Certified Cremation Specialist Program

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When they choose cremation, you'll know what to do. 

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What is a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist?

Anyone can claim they are a cremation specialist. What sets a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist apart is the training they receive to ensure everyone is treated with the same level of care, service, and compassion. Through exposure to a curriculum based on years of research and experience, CANA-Certified Cremation Specialists learn best practices in ethical conduct, verbal and non-verbal delivery, personalizing services and body preparation styles to grow their abilities. Most importantly, they learn how to communicate the value of everything a business has to offer to the people it serves. And, because they’re trained by CANA’s experts, they have insights into the latest trends in funeral service.

What I think the CCS program supports is guiding conversation toward the family's needs outside of just the choice for disposition.

Cremation does not mean Direct Disposition.

- Amanda Roman Clement, Funeral Director at Lucas Funeral Homes in Hurst, Texas

Why become a cremation specialist?

Whether we acknowledge it or not, too often funeral professionals place consumers into two categories: cremation and burial. That division creates assumptions about the experience on both sides of the arrangement table. Becoming a CANA Certified Cremation Specialist breaks down those barriers to help raise the level of service for every family. This training expands a business's value by helping funeral professionals find opportunity for memorialization and ceremony in every arrangement, see the difference their words make, and understand what motivates people to choose cremation.

More than doing the job as a funeral arranger, even more than doing it right, this program is designed to help arrangers show that they care.

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CANA-Certified Cremation Specialists report that this program made them:

• More confident in guiding conversations
  
• More connected to the families they serve
  
• More engaged with their work
  
• Better equipped to provide meaningful services
  
• Renewed in their sense of purpose
  

I found greatest value in developing empathy. This helps me to more keenly recognize what families are and have been going through and extend grace for where they are now.  
- Jason Armstrong, Lead Funeral Director at Coeur d’Alene Cremation & Funeral

Who can become a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist?

Crafted for easy, virtual participation, this credential is designed for anyone who wants to take their skills as funeral directors and arrangers to the next level. ​

Whether you’re new to arrangements or seasoned in the profession, CCS strengthens the skills that matter most.

• Funeral arrangers
  
• Licensed directors
  
• Young professionals who want a confident step up
• Experienced professionals who want to elevate their communication and service skills
  

How to become a Cremation Specialist

Courses are online and on-demand with the ability to pause and resume to fit your busy schedule with basic program requirements that everyone must complete, including participating in a live, instructor-led course via Zoom. 

Fees

The Cohort Program has a one-time fee of $465 US for CANA Members, $615 US for all other funeral professionals: $165 for courses and 11 CE credit hours and $450 certification application fee (discounted for members).

Register to Join

Registration is now open!
Registration Deadline: July 31 to graduate October 15, 2026.
Exit Applications: there are two opportunities to graduate, with applications due by either July 1 or October 1, with interview to follow which completes course requirements.
Certification Recognition: either July 15 or October 15, depending on when you submit your application ​

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To become a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist, you must:

• Complete seven (7) self-paced courses and one (1) live, instructor led course via Zoom
• Submit an exit application and capstone reflection assignment
• Participate in a fifteen-minute interview via Zoom to discuss your learning experience

Bonus: Taking all eight courses will allow you to earn up to eleven (11) hours of continuing education hours from the Academy of Professional Service Practice and most states. Check with your regulatory agency for exact number of approved hours available.

​For details on the technical needs of the online learning platform and get the full experience of the program, review the Software/Hardware Requirements below.

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Courses

This certification requires completing (7) self-paced courses and one (1) live, instructor-led course via Zoom.

The Cremation Choice

The content of this course is divided into six lessons and the course exam. Lesson one focuses on the current cremation statistics and trends; lesson two examines the characteristics of the cremation consumer; lesson three looks at the different reasons why people choose cremation; lesson four evaluates variables that affect the cremation experience; lesson five offers ways to present options; lesson six uncovers popular service locations.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Describe characteristics of cremation consumers.
2. Explain at least six reasons why people choose cremation.
3. Identify personal biases that may impact work with families.
4. Explain at least four variables that impact satisfaction with the cremation experience.
5. Describe different presentation styles that may be used to discuss options and identify the presentation techniques that work best for you.
6. Explain what types of venues consumers are selecting for memorial services and why. Identify ways the funeral director can remain involved in services not held at the funeral home.

