Thank you for your interest in the Certified Sex Coach training program here at Sex Coach U! Prospective students often have the same questions about our programs and our application process, so we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How does Sex Coach U compare to other programs?
- What are the prerequisites for joining SCU?
- Do we do the program at our pace?
- How experiential is your program?
- How many hours per week should I expect to devote to my studies?
- What support will I receive during my studies?
- Will we be writing papers and a thesis like in a Master’s program? Are there tests?
- Is it possible to see the material that is made throughout the training?
- Is there an updated version of the textbook, “The Art of Sex Coaching?”
- Is it a one year program and on a Bachelor’s degree level?
- How much does the training cost?
- What is SCU looking for in the selection process?
- What is the application process?
- Do you offer Scholarships?
- What credentials will I earn when I successfully graduate?
- How long will it take to earn my certification?
- Can I apply for AASECT certification when I complete my training?
- What’s the difference between SCU Certification and AASECT Certification?
- What additional steps are required for full AASECT Certification?
- What if I have a concern or grievance about AASECT CEs through SCU?
- Where does SAR take place?
- Do I need to complete the SAR if I have already done one?
- Do I need to take any more training after I graduate?
- When can I start working as a sex coach?
- Is SCU accredited with the International Coaching Federation?
- Is SCU Trauma-Informed?
How does Sex Coach U compare to other programs?
Programs differ most in three places: how far the credential leads, whether business training is included, and whether the training is talk-based. Here is where Sex Coach U sits on each.
Longevity and lineage. Co-founded in 2010 by Dr. Patti Britton, one of the people who established sex coaching as a distinct profession, with a curriculum built on her MEBES® model. There are now students and graduates in more than 85 countries.
Where the credential leads. Most sex coach training ends at certification. Sex Coach U certification transfers toward a Master of Science in Sex Coaching at the International Institute of Clinical Sexology, covering up to half of the 60 credits required, and that degree opens eligibility to apply for the PhD in Clinical Sexology. Certification is a complete qualification in itself. The difference is that it does not have to be the end of the pathway.
Business training included. BOSS, our 12-month business program, is included in the SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track at no extra cost. Several programs sell business training separately. Building a practice is most of the work of becoming a working sex coach, so we treat it as part of the training.
Talk-based scope of practice. We do not teach or encourage hands-on methods. Programs differ substantially here, and the difference affects how you practice, how you are insured, and how clinicians receive you as a referral partner.
Outside recognition. Sex Coach U is the only sex coach training organization approved for organizational membership in the World Association for Sexual Health, and is an approved AASECT continuing education provider. Sex Coach U is also listed as a recognized educational institution by the American Board of Sexology, and graduates are eligible to apply for Certified Sexologist status with ABS.
If you are weighing specific programs, our Student Advisors will answer direct questions about how we differ, including where another program may suit you better.
What are the prerequisites for joining SCU?
We welcome students from a range of professional backgrounds, but some prior training or experience in a related field is required, especially for the Experienced Practitioner Track.
SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track Applicants
No prior sexology or coaching training is required. This path is designed to guide you step-by-step, starting from the foundations. If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to learn, we’ll support you all the way through.
Experienced Practitioner Track Applicants
- Therapist, counselor, psychologist, or social worker
- Nurse, doctor, or healthcare provider
- Certified ICF life coach
Do we do the programs at our own pace?
Yes, and the pace depends on the path you choose.
For the SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track:
This is a structured, 18-month program that blends self-paced coursework with weekly live sessions, coaching lab sessions, and advisor support. While there’s flexibility built in, you’ll move through the curriculum with your cohort and have regular opportunities to engage in real-time learning. Most students commit 6–8 hours per week.
For the Experienced Practitioner Track Path:
Experienced Practitioner Track is fully self-paced, designed for experienced professionals who prefer flexibility and autonomy. You’ll have 12 months to complete the curriculum and certification requirements. There are no required group calls or live sessions, but support is available à la carte if and when you want it.
For the BOSS Program:
BOSS is a 12-month business training program that combines self-paced content with regular live coaching, coworking sessions, and a private community. You’ll have full access to the curriculum and support structure for the entire year.
Payment Plans:
If you’re on an in-house payment plan, it’s designed to match the length of your program. You can always pay ahead if you want to move faster.
