Top 11 Embalmer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for embalmers because they demonstrate to employers that the embalmer has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job correctly. Certifications also show potential employers that the embalmer is committed to their profession and is dedicated to providing quality service. Certifications provide proof of an embalmer’s competency, experience, and expertise in the field, which can be invaluable when it comes to finding employment or advancing in a career. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain states or organizations in order for an embalmer to obtain a license or certification. Having certifications can make an embalmer more attractive to potential employers and increase their chances of getting hired.

This article reviews the top certifications for Embalmers and explains how they can help advance an embalmer's career.

What are Embalmer Certifications?

Embalmer certification is a professional credential that is earned by individuals who have successfully completed an accredited program in embalming, which typically includes coursework in anatomy, microbiology, pathology, and chemistry. The certification indicates that the individual has met certain standards of education and competence in their field and is qualified to embalm bodies.

Having an embalmer certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees in the funeral industry. For employers, it demonstrates that an employee has the necessary qualifications to do their job effectively and safely. For employees, it can provide them with a competitive edge in the job market as well as greater job security since they will have proof of their qualifications when applying for jobs. Additionally, having an embalmer certification may also lead to higher salaries due to having additional knowledge and expertise in this specialized field.

Always make sure you are up to date with your embalmer certification. Keeping up with the latest industry standards and regulations can help ensure that you are providing the highest quality of service possible.

Related: What does an Embalmer do?

Top 11 Embalmer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Embalmers today.

1. Certified Embalmer (C.E.)

Certified Embalmer (C.E.) is a professional certification program offered by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). The certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who practice embalming in the United States. To become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ABFSE.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, pathology, chemistry, microbiology, and embalming techniques. The practical portion requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to properly prepare a body for burial or cremation.

The C.E. certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and preparation for the exam. Candidates must first apply for the certification through ABFSE and pay all associated fees before taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the Certified Embalmer (C.E.) certification varies depending on where you live and which state you are applying from; however, it generally costs around $500-$1000 USD including application fees, study materials, test fees, etc.

2. Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)

Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) is a professional designation for funeral service professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. It is awarded by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam.

To become a CFSP, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in the funeral service profession, or two years of full-time work experience plus a degree from an accredited mortuary science program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as funeral service laws and regulations, embalming techniques, grief counseling, business management, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CFSP exam is $325 for members of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and $425 for non-members.

3. Certified Crematory Operator (CCO)

Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) is a professional certification program offered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). The CCO program was developed to provide funeral directors and crematory operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a crematory.

The program consists of two components: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as safety, legal requirements, environmental regulations, and cremation procedures. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

To become certified, applicants must pass the in-person exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions about cremation operations, laws and regulations, and safety protocols. The exam takes place at an NFDA-approved testing center and can take up to four hours to complete.

The cost for the Certified Crematory Operator program is $400 for NFDA members or $600 for non-members. This fee includes both the online course and the in-person exam.

4. Certified Mortuary Science Practitioner (CMSP)

Certified Mortuary Science Practitioner (CMSP) is a professional designation awarded by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). It is an advanced certification program designed to recognize funeral service professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The CMSP credential is intended to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice in the profession, as well as a commitment to continuing education and professional development.

To become a Certified Mortuary Science Practitioner, individuals must meet certain educational requirements and pass an examination administered by the ABFSE. Applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours of college-level coursework, including 30 semester hours in mortuary science or related courses, from an accredited institution recognized by the ABFSE. In addition, applicants must have completed two years of full-time apprenticeship or equivalent work experience in funeral service.

The cost for taking the CMSP exam varies depending on where you take it and whether you are eligible for any discounts or scholarships. The exam fee typically ranges from $175-$250.

The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as embalming, restorative art, funeral service law, grief counseling and management, business practices and ethics. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam and results are available within two weeks after completion.

