The Division establishes qualifications for professions and occupations involved in funeral directing, embalming and preneed sales; oversees licensed funeral homes and establishments; investigates consumer/provider complaints; and provides educational opportunities.
A meeting between family members and the funeral director to discuss arrangements. It is usually held a day or two after the death of the decedent.
Professional Licensing
The death of a loved one can be an emotionally challenging and stressful time for families. Funeral directors help guide families through the many legal and logistical tasks that must be completed. They also provide support and compassion during this difficult time.
In order to become licensed as a funeral director or embalmer, candidates must complete mortuary science coursework and pass a state exam. Requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check with your state board of funeral service for more information.
In addition to state-specific licensing requirements, funeral directors and embalmers must also obtain licenses from their national professional organization. NFDA members receive valuable resources and information to help them navigate the national laws, regulations and standards that affect their businesses. NFDA’s Advocacy team is committed to having a positive impact on the national laws that directly affect funeral professionals and small businesses.
Licensing Requirements
As a funeral professional you should be aware of licensing requirements in the state(s) in which you are licensed to practice. NFDA is committed to keeping members informed about national laws that affect their businesses. Click here to get the latest information on important issues impacting your profession.
Licensing information for all states is available on the NFDA website, including links to their websites and contact information.
Upon license renewal, each funeral director or embalmer must complete 12 hours of continuing education instruction during each biennium. At least one hour of the required training must cover compliance with federal or state laws and regulations governing the funeral service profession, including preneed arrangements.
It is recommended that the 12 hours of CE be taken in a live classroom setting. AAMI offers courses that meet this requirement, however students who plan to relocate should check with their state’s funeral regulatory body and higher education agencies to verify that the AAMI coursework will be accepted for licensure in those states.
Education Requirements
Funeral directors and embalmers must meet education requirements, pass national and state licensing exams and complete an internship to become licensed. In New Jersey, these licenses are issued by the Department of Health. The Federal Trade Commission also regulates the funeral industry and enforces its Funeral Rule.
NCC’s bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, which oversees academic quality and curriculum for college programs in mortuary science. Our program prepares you for the practice of funeral service and helps you develop a diverse skill set for supporting grieving families.
The BSAD program’s curriculum includes classes in biological science, business and social sciences. Our students also learn cultural competence, which teaches them to respect different faith practices and expressions of grief.
After graduation, you will take the National Board Examination administered by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. The exam covers both the arts and sciences of funeral service. The arts section tests your knowledge of funeral arranging, memorialization and communication skills. The science section tests your knowledge of physiology, anatomy, chemistry and restorative arts.
Scholarships
Mortuary science students can benefit from scholarships for their studies. For example, the National Funeral Directors Association confers scholarships worth up to $25,000 annually. Requirements include achieving a high school diploma or GED certificate, enrolling full-time in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program, being a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and submitting a transcript, resume, essay and two recommendations.
Many independent funeral homes also host community educational events to provide important planning information. This can include advance health care directives, writing a will, senior safety tips and how to make funeral wishes.
The Order of the Golden Rule awards several scholarship programs to help promising mortuary science students. The Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship honors the University of Tennessee student who died in a car crash and provides up to $5,000 to two female students who are enrolled at independently-owned mortuary schools. Other OFDA scholarships include the Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship and Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship.