BIE International Diploma in Embalming - Final Theory study plan

Define and correctly use anatomical position, directional terms, body planes and cavity terminology in a written glossary

Describe the structure and function of the cell, the four basic tissue types and the skin, and relate skin structure to injection-site and cosmetic restoration decisions

Label the major bones and landmarks of the skull, thorax, pelvis and limbs relevant to vessel access

Explain homeostasis and the body's regional organisation well enough to place any named organ in its correct cavity

Trace the complete path of blood through the heart, naming chambers, valves and great vessels in sequence

Map the arterial supply of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen and upper limb, identifying the vessels commonly used for injection

Map the venous drainage and identify the vessels commonly used for drainage, explaining why each is chosen

Describe the mechanics of respiration and the structure of the airway and lungs as they relate to cavity treatment and aspiration risk

Outline the lymphatic system and explain its relevance to oedema, swelling and distribution of embalming fluid

Sequence the postmortem changes (algor, rigor, livor, decomposition) and state the practical embalming consequence of each

State the accepted aims of embalming and match each aim to the technique used to achieve it

Explain the principles of fluid distribution, pressure, rate of flow, drainage and the effect of solution strength on tissue fixation

Compare the principal preservative and supplementary chemicals by action, and justify a chosen formulation for a stated case

Identify at least 25 items of embalming instrumentation and describe the function of each without prompts

Describe the selection and preparation of common injection and drainage sites, including one-site and multi-site approaches

Outline the procedure for cavity treatment and explain the rationale for each step

Adapt a standard embalming plan for three stated special cases, such as oedema, jaundice and trauma, giving a reason for each change

Classify the main groups of microorganisms by structure and growth requirement and state which are of concern in the mortuary

Describe the chain of infection and identify the break point that each control measure targets

Differentiate disinfection from sterilisation, and select the correct process for a stated item or surface

Explain the pathology and embalming implications of at least six conditions encountered in practice, including infectious, vascular and metabolic disease

Summarise the postmortem transmission risk of the principal bloodborne and airborne pathogens

Apply standard precautions and select the correct PPE for each stage of a stated embalming procedure

State the occupational exposure limits and health effects of formaldehyde and describe the ventilation and monitoring controls required

Manage a sharps injury and a body-fluid spill by writing out each step in order

Categorise mortuary waste correctly and describe the disposal route for each category

Produce a risk assessment that identifies hazard, who is harmed, existing control and residual rating

Explain the legal basis of authority to embalm, including who may give consent and what happens when authority is absent or disputed

Describe the record-keeping, confidentiality and data-protection duties that attach to a completed case

Apply a professional code of conduct to three prepared ethical dilemmas and justify each decision

Distinguish the embalmer's scope of practice from areas requiring referral, and state the correct referral route

Complete two full-length timed mock papers under exam conditions without notes

Analyse every incorrect answer to identify whether the cause was missing knowledge, misread question or faulty reasoning

Re-drill the five weakest topics from the error log until each is answered correctly twice in a row

Rehearse written-answer structure for scenario questions within the time allowance