Respiratory sleep certified training programme

Part one of the programme is delivered online and covers the fundamentals of respiratory sleep medicine at a theoretical level. Part two focuses on practical application, beginning with a three-day onsite course, followed by the development and peer review of an online case portfolio, and concluding with an online session where participants present their cases and participate in discussions with ERS experts.

The programme should be completed within two years.

Learning outcomes

Following the training programme, participants will:

• Use diagnostic tools to assess sleep and breathing disorders.
• Address respiratory control, hypoxic/hypercapnic responses, and sleep apnoea.
• Recognise cardiovascular impacts of sleep-disordered breathing.
• Identify sleep disorder phenotypes across age, sex, and pathophysiology.
• Assess comorbidities affecting diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
• Evaluate CPAP and NIV therapies for efficacy, limits, and adherence.
• Explain types, mechanisms, and management of respiratory insufficiency.
• Explore links between OSA, endocrine, and non-respiratory sleep disorders.
• Apply skills in sleep scoring, PAP therapy, and digital technologies.
• Recognise socioeconomic factors, teamwork, and patient-centred care..

Pre-requisites for all participants

This programme is intended for all healthcare professionals who wish to develop or update their knowledge in respiratory sleep medicine.

• Part one:
  • Previous knowledge and experience on sleep respiratory medicine is not required.
• Part two:
  • Participants must successfully complete part one of the programme.
  • Participants must have access to a sleep laboratory or patients with sleep disorders within their institution to complete part two case portfolio.

Part one: theory

Part one of the training programme is delivered online and has been accredited with 25 CME credits by the European Board for Accreditation in Pneumology (EBAP).

Part two: practical course and online portfolio

The second part of this training programme allows participants to apply theory into practice and has been accredited with 24 CME credits, which are awarded for attendance of the three-day onsite course and the online case-based sessions. The onsite programme has also received the Mark of Excellence from the European Board for Accreditation in Pneumology (EBAP).

Practical information regarding Part 2 onsite course

• Dates: 20-22 May, 2026
• Location: Antwerp, Belgium (Antwerp University Hospital – UZA)
• Preliminary programme

Part one:

• The next cohort for Part 1 of the Respiratory sleep training programme will be available on 30 October 2025.
• Participants who fail the part one assessment the first time can register to re-sit for an administrative fee of €50.

Part two:

• Participants having successfully completed Part 1 will be able to register for Part 2 via myERS.