Need more time?
We understand that every learner moves at their own pace. If you need extra time beyond your enrollment period, continuation fees may apply, but we also offer flexibility for those who need it.
We’re committed to supporting neurodivergent students and those for whom English is a second language, and we’re happy to explore accommodations to help you succeed.
How experiential is your program?
How many hours per week should I expect to devote to my studies?
That depends on the path you choose, and your own pace.
SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track:
Most students spend 10–15 hours per week on a mix of coursework, live sessions, coaching lab sessions, and reading. The program is designed to be completed in 18 months, with plenty of flexibility to fit your life.
Experienced Practitioner Track Path:
We recommend setting aside 10–12 hours per week to move steadily through the curriculum and complete all requirements within the 12-month timeline. Since it’s self-paced, you can adjust based on your schedule and learning style.
Study Support:
Each course includes a Study Guide with time estimates to help you plan. Staying consistent with weekly study time will keep you on track and reduce stress, while building the skills you need to thrive as a Certified Sex Coach™.
What support will I receive during my studies?
Will we be writing papers and a thesis like in a masters program? Are there tests?
Nope, no formal tests, papers, or thesis required. At Sex Coach U, we follow adult learning principles that prioritize real-world skills, self-reflection, and applied knowledge.
Here’s how learning is assessed:
For All Students:
- Self-Assessments: At the end of each course, you’ll complete a multiple-choice quiz (with an answer key) and a written self-evaluation to reflect on your learning.
- Ongoing Learning: Attend or rewatch 8 SCU webinars and submit a short reflection for each.
- Final Practicum: You’ll complete three real client sessions, which are recorded and reviewed with feedback from a Student Advisor. This is your chance to demonstrate your coaching skills in action.
SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track:
- Module Workbooks: After each module, you’ll submit a workbook that’s reviewed by your dedicated Student Advisor. Their feedback helps guide your growth and ensure you’re on track.
- No traditional exams or academic papers, just experiential, reflective learning.
Experienced Practitioner Track Path:
- Module Workbooks: You’ll complete a workbook for each module and email it to [email protected] for review.
- Additional time: If more support or time is needed to meet certification requirements, you can extend your access for a fee.
Our focus is on helping you become a confident, ethical, and effective sex coach, not testing your memory or writing a thesis. It’s practical, flexible, and designed for real-world impact.
Is it possible to see the material that is made throughout the training?
You won’t get direct access to the course materials before enrolling, but you can review a detailed breakdown of the full curriculum on our website.
The program is built around four core modules that integrate:
- Clinical sexology
- Co-active coaching
- Our signature Integrated Sex Coaching framework
This structure ensures a comprehensive, layered learning experience, designed to help you apply what you learn with confidence and depth.
Is there an updated version of the textbook, The Art of Sex Coaching?
In “The Art of Sex Coaching: Expanding Your Practice” by Dr. Patti Britton, a pioneering text in the field of sex coaching, readers are guided on becoming effective sex coaches. Published in 2005, the book is recognized for its foundational clinical insights, despite some outdated language regarding gender, sexual orientation, and identities. As the field of sexology evolves, it’s crucial to view such texts in context, acknowledging their historical significance while also recognizing shifts in societal norms and terminology.
Sex Coach U encourages students to approach this and other seminal works, like “The Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction” by Hartman & Fithian (1972), with an appreciation for their historical context. These texts offer valuable insights, though some concepts might seem dated.
For example, the Sensate Focus technique, initially designed for heterosexual married couples, is adaptable for partners of all identities and orientations today, emphasizing the universal human experience of physical pleasure and sexual wellness.
The curriculum at Sex Coach U doesn’t solely rely on these classic texts. It integrates contemporary perspectives in sexology, coaching, and business, covering new modalities for healing and current trends. This includes webinars featuring experts across various domains, an essential part of the curriculum alongside the lectures and traditional texts.
While acknowledging the outdated aspects of “The Art of Sex Coaching,” such as binary gendered language, outdated terms like “transsexual,” and a lack of focus on LGBTQIA+ issues or intersectionality, the book’s core intention remains vital: promoting a holistic and humanistic approach to sex, sexual behavior, and identity. It’s MEBES® Model provides a lasting foundation for how to work holistically with any client’s issues, in a system that creates positive outcomes for you and your sex coaching clients.