5. National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification (NBFSEC)

The National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification (NBFSEC) is a voluntary certification program for funeral service professionals. It is offered by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), which is recognized as the accrediting body for funeral service education programs in the United States. The NBFSEC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of professional competence and ethical standards in the practice of funeral service.

To obtain NBFSEC certification, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having graduated from an accredited mortuary science program or having completed at least two years of college-level coursework in mortuary science. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as embalming, funeral directing and counseling, business management, and ethics. The exam also includes a practical component that assesses applicants’ skills in areas such as embalming and restorative art.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process of obtaining NBFSEC certification. During this time, applicants must submit their application materials to ABFSE for review and approval. Once approved, they will be notified and given instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from ABFSE within four weeks.

The cost for obtaining NBFSEC certification varies depending on several factors such as whether you are applying through an accredited program or not and whether you are taking the practical component of the exam or not. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $400-$1,000 USD depending on your circumstances.

6. American Board of Funeral Service Education Certification (ABFSE)

The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification to funeral service professionals. The ABFSE is responsible for setting the standards of excellence in funeral service education and for certifying individuals who have met those standards.

In order to receive ABFSE certification, an individual must complete a program of study at a college or university accredited by the ABFSE. The program must include courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, embalming, restorative art, microbiology, business management and ethics. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the National Board Examination administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

It typically takes four years to complete an ABFSE-accredited program and obtain certification. The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the school attended and other factors such as books and supplies.

7. International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards Certification (ICFSEB)

The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) Certification is an internationally recognized certification that is designed to recognize funeral service professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent and ethical funeral services. The ICFSEB Certification is awarded by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, a non-profit organization that works with state boards of funeral service to develop standards for professional practice and enhance public safety.

In order to obtain the ICFSEB Certification, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, business management, and ethics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must also meet additional requirements such as having a valid license from their state board of funeral service or having completed an accredited program in mortuary science.

The cost for taking the ICFSEB Certification exam varies depending on the state in which it is taken. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or registering for the exam itself.

8. American Academy of Grief Counseling Certification (AAGC)

The American Academy of Grief Counseling Certification (AAGC) is a certification program designed to help individuals become certified as grief counselors. The AAGC certification provides professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide effective counseling services to those who are grieving. It is recognized nationally as an important credential for those working in the field of grief counseling.

The AAGC certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a clinical practicum. The written exam covers topics such as death and dying, bereavement, grief counseling theories, intervention strategies, and ethics. The clinical practicum involves supervised practice in conducting individual and group sessions with clients who are grieving.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the AAGC certification process. To get started, individuals must first complete an application form and submit it along with the required fees. Once accepted into the program, individuals will be required to attend training classes or workshops that cover the topics mentioned above. After completing the training classes or workshops, applicants must then pass the written exam and clinical practicum before they can receive their certification from AAGC.

The cost of obtaining AAGC certification varies depending on which training classes or workshops you choose to attend. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $1,000-$2,500 USD for all materials associated with obtaining your AAGC certification.

9. National Institute of Embalming Certification (NIE)

The National Institute of Embalming Certification (NIE) is a certification program designed to provide embalmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice their profession safely, effectively, and ethically. The NIE certification is recognized by all 50 states as a professional credential in the field of embalming.

In order to obtain the NIE certification, an individual must first complete an approved mortuary science program and then pass a written exam administered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). The exam covers topics such as anatomy, pathology, chemistry, microbiology, embalming techniques, safety protocols, business practices, and legal issues related to embalming.

It typically takes about two years to complete all of the requirements for obtaining the NIE certification. During this time period, individuals must attend classes at an accredited mortuary science school or college and complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised practical experience in an approved laboratory or funeral home setting.

Once all of these requirements have been met, applicants must submit their application materials along with a fee of $200 USD to the NFDA in order to take the written exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their NIE certification from the NFDA.

The cost of obtaining the NIE certification can vary depending on factors such as tuition fees for attending classes at an accredited mortuary science school or college and any other associated expenses such as books and supplies.

