Prepare for the future with cremation-first education: CANA offers online and in-person programs for every role
2026 marks a historic milestone: the sesquicentennial of modern cremation in the United States. Now that 150 years have passed since the first cremation in a modern crematory, this anniversary is more than a celebration of the past; it’s an opportunity to reflect on how far the profession has come and to look ahead at the innovations shaping its future. As cremation continues to rise as the preferred form of disposition, funeral professionals must be prepared to meet evolving expectations with knowledge, skill, and confidence.
Whether you’re an experienced owner or manager seeking to stay ahead of industry trends, a new manager building essential leadership skills, a career professional focused on practical expertise, or an operations team member committed to best practices and safety, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has you covered. In this landmark year, CANA proudly offers a comprehensive range of learning opportunities designed for every stage of your career. Continuing our mission as the trusted authority on all aspects of cremation, CANA’s education programs provide the tools you need to succeed in today’s dynamic environment—and prepare for the future.
By 2033, cremation is projected to be the preferred form of disposition in every state, with rates already surpassing 80% in some regions. Meeting families where they are, adapting operations for growing demand, and positioning your business for long-term success requires cremation-first education. 2026 is the perfect time to invest in your future and try CANA professional development and training.
EDUCATION FOR EVERY CAREER STAGE
Experienced Owners and Managers: Take advantage of unique in-person opportunities. Further your leadership and strategic growth at CANA’s mid-winter Cremation Symposium and late-summer Annual Cremation Innovation Convention. Explore industry trends and connect face-to-face with colleagues from across the profession. CANA’s 2026 Symposium returns to the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to discuss today’s trends, tackle tomorrow’s challenges and bring your business’s future success into focus: cremationassociation.org/future.
The 108th Annual Convention at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota August 12-14, 2026, unites some of the most forward-thinking leaders in an intimate, focused event. Share ideas, learn from experts, and see the newest products and services offered by industry suppliers: cremationassociation.org/cana26.
New Managers: Whether you’re stepping into a fresh role or seeking success through advancement, you’ll benefit from the most recent addition to CANA’s course lineup. Gain essential skills in management of people and finances with the CANA Deathcare Business Administration Certification. Our 10-week virtual program, kicking off on April 1, allows you to work at your own pace and tailor your learning to your personal schedule, with bi-weekly live facilitation providing an opportunity to address how each lesson applies to your business and gain feedback from your peers: goalmakers.com/CANA.
Career Professionals: Discover focused, practical learning at any stage with education that provides immediate practical application to the job at hand. From body preparation and FTC compliance to communication skills and understanding grief expressions, CANA’s Online Education offers targeted training in a bite-sized format with cremation at the core: cremationassociation.org/eduonline.
Pull it all together as a CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist and your expertise will demonstrate to families that you care. Join the 2026 cohort this year and complete the online program at your own pace, starting on April 1: cremationassociation.org/ccs.
Operations Staff across the industry continue to rely on CANA for essential crematory operations training. Available online or in-person, the CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program (COCP) serves as the foundational credential for cremation in your business.
The CANA COCP evolves with the modern practice to be available both in-person throughout the year and completely online and on-demand. The program features both flame cremation and alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation); targeted options for pet crematories and alkaline hydrolysis facilities; state-specific refreshers; and multilingual options (English, Spanish, French): cremationassociation.org/COCP.Additionally, CANA’s Natural Organic Reduction Operations Certification (NOROC) offers a valuable introduction to this newest disposition method and what it could mean for your operations—ensuring your team is ready for what’s next: cremationassociation.org/NOROC.
WHY CANA EDUCATION?
With CANA Education, you gain the knowledge to reach today’s consumer and the readiness to meet tomorrow’s demand. Each course is developed in collaboration with business leaders, educators, manufacturers, practitioners, and legal authorities to ensure relevance and quality for the modern professional.
Programs are approved for continuing education credits, meet state certification requirements (as applicable), and help you progress toward the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.
A MILESTONE YEAR, A FUTURE-FOCUSED COMMUNITY
In the sesquicentennial year of modern cremation, investing in professional cremation education means joining a community of experts and practitioners who honor the field’s history while advancing its future. When you register for a CANA certification program, attend a convention or symposium, enroll in an online class, or join as a member, you become part of a network united by cremation at its core.
CANA is a recognized and valued brand for all things cremation. As we commemorate 150 years of innovation, funeral professionals benefit from the association’s decades of expertise, forward-looking curriculum, and unwavering commitment to quality—positioning your business to thrive in the years ahead.
Learn more about how CANA Education offers something for every career stage. Visit the CANA website: cremationassociation.org/education.
About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.