American Board of Sexology Requirements

The American Board of Sexology is ever evolving with the times and has made some changes in types of certifications and certification requirements over the past few years.  There is a certification and place in the professional Directory of Sexology for everyone in the field of Sexology, Sex Education, Teachers, Doctors, Therapist, Toy Testers, Social Media Influencers, Researchers, Holistic, Eastern practices and Alternative methodologies.  Please read below to know the best option for your career path and understand that you may not be qualified for specific certifications based on experience or focus. Anyone can acquire the Apprentice in Sexology Certification as it is designed for those still learning about Sexology as a profession.

The ABS currently has two (2) primary certifications, one (1) pre-career certification, one (1) post career certification and six (6) specialty certifications to fit with your background.

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 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, Researchers, Medical Doctors, Therapists, and Authors on the subject.

Education Note: A medical degree, doctorate, Ph.D., masters, bachelors, or an associate 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 (master’s 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: Currently the Board is not requiring peer reviews due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions.  The competency exam is also not required currently and is being redesigned for online.

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 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 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 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 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 Certified Sexology Educator certification is for the professional in the educated 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 that this certification is NOT for therapist who teach clients or patients on relationships or sex therapy. It is for Educators in the field of Sexology teaching students to become Sexologist, Tantra, Somatic by educators at a school, professors within the university system, private schools, training programs, online training, continuing education (CE), or other variation of Sexology educator.

The Certified Sexology 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 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 associate 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 associate 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.

The American Board of Sexology is a non-profit organization, peer review board for qualifying professionals in the field of Sexology. Some members of our dedicated team of certified sexologists provide independent product testing of sexual aids and devices for research, public education, and consumer safety.

Product testing may include qualified students, patients with related issues or independent third-party participants. Participants in these studies typically are unaware of brand, retailer, distributor, or manufacturer information.  The American Board of Sexology and its team of product testers, researchers, and professionals are not compensated for their studies or time. The American Board of Sexology also does not sell products, market products, or advertise products to the public keeping the independent review process unbiased. All published information online or offline about products reviewed by the American Board of Sexology are for educational purposes only and funding is not accepted from the manufacturers, retailers, or sponsors of the products.

For more information on testing practices or if you have a sexual device, marital aid, or any other item to be reviewed by our team, please contact us thru our main Contact Form.

The American Board of Sexology will perform a background check on all new applicants for its certifications and renewals. Background checks are performed by an independent third-party organization not related or directly affiliated to any Board member or the American Board of Sexology.  The agreed upon background check process includes the verification of degrees, certifications earned, educational institutions attended, professional licenses, business addresses, business licenses, contact information, publications, internet presence, criminal background (only on felonies related to the profession), and years in the profession. Please note, we do not request a credit check, financial records or previous client or patient reviews due to potential bias and not being unable to see the entire picture of a business or personal portfolio.

All American Board of Sexology certificate holders receive an online profile in the Directory Listing with backlinks to the professional’s social media, education, publications, websites, email, phone, business information, photo and a biography.  The Directory Listing is also FREE to those still considering the American Board of Sexology as an option.  The FREE Directory Listing is limited in display and lacks the backlinking to the professional’s social media, business, and website information.

Currently some of the older Directory Listings can only be edited by our team.  We are migrating all of the user profiles for self-editing to help keep the listings up to date.

If you have an older profile listing, information in the listings, including pictures of the specialist, images of publications and additional certifications can be changed at any time with an email request.  Also note that specific fields in the Directory Listing can be optioned to display or not within the public listing when filling out your application or requesting changes by email.

We take the safety and security of our certified members seriously and will update sensitive information immediately. If you have any concerns about sensitive information being displayed as public that should be private, please contact us immediately. We also do not allow client reviews to display sensitive or personal information for our members.

The American Board of Sexology has grown so large that it would be nearly impossible and very costly for applicants to appear in person in front of the Board.  The previous approval process has been dropped for a verification of education, testing, experience and background process.

Note: The testing process is currently being migrated from a paper form to an online format.  New testing will also include variations for specialties being tested. Currently all testing is being waived until the online testing is completed.

Applicants applying for any of the American Board of Sexology certifications will require a Board member to review and verify all information being presented before issuing a certification.  An applicant applying for the Board Certified Diplomate will require two (2) Board members to perform an additional peer review of the applicants achievements before receiving the certification.

Disapproval by the Board for certification can be appealed by email explaining “why the applicant should be approved” and attached proof of eligibility or required information if specified by the Board or administrative staff.

If the Board does not approve an applicant’s request, the applicant may have the option to change to another certification if qualified and receive a refund on the difference in amount. The applicant also has the option to withdraw their application for a full refund. As a non-profit organization, the American Board of Sexology cannot hold money without a certification being provided and can only deduct fees for services provided. Approval for a certification may take up to one (1) week or five (5) business days due to application processing and availability for peer review by one (1) to two (2) Board members needed depending on certification.

Create your User Account which the online registration form is included.  Please complete the registration form as best as possible and truthfully.  It includes the basics for certification approval process.

Next, you will want to create and add information to your Directory Listing. This information is used by our team to validate your education, experience, training, credentials, and perform all necessary background checks. (Note: Do not add confidential items you do not want viewed by the public)

Upload you Directory Listing Photo so we can verify who you are and others viewing your profile can rest assure that they are working with a professional. (Note: All profiles must have a photo of the professional being certified.)

We ask that you are truthful when filling out the Directory Listing. Our team of specialists will verify this information in the process of awarding you your certification and acceptance into the American Board of Sexology.

Our team can typically perform verifications on the information provided within 72 hours of an application submission.  Once approved by the Board, your information and ABS Certification will be seen in the Directory Listing. You will also receive the official secure Adobe .PDF printable version by email.

Any updates to your Directory Listing Photo may take 48 hours to be displayed. Our software is designed to verify the authenticity of the image being submitted.

If the Board does not approve an applicant’s request, the applicant may have the option to change to another certification if qualified and receive a refund on the difference in amount. The applicant also has the option to withdraw their application for a full refund. As a non-profit organization, the American Board of Sexology cannot hold money without a certification being provided and can only deduct fees for services provided. Approval for a certification may take up to one (1) week or five (5) business days due to application processing and availability for peer review by one (1) to two (2) Board members needed depending on certification.

The American Board of Sexology no longer snail mails paper certifications to approved members.  This was changed during the Covid-19 outbreak over public concerns of mail delivery contamination and transmission of the infection.

The board approved a digital certification that is both secure and printable as an Adobe .PDF document.  There is no restriction on the paper used in which this certification can be printed upon.  For example, if you have a “Classical” or “Mid-Century Modern” office space, you can print your certification on antique, colored, textured, or any stylized paper and have it framed in a frame styling of your choice.

An Adobe .PDF version can be mailed to clients, professional institutions, schools, etc… as it is a non-editing secured document in and of itself. You will also receive a .JPG version that can be used on your website, social media, email signature, etc… as it has, like the Adobe .PDF, a verifiable security address with number on the front.

Verification and authenticity is printed on the front of the certification with a direct link to the American Board of Sexology website. With the Adobe .PDF version it is also within the electronic properties of the file.  The certified professional’s number with the base web address of https://americanboardofsexology.org/ will display the status of the professional.  This can also be verified at https://americanboardofsexology.org/certificate-verification/