Answers to most questions regarding certification/credentialing can be found within the web pages under our "Thanatology Certifications" tab. Should you have further questions regarding ADEC's Credentialing program, please contact credentialing@adec.org.

Credentialing Council

The ADEC Board of Directors established a Credentialing Council in 2011 to oversee and maintain a valid credentialing process in the field of thanatology on behalf of the Association for Death Education and Counseling.

The Credentialing Council is made up of dedicated individuals who donate their time and expertise in service to ADEC and the thanatology community. Five members are elected by ADEC members and three additional members, the Chair and the Public and Employer Representatives are elected by the Board of Directors. Ex-officio, non-voting members are appointed by the Credentialing Council Chair. All members serve 3-year terms to a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.

The mission of the ADEC Credentialing Council is to promote excellence within the field of thanatology by awarding the capstone credentials of CT (Certified in Thanatology) and FT (Fellow in Thanatology) to individuals who demonstrate specialized knowledge, experience, and education in death, dying and bereavement.

In addition to the Credentialing Council, dozens of thanatology professionals volunteer their time and expertise to ADEC's Certification Program by serving on the following committees:

• Credentialing Standards (Practice Analysis)
• Exam Item Writers
• Exam Construction
• Certification Application Review
• Certification Application Audits
• Certification Appeals Review
  
• Communication
• Critical Documents
• Students and New Professional

Credentialing Council Members May 2026-April 2027