Embalmer's Assistant

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Embalmer's Assistant. An Embalmer's Assistant is responsible for preparing the embalming room and body for embalming and making a body suitable for public viewing by mourners. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare the embalming room and body for embalming. • Prepare the human body after death to create a peaceful, relaxing and life-like appearance.

There is a specific need in the funeral sector to develop an Embalmer's Assistant qualification to assist Embalmers with preparing corpses for the embalming process and for viewing after completion of the embalming. There is also a specific need to create a pathway for people in the funeral industry working in mortuaries. Currently, there is an Occupational Certificate: Mortician at NQF Level 3 and an Occupational Certificate: Embalmer at NQF Level 6. 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 and actively participated in the development and associated consultation processes. This part-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 preparing the remains in South Africa for viewing, without a registered qualification, an opportunity to obtain formal recognition for their skills. Qualifying learners will be able to seek employment in the growing funeral industry at funeral parlours and/or to be self-employed (providing a service to a number of smaller funeral parlours). This part-qualification provides benefits to both society (providing social services and contribute to personal development in a field where there is currently no qualification available) and the economy (creating a possibility for learners to obtain a part-qualification in South Africa and also creating employment opportunities). Furthermore, this part-qualification forms part of a career path in the funeral industry from a Mortician/Undertaker to an Embalmer's Assistant and then an Embalmer.

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.

• Prepare the embalming room and body for open-case embalming.
• Prepare the human body after death to create a peaceful, relaxing and life-like appearance for viewing by mourners.