Funeral Director: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Funeral Director
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Funeral Director mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Funeral Director?
A Funeral Director is in charge of planning and organising all aspects of a funeral, from the actual service to paperwork and legal procedures. They support bereaved families during their time of loss by taking care of practical details and ensuring the funeral aligns with either religious requirements or personal wishes.
Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassion and empathy towards grieving families
- Organizational and time management abilities
- Attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information
- Knowledge of funeral service procedures and regulations
- Ability to work well under pressure and in emotionally challenging situations
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Physical stamina and ability to handle physical tasks related to funeral services
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
Qualifications & Education
- No formal academic requirements
- Some employers require GCSEs/S grades
- Full driving licence often required
- On-the-job training provided
- Professional qualifications available in funeral directing and embalming
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To train to be a funeral director in the UK, you can start by taking a diploma in funeral arranging and administration or a certificate in funeral service while working. As you gain more experience and take on more responsibilities, you can pursue further qualifications such as the diploma in funeral directing or the diploma in funeral service.
Being a funeral director can be very stressful due to long hours, unpredictable workloads, and the emotional demands of the job. This can lead to a condition known as "compassion fatigue."
To become a funeral director in the UK, you typically need an associate's degree in funeral service or mortuary science. This program usually covers subjects such as professional ethics, anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, pathology, embalming, restorative art, federal regulations, and mortuary law.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Funeral Director mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now