Applications for the 2024 Credentialing Exam are now closed.
2025 application will be open May 15 through August 15, 2025.
Please contact credentialing@adec.org with any questions.
ADEC's FT® (Fellow in Thanatology)
An Advanced Certification for Thanatology Professionals
The FT® is awarded to individuals who can verify prior experience, education, and 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.
We do not offer a certificate program where one purchases and completes a specified course and is awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
Please note: The certification requirements and application fees are not the same for FT® applicants who already have their CT® credential. If you are currently hold a CT® credential, please click
here.
Table of Contents:
Eligibility Requirements
Application FAQs
When to Apply
Application Fees
How to Apply
Preparing for the Certification Exam
Maintaining Your Credential
Contact Us
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for the FT® Credential
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New FT® (without a current CT®)
If you are currently hold a CT® credential, please clickhere.
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Master’s Degree or higher in Social, Behavioral or Health Science, Education, Human Services or Related Field
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Prior Thanatology Experience
Paid or unpaid experience as a thanatology professional, trained thanatology volunteer, or student of a thanatology course or program. For more details, click here.
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8880 hours in a thanatology role of which at least 4440 hours were completed within the past 10 years
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90 hours of education in thanatology content, with at least 22.5 hours earned within the past 3 years
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12 units representing specified past achievements / accomplishments
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Two
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Must receive a passing score on the Certification Exam, offered one time per year
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Application FAQs
Clickhere to see frequently asked questions.
When to Apply
2024 FT® application dates:
May 15 through August 15, 2024.
2025 FT® application dates: May 15 through August 15, 2025.
Please note:
The application review team will contact and work with candidates regarding missing information or components requiring additional context before approving or denying your application. However, all requests for more information or application modifications must be complete by August 22. Please consider applying early to provide yourself the best opportunity for collaboration with our team.
Application Fees
For the New FT® (without current CT®)
The application fee includes cost of the exam and if passed, the first active cycle of your certification (3 years).
ADEC Member Fee: $520
Non-Member Fee: $739
- Becoming an ADEC Member requires a separate transaction before applying for FT
- Non-Members who wish to become an ADEC Member and enjoy all member benefits, join here
- Paying the Non-Member fee does notprovide you with an ADEC membership
NOTE: ADEC's membership period is from January 1 through December 31. Fees are not pro-rated based on when you join. You can enjoy full member benefits through December 31st of this year, at which time your ADEC membership will expire.
If your application is not approved, no refunds will be given. However, candidates are welcome to contact credentialing@adec.org to seek clarification on their personal eligibility before applying. Our application review team will also provide candidates opportunities to clarify components of their application, add additional information, or answer questions about its content before denying an application.
How to Apply
FT® application dates: May 15 through August 15, 2024
Applications are not required to be completed in one sitting, you may save and return as needed.
1. To apply for the FT®, you must first log in to an ADEC Member or Non-Member Profile
2.Click the gold button below to access the Credentialing Application
3. Select your "Application Type" (page 1 after personal information): CT or FT
4. From the dropdown box, select FT
5. Complete the application sections as required
6. When complete, click "Save", then "Add to Cart"
7. Submit your payment. Applications are not deemed complete until payment has been received.
8. Once complete, your application will be reviewed by the Application review committee. Every effort is made to notify applicants of their approval/denial for exam candidacy within 4 weeks of receiving the application
The Review Committee may request additional information or documents to clarify or substantiate information on your application. Each request for information is given a two week deadline for resolution, and all requests for information must be resolved by August 22. Any
requests for information unresolved by the deadline may result in your application being denied. We suggest applying early to allow ample time to resolve any application deficiencies.
If your application is not approved, no refunds will be given. However, candidates are welcome to contact credentialing@adec.org to seek clarification on their personal eligibility before applying. Our application review team will also provide candidates opportunities to clarify components of their application, add additional information, or answer questions about its content before denying an application.
Deactivated until 2025 Applications Open
Preparing for the Certification Exam
Click here
for details on:
- Exam administration
- Exam content
- Study resources
- Accommodations
- Exam scoring
- Exam-related appeals
Maintaining Your Credential
- Once awarded, the CT® credential is valid for three years.
- To continue using the CT® designation, you must complete 45 contact hours of recertification activities prior to your expiration date and submit a recertification application.
Click here
for more information on requirements, fees, and how to submit your application.
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® denote that one has met rigorous standards established by the Association for Death Education and Counselling. It does not make a statement as to the holder’s clinical competency nor does it constitute licensure. Unauthorized use or misrepresentation of the CT® or FT® is prohibited under law and ADEC will take action to protect its intellectual property.