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. 

What is Thanatology and Who are Thanatologists?

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

Thanatologists are care providers, clinicians, practitioners, educators, researchers, and others emerging from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, professional disciplines, and occupations who practice within the scope of death, dying, loss, grief, and bereavement and “share a common language” with all thanatology professionals. 

Who Should Pursue a Thanatology Certification?

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

The Value of Earning a Certification in Thanatology

• Recognition by Employers. 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 distinguishes our professionals from others who work in the field, enhancing the credibility of their work.
• Recognition by Other Professionals. Certification sets you apart from other individuals in the field, offering enhanced professional recognition.

Testimonials

“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

“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 

“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)