What does it mean to be certified?

The American Board of Sexology is dedicated to taking certifications out of the area of subjectivity and payed for advertisement placement. Certified Sexologist and Diplomate certifications are based on academic achievement, dedication to the discipline as qualified by scholarship, evidence of competence and a verified background check. Those practicing clinicians in therapy and counseling with a certification from the ABS are well respected by other professionals and clients.  Make the investment in your career and give your clientele the comfort that you are an expert in the profession by becoming a Certified Sexologist.    — Dr. William Granzig, Ph.D.

What does it mean to be certified?

The American Board of Sexology is dedicated to taking certifications out of the area of subjectivity and payed for advertisement placement. Certified Sexologist and Diplomate certifications are based on academic achievement, dedication to the discipline as qualified by scholarship, evidence of competence and a verified background check. Those practicing clinicians in therapy and counseling with a certification from the ABS are well respected by other professionals and clients.  Make the investment in your career and give your clientele the comfort that you are an expert in the profession by becoming a Certified Sexologist.    — Dr. William Granzig, Ph.D.

The Certified Sexologist certification is for the professional in the field of Sexology, Clinical Sexology, Sex Education, Sex Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Work, Holistic Sex Therapy, Tantric Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Sex Coaching, Public Information Education, sex coaching, sex talk, relationship advice forums both in blogs and social media, Researchers, Medical Doctors specialized in sexual issues, Marriage Counselors, and authors on the subject of sex, treatment, products, aids and sexual relationships.

Education Note: A Medical Degree, Doctorate, Ph.D., Masters, Bachelors, or an Associates degree, is NOT required for this certification. An applicant should have a certificate of completion or a license in the field related to Sexology or document work in the field in the online application.

Special Note: Those in the process of obtaining a Doctorate, Ph.D., in the field of study, can upgrade from the Certified Sexologist to the Board Certified Diplomate with no upgrade fee for the first year. The Board offers this to encourage those seeking a higher post graduate degree to obtain mentoring from other certified members.

 

The Board Certified Diplomate is for the professional in the field of Sexology with a finishing degree (Masters Degree, Doctorate, Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D. etc..) in Sexology, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Sex Education or a closely related degree of higher education. A certificate from an educational institution recognized by the American Board of Sexology in Sexology, Sex Coaching, Sex Therapy or related sex therapist field with 4+ years of practice in the field as a therapist, educator, business owner, employee of a institution would also qualify. The applicant is required to have a peer review (unless waived by the Board), pass the competency exam (unless waived by the Board), and undergo a final review and acceptance by the ABS Board.

Note: At this time the Board is not requiring peer reviews due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions.  The competency exam is also not required at this time and is being redesigned for online.

The Apprentice in Sexology certification is designed for the student or new professional in the field of Sexology.  It is a fantastic starting certification and proof of dedication to the field. It is designed for those seeking employment by other psychology professionals, private practices, doctor offices, therapy counselor centers and psychotherapy type hospitals looking for specialized sexologists new to the field or looking for an internship. An Apprentice in Sexology certified applicant should be enrolled in a sexology program or school of higher education working toward a certificate from a school or advanced diploma.  The applicant applying for an Apprentice in Sexology does not have to have prior training to receive this certification.

Note: Upon graduation, an Apprentice in Sexology can upgrade to a Certified Sexologist or Board Certified Diplomate at no charge for the first year. The Board offers this to encourage those working toward a degree or school certificate, to apply early and seek the mentoring of our certified members.

The Mentor in Sexology certification is designed for the professional Sexologist who is at the end of their career and ready to give back. As a mentor, this seasoned professional can pass on their wisdom and knowledge to those new to the field or expecting to sit in the chair of being a therapist or educator. Previous Board Certified Sexologist and Certified Sexologist with the American Board of Sexology can roll into this certification with no further action. Retired professionals in the field do need to meet the basic qualifications of the Certified Sexologist before acquisition.

Note: This is not a certification for someone who calls themself a mentor to clients or patients.

