The Bureau licenses 13 different licensing categories in funeral services: funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers and cemetery salespersons. The Bureau also inspects cemetery burial grounds.
If you are interested in a career as a funeral director, mortuary science or funeral assistant, you must complete formal education and pass state and national board exams. Scholarships are available through the ABFSE to help offset these costs.
Legal Requirements
The funeral industry is regulated by the state and federal government. Funeral directors and embalmers must hold licenses to work in the profession. Licensing requires graduation from a mortuary science program accredited by the Bureau, passing national and state boards and an internship.
In addition, licensed funeral directors must not hold shares of stock or property interest in any other funeral establishment and may not conduct any other funeral business. Likewise, embalmers must not hold shares of stock or property interest or manage any other funeral establishment.
NFDA’s Code of Ethics is a set of principles that guide our members in their professional practices. The Code of Ethics also contains specific sections that outline the types of conduct that if violated, could result in a disciplinary action by NYSFDA’s Standing Committee on Ethics or other governmental authorities.
Licensing
The state of New York requires funeral directors to register their license with the state on a biennial basis. They must also register the names and addresses of all funeral establishments with which they are associated.
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses professionals and funeral establishments and investigates complaints. The Bureau also administers the state licensing exam for funeral directors, interns and embalmers and establishes standards of practice for funeral service.
To become a licensed embalmer in the state of New Jersey, you must complete a one-year resident internship after graduating from a mortuary school and have your practical embalming skills examined by a sitting member of the Board of Mortuary Science. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass the state’s Mortuary Jurisprudence examination.
If you plan to work in a New Jersey, Pennsylvania or New York funeral home and/or cemetery, the Bureau offers a reciprocity agreement that allows out-of-state mortuary students to take bodies across state lines for burial or cremation. However, you must check with your state’s funeral licensing board to verify that this is possible.
Education
Whether you are looking to become a funeral director or embalmer, or operate a funeral home, the first step is to complete a program of instruction. Education requirements vary by state, but the majority require students to earn a high school diploma or GED certificate, complete two years of general collegiate coursework, attend mortuary college, pass national and state board exams, and participate in a year-long resident internship before being licensed.
NCC’s accredited funeral service program is designed to meet these licensing requirements and provide a comprehensive education in the practice of funeral services. You’ll study everything from cultural death practices to restorative art, and gain a deep understanding of how to support grieving families.
The funeral industry is highly regulated, with each state having its own laws and rules. To ensure that you’re familiar with local and state regulations, NCC offers continuing education courses every two years (biennium).
Experience
Funeral professionals should be well-versed in the etiquette of working with grieving families. They should have a strong grasp of both traditional and non-traditional funeral services and be able to provide families with various options. Additionally, they should be familiar with a variety of cremation and burial services.
A successful funeral home should also offer continual training to staff. This is important because there are many misconceptions about funeral services that need to be addressed. This training can take many forms: informal sessions, seminars, consultations, marketing materials, and more.
Additionally, it is crucial that funeral homes create an atmosphere of professionalism and respect. They should adhere to workplace policies, prioritize confidentiality, and display empathy throughout interactions with client families. This will set them apart from competitors who are resistant to change and growth. Additionally, they should regularly survey employee satisfaction, and recognize top performers who go above and beyond for their clients. This will encourage other employees to replicate these best practices.