the ins and outs of growing your Instagram following from ground zero to a staggering 10,000 followers, all tailored specifically for child sleep consultants.

For those who are committed to achieving excellence, making a meaningful impact, and building a business, the Advanced Program is your all-in-one package. It is not just about knowing sleep. It is about mastering the art and business of sleep consulting. Are you ready? The Advanced Program is here to help you achieve that.

Extensive Program

This is the most comprehensive package. Beyond the coursework offered in the Core and Advanced Programs, you also receive one-on-one guidance from instructors to help you set up your own consulting business from the ground up. The Extensive program 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 you the fundamental skills and knowledge you will need to be a successful sleep consultant and help families.

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 teach you advanced topics that are essential for anyone looking to learn all the details about sleep consulting. You will learn the skills and tools you need to offer families more comprehensive and personalized sleep solutions. While many schools offer some training to become a child sleep consultant, in our Advanced program you will learn how to build a successful practice and you will receive comprehensive business training.

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, you also receive one-on-one guidance from instructors to help you set up your own consulting business from the ground up.

The duration varies depending on your study commitment. Part-Time - about 12 months if you allocate 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.

What does a sleep consultant do? Imagine this - you are a parent at wit's end because your child just won't sleep. That is where a sleep consultant comes in. We dive deep into the sleep habits of your child, looking at everything from bedtime routines to the room's lighting and temperature. We even consider those factors you might not think about, like what your child do before bedtime or how active they are during the day.

Why do we get so detailed? Because every family is different, and so is every child. Once we have gathered all this information, we will guide you through a sleep plan designed just for your family. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is personalized advice aimed at helping your child sleep better, which means you will sleep better too.

But our role doesn't stop with providing a plan. We offer ongoing support as you implement these changes, making adjustments when necessary. Struggling with an aspect of the plan? We are right there to help you adapt the plan. After all, the ultimate goal is to help your family develop good sleep habits that will last a lifetime.

It is crucial to note that our work is focused on children who are confirmed to be healthy by a qualified pediatrician. We can’t work with you if your child, for example, snores or has any other health-related sleep issues. In this case, we ask you to seek medical advice. If there are health concerns with your child, you need to get a full check-up from a healthcare provider first. We can start helping your family only after we get the go-ahead from your doctor. And within these guidelines, we offer practical help. We can guide you in establishing a consistent, calming bedtime routine that sets the stage for a restful night. We can offer insights into ideal nap times, bedtimes, and wake-up times that sync with your child's natural sleep-wake cycle. This not only improves the duration of sleep but also its quality. We can help you change sleep associations and make it easier for your child to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep through the night. We can do that and so much more, as our advice is tailored to each family's unique needs.

Even though they seem like different roles, they are similar in what they actually do. Some schools will argue there is a difference, but the truth is, it is not about the title. It is about the individual approach each professional takes to help your family. The goal is the same. We are here to guide your family in improving your child's sleep habits. We use a blend of techniques that include both coaching aspects, like motivational strategies and ongoing support, and consultative elements, such as crafting specific sleep plans. At the end of the day, both aim to offer you personalized, continuous support to address your family's sleep challenges. 

A sleep consultant generally carries out a more comprehensive analysis of a child's sleep patterns, environment, and behavior. They create a tailored sleep plan and usually offer ongoing support to ensure that the plan is implemented effectively. The consultant's approach is often rooted in scientific research and can be highly customized to fit the family's needs. Despite this potential difference, both aim to guide families in improving their children's sleep habits.

We live in a world where sleep issues are so common and they affect not just adults but also our babies and children. It is a problem millions of parents face but don't know how to solve. That is where sleep consultants come in, and that is where you could make a difference. 

As a sleep consultant, your role goes beyond giving general advice. In our programs, you will learn how to analyze specific sleep problems faced by each family and come up with a good solution. You will provide support, help parents understand their children's sleep patterns, and give them the tools they need to improve their routines. You are not just offering a temporary fix. You will learn how to help families establish long-term healthy sleep habits.

The demand for sleep consultants is growing because more people are learning that sleep consultants can help them improve their sleep. This means more opportunities for you to build a stable, fulfilling career.

Absolutely, working part-time as a sleep consultant is not only possible but also quite common, especially when you are starting out. The role offers a significant degree of flexibility, allowing you to set your own schedule based on your availability and needs. This makes it an ideal option if you are looking to ease into the profession while maintaining another job or managing other commitments.

As you find success and satisfaction in helping families improve their sleep, you might decide to transition into full-time work down the line. Either way, the choice is yours.

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 program. 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.

No, you don't have to leave your current job. Unless you want to change your job and you would like to make this step.

You certainly do not need to quit what you are already doing. Starting as a sleep consultant can seamlessly fit into your current lifestyle.

Picture this: you start off as a part-time sleep consultant, taking on a couple of clients here and there. You gradually build up your experience and client base—all while maintaining your existing job. It sounds like the best of both worlds, doesn't it? The role of a sleep consultant offers the flexibility to set your own hours, which is great for anyone looking to understand if sleep consulting is what you would like to do as a full-time job.

And what about training? Our institute offers specialized training programs that are available online. This means you can easily tailor your learning to fit around your current job and personal commitments. You can take your time to learn the course materials and apply what you learn by helping parents and children. 

The bottom line? If you want to, you can start it as a 'side hustle,' gradually growing your experience and client base. With the flexibility of the role and the convenience of our training programs, you can comfortably manage both your current job and your exciting new venture into sleep consulting. 

At the same time, keep in mind that becoming a sleep consultant isn't just personally rewarding. It also has the potential to be a financially rewarding career. You might start things as a side job, but this profession offers the option of a six-figure income. So if financial security is on your list of career goals, you are looking in the right direction. It is essential to realize that achieving this level of financial success does not happen overnight! You will need to put in the time to learn the job, and continue to update your skills. Also, growing a client base takes time and often involves word-of-mouth referrals, so you will need to offer service that makes your clients want to recommend you to others. That means genuinely caring 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.

The goal of our program is to help you build new skills, not pass an exam. This hands-on approach allows you to apply what you have learned in real-world situations, preparing you for a successful career as a sleep consultant.

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 recognize 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. This hands-on approach allows you to apply what you have learned in real-world situations, preparing you for a successful career as a sleep consultant.

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 essential part of the learning journey. 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 19, 2023, for the fall semester of 2023, 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.

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 conducting comprehensive research, we selected the World Association of Certified Sleep Consultants (WACSC) as the regulatory body to oversee and assess our programs. This organization specializes exclusively in sleep consulting, aligning with our mission and objectives. We are pleased to announce that our programs have met the rigorous standards set by WACSC and are officially recognized and 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 breastfeeding consultants, business or life coaches.

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

Yes, all of our courses are recognised and approved. After conducting comprehensive research, we selected the World Association of Certified Sleep Consultants (WACSC) as the regulatory body to oversee and assess our programs. This organization specializes exclusively in sleep consulting, aligning with our mission and objectives. We are pleased to announce that our programs have met the rigorous standards set by WACSC and are officially recognized and 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 breastfeeding consultants, business or life coaches.

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

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.