Welcome to the NAFD Direct Entry Route – an assessment process for experienced funeral directors.
PLEASE NOTE: New applications are accepted up to 31 May 2025. From 1 June 2025, this option is closed for any new applications. The process is under review until further notice.
The aim of the Direct Entry Route is to enable long serving, and experienced funeral directors who have extensive experience and knowledge of funeral arranging and administration, but no formal prior qualifications.
Please note: this option is only relevant for funeral directors only who are fully up to date with funeral legislation, Codes of Practice, including accurate use of statutory and non-statutory documentation.
Through the Direct Entry Route, the current competence of those who register is assessed through an online pre-qualifying assessment, evidence of knowledge and experience, including formal assessment to verify current knowledge and understanding of UK funeral related legislation, documentation and contracts, and practice associated with arranging a funeral. Individuals will be required to complete an online application with a series of experience-based questions, provide evidence of arranging and / or conducting 75 funerals over a 5-year period, a copy of their CV and two written references.
As the final part of the process you will be required to complete and achieve the standard required for Professional Discussion with an NAFD Examiner. Please note that all required elements must be completed and signed off a minimum of 2 weeks before the date of the next professional discussion. Scheduled dates for the professional discussions are:
2025
- 14th May
- 15th July
- 16th September
- 12th November
Individuals are not permitted to register or commence studies on the L4 DipFD until they have successfully completed all elements of the Direct Entry Route and received written confirmation of their DER results directly from the NAFD.
The Direct Entry Route is not applicable to individuals who have successfully completed the NAFD DipFAA or online NAFD FAA Certificate. Providing you can produce evidence of completing any of these courses, you can register directly for the Level 4 NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing.
Entry Criteria and Cost:
Eligibility is for funeral service employees, aged 18+ with a minimum of 5 continuous years service arranging and/or conducting funerals. You must be able to provide evidence of arranging a minimum of 75 funerals over a 5-year period.
The NAFD Registration fee for the Direct Entry Route is currently £320 for NAFD members and £420 for non-members.
Following successful achievement of the DER assessment, there is a separate registration fee of £420 for NAFD members and £550 for non-members, plus tutor fees, for the Level 4 NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing.
If you are adequately experienced, and prepared to be formally assessed – please click below.
Please note: access to learning materials are not applicable. This is not a training option.
ENROL HERE
