SHEC FAQ
The SHEC program provides specialized professional training for aspiring and practicing sexuality educators. SHEC is unique because it is the only program in Canada that both trains and certifies graduates “how to” teach sexual health education in an age-appropriate and inclusive way.
Those who are currently teaching sexual health will feel more confident and empowered in their skills and knowledge.
Becoming a SHEC Grad also means access to our global SHEC community and ongoing resources.
To ensure high-quality instruction and individualized attention, our cohorts are kept small—with a maximum of 12 students per cohort. Which is why we strongly recommend applying early to secure your place.
After you submit your application, you will get an email confirming that it was successfully received.
Our admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. This means we evaluate submitted applications continuously throughout the admission period. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to secure your spot.
SHEC is an academically challenging program. While we are willing to consider applicants who do not have a related undergraduate degree, please recognize that SHEC will be more challenging for those without an education or health sciences background. Historically we have accepted 1-3 such students in each cohort of 12.
Currently, there is no formal process in Canada for teachers or health professionals to specialize in teaching sexual health. As the largest non-profit provider of sexual health services in Canada, Options for Sexual Health has created a comprehensive training program for those who wish to teach sexual health to a variety of audiences. Graduates of the SHEC program who go on to complete the practicum component completing the certification requirements; will be eligible to say they are an Options for Sexual Health Certified Sexual Health Educator.
The selection committee carefully considers all aspects of the application with particular emphasis on the letter of intent. A workable, well considered plan for how the certification will be used is looked upon most favorably. In particular, Options for Sexual Health hopes to support the training and development of rural sexual health educators.
Yes. While Options for Sexual Health is a provincial organization based out of BC Canada, the SHEC program has accepted and certified students from all over.
It is important to note, however, that the majority of the content in the program is tailored to BC or Canadian education and laws. The core of the content taught can certainly be adapted to other areas.
The cost for the SHEC program is $4200 CAD when paid in full or three-installments of $1450 CAD. This includes all five modules, the practicum component and course materials. The completion of a SAR workshop is not included in this cost.
There is a 2% fee applied to any payments made via PayPal/Credit Card.
You can pay for the course in full or in three-installments:
- First payment (typically) due 30 days prior to Module 1
Payment in full is $4200 CAD payable by e-transfer or cheque (this includes a $150 discount).
Payment in three-installments includes 3 payments of $1450 CAD.
- Second payment due two weeks prior to Module 3. Third payment due two weeks prior to Module 5
If you choose to pay with PayPal / Credit Card a 2% fee will be applied.
Please note: A $500 CAD non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.
At this time, SHEC tuition fees are not eligible as a tuition tax credit. If you are self-employed, the cost of the program may be a tax-deductible expense; please contact a tax professional for assistance.
The student has a right to a full refund of all charges if they cancel this agreement before the date the first payment is due (typically 30 days prior to Module 1). After this date, the student will be charged a 10% processing fee for the refund procedure. If the student cancels or discontinues the program partway through, the student will be reimbursed for 50% of payments made in advance, but will not be reimbursed for the portion already attended.
Options is committed to growing the numbers of sexual health educators who are Black, Indigenous, or who are people of colour. Please let us know on your application form if you’d like to be considered for any scholarship opportunities available for BIPOC students.
You will be an Options for Sexual Health Certified Sexual Health Educator and will have the skills and knowledge to market to, and teach school aged youth, adults, and parents.
The entire program consists of five modules, followed by the practicum component and the prerequisite (SAR is an additional workshop to attend either before or during the SHEC modules. It is a requirement of certification). Modules are offered once a month or every four-six weeks. Students will then have a year to complete the practicum component (extensions available if needed).
Each module is three days long–Friday through Sunday; 9am-5pm PST each day.
The SHEC program is a synchronous virtual training course completed in cohorts.
A Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) is an experiential workshop intended to explore personal and professional values around human sexuality and gender.
This workshop is a requirement of SHEC certification and must be completed before completing Module 5 of the course.
When applying; students will need to state the SAR they have attended (within the last 5 years) or plan to attend with the date/organization name.
Students will need to show proof of attendance (‘certificate of completion’) in order to be certified.
There are many offered online by other organizations in North America. You will find options by googling Sexual Attitude Reassessment or checking the AASECT website, under their CEs search SAR.
For specific questions about this, please contact our Education Coordinator, Saira (shansen@optbc.org)
You will be able to market yourself as an Options for Sexual Health Certified Sexual Health Educator to schools, parents, adult groups, and other groups. Some recently certified graduates are now employed as sexual health educators, while other graduates have used their SHEC education to improve their skills in their current jobs as teachers, nurses, counsellors, social workers and other professionals.
Options for Sexual Health is the only organization that offers a Sexual Health Educator Certification program in Canada. AASECT in the US provides information about continuing education courses and is a certifying body for sexual health educators. Some Canadian and US institutions offer degrees or minors in sexual health, sexuality or related fields, but currently there is no program in Canada that trains AND certifies graduates to teach sexual health education.
Applications for our Winter 2027 cohort will open this summer. Please check back for details or sign up for our newsletter here to stay up to date.
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, therefore, we encourage you to apply early.
Yes!
The practicum is a student-led, strictly teaching based component designed to bridge the gap between foundational knowledge and professional practice. For many, becoming a successful sexual health educator means learning to build your own brand or create your own opportunities; the SHEC practicum is structured for you to develop these essential career skills. Which is why the practicum is completed within your chosen community, allowing you to focus on your preferred teaching location and target audience.
Students are responsible for securing a practicum supervisor(s) to observe a portion of the required teaching hours. Supervisors can be any professional (for example: an employer, colleague, teacher, or principal) and does not need to be a sexual health specialist, as their role is to provide feedback on your instructional delivery.
The practicum officially begins once all five course modules are complete. You have one year to fulfill the requirements, with extensions available upon request.
Successful completion of the practicum is required for those seeking Certification. Students who choose not to complete this component will conclude the program as a SHEC Graduate.
The SHEC Master Class Series is a new national hub for professional development in comprehensive sexuality education.
Designed for SHEC Grads, sexuality educators and sexual health professionals across Canada. The series moves beyond the basics to explore emerging research, tackle complex topics, and exchange practical strategies for the classroom and community.
Launching September 2026. Registration details to come soon.