SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Embalmer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117469  Occupational Certificate: Embalmer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-Services SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Personal Care 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 12129/20  2020-07-30  2025-07-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-07-30   2029-07-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Embalmer. An Embalmer is responsible for preserving a human body after death to forestall decomposition and make it suitable for public-viewing by mourners and prepare it for funeral service, burial or cremations and/or transportation over a long distance.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Preserve and reconstruct the human body after death.
  • Prepare the human body after death to create a peaceful, relaxing and life-like appearance.
  • Execute legal and administrative functions with regard to the preservation of the deceased.

    Rationale:
    There is a specific need in the funeral sector to develop an embalmer qualification. Currently, Embalmers are being trained in-house by funeral parlour on an ad-hoc basis, and there is no existing formal or nationally-recognised qualification in South Africa. The funeral industry is a growing industry due to a growing population resulting in more deaths. International research has shown that there is an increased demand for quality care of the deceased, including embalming. In addition, embalming is a requirement if the remains are to be transported internationally and/or if there is an extended time between death and final internment. With the high number of people living and working in South Africa with foreign passports, this will also contribute to increasing demand for qualified embalmers to work in the funeral industry.

    Representatives of South African industry bodies, including South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), National Undertakers Association of South Africa (NUASA), South African Federation of Funeral Assurance Societies (Saffas), Solidarity, Cooperative Funeral Solutions (CFS), National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (NAFUPA SA), WEFDA and National Association of South African Undertakers (NASAU) expressed a need for the development of an embalmer qualification. They actively participated in the development and associated consultation processes.

    This qualification will specifically benefit learners with interest in working and establishing a career in the funeral industry. It will also give people who have been doing embalming-work in South Africa without a registered qualification, an opportunity to obtain formal recognition for their skills.

    Qualifying learners would be able to seek employment in the growing funeral industry at funeral parlours and/or to be self-employed (providing a service to some smaller funeral parlours) and/or to even start their businesses.

    From the above, it is thus evident that this qualification is important as it provides benefits to both society (providing social services and contribute to personal development in a field where there are currently no qualifications available) and the economy (creating a possibility for learners to obtain an embalming qualification in South Africa and also creating employment opportunities).

    Furthermore, this qualification forms part of a career path in the funeral industry. It also includes a part-qualification for an Embalmer's Assistant to enable career progression from a Mortician/Undertaker to an Embalmer's Assistant and then an Embalmer. Embalmers may also extend their scope of operation to become Funeral Directors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning.

    Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification, or three years' assessed experience in the funeral industry. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 516303-000-00-KM-01, Introduction to Embalming, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-KM-02, Anatomy and Physiology related to Embalming, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-KM-03, Embalming and Reconstruction Processes, Materials and Instruments, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-KM-04, Infectious Diseases and Medical Conditions Impacting on Embalming, Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-KM-05, Procedures for Preparing the Deceased for Embalming and Viewing, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-KM-06, Embalming related Health and Safety Considerations, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-KM-07, Administrative and Legal Requirements related to Embalming, Burials and Cremation, Level 4, 3 Credits.
    The total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 41.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 516303-000-00-PM-01, Prepare the Embalming Room and Prepare the Body for Open-case Embalming Preserve Organs, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-02, Prepare Cavity and Preserve Organs, Level 6, 7 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-03, Apply Embalming Techniques, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-04, Reconstruct the Scull and Face, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-05, Clean and Dress the Body, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-06, Form the Face to Obtain a Mirror Like Appearance, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-07, Prepare Quotes and Order Stock, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-PM-08, Identify Regulatory Requirements and Complete Legal Paperwork, Level 5, 4 Credits.
    The total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 61.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 516303-000-00-WM-01, Processes for Preparing the Embalming Room and Body for Embalming, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-WM-02, Embalming and Reconstruction Processes, Level 6, 50 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-WM-03, Processes to Create Peaceful, Relaxing and Lifelike Appearance, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 516303-000-00-WM-04, Processes for Ensuring Legal and Administrative Compliance, Level 4, 4 Credits.
    The total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 78. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare the embalming room and body for open-case embalming.
    2. Preserve the cavity and organs.
    3. Preserve and reconstruct the body.
    4. Prepare the human body after death to create a peaceful, relaxing and life-like appearance for viewing by mourners.
    5. Comply with legal and administrative requirements with regard to the embalming process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Outline the process of preparing the embalming room and identify critical aspects related to health-safety.
  • Ensure that the embalming room is clean, hygienic and properly-ventilated.
  • Mix chemicals to specifications, and layout the equipment and materials for open-case embalming while following health safety precautions and wearing appropriate personal protective gear.
  • Prepare the body for the embalming process following health safety precautions and wearing appropriate personal protective gear.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically discuss the procedures related to the preservation of the cavity and organs in open case embalming (including health safety precautions related to contagious diseases and skin and bodily conditions to consider for identifying such conditions) using appropriate physiological, anatomical and scientific nomenclature.
  • Remove stitches and organs with no signs of spillage, and clean and preserve abdominal area following the standard operating procedure.
  • Dry and seal the organs are properly in a plastic bag with the required amount of embalming-powder following standard operating procedure.
  • Correctly place cotton wool on incisions, correctly apply baseball stitching and ensure that there is no possibility of leakage of bodily-fluid.
  • Sterilise equipment is properly and dispose of contaminated materials safely in accordance with health safety standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically evaluate and discuss the decomposition processes and embalming techniques are using appropriate physiological, anatomical and scientific nomenclature.
  • Identify and apply the correct and appropriate embalming technique, i.e. arterial or direct injection, for the condition of the body following correct procedures.
  • Push embalming fluid evenly into the tissues through the appropriate application of massage techniques.
  • Stitch scalp leaving no traceable evidence of damage that cannot be hidden with wax or cosmetics.
  • Apply embalming liquid to the facial area following correct procedures so that the facial area is solid, firm and dry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss procedures for creating a lifelike appearance with reference to cultural differences, skin structure and conditions to consider when applying make-up, as well as health and hygiene aspects when handling the deceased.
  • Clean the body, and close all bodily-cavities, ensuring fresh smell without any damage to the skin following standard operating procedures.
  • Dress the deceased following standard operating procedures and ensure clothing look unspoilt with no visible marks, stains and/or tears.
  • Close the eyes, mouth and nose are correctly following appropriate procedures to ensure that there are no facial leakage-possibilities.
  • Apply mortuary-wax and make-up following standard operating procedures.
  • Conceal all lacerations and scars, ensure skin tone and make-up made look natural and create a peaceful sleep-like image.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Complete embalming certificate that reflects all legal requirements.
  • Consider and explain stock-taking principles.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in the work environment at a Services SETA recommended and QCTO accredited decentralised assessment centres and evaluated by a panel of assessment specialists (registered by the Services SETA for this purpose). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Qualifications from United States of America (USA), Canada and Australia were selected for comparison to the South African qualification.

    Embalming is popular in the USA and Canada and based on this, and these countries were used as best practice for benchmarking and are therefore compared in detail along with the Australian qualification.

    United States of America:
    The Medical School of the University of Minnesota offers a three-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): Mortuary Science B.Sc. Degree. The mortuary science qualification at the University of Minnesota is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), which is the only accrediting agency for mortuary science programs recognised by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the USA Department of Education.

    To be able to practice as an Embalmer, it requires a licence. Eligibility for licensing exams in most states requires completion of a one-to-three years' apprenticeship in addition to a formal qualification to offer the hands-on training (practical component). The American B.Sc. Degree includes mortuary sciences and funeral practices which is not included in the Occupational Certificate: Embalmer, as there is an existing Occupational Certificate: Mortician, NQF Level 3, with 150 Credits that covers these aspects.

    The rest of the modules covered in the American qualification (and outlined below) are also covered in the Occupational Certificate: Embalmer:
  • Human Anatomy Laboratory (2.0 Credits),
  • Death, Dying and Bereavement Across Cultures and Religions (3.0 Credits),
  • Medical Terminology (2.0 credits),
  • Microbiology and Pathology for Funeral Service (4.0 Credits),
  • Embalming Chemistry (2.0 credits),
  • Personal and Community Health (2.0 Credits),
  • Restorative Art (2.0 credits),
  • Embalming Theory (3.0 Credits),
  • Restorative Art Laboratory (1.0 Credits) and
  • Embalming Laboratory (1.0 Credits).

    In addition, the Occupational Certificate: Embalmer also include modules related to the preparation of the body for viewing, though not covered by the American B.Sc. Degree. The duration of the American B.Sc. Degree, including an apprenticeship is Three years and is at degree level. The Occupational Certificate: Embalmer does not include an apprenticeship but does include a Work Experience component and as the Mortician component is excluded, it can be seen as comparing well in terms of duration as well as level with the American B.Sc. Degree.

