The path to becoming a licensed mortician is complex, highly regulated, and varies significantly by location. While the simple answer to whether a degree is required is often “yes,” the reality is that the regulatory framework for this profession is set at the state level, meaning requirements are not uniform across the country. In most jurisdictions, formal post-secondary education is required to secure the necessary professional credentials. This training prepares future professionals for a career that is both scientific and deeply interpersonal, requiring extensive knowledge of biology, law, and business management. The work demands a rigorous process involving academic study, practical training, and successful completion of multiple examinations.
Defining the Role: Mortician, Funeral Director, and Embalmer
The terms mortician, funeral director, and embalmer are often used interchangeably, but state regulations frequently differentiate the licenses required for each role. A Funeral Director primarily handles the logistical, administrative, and interpersonal aspects of the profession. This professional works directly with grieving families to coordinate services, manage funeral home operations, arrange transportation of the deceased, and file legal documents such as death certificates.
The Embalmer is responsible for the technical and hygienic preparation of the deceased for viewing or disposition. This includes tasks such as sanitation, preservation, restoration, and cosmetology. The training for this role is heavily science-based, focusing on anatomy, chemistry, and restorative art.
The term “Mortician” is frequently used as an umbrella term that implies a professional holds a dual license, allowing them to perform the duties of both the Funeral Director and the Embalmer. Because the duties of both roles require distinct skill sets, some states issue separate licenses for each function, while others issue a single license covering both sets of responsibilities. The educational and examination requirements an individual must meet depend directly on the type of license they intend to pursue.
Required Academic Education
To practice in most states, prospective funeral service professionals must complete a degree from an accredited program, which provides the foundational knowledge required for the profession. The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the national accrediting body for college and university programs in funeral service and mortuary science. Graduating from an ABFSE-accredited program is the standard pathway to meeting the educational eligibility for licensing exams in most states.
The most common educational path is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree in Funeral Service or Mortuary Science, typically requiring about 60 semester hours of coursework. While an associate’s degree is the standard requirement in most jurisdictions, some states may require a Bachelor’s degree, and a few others allow for a certificate or diploma program. The academic curriculum blends scientific, legal, and behavioral components.
Typical coursework includes natural sciences, such as anatomy, pathology, microbiology, and chemistry, which are foundational for embalming and restorative art techniques. Students also study funeral service law, grief counseling, ethics, and business management to prepare for the administrative and interpersonal duties of funeral directing. This academic foundation must be established before the candidate can progress to the next phase of practical training.
Apprenticeship and Practical Training Requirements
Academic study alone does not qualify a candidate for licensure, as virtually all states mandate a supervised, practical training period following or concurrent with their education. This phase is known as an apprenticeship, internship, or residency, and it is designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. The apprenticeship must be completed under the direct supervision of a fully licensed professional, who acts as a mentor to the trainee.
The duration of this practical training varies significantly, typically ranging from one to three years, depending on the state’s regulations and the specific license being sought. Apprentices gain hands-on experience by assisting with a wide range of duties, from preparing the deceased to the logistical and administrative tasks of conducting a funeral service. This work includes assisting with removals, participating in embalming procedures, managing funeral arrangements, and completing record-keeping and case reports.
In some states, candidates must complete a specified number of case reports, such as assisting with 25 embalmings or 25 funeral services, to demonstrate competence. This supervised period ensures that the future licensee possesses the practical skills and professional judgment necessary to operate independently. The successful completion of this practical phase is a mandatory prerequisite before a candidate can sit for the final licensing examinations.
State Licensing and Board Examinations
After completing the required academic education and the practical apprenticeship, the final step is to obtain a state license. The licensing process in most states requires candidates to pass a standardized competency exam, most commonly the National Board Examination (NBE). The NBE is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) and is a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level practice.
The NBE is divided into two sections: the Arts section and the Sciences section. The Sciences test evaluates knowledge in areas such as embalming, restorative art, anatomy, and microbiology. The Arts test focuses on funeral directing principles, including funeral service counseling, legal and regulatory compliance, and business practices. Candidates must pass both sections of the NBE to achieve certification.
Beyond the national exam, most states require candidates to pass a separate, state-specific jurisprudence exam. This local examination covers the unique laws, rules, and regulations governing funeral service within that particular jurisdiction. To maintain the license after it is granted, most states also mandate ongoing continuing education requirements.
Essential Non-Academic Skills and Personal Attributes
Success in the funeral service profession relies heavily on personal attributes that extend beyond technical proficiency and academic knowledge. Professionals must possess a high degree of emotional resilience, as the work involves constant exposure to grief and loss. The ability to manage personal stress while remaining composed and supportive for client families is essential.
Compassion and empathy are foundational qualities, enabling the professional to provide tailored support and guidance to people during a profoundly difficult period. Strong communication skills are also necessary to facilitate delicate conversations, clearly explain complex legal and financial arrangements, and coordinate with various parties, including clergy, cemeteries, and medical officials.
For those who manage funeral homes, a solid business acumen is required to oversee operations, manage personnel, and handle financial and marketing aspects. The job also carries physical and psychological demands, often requiring professionals to be on call and work irregular hours to accommodate the immediate needs of families. Discretion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to ethical conduct are necessary for maintaining the public trust inherent in serving the community.