BMS BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Funeral Directing and Ceremonies Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a committal service in funeral directing?
- To finalize the disposition of the deceased at the place of burial or entombment (Correct answer)
- To display the body for public viewing
- To collect payment from the family
- To transport the body to the funeral home
Correct answer: To finalize the disposition of the deceased at the place of burial or entombment
The committal service is the final ceremony held at the graveside or place of entombment to formally conclude the funeral rites and complete the disposition process.
Question 2: Which document must a funeral director obtain before cremation can legally proceed in most U.S. states?
- A cremation authorization signed by the legal next of kin (Correct answer)
- A burial transit permit only
- A church approval letter
- A notarized will from the deceased
Correct answer: A cremation authorization signed by the legal next of kin
Most U.S. states require written cremation authorization from the legal next of kin or authorized agent before cremation can be performed.
Question 3: What is a columbarium used for in funeral service?
- Housing cremated remains in niches (Correct answer)
- Storing embalming chemicals
- Conducting funeral ceremonies
- Displaying caskets for selection
Correct answer: Housing cremated remains in niches
A columbarium is a structure with niches designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.
Question 4: During a traditional funeral procession, what is the role of the lead car?
- To guide the procession route and control the pace of travel (Correct answer)
- To carry the casket to the cemetery
- To transport the clergy to the service
- To collect toll fees for the motorcade
Correct answer: To guide the procession route and control the pace of travel
The lead car, often driven by funeral home staff, guides the procession along the planned route and sets an appropriate pace for all vehicles.
Question 5: What is the term for a funeral service held without the body or cremated remains present?
- Memorial service (Correct answer)
- Visitation
- Wake
- Committal
Correct answer: Memorial service
A memorial service is a ceremony honoring the deceased that is conducted without the body or cremated remains being present.
Question 6: Which federal regulation requires funeral homes to provide itemized pricing to consumers?
- The FTC Funeral Rule (Correct answer)
- The OSHA Formaldehyde Standard
- The Clean Air Act
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act
Correct answer: The FTC Funeral Rule
The FTC Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral providers to give consumers itemized price lists for goods and services.
What is the primary purpose of a committal service in funeral directing?