Free Resources for New Funeral Service Professionals

The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) proudly supports new professionals entering funeral service through education, mentorship, and connection. This collection of free resources is designed to help funeral directors, embalmers, crematory operators, and students grow their skills, maintain compliance, and build meaningful professional networks.

We encourage new professionals to get involved with the APFSP Young Professionals Committee (YPC) — a vibrant group of emerging leaders working to connect, support, and inspire the next generation of funeral service professionals.    

Education & Professional Development

• NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association) – Free webinars, podcasts, and articles.
• NFD&MA 40 & Under – Networking and leadership opportunities for young professionals. 
• Funeral Service Foundation – Free guides and scholarship opportunities.
• The Dodge Company – Dodge Magazine – Free embalming technique articles and case studies.
• ICCFA University Online Resources – Videos and articles on cremation and cemetery management.
• OSHA Funeral Industry Guidance – Free safety and compliance materials.

Cremation & Technical Skills

• CANA (Cremation Association of North America) – Free articles, data, and process guides.
• Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions – Free training videos and service excellence tools.
• EPA Crematory Compliance Materials – Safety and emissions guidelines.

Career & Licensing Support

• ABFSE (American Board of Funeral Service Education) – Accredited school listings and exam info.
• Funeral Service Insider – Free newsletter and professional insights.
• LinkedIn Groups – Join “Funeral Service Professionals” and “Future Funeral Directors” for free mentorship and networking.

Community, Mental Health & Support

• Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) – Free guides on compassion fatigue and caregiver wellness.
• NFDA Remembering A Life – Free grief education and family resources.
• Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) – Free peer support meetings and mental health resources.
• National Center for Death Education – Free webinars and grief education materials.

Bonus: Podcasts & Media

• Funeral Service Insider Podcast – Management and trends discussions.
• Undertaking: The Podcast – Real stories and professional interviews.
• Directing the Funeral (YouTube) – Tutorials and career advice for mortuary students.
• Let’s Talk Mortuary – Short-form videos and Q&A for new professionals.

© 2025 Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice | Compiled as a free resource guide for new professionals.