Communication Skills Fundamentals

How you communicate with families can make or break their experience with you. The words you use are only a small part of the experience - tone, body language and listening are even more important to getting your message across as you intend.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Identify the physical and psychological aspects of public speaking.
2. Practice techniques for speaking in public (large groups and small groups).
3. Describe how body language and outward traits affect how the message is received.
4. Identify the elements of verbal and nonverbal communication.

Cremation Phone Shoppers: Your Best First Impression

When you answer the next cremation phone shopper call, do you know what to say to convert them to a customer? Or will you turn them away by not giving them the best information? This course will teach you how to effectively answer and handle the next phone shopper call.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Describe how to create an ideal phone inquiry experience.
2. Explain how to educate consumers about cremation offerings.
3. Communicate the value and uniqueness of your offerings.
4. Secure new business.

The Power of Presence Part 1: An Introduction

How you handle interactions with a family has a big impact on how they perceive and receive your business. It’s essential to understand how those families are feeling and what you should say. That’s where The Power of Presence comes in.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Describe how to create an ideal phone inquiry experience.
2. Explain how to educate consumers about cremation offerings.
3. Communicate the value and uniqueness of your offerings.
4. Secure new business.

The Power of Presence Part 2: Implementation (live, instructor led via Zoom)

The second part in this popular series focuses on putting information into practice. In a group setting via Zoom, moderator Glenda Stansbury will present each participant with at least one family scenario and ask them to 1) identify what is in their bucket and 2) choose appropriate first words to say to the family based on recommendations from The Power of Presence Part 1: An Introduction. Glenda will the provide feedback and coaching based on her years of experience working with families as a licensed funeral director and funeral celebrant.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Apply listening skills and empathy to scenarios.
2. Feel confident they can support families with the power of their presence.

Ethics in Funeral Service

Funeral directors hold the value of life in such high regard that death does not change their care for the dead's physical remains. Ethics is something we practice every time we answer the call to serve a family whose world has been changed forever by the loss of a loved one. If ethics were as simple as doing the right thing, ethics boards, committees, and reviews wouldn't exist. This course will define ethics and explore topics related to personal and professional conduct within funeral service.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Define ethics.
2. Identify different approaches for making ethical decisions.
3. Identify common situations where funeral directors will be faced with ethical decisions.
4. Write a personal code of ethics.

Complying with the FTC Funeral Rule

Though compliance and how to manage compliance is left up to each business, there are certain provisions of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule that apply to everyone. The purpose of this course is to provide guidance related to those provisions. Additionally, this course will provide questions to help you manage compliance specific to your business.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of the FTC Funeral Rule and identify how to access the rule for reference purposes.
2. Describe how to apply the rule to business practices.
3. Evaluate current company policies and identify any that are in violation of the Funeral Rule.

Presentation Without Preservation

This course is designed to give you an understanding of non-invasive or limited invasive preparation methods to allow families to view the deceased without advanced embalming techniques.

Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Explain the value of viewing the body.
2. Identify and apply preparation techniques that can be done without using invasive embalming techniques (disinfection, preparation, restorative arts).
3. Be familiar with OSHA guidelines and regulations for handling dead bodies.

Capstone

Each participant will bring everything they learned together by reflecting on their skills and knowledge and how it’s applied to their work. The Capstone Assignment consists of questions that review each of the eight completed courses as well as focus on the experience as a cohort member and how it has impacted serving families. Finally, participants schedule a 15-minute individual capstone interview via Zoom with CANA Staff to debrief.

Software/Hardware Requirements

1. Sound capabilities (for listening to videos and narration)
2. Camera capabilities (to attend the live, instructor-led course)
3. Software:​

• Desktop Browsers: the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari 
• Mobile Browsers: the latest version of Safari (Apple) or Google Chrome (Apple, Android) 
• Browser Settings: JavaScript must be enabled; font downloads must be enabled 
• Screen Readers: latest version of JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack ​

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the next program start?

