Top 11 Funeral Attendant Certifications

Certifications are important for funeral attendants in the job market because they provide proof that a person has received the appropriate training and knowledge to perform their duties. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, as well as an understanding of industry standards and laws. Additionally, certifications can help funeral attendants stand out among other applicants when seeking employment. They can also be used to leverage higher salaries or promotions within an organization. Finally, having certifications can give funeral attendants peace of mind that they are knowledgeable and prepared when it comes to the important work that they do.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Funeral Attendants and explain how they can benefit a funeral attendant's career.

What are Funeral Attendant Certifications?

Funeral attendant certification is a type of certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services in funeral homes and other related settings. Funeral attendants are responsible for helping families arrange funerals, providing assistance during funerals, and managing paperwork and other tasks associated with funerals. To become certified, individuals must complete a program that includes courses on topics such as professional ethics, customer service, bereavement counseling, and funeral home operations.

The benefits of having funeral attendant certification include being able to demonstrate competency in the profession, having access to higher-level positions within the field, and being able to work more effectively with funeral home clients. Having this certification can also help increase job security since employers may be more likely to hire individuals who have proven their commitment to the profession through obtaining this certification. Additionally, some states require funeral attendants to be certified before they can legally practice in that state. Finally, having this certification may open up opportunities for additional training or education in related fields such as grief counseling or death care management.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for funeral attendant certification in your state. Different states have different regulations, so make sure you are aware of them before beginning the process.

Related: What does a Funeral Attendant do?

Top 11 Funeral Attendant Certifications

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

1. Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)

Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) is a professional designation for funeral directors, embalmers, and other professionals in the funeral service industry. It is awarded by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP). The certification is recognized as the highest level of achievement in the profession and signifies that the individual has achieved a level of knowledge and skill that surpasses most practitioners in their field.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam administered by APFSP, and complete continuing education courses every two years. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have a minimum of three years' experience in the funeral service profession or hold a degree from an accredited mortuary science program.

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants must first submit an application with all necessary documents to APFSP. Once approved, they will be required to register for and pass a written examination based on their knowledge of funeral service laws and regulations as well as ethical practices within the profession. Once passed, applicants will receive their CFSP certificate and can use it to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field.

The cost of obtaining CFSP certification varies depending on whether you are already licensed or not. For those who are already licensed, there is a $175 fee for registration plus an additional $100 fee for each exam taken ($200 total). For those without licensure, there is a $275 fee for registration plus an additional $150 fee for each exam taken ($325 total).

2. Certified Funeral Director (CFD)

A Certified Funeral Director (CFD) is a professional who has met the requirements of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and received certification from the organization. The CFD designation indicates that an individual has demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in funeral service.

To become a CFD, an individual must have at least two years of full-time experience as a funeral director or embalmer, have completed at least four college-level courses related to funeral service, and pass an examination administered by the NFDA. It typically takes between one to two years to complete all of these requirements and receive certification.

The cost of becoming a CFD varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 for NFDA membership fees, $150 for each college course taken, and $150 for the exam fee. In addition to these costs, individuals may also need to pay for textbooks and other materials related to their studies.

3. Certified Funeral Celebrant (CFC)

A Certified Funeral Celebrant (CFC) is a professional who is trained to create and conduct meaningful funeral services that are tailored to the wishes of the deceased and their family. A CFC is not a minister or clergy, but rather an independent celebrant who works closely with families to personalize funeral ceremonies.

The certification process typically takes between 6-9 months, depending on the program chosen. To become certified as a CFC, individuals must complete courses in bereavement studies, ritual creation, public speaking, and other related topics. They must also pass an exam administered by the International Institute of Celebrancy (IIC).

To get certified as a CFC, individuals must first enroll in an accredited program through an institute such as the IIC or another organization offering certification programs. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, they will be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CFC varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for tuition and materials.

4. Certified Pre-Need Funeral Counselor (CPFCC)

A Certified Pre-Need Funeral Counselor (CPFCC) is a professional who has been trained to provide pre-need funeral planning services to individuals and families. This certification is offered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). It requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, including topics such as end-of-life decision making, funeral service law, and grief counseling. The CPFCC designation also requires passing an exam administered by the NFDA.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get started, you must first become an NFDA member and then register for the CPFCC program. Once registered, you will receive access to online courses and materials that will help you prepare for the exam. You can also take advantage of study groups or other resources offered through the NFDA.