For SCU students, the challenge is to look beyond the dated terminology, extract foundational practices and research, and contribute to developing new, affirming, and inclusive practices celebrating human sexuality.
Is it a one year program and on a Bachelor’s degree level?
How much does the training cost?
We offer several training paths at Sex Coach U, each with different levels of support, structure, and investment.
SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track:
Our most immersive, supported certification program is $10,497 USD.
Payment plans start at $597/month.
Experienced Practitioner Track Path:
Self-paced and flexible, designed for the experienced practitioner, this certification program is $6,997 USD.
Payment plans are available starting at $597/month for 12 months.
BOSS Program:
Our 12-month business training for sexuality professionals is $3,397 USD.
This program is included at no extra cost for SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track students.
Additional Costs:
Books & Materials: Most students spend under $300 on required books.
SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment): Required for certification. We offer virtual SAR options twice a year, or you can attend a qualified external SAR. Costs vary by provider.
For full details on what’s included in each path, visit our Program Options page.
What is SCU looking for in the selection process?
You must be over 21 years of age to apply to the SCU Certified Sex Coach™ training program. Though it’s vital to have some life experience and maturity to draw on to become a Certified Sex Coach.
We are looking for bright, energetic go-getters who are devoted to making the world a more sex-positive place through helping others achieve their optimal sexual wellness. There are no educational or employment prerequisites, though a history of doing something in the field of sexuality is a plus. This can be as simple as being the person everyone you know turns to for sex advice or as complex as being an MD who specializes in urology or gynecology — or anyone in between!
Ideal candidates for Sex Coach U have a background in therapeutic training, or experience in the pleasure products industry, adult entertainment, bodywork (sexological or other), sex education, life coaching, counseling, nursing, Tantra or other sacred sexuality modalities.
Career changers with prior college education and/or work or business experience are also ideal candidates. SCU is a complete training program, so it is entirely possible to transition from other, completely unrelated careers by achieving the knowledge and skills required to become a competent sex coach.
What you need, above all, is passion, dedication, self-discipline, motivation, and patience. You need a willingness to dive deep into your own psyche and work through and heal from your own sexual wounds. And you need to be open to new ideas and to the diversity of human sexual expression.
You will be challenged by this material, and you may even be triggered. You will need to have a reliable and effective support system in place and know how to self-soothe and regulate your emotional responses.
Finally, you need to be able to self-fund the tuition. If you do not have a consistent, reliable source of income that can cover your tuition payments AND your regular living expenses, then you are not a good candidate for the program at this time.
On the application, we’re specifically looking for people to fully answer our questions. One word and one line responses will not suffice. You need to show us who you are. Be authentic and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Answer our written questions thoroughly and from the heart in order to be seriously considered for enrollment.
What is the application process?
Students are accepted into Sex Coach U on a case-by-case basis, and not everyone who applies is accepted. To enroll in the program, you must complete a two-part application process:
- Written Application: Begin by submitting a detailed written application. This allows us to understand your background, your motivations for becoming a sex coach, and how you envision your future in the field.
- Live Application Interview: If your written application meets our criteria, you will be invited to participate in a live Application Interview, conducted via Zoom. This step further assesses your suitability for the program and gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have.
Applications are accepted during short open enrollment periods. Due to the limited number of seats in each enrollment cycle and the high demand, we encourage prospective students to act quickly when these periods open.
Do you offer Scholarships?
Currently we do not offer Scholarships.
What credentials will I earn when I successfully graduate?
Graduating from this training gives you the title of Certified Sex Coach™, and you may add the initials CSC behind your name.
As a Certified Sex Coach™, you’ll also be eligible to apply for Certified Sexologist status with the American Board of Sexology (ABS). Sex Coach U is listed as a recognized educational institution by ABS. Many graduates use the post-nominals CSC, ABS.
Sex Coach U certification also transfers toward the Master of Science in Sex Coaching at the International Institute of Clinical Sexology, covering up to half of the 60 credits required for the degree. Completing that degree opens eligibility to apply for the PhD in Clinical Sexology at IICS. Admission is set by IICS and requires a bachelor’s degree or a professional license in healthcare, medicine, or mental health.