The next cohort kicks off April 1, 2026, with all coursework completed by October 1. Registration closes July 31, and the exit application deadline is either July 1 or October 1.

The program runs six months, with two opportunities to graduate, and includes some scheduled programs and meetings. Coursework is entirely online and self-directed so busy professionals can work through the classes at their own pace, including the ability to pause and resume.

Is membership a requirement to join this program?

No, the CANA Certified Cremation Specialist program is not limited to employees of current CANA Member firms. However, current CANA Member businesses receive a discount on every registration. How do you know if you’re a member? Ask your employer or check our member directory.

What prerequisites are needed to take this certification?

Anyone with experience in the funeral profession is eligible to take this certification. Current employment is not required. This program is not recommended for people without experience in the profession because it relies on prior knowledge gained on the job.

For more information on getting started in the funeral profession, visit the American Board of Funeral Service Education.

I work in a cemetery. Am I eligible to earn this credential?

Of course! All funeral professionals at any stage of their professional career are welcome to become a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist. However, the current version of this certification was designed with funeral directors and arrangers in mind and examples rarely feature cemetery practices and issues. Current courses include topics on body preparation and FTC compliance that may not be directly applicable to all roles within the profession. Those courses would still be required to attain certification. Use your own judgment about whether you want to participate.

I don't work in the US. Am I eligible to earn this credential?

Everyone working in funeral service as a CANA Member is eligible to become a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist. However, the current courses were developed focusing on the US federal rules and regulations for funeral service, which may not be directly applicable to professionals in other countries. Live meetings and coursework may be difficult due to the time difference from American time zones. All courses would still be required to attain certification. Continuing education hours are not pre-approved so you should contact your regulators about whether it would apply. Use your own judgment about whether you want to participate.

What does it mean to have a CANA Cremation Specialist certification?

Strictly speaking, earning a certification is proof of someone's skill or standard in a particular activity. Their ability is tested in an exam or application process, usually by a third-party.

​In the funeral profession, there are various certifications offered by many different organizations. Most of these should really just provide a certificate of completion rather than a certification of mastery since they don't include third-party testing of skill mastery. However, the CCS has many traits of a certification program:

• It is more difficult to earn: Certification shows a higher level of accomplishment than a certificate.
• It results in a credential: you get a designation you can use after your name.
• It takes several months to earn and consists of a series of courses.
• It is specialized: designed for a specific group to develop or strengthen specific career skills.
• It is real continuing education: it builds on your knowledge of a particular career or industry.
• It prioritizes practicality and job ready skills.

Will this certification get me a job or a raise?

There are many factors that contribute to your success in the funeral profession. Employers should evaluate your performance regularly and set clear expectations for success and promotion based on their business practices. It is your responsibility to talk to prospective or current employers to determine if you should take this certification.

How long does the certification last?

Certificates are valid forever, but Cremation Specialists are encouraged to continue to grow their knowledge and expertise by seeking out cremation-focused continuing education programs.

CANA Certified Cremation Specialists can reprint their certificate at any time and make any necessary updates or changes at no extra charge. Certificates are emailed upon graduation. If you need your certificate link resent or have an update to the certificate, contact us.

Will I be able to operate a cremator and/or AH machine after taking this class?

No. This program is focused on best practices when meeting with families or individuals to make arrangements. For specific knowledge of crematory operations, we recommend the Crematory Operations Certification Program, which you can learn more about here.

I want to open my own crematory. Should I take this class?

No. This course is designed to increase your understanding of cremation arrangements and memorial services, and will provide you with knowledge to grow existing skills related to arranging cremation services. For courses related to crematory operations, please visit here.

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Get CANA Certified

CANA is the expert in All Things Cremation, so the association offers a range of outstanding certification programs that help you learn best practices, stay current with your continuing education credits and expand your professional skills.

Crematory Operations Course Catalog

CANA is the expert in All Things Cremation, and crematory operations is no exception. Whether you need human or pet certification, we've got you covered with the online versions of our courses that provide continuing education credit. Click the titles below to learn more about your options for getting certified online or in-person.