2025 applications for new certificants are closed.

If you are applying for FT as a current CT, applications close December 31. Please see this page for more information. The exam will be administered October 17 from 9:00 AM EST to October 18 at 9:00 AM EST.

Please review our informational pages for all information on becoming certified:

Click here for Certified in Thanatology (CT) Eligibility Criteria

Click here for Fellow in Thanatology (FT) Eligibility Criteria

Table of Contents
What is Thanatology and Who are Thanatologists?
Who Should Pursue a Thanatology Certification?
ADEC's Thanatology Certifications
What Our Certification Is and Is Not
The Purpose of the Certification Program
The Value of Earning a Certification in Thanatology
Testimonials
Contact Us

What is Thanatology and Who are Thanatologists?

Thanatology is a comprehensive field of study that examines every facet of dying, death, and bereavement.

Thanatologists are cross-disciplinary specialists who practice within the scope of dying, death, loss and bereavement. Thanatologists include front-line care providers, clinicians, practitioners, educators, researchers, administrators and others emerging from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, professions, and occupations.

A Thanatologist credentialed by ADEC possesses established evidence of both thanatology-related education and direct experience within the field and has demonstrated core knowledge of theory and application by passing a stringent, standardized certification exam. The Thanatologist credentialed by ADEC maintains certification by providing verified evidence of continued professional development at recertification as defined by the ADEC Credentialing Council.

Who Should Pursue a Thanatology Certification?

Anyone interested in being recognized for their specialized knowledge and experience in thanatology, such as:

ADEC's Thanatology Certifications

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

• 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. Click here for more information.
  
  
• 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 via the submission of a professional portfolio, 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. Click here for more information.

• 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. Click here for more information.

What Our Certification Is and Is Not

• We do offer a professional, regulated certification process with stringent standards, where successful candidates are awarded a thanatology credential.
• We do not offer a certificate program where one purchases and completes a specified course and is awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

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 the recognition of certificants as leaders in their respective fields in countries throughout the world.

The Value of Earning a Certification in Thanatology

• Recognition by Peers. Certification sets you apart from other individuals in the field, offering greater professional prestige among peers.
• Recognition by Administrators. In a survey of employers in the field, more than half of responders said that certification is strongly considered in hiring and promotion decisions; a quarter indicated that credentialed employees earn a higher wage and have a wider scope of duties.
• Recognition by the Public. Certification in industry-related fields leads to overall greater distinguished professionals in the chosen field.

Testimonials

“Having been blessed with a forty-year career in law enforcement, the past five as a State Police Chaplain, I came to realize, when asked to consider this certification, that I have been dealing with thanatology related topics my whole career. Having studied for and successfully passed the CT certification process and exam has bolstered my passion for compassion in caring for the many with whom I cross paths with on a daily basis.” 
Special Agent / Chaplain David A. Tafaoa, CCISM, CT
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) / South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SCLEAP)

"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

“The importance of becoming certified in thanatology far exceeds the expectation that a therapist can simply work with many bereft clients, take a few grief CEU courses, and read some books. ADEC’s certification program is rigorous…requiring proven experience, continuing education beyond the basics of training, and an exam that, in no way, is simple! As the owner of the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy, I ensure each of my clinicians are ADEC-certified thanatologists so our client care is the best they can receive in our community and organization.”
Dr. Christina Zampitella, FT
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Fellow in Thanatology
Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy – Founder / Owner
Wilmington, Delaware

"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

“I take great pride in my FT: Fellow in Thanatology. My colleagues have all commented on what an accomplishment this is. For me, ADEC has always been a cornerstone for end of life and bereavement throughout my 29 year career. I’m proud to have achieved this. The opportunities I will have by earning this are endless I believe. Thank you, ADEC for your investment in us as professionals so we can help many of our patients and clients at such a profound and sacred time in their lives.”
Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, BCD, FAAGC, FT
Author, End of Life Therapist - National Speakers
Minneapolis, Minnesota 

“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

Contact Us

For credentialing questions, please contact  credentialing@adec.org

For membership or general ADEC questions, please contact adec@adec.org

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.