•Publication Date：06/13/2014
•Source： Taiwan Today
Taiwan began issuing its first funeral director licenses in late April, a milestone development in the country’s funeral service sector, according to the ROC Ministry of the Interior.
“The measure is part of ongoing government efforts to enhance the quality of Taiwan’s funeral service sector and ensure better consumer protection,” MOI Deputy Minister Chen Chwen-jing said. “The licensing system will enhance the image of funeral service professionals and attract more talent to the sector.”
According to the MOI, it has been working with the Ministry of Labor for several years in organizing professional training and national technician skill tests. A total of 16 colleges and universities also offer related courses.
MOI statistics show that more than 2,000 individuals signed up for the country’s first B-class test last year, one of the three qualifications for the professional license, with 272 receiving certificates. The others are at least two years of related experience and a minimum 20 professional credits.
Chen Si-yun, one of the 15 licensees approved by the MOI to date, said certification requirements motivated her to continue enriching her knowledge of the business. “I hope more of my fellow workers will follow suit and help build Taiwan into a regional leader in this sector.”
The ministry said under existing rules, those without a license can still provide funeral services, but cannot identify themselves as a director.
As part of efforts to promote licensing, approved funeral directors will give presentations at the Taiwan International Funeral Expo June 13-15 at Taiwan World Trade Center.
