Certification in Thanatology (CT)

Certification in Thanatology (CT) is a foundation certification that enhances the professional designation established by the academic discipline of each certificate holder. It recognizes the specific educational background in dying, death and bereavement. Thus, a counselor/therapist or educator is defined by his/her education and work experience. The certification will note the special educational training in the field.

Requirements for Certification in Thanatology (CT)
To apply to take the certification exam, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree (include transcript) and two years of verified related experience*
• Or a master’s or doctorate (include transcript) and one year of verified related experience
• 60 documented contact hours** in thanatology and related topics
• 2 letters of support from supervisors or colleagues.

* Related experience is self-defined.
** The 60 documented contact hours are defined as education in thanatology or specific topics identified in the CT Content Outline in the CT Handbook. You must provide documentation for these hours.

Educational Experience Requirement
The 60 documented contact hours may be earned through university courses (one three-credit semester course is equivalent to 45 contact hours) or workshops. Educational experiences from any accredited institution will be accepted if they are independently documented by letter or certificate. Courses or workshops by various organizations will also be accepted. ADEC offers workshops and courses as pre-conference activities at its annual conference. See the Educational Events page for listings of courses and conferences in thanatology.

For more information or to prepare for the Certification Exam, read the CT Handbook.

For additional certification information, including fees for CT, FT and recertification, contact:
ADEC's Administrative Manager at adec@adec.org.

Updated: July 8, 2008