Funeral Directors/Embalmers License Requirements

TO APPLY FOR A FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER LICENSE, CANDIDATES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent


• Must have completed ONE of the following college requirements:


• 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of academic work toward a baccalaureate degree in an accredited college or university, OR earn an associate degree from an accredited college or university.*


• AND a diploma or certificate of graduation from an accredited mortuary school. This diploma or certificate must require at least a course of study of not less than twelve (12) months' duration.**


• bachelor's degree in mortuary science from an accredited college of mortuary science.**


*An accredited college does not include business schools or trade schools. Examples of an accredited institution would be West Virginia State College, West Virginia University, West Virginia Northern Community College. A specific course of study is not required; however, it is suggested that a student take courses related to the field, such as biology, anatomy, and grief counseling.

**The college of mortuary science must be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.


• Must complete a full-time 12-month apprenticeship, in which the apprentice participates in a minimum of 35 funerals and 35 embalmings.

The apprenticeship can not begin until after completion of at least 60 semester hours of academic work toward a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree (see college requirements above). The apprentice will have 5 years to complete the apprenticeship. If the apprentice is not successful in completing the apprenticeship within 5 years, he/she must begin the whole process again.


• Must pass the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards examination with at least a seventy-five (75) percent overall. More information can be found on the internet at http://www.cfseb.org.


• Must pass a state law examination administered by the West Virginia Board of Funeral Service Examiners with at least a seventy-five (75) percent overall.