Top 11 Funeral Director Certifications

Certifications are important for funeral directors in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence, provide evidence of skills and knowledge, and show that a funeral director has met industry standards. Certification also serves as proof of competence and can help a funeral director stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement, such as promotions or higher salaries. Finally, certifications demonstrate to employers that the funeral director is dedicated to their profession, which is a valuable asset in the highly competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Funeral Directors and to explain how these certifications can help to further a funeral director's career.

What are Funeral Director Certifications?

Funeral director certification is a professional designation given to individuals who have met certain standards and qualifications. It is generally awarded by funeral service associations or organizations, such as the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) or other state-level associations. This certification is an important recognition of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that a funeral director has obtained in order to serve grieving families with care and compassion.

Having this certification can help funeral directors demonstrate their commitment to excellence and provide assurance to the public that they are properly trained and qualified for the job. It also serves as a mark of professionalism and indicates that the individual meets established standards for ethical practice, safety procedures, customer service, and other essential elements of providing quality services. Additionally, it may also qualify them for higher pay or more desirable positions within their chosen field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the funeral director certification requirements in your state before starting the process. Different states may have different requirements, so it is important to know what is needed in order to become certified. Additionally, if you are looking to specialize in a certain aspect of funeral directing, make sure that any certifications or courses you take will be recognized in your state.

Related: What does a Funeral Director do?

Top 11 Funeral Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)

Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) is a professional certification program offered by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP). It is designed to recognize those funeral service practitioners who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their profession. The CFSP designation is the highest level of recognition available to funeral service professionals and indicates that they have met the highest standards of professional practice.

The CFSP program requires applicants to complete a series of courses and pass an examination administered by APFSP. The program consists of five courses, which cover topics such as ethics, law, embalming and restorative art, funeral service management, and grief counseling. Each course must be completed within two years in order for the applicant to qualify for the CFSP designation.

The cost for taking all five courses varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD. Additionally, there is an application fee of $150 USD and an examination fee of $125 USD that must be paid before taking the exam.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CFSP designation from APFSP. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed upon successful completion of continuing education credits every three years thereafter.

2. Certified Crematory Operator (CCO)

Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) is a certification program that was developed to ensure the highest standards of cremation practices and procedures. The program is designed to provide operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform cremations in a safe, ethical, and professional manner. It is administered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).

The CCO certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as safety regulations, ethics and professionalism, operating procedures, equipment maintenance, and more. It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the course. After successfully completing the course, applicants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on your membership status with NFDA. Non-members pay $325 for the entire program while members pay $275. Additionally, there are renewal fees associated with maintaining your certification every three years.

Overall, obtaining your Certified Crematory Operator certification is an important step in ensuring that you are providing quality services to your clients. It also demonstrates your commitment to upholding industry standards and best practices in cremation services.

3. Certified Pre-Need Sales Professional (CPNSP)

A Certified Pre-Need Sales Professional (CPNSP) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have completed an approved training program and passed an examination in pre-need funeral sales. The certification is administered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).

The CPNSP certification requires applicants to complete a six-hour course and pass a two-hour written exam. The course covers topics such as ethical practices, legal requirements, marketing strategies, customer service, and financial considerations. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, applicants are awarded the CPNSP designation.

To obtain the CPNSP designation, applicants must register with NFDA and pay a fee of $150. Once registered, applicants can access the online training materials and take the exam at their own pace. The exam must be taken within one year of registering for the program.

The CPNSP certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete 6 hours of continuing education credits every 3 years or retake the exam every 3 years.

4. Certified Funeral Celebrant (CFC)

A Certified Funeral Celebrant (CFC) is a professional who specializes in creating and officiating personalized funeral services. CFCs are trained to provide meaningful ceremonies that honor the life of the deceased and celebrate the memories shared by family and friends.

It typically takes about six months to become a Certified Funeral Celebrant. The process includes completing an online course, passing a written exam, and submitting a portfolio of work for review. Once certified, CFCs must complete continuing education courses each year in order to maintain their certification.

To become a Certified Funeral Celebrant, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, being at least 18 years old, and having some experience in public speaking or writing. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for an online course through an accredited institution such as the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). The cost of the course varies depending on the institution but can range from $200-$400. After completing the course and passing the written exam, you will be required to submit a portfolio of your work for review before becoming certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Funeral Celebrant varies depending on the institution offering the program but can range from $500-$1,000 including all fees associated with taking the course and submitting your portfolio for review.

5. Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS)

A Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS) is a professional who is trained and certified to provide grief recovery services. CGRSs help individuals, couples, and families learn how to cope with the pain of loss and move forward in their lives. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum focusing on the emotional, physical, spiritual, and social aspects of grief.

