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Diploma in Funeral Directing

The National Association of Funeral Directors introduced the Diploma in Funeral Directing (DipFD) in 1959 to help maintain the highest standards throughout the funeral profession and it is now universally acknowledged as the 'Gold Standard'.

The course is based on the Manual of Funeral Directing and the syllabus reflects best practice in funeral service. The syllabus is prepared by the NAFD’s Committee for Professional Development (CPD) and is reviewed regularly and upgraded as required in conjunction with the British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD). The course is taught by registered BIFD tutors.

Before the Diploma in Funeral Directing can be awarded, students are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of the essential duties of a funeral director and all aspects of the role gained over a minimum of two years within the profession. Candidates should have practical funeral directing experience and be able to meet the requirements of the NAFD’s Code of Practice. In addition, a candidate must have personally arranged at least 25 funerals.

The Diploma in Funeral Directing deals with theory and practice. The theory element comprises four modules of 17 units, eight reports and a written paper. The practical part of the syllabus involves arranging a funeral, where the student is in a 'role play' situation, with the examiner as the client.

Formal examinations are held each year in March and September.

Entry Criteria

The Foundation Certificate in Funeral Service

Subjects Covered in the Syllabus

  • The Funeral Service
  • The Funeral Director and Public Health
  • The Premises of the Funeral Director
  • Registration Procedures
  • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
  • Coroner's Procedures
  • Funerals for Children
  • The Law and Practice of Cremation Regulations
  • The Law and Practice of Burial
  • International Transportation of Human Remains
  • Burial at Sea
  • Exhumation
  • Bequeathal
  • Premises and Public Health
  • Funeral Rites
  • Music at Funerals
  • Liability and Entitlement of Clients
  • Scotland and Northern Ireland Procedures
  • Office Procedures
  • Flowers
  • The First Call
  • The Removal
  • Care and Presentation of the Deceased
  • Arranging the Funeral
  • Conducting the Funeral
  • Special Circumstances

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