Funeral Director Certificate

Funeral Director Certificate

Funeral directors provide support through the guidance and coordination of the details of memorialization and final disposition choice. They liaise with clergy and government agencies and may assist with understanding various legal considerations.  

Our Funeral Director Certificate meets the academic and practical provincial licensing requirements as established by the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board. 

Learn how to plan and direct funeral ceremonies, support grieving families, be considerate of and respond to the various religious and cultural traditions associated with death and apply the laws and regulations that govern the funeral profession in the Province of Alberta. Integrating theory and practice, you will gain new skills in funeral directing, communications, business, funeral home operations, the psychology of death and dying, laws and regulations and conflict resolution. 

Gain real-life experience through work experience opportunities within a funeral home and under the direct supervision of a funeral service professional. The work experiences can be completed within your own community.  

Before starting your program, please review the non-academic work experience requirements that you must complete before taking these courses.

Program Highlights

  • University credential - study part-time online while working towards your certificate.
  • Professional license - satisfy the education requirements to be licensed in the Province of Alberta. 
  • Practical experience - apply your skills through work experiences under the direct supervision of funeral service professionals.  
  • Flexible education - learn from experts in the profession while choosing a personalized course schedule. Complete the program in 1 year to a maximum of 6 years. 

Career Possibilities

  • Funeral director
  • Instructor
  • Cemetery Manager/Operator

Program Outcomes

  • Plan, arrange and direct funeral ceremonies
  • Be considerate of and respond to various religious and cultural traditions associated with death
  • Interpret and apply various acts and regulations which govern the funeral service profession in Alberta
  • Communicate and work effectively with families, government, health and legal agencies
  • Practice the companioning aspect of caregiving
  • Meet the academic and practical provincial licensing requirements, as established by the Alberta Funeral Service Regulatory Board