The cost for becoming a CPFCC varies depending on whether or not you are already an NFDA member. If you are not an NFDA member, it costs $395 to join and $295 for the CPFCC program fee. If you are already an NFDA member, it costs $295 for the CPFCC program fee only. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or any other resources used in preparation for it.

5. Certified Crematory Operator (CCO)

Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) is a professional certification that is designed to ensure the safe and ethical operation of crematories. The certification is offered by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet certain requirements.

The training program typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete and includes both online and in-person instruction. The course covers topics such as cremation regulations, safety protocols, ethics, anatomy and physiology, environmental considerations, grief counseling, and more. Upon successful completion of the training program, individuals can take the CCO exam which consists of both written and practical components.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD for the entire process including tuition fees for the training program and fees associated with taking the exam.

6. Certified Embalmer/Restorative Artist (CE/RA)

A Certified Embalmer/Restorative Artist (CE/RA) is a professional who specializes in the preparation of human remains for burial or cremation. This includes embalming, dressing, and cosmetology services as well as restorative art. Embalmers are responsible for preserving the body, restoring it to its natural appearance, and preparing it for viewing or burial. Restorative artists use their artistic skills to restore the deceased’s face and hands to a lifelike state.

The certification process typically takes two years to complete and requires passing both written and practical examinations. To become certified, individuals must first complete an accredited mortuary science program, which typically takes one year to complete. After completing the program, they must pass a written exam administered by either the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) or the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Once they have passed this exam, they can then take a practical examination administered by either NFDA or ABFSE.

The cost of becoming a CE/RA varies depending on the institution providing training and certification exams. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited mortuary science program ranges from $10,000-$20,000 USD per year. The cost of taking the written and practical exams is usually around $400 USD each.

In addition to tuition costs and exam fees, individuals seeking certification should also budget for additional expenses such as travel costs associated with attending classes and taking exams; books; uniforms; supplies; licensing fees; and any other miscellaneous costs associated with their studies.

7. Certified Memorialist (CM)

A Certified Memorialist (CM) is a professional who has been certified by the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA). This certification requires that the candidate have a minimum of five years of experience in the memorialization industry, as well as completion of an extensive course of study. The CM designation is one of the highest levels of recognition available to those in the memorialization profession.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all requirements for certification as a Certified Memorialist. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam, participate in an oral examination and submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and experience in the field. Applicants must also complete continuing education courses every year to maintain their certification status.

The cost to become certified as a Certified Memorialist varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for application fees and materials. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking exams or completing continuing education courses.

Overall, becoming a Certified Memorialist is an excellent way for professionals in the memorialization industry to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and gain recognition from peers and customers alike.

8. Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS)

A Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS) is a person who has been certified to provide grief recovery services. This certification is offered by the Grief Recovery Institute and requires that the individual complete an intensive training program. The training consists of both online and in-person courses, as well as a supervised practicum experience.

The length of time it takes to become a CGRS varies based on the individual's commitment and availability. Generally, it takes between six months and one year to complete all of the requirements for certification.

In order to become a CGRS, individuals must first complete an online application form and submit their resume or CV. They must also pass a background check and pay a fee of $495 USD for the initial application process. Once accepted into the program, individuals must attend two mandatory in-person trainings, which are held twice per year in California and Arizona. These trainings are typically three days long each, with additional hours spent on practicum experience during the second training session.

Finally, once all requirements have been met, individuals must pass a written exam before they can be officially certified as a CGRS. The cost for this exam is $195 USD and includes access to study materials prior to taking the test.

In total, becoming a CGRS requires an investment of time and money; however, those who successfully complete all requirements will gain valuable knowledge that can be used to help others through difficult times in their lives.

9. National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification in Funeral Service Management (NBFSEC-FSM)

The National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification in Funeral Service Management (NBFSEC-FSM) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills necessary to manage funeral service businesses. The NBFSEC-FSM is designed to provide funeral directors with the qualifications and credentials they need to demonstrate their ability to effectively manage a funeral service business.

The NBFSEC-FSM certification process typically takes between three and six months, depending on the applicant's background and experience. To obtain the certification, applicants must complete an application form, submit documentation of their educational background and experience, pass a written exam, and complete an oral interview. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical behavior in the funeral service profession.

