Record Number of Online Attendees Earn Cremation Certification

STERLING, VA – Pierce Mortuary Colleges, a member of The Wilbert Group, joined forces with the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) on November 17 & 18 to offer live, interactive cremation certification training. Acting on the need to provide robust, virtual cremation certification training to their students during this global pandemic, Pierce Mortuary Colleges made the decision to take it a step further and offer free registration to the two-day program to anyone in the deathcare profession. With so many seeking certification, or needing to keep their certifications current, the response to the free, online training was record-breaking with more than 480 people attending the Cremation Arranger program and more than 610 sitting for the Crematory Operator program.

“This is the 4th year that we have done the Arranger and Operator Program live via webinar,” stated ICCFA General Counsel, Poul Lemasters, “ but of all years, 2020 has been the most incredible turn out ever! To think that we were able to get over 1,000 people to the level of Certified Cremation Arranger or Crematory Operator in just twodays is mind-blowing. Looking forward to ICCFA’s next event with Pierce!”

When asked about the unprecedented numbers, Jill Karn, COO of Wilbert/Pierce Colleges commented, “Another successful year! We are proud to have been able to bring together a record number of attendees that included Pierce Mortuary College’s students, alumni, funeral directors from across the United States, many international funeral directors and participants, attendees in other careers outside of funeral service, and other funeral service program students and staff. We would like to thank all the attendees for their enthusiastic participation in the ICCFA Certifications, as well as all the people that have generously donated to Pierce Mortuary Colleges.”

ICCFA looks forward to a continued partnership with Pierce Mortuary Colleges to provide learning opportunities and certifications that foster the passion for a career in deathcare.

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization profession. Its membership is composed of more than 9,100 rooftop locations and 18,000 professionals in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.