How to Become a Qualified Embalmer 

What to do if you want to be a qualified embalmer

In order to become a member of the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) you, the applicant must successfully complete an approved training course recognised by the BIE and then apply for membership.

Training is provided by BIE accredited tutors who teach an approved syllabus and are accredited by the Institute. The tutors are not employed by the Institute and any fees, except those paid for examinations and membership, are paid directly to the tutor.

You will be required to sit an entrance test before the start of your course to ensure your suitability.

Student Membership

Initial membership of the BIE is gained by becoming a student member. To become a student member for 3 years you must be 18 years of age.

You will need to enrol with a BIE accredited tutor who will test your suitability for the course by way of an entrance test. If you pass this test you will follow the steps outlined belo

Course Structure

What Will You Learn?

By the end of the course you should know:

  • The requirements of setting up an embalming theatre and all that this entails
  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and how it relates to the embalmer
  • The anatomy and physiology of the human body from the cell to the fully developed individual
  • Common human pathology
  • About changes to the tissue after death and how these must be considered during the embalming process
  • The embalming process itself from preparation prior to embalming to the completion
  • Managing expectations and embalming ‘special’ cases
  • Precautions and infection control

The overall aim of the course is to provide you with the necessary skills to become a confident and effective, problem solving embalmer.

This will be achieved through academic study and supervised practical embalming experience.

Enrol in a Professional Embalming & Mortuary Science Course

The British Institute of Embalmers is the only recognised Embalming Institute in the UK and its membership is highly regarded at both national and international level.
By successfully completing and passing a training course taught by one of our accredited tutors you will become eligible to submit an application for membership into the British Institute of Embalmers.
The BIE accredited tutors who teach an approved syllabus are not employed by the Institute and any fees, except those paid for examinations and membership, are paid directly to the tutor. You will be required to sit an entrance test before the start of your course to ensure your suitability.
There are many types of embalming course available to people wishing to study the theory and practice of embalming.
                                                         
                   
Classroom Based
A classroom-based course will generally consist of structured classes over a period of time, to which the student is expected to attend. Generally, the study time will comprise of both theory and practical tuition and a higher level of supervision than may be found on a correspondence course. Classroom based courses usually last for around 2.5 – 3 years attending on a part-time basis.

EXAMINATIONS

Five Written & Two Practical

                                                                                                                                   
 Correspondence/Remote Learning
A correspondence course allows a student to work at their own pace, usually involving literature being sent to the student to complete in their own time. Contact with the tutor will be less than with a classroom-based course but there will be less travelling involved.
The duration of the course very much depends on the individual student and their work ethic.
Clive John Pearson
BIE Accredited Tutor