Funeral service is a rewarding career choice for those who are comfortable and able to interact with people at extremely emotional times. NFDA members provide compassionate care and professional guidance to families at this difficult time.
After completing the formal education process, funeral directors must pass state and national exams and complete an internship. In addition, the mortuary science licensing board requires a practical embalming exam.
Licensing Requirements
The Bureau regulates the funeral directing and embalming professions by licensing funeral directors, embalmers, and apprentices; inspecting funeral establishments and crematory facilities; investigating consumer/provider complaints and taking disciplinary action. The Bureau also educates and advises the industry on matters of concern.
To become licensed, a funeral director must complete an associate degree from a mortuary science program and pass the National Board Examination prepared and administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. An embalmer must graduate from a mortuary science program and have passed the National Board Examination and completed one year of a resident internship.
NFDA members are able to access hundreds of business forms, templates and specialized legal guidance. Plus, NFDA offers members exclusive discounts on everyday resources including office supplies, BP gasoline and Continuing Education courses. NFDA’s Advocacy team works hard to impact the national laws and regulations that affect funeral services professionals and small businesses. NFDA members are consistently among the most satisfied in the industry with their membership benefits.
Education Requirements
Most states require funeral directors and embalmers to complete a mortuary science education program that is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. This is supplemented by practical experience obtained through an apprenticeship or internship with a licensed funeral director or embalmer. Some states also require a passing score on a national exam administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.
Many mortuary schools offer scholarships to help students afford their education. You can also apply for a grant or loan from your state’s vocational rehabilitation department. Additionally, NFDA member discounts are available on a wide range of products and services, including prescription drugs and office supplies.
NCC offers a comprehensive funeral service associate degree program that provides a solid foundation for your career. You learn everything from anatomy and physiology to embalming theories and restorative art. The program also increases your cultural competence, teaching you how to respect diverse faith practices and expressions of grief.
Experience Requirements
A career in funeral service can be a rewarding choice for people with a variety of skills. Those with business acumen will appreciate the opportunity to manage business operations and finances, and those with interpersonal skills will find satisfaction in supporting families during emotional times.
It is a profession that requires compassion, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly and tactfully with clients. Because of the sensitive nature of the work, a funeral professional needs to be comfortable dealing with people during their most vulnerable moments.
It also helps to be familiar with the unique cultural and faith practices of a community, including traditions related to death. Many funeral professionals begin their careers in another field, often law enforcement or education, and decide to make the change because they enjoy helping others during a difficult time. Others come to the profession after a period of retirement, seeking a second career that offers meaningful and satisfying work.
Certification Requirements
The funeral service industry has a number of regulatory requirements that must be met in order to serve families professionally. Those requirements include licensing, education, experience and national and state exams. Upon successful completion of the exams, licenses are issued.
The Board licenses funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers and funeral establishments. It also investigates complaints against these licensed individuals or entities and can revoke, deny or refuse to renew a license after due process.
Applicants must pass the two sections of the National Board Examination administered by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, the Arts and Sciences Sections. The examinations are based on a combination of your educational and work experience. Additionally, PA students must register as Student Trainees while in school and complete a one-year Resident Internship before licensure. A letter from your internship supervisor confirming you completed the residency is required by both NJ and PA.