The Grief Recovery Method Certification Program is offered by The Grief Recovery Institute (GRI). It takes approximately 6 months to complete the program. To become certified, applicants must attend an 8-day training seminar, pass a written exam, complete additional coursework, participate in supervised practicum experiences with clients, and submit a portfolio demonstrating mastery of the material.

The cost of certification depends on the type of training chosen. The 8-day seminar costs $1,995 USD plus travel expenses. There are also online courses available for $1,595 USD plus materials fees. In addition to these costs, there may be additional fees for supervision hours or other requirements depending on the individual's circumstances.

6. Certified Funeral Director and Embalmer (CFDE)

A Certified Funeral Director and Embalmer (CFDE) is a professional certification that recognizes funeral directors and embalmers who have achieved a high level of excellence in the funeral service industry. The CFDE is awarded by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in funeral service.

The CFDE requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a licensed funeral director or embalmer, complete at least 500 hours of continuing education in the field, and pass a comprehensive written examination. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and professional development.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of licensure, transcripts from educational programs, and letters of recommendation. The application fee is $175 for members of APFSP or $225 for non-members. Once the application is approved, applicants must take the written examination which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as funeral service law, business management, ethics, and anatomy & physiology. The exam fee is $350 for members or $400 for non-members.

Once applicants pass the written examination they will be awarded the CFDE designation and will receive a certificate from APFSP recognizing their accomplishment. The certification must be renewed every three years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits in related topics during that time period.

7. National Board of Funeral Service Education (NBFSED)

The National Board of Funeral Service Education (NBFSED) is a non-profit organization that accredits programs in funeral service and mortuary science. The NBFSED was established in 1969 to ensure the quality of funeral service and mortuary science education. The board evaluates educational programs based on criteria such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, and other standards.

It typically takes two years to complete a program accredited by the NBFSED. Programs include classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and a supervised internship at a funeral home or cemetery. Upon completion of an accredited program, students are eligible to take the National Board Examination for Funeral Service Practitioners administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB).

To get an accredited program from the NBFSED, you must first research schools that offer programs in your area or online. Once you have identified a program that meets your needs, you can contact the school to learn more about their curriculum and admissions requirements. You should also contact the NBFSED directly to verify that the program is accredited.

The cost of an accredited program varies depending on the school and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$20,000 per year for full-time study; part-time study may cost less than full-time study. Additionally, there are additional fees associated with taking the ICFSEB exam which can range from $100-$200 depending on location.

8. National Home Funeral Alliance Certification Program (NHFA CP)

The National Home Funeral Alliance Certification Program (NHFA CP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and conduct home funerals. The certification program covers topics such as legal requirements, ethical considerations, funeral planning, body preparation, and burial options.

The NHFA CP consists of three levels of certification: Level 1- Home Funeral Guide; Level 2- Home Funeral Practitioner; and Level 3- Home Funeral Educator. Each level requires a different amount of time to complete the coursework and obtain certification.

Level 1 requires approximately 30 hours of coursework including online modules, webinars, self-guided reading assignments, and an online exam. It can be completed in as little as two weeks or up to six months depending on the individual’s schedule.

Level 2 requires approximately 60 hours of coursework including online modules, webinars, self-guided reading assignments, practical exercises, and an online exam. It can be completed in as little as four weeks or up to one year depending on the individual’s schedule.

Level 3 requires approximately 120 hours of coursework including online modules, webinars, self-guided reading assignments, practical exercises, field experience/mentorship opportunities with experienced practitioners and educators in the field of home funerals/green burials/natural death care practices. It can be completed in as little as six months or up to two years depending on the individual’s schedule.

The cost for each level varies depending on whether you are an NHFA member or nonmember. For members it costs $195 for Level 1; $295 for Level 2; and $495 for Level 3. For nonmembers it costs $245 for Level 1; $345 for Level 2; and $545 for Level 3.

9. National Funeral Directors Association Certificate of Achievement Program (NFDA CAP)

The National Funeral Directors Association Certificate of Achievement Program (NFDA CAP) is a program designed to recognize funeral directors who demonstrate excellence in their profession. The program is open to all members of the NFDA, regardless of experience level or location.

To obtain the NFDA CAP, funeral directors must complete an online application and submit it along with supporting documentation demonstrating their commitment to professional development and service to the funeral industry. The application requires applicants to provide evidence of their involvement in continuing education programs, professional organizations, community service activities, and other related activities. Once the application is submitted, an independent panel of judges reviews each submission and awards points based on criteria such as quality of work, customer service, innovation, and leadership.

