The Complete Guide to Earning Your Sexology Certification Online

Are you interested in getting your sexology certification online and wondering where to start? The first step is to understand what it means to be a sexologist and then look at the possible pathways to getting there. There are actually many ways to become a sexologist – but worry not, we’ll guide you through all your options.  

What Is a Certified Sexologist?

A sexologist is a professional who studies human sexuality, including sexual behavior, health, and identity.

If you decide to embark on the study on sexology, you can end up practicing in many different fields – psychology, medicine, education, and research. You also have the option to work directly with clients, helping them understand and navigate their sexual well-being. You are able to provide therapy, counseling, and education on topics like sexual desire and arousal, overcoming dysfunction, exploring gender identity, and maintaining reproductive health.

With a sexology certification or degree, your goal is to promote healthy, informed, and fulfilling experiences by addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of sexuality.

Is a Sex Therapist the Same as a Sexologist?

A sex therapist is a type of sexologist, but not all sexologists are sex therapists.

Sexologists attend courses and study human sexuality in various capacities, including research, education, coaching, and therapy. They also help their clients with sexual issues in a short-term, focused format.

Sex therapists, on the other hand, are licensed and insured mental health professionals. They use clinical counseling techniques to work with clients on deeper psychological issues such as dysfunction, trauma, or relationship issues.

While sex therapists provide therapeutic treatment, sexologists may focus on broader aspects of sexuality, including advocacy, public health, or education, without offering clinical counseling.

Here is your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Sexology Certification Online:

Step 1: Is Sexology Right for Me?

The first step in deciding if sexology is the right career path for you is assessing your personality and interests. You want to evaluate your comfort level with discussing human sexuality openly and non-judgmentally. A successful sexologist is curious about human behavior, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others navigate their sexual health and relationships.

You should have strong communication skills and an ability to discuss a wide range of sexual topics — from pleasure and intimacy to dysfunction and trauma — with sensitivity and professionalism. Being open-minded and free of judgment is essential, as sexologists work with diverse individuals, cultures, and sexual expressions.

If you are passionate about education, psychology, medicine, or advocacy and feel comfortable addressing complex and sometimes taboo subjects, sexology may be a fulfilling career choice for you.

Step 2: Do I Want to be a Coach / Therapist or a Researcher?

Once you’ve decided to pursue sexology, the next step is choosing between clinical practice and research.

If you enjoy working directly with individuals or couples, you should consider becoming a coach or therapist. The time it takes to train as a sexologist can vary, but becoming a licensed therapist requires a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. This is followed by specialized training in sex therapy, which requires 4 years of undergraduate training, 2 years of Master’s coursework, and additional specialized training and internships.

Alternatively, if you’re passionate about studying human sexuality, societal trends, or the impact of policies on sexual health, you may prefer a research or public health career. Researchers typically need a university degree in fields like psychology, sociology, or public health, and advanced degrees are often required for academic positions. Public health focuses on broader, community-based initiatives and may involve a mix of research, education, and policy work.

Step 3: Can I Be a Sexologist Without a Degree?

If you’re interested in guiding clients but don’t want to pursue a lengthy degree, becoming a certified sex coach is another option. 

Coaching programs can be completed fully online, offering specialized training in sex coaching without requiring a traditional university education. This pathway is ideal for those who want a more flexible, accessible, and faster route into the field.

Coaching programs often focus on practical, hands-on techniques for helping clients improve their relationships, sexual confidence, and overall well-being. They can be a great choice if you are passionate about working closely with people by helping them create the lives they want for themselves, but prefer an alternative to formal academic study.

Additionally, sex coaching allows for a more holistic and client-centered approach, with sexology programs that emphasize empowerment, communication, and pleasure-focused wellness.

Step 4: Research Sexologist Degree Programs and Sexologist Certifications Online

Becoming a sexologist doesn’t always require a doctorate, but the level of education you need depends on your career goals.

If you want to be a licensed sex therapist or researcher, you’ll need one of the many sexologist degree programs that include a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, public health, or human sexuality. Some universities offer a specialized human sexuality degree, such as Widener University and the Kinsey Institute. There, you can get a PhD in sexology, which takes about 9-11 years, including both undergraduate and graduate studies. 

However, if you’re looking for a faster and more flexible route, you can pursue a sexology certification instead of a full degree. Certification programs focus on applied skills and are ideal for those who want to work as sex coaches, educators, or consultants without spending years in traditional academia. The American Board of Sexology (ABS) is a well-known certifying body, and you can become a certified sexologist online by taking a fully comprehensive sex and relationship coaching course.

Whether you choose a degree or certification, researching accredited programs that align with your career aspirations is crucial to establishing credibility and expertise in the field.

Step 5: Choose the Online Program that is Right for You

If you want to complete a Sexology Certification online, it’s essential to choose a program that is comprehensive, interactive, and supportive of your long-term success.

The Somatica Institute stands out as one of the best options for sexology courses online. It not only provides in-depth sex and relationship coaching training but also prepares you to be an entrepreneur in this exciting and expanding field. Unlike many programs that focus solely on theory, Somatica offers live classes where you receive hands-on practice, real-time feedback, and direct mentorship from experienced professionals.

Our approach goes beyond being trauma-informed; it teaches trauma-empowerment coaching, helping clients reclaim their sexuality in a safe and transformative way. Additionally, Somatica is not a certification factory — it truly invests in each student, providing personalized support to help you develop your unique coaching style and build a thriving business. 

The Somatica Institute’s certification program is recognized by the American Board of Sexology (ABS), meaning that, when you complete the full certification pathway, you can register with the ABS as a Certified Sexologist. This recognition adds professional credibility and allows you to establish yourself as an expert in the field.

As part of the ABS verification process, applicants must submit proof of their education with the Somatica Institute. Additionally, the ABS considers publications and media contributions, which means that, if you have been published in an academic journal or have contributed sexology-based content to media outlets, it will be confirmed in the certification process — though it is not a requirement for approval. Affiliation with the ABS further validates the comprehensive training and professional standards upheld by the Somatica Institute, so that you can graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of sexology.

Step 6: Start Your Career

After completing your training, it’s time to launch your career in sexology. (Curious how much you can make? Read our Sexologist Salaries article!)

If you’ve earned your certification through the Somatica Institute, you can start a private practice as a certified sexologist, specializing in experiential sex and relationship coaching. You’ll be equipped to guide clients in deepening intimacy, enhancing pleasure, and overcoming personal barriers to fulfilling relationships.

We hope this has answered your questions about how to become a certified sexologist online. Whether you establish your own coaching business, join a clinic, or contribute to groundbreaking research, your expertise in sexology opens the door to a meaningful, satisfying and impactful career.