Sex Coach U operates globally, with students and graduates in over 85 countries. We are proud to be an Organizational Member of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).
As an SCU graduate, you are eligible to apply for individual membership with WAS at a reduced annual rate of $50. When sharing your affiliation publicly, you may use the wording: “Alumni of Sex Coach U, an Organizational Member of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).”
Graduates may also apply for Professional Membership of the Association of Somatic and Integrative Sexologists (ASIS), a UK-based professional body. Membership includes a practitioner directory listing, and members resident in the UK, Ireland and most of Europe can access ASIS professional insurance.
How long will it take to earn my certification?
It depends on the path you qualify for, and how quickly you move through the program.
Experienced Practitioner Track Path:
You’ll have up to 12 months to complete the curriculum and certification requirements. Since it’s self-paced, you can finish faster if you prefer.
SCU Core Certified Sex Coach Track:
This immersive path is designed to be completed in 18 months, with live sessions, coaching lab sessions, and a more structured learning flow.
Certification Requirements (All Paths):
- Completion of all required coursework and module workbooks
- A final case study and supervised practicum
- Attendance (or replay) of 8 SCU webinars with short reflections
- Participation in an SCU-approved SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment) training
- All tuition must be paid in full before graduation
Both paths are designed to give you the time and flexibility to absorb the material fully, so you can graduate confident, qualified, and ready to coach.
Can I apply for AASECT Certification when I complete my training?
We’re proud to share that Sex Coach U is an approved provider of AASECT Continuing Education (CE) credits, certified from July 1, 2025 onward. Our training includes coursework that may help fulfill portions of the AASECT certification requirements (Sections V and VI) for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
This means students enrolled in our programs may earn AASECT CEs for eligible coursework – a significant benefit if you’re planning to apply for AASECT certification or renewal in the future.
AASECT’s certification requirements include a minimum of 90 hours of Core Knowledge in human sexuality, as well as additional discipline-specific training.
These knowledge areas span topics such as:
- Ethics and professional communication
- Developmental and cultural perspectives on sexuality
- Gender identity, sexual orientation, and diverse relationship styles
- Pleasure enhancement and intimacy skills
- Sexual anatomy and functioning
- Trauma, consent, and sexual exploitation
- Cyber sexuality, substance use, and more
Important disclaimer: Completion of SCU’s training program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. The AASECT Certification Committee evaluates each application individually based on your background, prior education, and completion of all certification components – which may include a SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment), supervision with an AASECT Certified Supervisor, and AASECT membership. For more information, visit aasect.org/aasect-certification or contact [email protected].
AASECT certification is open to international applicants, though U.S. licensure may be required for certain tracks such as Sex Therapy. Please review AASECT’s current guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
What’s the difference between SCU Certification and AASECT Certification?
Sex Coach U offers a comprehensive, internationally-recognized Certified Sex Coach™ program that prepares you to work as a sex coach with individuals and couples around the world. Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive your certification through SCU, joining a global community of trained professionals.
AASECT Certification is a separate credential awarded by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) – a U.S.-based professional organization. Their certification process is designed for Educators, Counselors, and Therapists who meet a specific set of requirements in line with AASECT’s standards.
SCU is proud to be an approved AASECT Continuing Education (CE) provider, which means you can earn CE credits through our program that may be applied toward AASECT certification. However, AASECT certification is not awarded through SCU, and completing our program does not automatically qualify you.
Many students choose to pursue both – SCU certification as a Sex Coach, and AASECT certification to support their work in education, therapy, or counseling.
What additional steps are required for full AASECT Certification?
While SCU offers coursework that may fulfill part of the AASECT education requirements (Sections V and VI), there are additional steps you’ll need to complete independently to become fully AASECT certified.
These typically include:
- SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment): A 10–14 hour experiential workshop designed to help professionals examine their own sexual attitudes, values, and biases.
- Supervision: 25+ hours of supervision with an AASECT Certified Supervisor in your chosen discipline.
- AASECT Membership: Required at the time of supervision and certification application.
- Relevant Degree or Licensure: Especially important for the Sex Therapist track, which requires a U.S. clinical license in a mental health field.
For full, current requirements, please consult the AASECT Certification Overview or contact [email protected].
