CT - Certified in Thanatology (dying, death and bereavement)

The Certified in Thanatology (CT) is offered by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).

Individuals who receive a certification in thanatology (CT) have demonstrated advanced skills and specialized training to work with terminally ill clients by providing education and support on the death, dying, and bereavement process.

Thanatologists are professionals who are educators, clinicians, counselors, researchers, and practitioners who work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospice agencies, funeral homes, and private organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants interested in a thanatology certification have 4 pathways requirements for eligibility which include:

Track 1

• Must have a bachelor's degree or higher in health science, behavioral or social science, human services, or a related field

• 1 year of experience or more in the thanatology field, equivalent to 1,760 hours. 880 of the hours must be completed in the past 10 years

• 90 hours of education, with at least 22.5 hours completed within the last 3 years

• 2 letters of recommendation from colleagues or a supervisor

Track 2

•  Government-regulated licensure in social, behavioral, or health sciences or related fields in human sciences

•  1 year of experience or more in the thanatology field, equivalent to 1,760 hours. 880 of the hours must be completed in the past 10 years

• 90 hours of education, with at least 22.5 hours completed within the last 3 years

• 2 letters of recommendation from colleagues or a supervisor

Track 3

•  Associate degree or a post-secondary diploma in social, health, or behavioral science, human services, or a related field; required to have a minimum of 2 years of study

• At least 2 years of experience in the thanatology field, equivalent to 3,520 hours. 1,760 of the hours must be completed in the past 10 years

• 90 hours of education, with at least 22.5 hours completed within the last 3 years

• 3 letters of recommendation: 1 from a supervisor and 2 from either a supervisor or colleague

Track 4

• Post-secondary education outside of social, behavioral, or the health sciences field OR a high school diploma or equivalent

• At least 3 years of experience in the thanatology field, equivalent to 5,280 hours. 2,640 of the hours must be completed in the past 10 years

• 90 hours of education, with at least 22.5 hours completed within the last 3 years

• 3 letters of recommendation: 1 from a supervisor and 2 from either a supervisor or colleague

Exam Costs

CT Applicants

• $380-ADEC member fee

• $599- Non-member fee

Exam Details

The application window runs each year, and in 2025 it was from May 15 through August 15. The exam is offered online during specific testing window. Dates are subject to change each year.

Applicants will take the exam on a computer with secure access and must complete the exam within 3 hours once logged in. A passing score of 80% is required for successful completion.

Certification renewal is required every 3 years. Applicants renewing must also complete 45 contact hours of thanatology-related activities. Applicants can obtain hours by:

• completing continuing education (CEU) hours (max 45 hours)

• providing thanatology education (max 30 hours)

• contributing to the field of thanatology (max 30 hours)

• volunteering in a role for thanatology (max 15 hours)

There is a renewal fee of $220 for ADEC members and $439 for non-members.

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