Applications for the 2024 Credentialing Exam will be open May 15 - August 15th. 

The exam is administered remotely and will be held on October 18th from 9:00 am EST to October 19th at 9:00 am EST

Please contact credentialing@adec.org with any questions. 

 

Thanatology Certifications

 

ADEC offers a two-tier professional, regulated certification process with stringent standards, where successful candidates are awarded a thanatology credential. The two levels for certification are:

• CT® – Certified in Thanatology: The CT® is awarded to individuals who can verify prior experience and education in the field of death, dying, and bereavement and receive a passing score on the certification exam. The exam measures foundational knowledge and understanding of the essential body of knowledge for the study of death, dying, and bereavement.
  
  
• FT® – Fellow in Thanatology: The FT® is awarded to individuals who can verify prior experience, education, additional specified accomplishments in the field of death, dying, and bereavement, and receive a passing score on the certification exam. The exam measures foundational knowledge and understanding of the essential body of knowledge for the study of death, dying, and bereavement.

• CT-(Ret)®   and FT-(Ret)® – Retired in Thanatology: The CT-(Ret)® and FT(Ret)® is a yearly renewal option available to current and previous holders of CT® and  FT® who have retired from their thanatology career position and no longer need the credential but desire to be recognized for having earned it.
  
  
  

The Purpose of the Certification Program is to:

• Recognize individuals with specialized knowledge and professional experience in the field of Thanatology.
• Assist professionals in the mastery of issues related to death, dying and bereavement (loss, grief and mourning).
• Promote local, national, and international recognition of certificants as leaders in their respective fields.

Testimonials

 

"I researched long and hard to determine which agency to go with that is reputable in credentialing for Thanatology. When I had questions, I found the volunteers who support ADEC abundantly helpful as they answered my questions, pointed me in the right direction, and made me feel very welcome in this new (to me) community. Their care and continued support through their new Podcast, Compassionate Thanatologist, mean a great deal to me…I’m not just a number and you won’t be either." 

Ana M. Wilson, MDiv, BCC, CT®
Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement
Bereavement Coordinator
Rochester, Minnesota

 

"This certification exposes you to the nature of death. The CT is a practical understanding of death and grief. I’m fortunate to experience the offerings of ADEC."

Dr K. Raja Gopal Reddy, PhD, FIII, FCII (UK), FLMI (US), CT®
Managing Director, Last Rites India Private Limited
Hyderabad, India

“Becoming FT from CT is a milestone that signifies my knowledge and experiences have met an advanced international standard in the field. I encourage fellow CTs to move up to FT." 

Francis Wong, MSW, FT®
Registered Social Worker, Fellow in Thanatology
Hong Kong

 

The CT® and FT® credentials are the property of ADEC. Once the credential is awarded and for the extent of time during which the credential is renewed and maintained, certificants are authorized to claim and display the credential. Unauthorized use of the credential, including use following an expired credential, is strictly prohibited and subject to a notification to cease and desist. To protect its intellectual property, ADEC will not hesitate to seek legal protection if necessary.