The Certified Sexology Educator certification is for the professional in the education of Sexology, Clinical Sexology, Sex Education, Sex Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Work, Holistic Sex Therapy, Tantric Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Sex Coaching, Public Information Education, Sex Coaching, Sex Talk, Relationship Advice Forums, Researchers, Medical Doctors, Therapists, Authors on the subject and operate or teach at an institution for certification or an education institution of higher learning of professional seeking education in the field of Sexology.

Please note: This certification is not for therapists who teach clients or patients on relationships or sex therapy. That would be a Certified Sexologist or a Board Certified Diplomate. If you operate or teach at a university, college, high school or other private or public tuition based educational institution specific in the training of other professionals in the field, this would be the certification to obtain.

The Certified Sexology Educator certification is typically held as a secondary after the Certified Sexologist or Board Certified Diplomate certification. It is suggested that you obtain this certification if you plan on educating students to become Sexologist, Sex Therapist, or any other field within Sex Education. Some organizations and educational institutions require a professional to hold this certification before training others.

 

The Certified Holistic Sexologist certification is for the professional in the field of Sexology, Clinical Sexology, Sex Education, Sex Therapy, Social Work, Holistic Sex Therapy, Tantric Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Sex Coaching, Public Information Education, Sex Coaching, Sex Talk, Relationship Advice Forums, Therapists, and Authors on the subject who come to the field with Holistic training.

Note: This Certified Holistic Sexologist certification is typically held as a secondary to the Certified Sexologist. Some organizations in the field and some clients prefer to communicate and work with a professional holding this certification.

The Somatic Certified Sexologist certification is for the professional in the field of Sexology, Specialized in Somatic Healing, and has the education from a known and verified educational institution by the American Board of Sexology.  If you have Somatic experience but did not attend a recognized institution, please apply to the Certified Sexologist or the Certified Holistic Sexologist certifications.

Note: This certification does require education from a recognized educational institution in Somatic Therapy. The Somatic Certified Sexologist certification is typically held as a secondary after the Certified Sexologist or Board Certified Diplomate certification. Some organizations in the field and some clients prefer to communicate and work with a professional holding this certification.

The Tantra Certified Sexologist certification is for the professional in the field of Sexology, Specialized in Tantric Healing, and has the education from a known and verified educational institution by the American Board of Sexology.  If you have Tantra experience but did not attend a recognized institution, please apply to the Certified Sexologist or the Certified Holistic Sexologist certifications.

Note: This certification does require education from a recognized educational institution in Tantra.  The Tantra Certified Sexologist certification is typically held as a secondary after the Certified Sexologist or Board Certified Diplomate certification. Some organizations in the field and some clients prefer to communicate and work with a professional holding this certification.

The Certified Public Information Sexologist certification is for the professional in the field of Sexology, Clinical Sexology, Sex Education, Sex Therapy, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Work, Holistic Sex Therapy, Tantric Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Sex Coaching, Public Information Education, Sex Coaching, Sex Talk, Relationship Advice Forums, Researchers, Medical Doctors, Therapists, and Authors on the subject.  Its main focus is to verify and certify those performing online blogs, chat sessions, zoom meetings, town halls on the subject, match making services, publishing books, writing articles, creating YouTube videos, Facebook Live and other social media content in Sexology.

Note: A Medical Degree, Doctorate, Ph.D., Masters, Bachelors, or an Associates degree, is NOT required for this certification. An applicant should have a certificate of completion or a license in the field related to Sexology or document work in the field in the online application.

The Certified Sexology Device Specialist certification is for the professional or company in the manufacturing, retailing, or researching devices and medications in the field of Sexology. If you are a manufacturer or retailer of specific products or sex toys and would like them reviewed by our network of Sexologists, please reference the “Product Reviews” section below.

Note: A Medical Degree, Doctorate, Ph.D., Masters, Bachelors, or an Associates degree, is NOT required for this certification. An applicant should document what area(s) or product type(s) being manufactured, retailed or researched in the field in the online application. Please just generalize the information and do not send a detailed list of products.