NBE Funeral Directing Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Committal Service is a key component of the funeral process, occurring at the place of disposition, which can be a cemetery, crematory, or another location where the final resting of the deceased takes place. This service symbolizes the actual commitment of the body or remains to the earth, and it typically includes final prayers, readings, or reflections that honor the deceased and provide support to the grieving family.

Choosing the place of disposition for the Committal Service is significant because it represents the end of the funeral journey, marking the transition from life to afterlife. This setting allows for a more intimate and personal goodbye, often taking place at the gravesite or other meaningful locations tied to the deceased’s life.

In contrast, the other settings such as the funeral home, church, or wake serve different purposes, such as hosting visitation, memorial services, or viewing the body but are not designated for the Committal Service itself. The funeral home is primarily for preparatory activities and viewings, the church is typically the venue for a religious service before the committal, and the wake is a gathering for family and friends to share memories and support one another prior to the formal services.