Sexual health education is evolving rapidly — from comprehensive consent programs to inclusive, pleasure-based models that emphasize emotional intelligence, communication, and respect for all learners.
At the Sexual Health Alliance, we’re not just keeping up with these changes — we’re leading them. Our Sex Education Certification Program is training a new generation of educators with the knowledge, language, and confidence to deliver relevant, inclusive, and evidence-informed sex education in every setting. Whether you’re an aspiring educator, therapist, researcher, or advocate, SHA’s certification opens the door to a meaningful, impactful career in sexual health.
Why the World Needs Sex Education Leaders
Across the U.S. and around the globe, debates over sexual health education are intensifying. As political climates shift and misinformation spreads online, the need for trained, research-informed educators has never been greater.
SHA’s Sex Education Certification trains professionals to meet these challenges with integrity, compassion, and evidence-based expertise. The program equips educators to approach sexual health holistically, honoring diverse experiences and adapting lessons to meet learners wherever they are.
Whether your passion lies in working with adolescents, adults, or older populations, the need for qualified sex educators is universal. In the U.S., sex education programs vary drastically across states and districts, leaving significant gaps in understanding and access to accurate information.
These gaps have serious public health consequences:
Youth account for nearly half of all new STI infections in the U.S.
More than four in five teen pregnancies are unintended.
One in six children experience sexual violence before age 18.
And not all young people are affected equally — marginalized communities often face the greatest barriers to sexual health education and care.
Yet the need for education doesn’t stop in adolescence. A recent study in Australia revealed that nearly half of adults aged 60 and older actively seek sexual health information — but many face stigma, embarrassment, or practical barriers in accessing it.
The takeaway is clear: sex education is needed across every stage of life.
Inside SHA’s Sex Education Certification
SHA’s Sex Education Certification Program is designed for flexibility, accessibility, and real-world application. It blends cutting-edge research with experiential learning, giving students the tools to teach confidently and compassionately in diverse environments.
The program includes:
Online coursework you can complete at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
The flexibility to choose three live online conferences from SHA’s engaging monthly Sexceptional Online Weekends.
AASECT-Approved Online Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) — an immersive and transformative experience that deepens personal awareness and professional insight.
AASECT Online Supervision, a key step for those pursuing AASECT certification.
Earning a SHA Certification increases your value as a professional. Graduates expand their services, gain confidence in marketing their specialty, and join a growing global community of educators and advocates. This certification is more than a credential — it’s a gateway to lifelong learning, collaboration, and leadership in a rapidly evolving field.
Community and Growth
When you join SHA, you’re joining more than a certification program. You’re joining a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to advancing sexual health worldwide.
Earlier this year, I attended the SHA Business Summit, and it exceeded every expectation. Colleagues had told me these gatherings were dynamic, but I wasn’t prepared for just how energizing and inspiring it would be. The summit brought together people with diverse roles and experiences– therapists, educators, researchers, and advocates– all united by a common mission: promoting sexual health and empowering communities.
Whether listening to experts discuss business best practices or chatting with peers about the challenges and joys of this work, the sense of shared purpose was palpable. Since then, I’ve connected with international colleagues who’ve broadened my understanding of sexual health and inspired new ideas for my own practice.
Learning Beyond Borders: SHA’s Study Abroad Programs
SHA’s commitment to experiential learning doesn’t stop at conferences. The SHA Study Abroad Programs combine travel, cultural exploration, and professional development, offering participants the chance to experience how different countries approach sexual health education, policy, and advocacy.
In 2024, SHA organized four popular study abroad trips to Amsterdam, Prague, Iceland, and Barcelona-- all of which sold out quickly. Due to overwhelming interest, even more locations have been added for 2025, including a brand-new program in Paris.
These immersive experiences go beyond tourism; they offer opportunities to understand the cultural, political, and social dynamics that shape sexual health education worldwide.
Whether attending an Advanced SAR or joining a study abroad trip, SHA educators learn through experience — exploring how culture, policy, and education intersect on a global scale.
From Sex Education Certification to Career
SHA prepares you not just for certification, but for a thriving career. Graduates join a robust global network, gain access to mentorship, and continue learning through ongoing professional development long after completing the program.
Whether you’re teaching, designing curriculum, working in public health, or integrating sex education into another field, SHA provides the foundation and support you need to thrive. Alumni go on to become teachers, trainers, curriculum developers, and advocates in schools, nonprofits, universities, and international organizations.
And because SHA’s programs are 100% online and accessible from anywhere, you can complete your training on your own schedule while connecting with professionals from around the world.
A Global Perspective
SHA approaches sexual health education with the understanding that sexual well-being is integral to individual, community, and planetary health.
To stay at the forefront of the field, SHA continuously updates its curriculum to cover:
Inclusive practices that honor diverse identities and experiences.
Intersectional perspectives to ensure safety, respect, and equity in every learning space.
Up-to-date research in sexology, psychology, and global health.
As we move through the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Aging, SHA’s philosophy reminds us that sexual well-being is part of living well at every age. Sex educators play a vital role in advancing this vision.
Why This Is the Year to Begin your sex education certification
There’s never been a better time to invest in your professional growth and make a lasting impact. SHA’s Sex Education Certification Program is globally recognized, accessible from anywhere in the world, and entirely online.
You can start anytime– learning at your own pace while joining a global movement that’s redefining the future of sexual health.
Ready to make a meaningful impact on sexual health education worldwide?
Join SHA’s Sex Education Certification Program today and gain the skills, confidence, and community to inspire learners, shape inclusive curricula, and advance the future of sexual health: one lesson, one learner, and one conversation at a time.
Written by Emma Sell-Goodhand, MPH
Emma is a doctoral student and Global One Health Fellow at North Carolina State University studying adolescent sexual health. She brings prior experience as a Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization.
Want to become an in-demand sexual health professional? Learn more about becoming certified with SHA!