The cost of obtaining the NBFSEC-FSM certification varies based on the applicant's individual circumstances. Generally, applicants can expect to pay a fee for the application form, exam fees, and any other applicable costs associated with completing the certification process.

Once certified, funeral directors are eligible for additional benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition within the industry. The NBFSEC-FSM certification is also recognized by many state boards of funeral service as evidence of professional competence in funeral service management.

10. National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification in Mortuary Science (NBFSEC-MSC)

The National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification in Mortuary Science (NBFSEC-MSC) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of mortuary science. This certification is offered by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).

The NBFSEC-MSC certification program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the practice of mortuary science. To be eligible for this certification, applicants must hold an associate degree or higher from a program accredited by the ABFSE.

Applicants must also complete a comprehensive written examination and a practical demonstration of their skills. The written examination consists of two parts: Part I covers topics such as embalming, funeral service law, and funeral service management; Part II covers topics such as anatomy, pathology, chemistry, and microbiology. The practical demonstration includes tasks such as embalming, dressing and casketing a body, performing restorative art techniques, and preparing cremation paperwork.

It typically takes up to six months to complete the NBFSEC-MSC certification process. The cost of the application fee is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. In addition to the application fee, there are other costs associated with taking the written exam and demonstrating your skills in person.

11. National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification in Preneed Planning and Administration (NBFSEC-PPAA).

The National Board of Funeral Service Education Certification in Preneed Planning and Administration (NBFSEC-PPAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize funeral service professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in preneed planning and administration. The NBFSEC-PPAA is administered by the National Board of Funeral Service Education (NBFSED), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality assurance for educational programs in funeral service.

The NBFSEC-PPAA certification process involves successful completion of a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as: preneed laws and regulations; financial products; marketing and sales; customer service; accounting principles; recordkeeping requirements; and ethical considerations. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must hold a current state license as a funeral director or embalmer, or be currently enrolled in an accredited mortuary science program.

The exam is offered twice each year at designated testing sites throughout the United States. The cost of the exam is $250 per attempt, plus any applicable proctor fees. Candidates have up to three hours to complete the exam, which consists of 150 multiple choice questions.

Successful candidates will receive their NBFSEC-PPAA certification within four weeks after taking the exam. The certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued, after which time recertification will be required. Recertification requires successful completion of continuing education credits related to preneed planning and administration.

Do You Really Need a Funeral Attendant Certificate?

When it comes to the question of whether or not you need a funeral attendant certificate, the answer is slightly more complicated than a simple yes or no. While it is true that some states may require funeral attendants to have a special certificate, this is not always the case.

The first thing to consider when deciding if you need a funeral attendant certificate is what type of job you plan on doing. If you are simply helping out with basic tasks such as setting up chairs and taking care of paperwork, then no, you do not need a special certificate. However, if you plan on leading ceremonies or helping with more technical aspects of the process such as embalming and preparing bodies for burial then yes, in most cases, you will need to obtain a specialized certificate before beginning work.

In addition to the type of job you plan on doing, your state's laws may also dictate whether or not you need a funeral attendant certificate. Some states do require certification for certain types of jobs while others do not. It is best to check with your local government offices to find out what laws apply in your area before making any decisions about whether or not to pursue certification.

Ultimately, while having a funeral attendant certificate can be beneficial in some cases, it is important to consider all aspects of the situation before deciding whether or not it is necessary for your particular situation.

Related: Funeral Attendant Resume Examples

FAQs About Funeral Attendant Certifications

1. What do funeral attendants do?

Answer: Funeral attendants provide support services for funerals, such as helping with the transportation of the deceased and assisting family members during the service. They may also help to set up and clean up after a service.

2. How do I become a funeral attendant?

Answer: To become a funeral attendant, you need to complete an accredited certification program in your state or province. You may also need to pass a background check and obtain any other required licenses or permits before being able to work as a funeral attendant.

3. Is there a minimum age requirement for becoming a funeral attendant?

Answer: Yes, most states require that you are at least 18 years old to become a certified funeral attendant.

4. Are there any special qualifications required for becoming a funeral attendant?

Answer: Yes, some states may require that you have experience working with the public or have some level of medical training before becoming certified as a funeral attendant.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a funeral attendant?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies by state, but typically ranges from 3-6 months depending on the requirements in your area.