Out-of-focus image of a group of people

NFDA Cremation Certification Program

Recognized Certification Standard

Cremation litigation is on the rise. Protect your firm through cremation due diligence practices and provide your families with the best cremation service possible.

This program offers a must-have certification for everyone offering cremation to the families they serve. Whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one, or want to evaluate a third-party crematory, this training is necessary for your success.

About the Course

NFDA’s Cremation Certification Program covers best practices for safe, proper and ethical crematory operations, excellence in service to cremation families and much more.

Upon successful completion of the program, attendees will earn the designation of Certified Crematory Operator (CCO).

The Cremation Certification Program is approved for up to seven CE hours for in-person and virtual courses and up to six hours for online courses by APFSP and most state licensing boards. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Three Ways to Become Certified

REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL COURSE
In-Person Program Regional Locations
  • Includes the Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals manual
  • Credential earned: CCO
  • Presented by Timothy Copeland, NFDA Trainer. He has over 35 years of experience as a licensed funeral director, cremation educator and end-of-life care consultant.
  • One-day course
  • Earn up to six CE credits
Virtual Program Live, virtual from your home or office
  • Includes the Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals manual
  • Credential earned: CCO
  • Presented by Timothy Copeland, NFDA Trainer. He has over 35 years of experience as a licensed funeral director, cremation educator and end-of-life care consultant.
  • Two-half-day course.
  • Earn up to seven CE credits

*The online course must be purchased by the individual who will complete the course in order to receive proper certification credit. Multiple purchases of the same online course by the same person are not permitted. The online course does not offer a discount for multiple purchases of the course. If you wish to purchase the online Cremation Certification Program for multiple people, please contact a Member Services Representative for assistance at 262-789-1880. BUY ONLINE COURSE*
Online Course Onlie 24/7 from your home or office
  • Includes the Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals manual
  • Credential earned: CCO
  • Presented by various subject matter experts via video tutorials
  • Self-paced timeframe to complete the course
  • Earn up to six CE credits

Registration Fees*

 In-person, virtual and online course fees include the comprehensive manual, live or online presentation, exam, scoring, CE processing and certificate. In-person seminars also include a continental breakfast and lunch.

$535 (CE)
$695 (CE)
$535 (No CE)
$165 (No CE)

U.S. Dollars on U.S. Bank

**Online registration is not available for students. Call 262-789-1880 to register.
Special pricing is available for active-duty military and for multiple attendees from the same NFDA member firm for in-person programs.

Generously Sponsored by:

Your Presenter

Timothy Copeland

Timothy Copeland

NFDA Trainer

Timothy Copeland, NFDA Trainer, has over 35 years of experience as a licensed funeral director, cremation educator and end-of-life care consultant. Tim owned and operated Copeland Funeral Home and has held various leadership positions, including trustee of the New York State Funeral Directors Association PrePlan Trust and a board member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association. He is a certified practitioner of Dignity Therapy and co-author of a chapter pertaining to end-of-life decision- making in the Handbook of Thanatology. As a former educator at Hudson Valley Community College, Tim mentored the upcoming generation of funeral professionals, focusing on communication, ethics and grief support. His presentations, which are delivered at national and state conventions, concentrate on funeral ethics, cremation protocols and meaningful family engagement. Tim holds a Master of Science in Thanatology from Marian University.
Timothy Copeland, NFDA Trainer, has over 35 years of experience as a licensed funeral director, cremation educator and end-of-life care consultant. Tim owned and operated Copeland Funeral Home and has held various leadership positions, including trustee of the New York State Funeral Directors Association PrePlan Trust and a board member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association. He is a certified practitioner of Dignity Therapy and co-author of a chapter pertaining to end-of-life decision- making in the Handbook of Thanatology. As a former educator at Hudson Valley Community College, Tim mentored the upcoming generation of funeral professionals, focusing on communication, ethics and grief support. His presentations, which are delivered at national and state conventions, concentrate on funeral ethics, cremation protocols and meaningful family engagement. Tim holds a Master of Science in Thanatology from Marian University.

*State CE approval varies. All NFDA online courses are approved for continuing education by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and most state licensing boards. Contact your state licensing board or NFDA for specific state CE information.

Presented educational material does not denote that NFDA endorses, recommends or supports the opinions expressed by the presenter or author. The content presented is informational only. For specific legal or compliance advice contact your firm’s legal counsel. NFDA does not warrant the accuracy of any of the information presented, and NFDA shall not be liable for the actions or inactions of funeral establishment owners, managers or employees in respect to the information presented in this educational product.
We champion your calling to serve. Join NFDA today to serve your families even better.
Become a Member
Access My NFDA