10. National Funeral Directors Association Certification (NFDA)

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes funeral directors who demonstrate excellence in their profession. It is the highest level of professional recognition available to funeral directors and embalmers in the United States.

To become NFDA certified, funeral directors must have at least three years of experience as a licensed funeral director and embalmer and must meet certain educational requirements. They must also pass an extensive written examination and complete an oral interview with an NFDA-certified examiner. The process typically takes six months to one year to complete.

To get started, interested individuals should contact their state licensing board to ensure they meet all requirements for licensure. Once they are licensed, they can apply for NFDA certification by submitting an application form along with the required documentation, such as transcripts and proof of work experience.

The cost of becoming NFDA certified varies depending on the individual’s state licensing fees and any additional fees associated with the certification process. In most cases, however, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become NFDA certified.

11. International Embalmers Association Certification (IEA)

The International Embalmers Association (IEA) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes embalmers who have achieved a high level of professional excellence. The IEA Certification Program is designed to promote professionalism and quality in the practice of embalming.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an examination administered by the IEA. The certification process typically takes three to six months from beginning to end.

Applicants must first submit an application form along with the required supporting documents, such as proof of education and experience in the field of embalming. Once these documents are reviewed and approved, applicants can register for the IEA Certification Exam.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry, and embalming techniques; while the practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to perform various embalming procedures.

Once both portions have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their IEA Certification Certificate in recognition of their achievement.

The cost of becoming certified through the IEA varies depending on factors such as location and type of membership chosen (individual or organizational). Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD for individuals and $400 USD for organizations to become certified through the IEA.

Do You Really Need a Embalmer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is yes, you do need an embalmer certificate in order to become an embalmer. Embalming is a specialized field that requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. The certificate serves as proof that you have the qualifications necessary to work in this profession.

Embalming involves the chemical treatment of human remains in order to preserve them for burial or other purposes. It requires a delicate balance between science and art, as well as a great deal of skill and precision. In order to do this job successfully, one must understand how the process works, what chemicals are used, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge can only be gained through formal education or training, which is why the certificate is so important.

In addition to providing proof of your educational background, an embalmer certificate also serves as a testament to your commitment to your profession. By obtaining it, you demonstrate that you are serious about becoming an embalmer and committed to learning all there is to know about the field. Furthermore, it shows that you have taken the time to learn the necessary skills before taking on any job involving human remains.

Finally, having an embalmer certificate also makes it easier for potential employers to assess your qualifications quickly and accurately. This can make the difference between getting hired or not when competing against other applicants for a position in this field.

In conclusion, having an embalmer certificate is essential if you want to pursue a career in this profession. It proves that you have taken the time and effort needed to gain the appropriate knowledge and skills required for success in this field. Furthermore, it gives potential employers confidence in your abilities by demonstrating your dedication and commitment towards becoming an expert embalmer.

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FAQs About Embalmer Certifications

1. What is an embalmer certification?

Answer: An embalmer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of embalming. Certification is typically earned by completing an approved course of study and passing a certification exam.

2. How do I become certified as an embalmer?

Answer: To become certified as an embalmer, you must complete an approved course of study and pass a certification exam. Depending on the state, additional requirements may be necessary to obtain licensure.

3. What type of job opportunities are available for certified embalmers?

Answer: Certified embalmers typically work in funeral homes, mortuaries, or medical facilities preparing bodies for funerals or other memorial services. They may also work with families to assist in making final arrangements for their loved ones.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my embalmer certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require that certified embalmers keep up with current trends and practices by taking continuing education courses or workshops related to the profession. Check with your state licensing board for specific requirements in your area.

5. Is the certification process different depending on the state?

Answer: Yes, each state has its own set of requirements when it comes to obtaining and maintaining an embalmer certification. It is important to check with your local licensing board to ensure that you meet all necessary criteria before applying for certification or licensure in your area.