    The following compulsory modules are included in the American B.Sc. Degree:
  • Funeral Service Rules and Regulations (2.0 Credits).
  • Funeral Service Practice I (3.0 Credits).
  • Funeral Service Psychology and Arrangements Theory [WI] (3.0 Credits).
  • Human Anatomy Laboratory (2.0 Credits).
  • Death, Dying and Bereavement across Cultures and Religions (3.0 Credits).
  • Medical Terminology (2.0 Credits).
  • Funeral Service Practice II (3.0 Credits).
  • Funeral Service Arrangements Laboratory [WI] (4.0 Credits).
  • Microbiology and Pathology for Funeral Service (4.0 Credits).
  • Embalming Chemistry (2.0 Credits).
  • Personal and Community Health (2.0 Credits).
  • Funeral Service Marketing and Merchandising (3.0 Credits).
  • Business Law (3.0 Credits).
  • Restorative Art (2.0 Credits).
  • Embalming Theory (3.0 Credits).
  • Restorative Art Laboratory (1.0 Credits).
  • Embalming Laboratory (1.0 Credits) Senior Year Spring Semester.
  • Organisation and Management of Funeral Business [WI] (3.0 Credits).
  • Funeral Service Law (2.0 Credits).
  • Clinical Funeral Service Rotation (1.0-6.0 Credits).

    Canada:
    The Canadian College of Funeral Service is a post-secondary institution that is dedicated solely to the funeral service profession. It offers a two-year Embalmer Certificate.

    The Certificate is offered through a combination of on-line distance learning, seminars/workshop (constituting 22 credit hours - in terms of the Canadian credit system) and practical workplace experience (as part of a two years' apprenticeship during which period, a total of 50 embalming operations must be performed) and only a learner already enrolled as an apprentice may enrol in this program.

    The Canadian Certificate includes mortuary sciences and funeral practices which is not included in the Occupational Certificate: Embalmer, as there is an existing Occupational Certificate: Mortician, NQF Level 3, with 150 Credits, that covers these aspects.

    The rest of the modules covered in the Canadian qualification (and outlined below) are also covered in the Occupational Certificate: Embalmer:
  • Embalming Theory.
  • Safety, Sanitation and Hygiene.
  • Embalming Practicum.
  • Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Embalming Practicum.

    In addition, the Occupational Certificate: Embalmer also include modules related to the preparation of the body for viewing, but not covered by the Canadian Certificate.

    The duration of the Canadian Certificate ranges between 2-3 years, including an apprenticeship and is at the post-secondary level. The Occupational Certificate: Embalmer does not include an apprenticeship but does include a Work Experience component and as the Mortician component is excluded, it can be seen as comparing well in terms of duration as well as at the same level with the Canadian Certificate.

    The following modules are included in the Canadian Certificate:
  • Embalming Theory.
  • Safety, Sanitation and Hygiene.
  • Embalming Practicum.
  • Dying, Death and Disposition.
  • Funeral Practices.
  • Funeral Law 1.
  • Funeral Service Ethics.
  • Communications.
  • Funeral Practicum (total of 1800-3600 hours and 50 cases).
  • Anatomy and Physiology.

    Conclusion:
    The American and Canadian qualifications are similar in terms of approach, duration and content. The Occupational Certificate: Embalmer compares well with the above qualifications in terms of the emphasis on practical skills and work experience.

    The American and Canadian qualifications include mortuary sciences and funeral practices which is not included in this qualification as there is an existing Occupational Certificate: Mortician, NQF Level 3, with 150 Credits, covering these aspects. The rest of the modules covered in the Canadian qualification, as well as the American qualification, are also covered in the Occupational Qualification: Embalmer.

    The duration of the American and Canadian qualifications is 2-3 years including an apprenticeship and is at post-secondary and degree level. The Occupational Certificate: Embalmer does not include an apprenticeship but does include a Work Experience component and as the Mortician component is excluded, it can be seen as comparing well in terms of duration as well as the level. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Forensic Biology; NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology ; NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    In order to qualify for the External Integrated Summative Assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Embalmer: 516303-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade-related qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Services SETA.

    Related Part Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Embalmer's Assistant, Level 5. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.