If you’ve been Googling “How long does it take to become a certified doula?” you’ve probably seen answers ranging anywhere from a weekend to a whole year. Helpful? Not really. Accurate? Also… not really. So let’s break it down doula-style: -clear, honest and with informed consent.
Here’s the Secret Nobody Tells You
You don’t need years of school, a medical background or even our own birth experience to become a doula. You do need solid training, real-world skills, and a certification process that doesn’t ask you to jump through hoops.
That’s exactly why BEST exists.
So, How Long Does It Take?
Short answer:
👉 Most people complete BEST Doula Training in just a few weeks and are ready to start taking clients right away. Longer answer: It depends a bit on your pace — but here’s what the process looks like.
The BEST Timeline to Doula Certification
Step 1: The Training Workshop (2 Days)
This is where the magic happens. Whether you're attending in-person or virtually, your doula journey includes our 2-day workshop led by two real (and super experienced) doulas who actually attend births and run busy, successful practices. These two doulas share all their knowledge with you so you can start your doula career two steps ahead.
By the end of these two days, you have:
Hands-on birth skills
Business tools including a doula contract, free stock photography, intake forms, a road map for business formation and marketing skills
Real client scenarios
Confidence that “Oh wow, I can actually do this” energy and a lot of new Besties.
Step 2: Certification Requirements (Usually 2–4 Weeks)
We don’t believe in paperwork for the sake of paperwork., so our certification steps are streamlined, simple, and deeply practical. We also send you EVERYTHING except a few books. and it is all included in the price of the course. When you register, BEST will sent you:
A comprehensive birth class on podcast for your to listen to
The streamed lactation class Prepared Feeding
Think Log (your thoughts on the podcasts and lactation course)
An action plan for finding clients
One-on-one coaching if you want it
Most doulas finish this part in 2–4 weeks. If this work is complete prior to attending the 2 day workshop - you leave your workshop certified..
Want to binge it like a Netflix series?
Totally doable.
Prefer to take your time between school pickups and life chaos?
Also doable.
No waiting months.
No complicated scoring.
No certification births.
No mailing in (or paying for) packets and memberships.
Yes to fast, human, helpful support.
Total Time to Become a Certified Doula with BEST:
👉 2–6 Weeks for Most Students**
Of course, some people take longer (life happens, kids happen, births happen). But if you’re motivated?
You can go from “thinking about becoming a doula” to “I’m certified!” in well under two months.
Why BEST Is Faster (Without Cutting Corners)
⭐ Hands-on, realistic training
We focus on the skills doulas actually use — not theoretical fluff.
⭐ Streamlined certification
No birth attendance requirements (yes, you read that right). No hoops. No nonsense.
⭐ Lifetime mentorship
You get coaching and community long after the workshop ends, so you don’t lose momentum.
⭐ Designed by working doulas
Our program is built by real birth professionals who know how this work looks in real life.
Ready to Become a Certified Doula?
If your heart is screaming “YES,” your brain is saying “Maybe?” and your browser has twelve tabs open titled “How to become a doula,” don’t worry — that’s normal.
You can join an upcoming training, grab your spot, and be supporting families faster than you think.
👉 Check out our upcoming training dates and start your doula journey with BEST.