The NFDA CAP takes approximately six weeks to process after the application has been received. There is no cost associated with applying for the NFDA CAP; however, there may be fees associated with any required continuing education courses or other activities that are required for completion of the program.

10. International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Certification Program (ICCFA CP)

The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) Certification Program (CP) is a professional development program designed to help cemetery and funeral home professionals increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of cemetery management, cremation services, funeral services, and other related topics. The program provides individuals with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the industry by obtaining certification.

The ICCFA CP consists of two components: a written exam and a practical experience component. The written exam covers topics such as cemetery law, accounting principles, customer service, marketing strategies, operations management, and more. To pass the written exam, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher.

The practical experience component requires candidates to complete a minimum number of hours in relevant areas such as cemetery operations and management; cremation services; funeral services; sales and marketing; customer service; accounting; human resources; health care regulations; and other related topics. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired through their work experience.

In order to obtain the ICCFA CP certification, candidates must successfully complete both components within two years from the date of initial registration for the program. Candidates who do not pass either component may retake it after six months but must still complete both components within two years from the date of initial registration for the program in order to receive certification.

The cost for taking part in the ICCFA CP is $495 USD which includes access to all course materials needed for successful completion of both components as well as access to an online community where certified professionals can network with one another.

11. Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice Certification Program (APFSPP CP).

The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice Certification Program (APFSPP CP) is a professional certification program that provides funeral service professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a level of excellence in their profession.

The APFSPP CP requires applicants to complete a series of courses, exams, and practical experience in order to be eligible for certification. The coursework covers topics such as funeral service laws and regulations, grief counseling, embalming techniques, and funeral home management. The exams are designed to test the applicant’s knowledge on these topics. Once all coursework and exams are completed, applicants must complete a minimum of one year of practical experience in the field before they can apply for certification.

In order to receive the APFSPP CP certification, an individual must submit an application along with documentation showing that they have completed all required coursework and passed all required exams. Additionally, they must provide proof of their practical experience in the field. Once approved by the Academy’s Board of Directors, applicants will be awarded their certification.

The cost for obtaining the APFSPP CP varies depending on the amount of coursework and exams taken as well as any additional fees associated with submitting an application or taking an exam. Generally speaking, it can take up to two years or more to obtain this certification depending on how quickly you complete your coursework and exams.

Overall, obtaining the APFSPP CP is a great way for funeral service professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the field and gain recognition from peers within their industry.

Do You Really Need a Funeral Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual, as some people may require a funeral director certificate in order to practice or work in the field, while others may not. It is important to research the requirements for your particular area before making a decision about whether or not you need one.

In general, if you are looking to become a funeral director, then it is likely that you will need to have a certificate or license from an accredited institution. Depending on where you live, this could mean taking classes at a local college or university, studying online through an accredited program, or attending workshops and seminars designed specifically for funeral directors. Each of these options will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform your duties as a funeral director.

Having a certificate can also be beneficial when it comes time to apply for jobs in the field. Many employers will prefer candidates who have obtained formal certification, so having one can give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, having certification can also help demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession, which can be attractive qualities for potential employers.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a funeral director certificate depends on your individual situation and goals within the industry. If you are serious about becoming a funeral director and would like to maximize your chances of success in the field, then obtaining certification is highly recommended.

Related: Funeral Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Funeral Director Certifications

1. What is a funeral director certification?

A funeral director certification is a credential that proves an individual has met the requirements for becoming a licensed funeral director. It is typically issued by a state or provincial government and requires passing an exam, completing approved coursework and obtaining work experience in the field.

2. How do I become certified as a funeral director?

In order to become certified as a funeral director, you must meet the qualifications set forth by your state or province, which may include passing an exam, completing approved coursework, and obtaining work experience in the field. Once these requirements have been met, you can apply for certification with your state or provincial government.

3. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my funeral director certification?

Yes, many states and provinces require that funeral directors complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification. The exact number of courses and type of courses required vary from state to state, so it's important to check with your local governing body for up-to-date information on continuing education requirements.

4. Are there any other certifications available for funeral directors?

Yes, there are several other certifications available for those wishing to specialize in areas such as embalming, cremation services and grief counseling. These certifications require additional coursework or training beyond what is required for initial licensure as a funeral director.

5. Are there any online resources available to help me prepare for my funeral director certification exams?

Yes! There are many online resources available that provide test preparation materials specifically designed to help individuals prepare for their funeral director certification exams. These resources often include practice tests, study guides and other helpful tips and advice on how best to prepare for the exam.