Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

Which of the following accurately describes the purposes of a death certificate?

1. Shows vital statistics and cause of death for medical or actuarial research

2. Serves as a guide for funeral planning

3. Is only required for legal matters

4. Is used exclusively for insurance claims

The correct answer is: Shows vital statistics and cause of death for medical or actuarial research

A death certificate serves several key purposes, one of which is to provide vital statistics and document the cause of death. This information is crucial not only for public health records but also for medical and actuarial research. By analyzing aggregate data from death certificates, researchers can identify trends in mortality, the prevalence of diseases, and other significant sociological insights. The data collected on death certificates, including age at death, sex, and cause of death, contributes to the overall understanding of health trends and can inform policies and medical practices. In contrast, while a death certificate may contain information useful for funeral planning, it is not specifically designed as a guide for such processes, making that answer less accurate. Additionally, although legal matters often require death certificates, they serve broader purposes that extend well beyond legal requirements. Furthermore, while death certificates are necessary for insurance claims, they are not used exclusively for that reason; therefore, that choice does not encompass the full scope of their significance.