AASECT reviews all certification applications on a case-by-case basis. Their process ensures that each applicant meets the high standards expected for professionals working in the fields of sexuality education, counseling, and therapy.
What if I have a concern or grievance about AASECT CEs through SCU?
Sex Coach U is committed to upholding the ethical and educational standards of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) as an approved CE provider.
If you have a concern or grievance related to AASECT CEs earned through SCU, we encourage you to reach out to us first at [email protected] so we can attempt to resolve the issue directly and promptly.
If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, or if you prefer to contact AASECT directly, you may do so by following the AASECT Grievance Policy, which is available here.
Where does SAR take place?
SAR takes place at different times during the year, in different locations around the USA and internationally. Each training is offered by an SCU-approved SAR provider or another recommended trainer. Past locations have included San Francisco, Phoenix, Warsaw, Poland, Berlin, Germany, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Prague, Czech Republic.
In-person SARs were suspended for much of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the Sex Coach U team developed an effective virtual SAR and is now offering that to SCU students twice a year. The fee for the SCU Virtual SAR is not included in your tuition.
Do I need to complete the SAR if I have already done one?
No, your previous SAR training will count if completed within the past three years of your application. You will need to send your SAR completion certificate and a write-up on your SAR experience for submission to your student advisor. While you do not need to complete another to earn your certification, you may choose to take another to refresh your training.
Do I need to take any more training after I graduate?
The Certified Sex Coach™ program is a complete training program, providing you with all the skills and tools you’ll need to work and build a business as a competent sex coach. You do not need any further training after graduation in order practice as a Certified Sex Coach™.
That said, many of our students choose to take further training. Many have gone on to earn credentials in complementary fields like sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, counselling, GSRD therapy, or public health. Others choose to train in sexological bodywork, sacred sexuality, trauma therapy, or other holistic fields.
We highly recommend students continue to invest in their professional development after graduation to keep up with the latest developments in sexology and sexual health.
All students choose different paths, and it depends on the career goals and preferences of each student.
When can I start working as a sex coach?
SCU has a policy on working as a Sex Coach In Training, which you can view here.
In summary, SCU was created in order to provide the gold standard in sex coach training. We feel students are not ready to take clients through the full sex coaching process until they have completed their training and have passed their live practicum demonstration. This policy is to protect both students and clients from potential harm.
However, we acknowledge that many students who come to SCU already have prior training and experience in healing and therapeutic modalities and are already working with clients.
We encourage students to start building their business, their online presence, and their professional network as soon as possible. There are many ways to do this without taking clients through the sex coaching process, which you can read more about here.
Student advisors will assess whether their students are ready to work as a sex coach before graduation and will make the final decision.
Is SCU accredited with the International Coaching Federation?
No. Sex coaching is a derivative of the field of sexology rather than coaching. Sex Coach U is listed as a recognized educational institution by the American Board of Sexology, and graduates are eligible to apply for Certified Sexologist status with ABS. Graduates may also apply for membership of the Association of Somatic and Integrative Sexologists (ASIS) in the UK. Sex Coach U is the only sex coach training organization approved for organizational membership in the World Association for Sexual Health, and students and graduates hold membership under that status.
Is SCU Trauma-Informed?
We’re deeply committed to integrating trauma-informed principles into our training programs. Here’s how we’re actively working towards this goal:
Expert Collaboration: We regularly collaborate with leading experts in the field of trauma to ensure that our curriculum is comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Their invaluable insights help us continuously refine and enhance our offerings.
Webinars on Trauma-Informed Care: We host informative webinars specifically focused on trauma-informed care. These sessions provide practical strategies and knowledge to better support individuals who have been impacted by trauma. We believe that ongoing education is crucial in fostering an environment of understanding and compassion.
Understanding Our Role: While our program primarily focuses on coaching and skill-building, we recognize the importance of acknowledging the complexities of trauma and the need for specialized therapeutic interventions. We emphasize the distinction between coaching and therapy and encourage our students to refer clients to appropriate professionals when necessary.
Creating Supportive Environments: Our overarching goal is to create inclusive and supportive environments where individuals feel safe and empowered to explore their sexuality. We continuously strive to improve our practices and welcome feedback from our community to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of all individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma.
