If you’re thinking about becoming a doula, one of the most common questions is: How long does it take to get certified?
The answer depends on the type of training you choose, whether you study online or in person, and how quickly you complete your certification requirements.
Typical Timeframe for Doula Certification
- Online, self-paced programs: 2–8 weeks on average. Some students finish in as little as a few weeks, depending on how much time they dedicate.
- In-person workshops or hybrid programs: Often require 3–6 months to complete, since they include scheduled classes, workshops, and additional assignments.
- Advanced or association-based programs: With mentorship, workshops, and birth attendance requirements, certification can take 6–12 months.
How Long It Takes by Provider
1. DNT Network – Online Doula Certification
- Format: 100% online, self-paced.
- Timeframe: Many students finish in 2–6 weeks.
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Highlights:
- Lifetime access, no deadlines.
- Affordable at just $199.
- Options for Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula certification.
👉 Best for those who want to get certified quickly and affordably.
2. DONA International
- Format: Hybrid (workshops + online coursework).
- Timeframe: Typically 6–12 months to complete all requirements, including births attended.
3. CAPPA
- Format: Online + in-person workshops.
- Timeframe: Around 3–6 months, depending on workshop schedules and assignments.
4. Childbirth International
- Format: Fully online.
- Timeframe: Usually 3–9 months, with mentorship and assessments built in.
What Affects How Long It Takes?
- Program type – Online self-paced courses are faster; in-person and association programs take longer.
- Your schedule – The more time you dedicate weekly, the faster you’ll finish.
- Certification requirements – Some programs require attending births, exams, or essays that extend the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can become a doula in as little as a few weeks with a self-paced online program.
- Traditional programs often take 3–12 months due to workshops and birth attendance requirements.
- DNT Network ($199) is the fastest, most flexible option, allowing you to study at your own pace and complete certification quickly.
✨ Whether you want to get certified fast or prefer a longer, structured program, there’s a pathway for you..