Starting Your Career in Funeral Service: A Step-by-Step Guide
Deciding to become a mortician—also known as a funeral director or undertaker—is a commitment to serving your community during its most vulnerable moments. This career path combines technical expertise in mortuary science with deep emotional intelligence. If you are wondering how to navigate the requirements for schooling and licensure, this guide provides a clear roadmap to entering the profession.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Prerequisites
Before enrolling in a specialized program, you must meet the foundational requirements. Most states and accredited mortuary colleges require the following:
High School Diploma or GED: This is the baseline requirement for any post-secondary education.
Age Requirements: Most states require applicants to be at least 18 or 21 years old to hold a professional license.
Clean Background Check: Because you will be handling sensitive legal documents and working closely with the public, a clean criminal record is essential.
Step 2: Complete an Accredited Mortuary Science Program
The core of your education will be an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science. It is critical that your chosen program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
What You Will Study
Mortuary school is a rigorous blend of science and business. Your curriculum will typically include:
Embalming and Restorative Art: The technical and chemical processes of preparing the deceased.
Microbiology and Anatomy: Understanding the biological aspects of the human body.
Funeral Service Law and Ethics: Navigating the legalities of death certificates, transport, and consumer rights.
Grief Counseling: Developing the communication skills needed to support bereaved families.
Business Management: Learning how to operate a funeral home, including marketing and accounting.
Step 3: Complete an Apprenticeship or Internship
Education alone isn't enough to secure a license. Almost every state requires a period of hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed funeral director.
Duration: Apprenticeships usually last between one and three years.
The Experience: During this time, you will assist with actual funeral arrangements, participate in embalming procedures, and learn the day-to-day logistics of running a mortuary.
Documentation: You will be required to keep a log of the cases you assist with to prove to the state board that you have gained sufficient practical experience.
Step 4: Pass the National Board Examination (NBE)
Upon finishing your degree, you must pass the National Board Exam administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB). The exam is divided into two main sections:
The Arts Section: Focuses on funeral directing, counseling, and business law.
The Sciences Section: Focuses on embalming, restorative art, and pathology.
Step 5: Fulfill State-Specific Licensure Requirements
In addition to the national exam, most states have their own specific laws and regulations regarding the funeral industry.
State Law Exam: You will likely need to pass a test regarding the specific statutes of the state where you intend to practice.
Continuing Education: To keep your license active, you will be required to complete a set number of continuing education credits every one to two years.
Career Outlook and Advancement
The path to becoming a mortician is challenging, but it leads to a stable and respected career. Once licensed, you can choose to specialize in certain areas, such as becoming a certified celebrant, focusing on green burials, or eventually owning your own funeral home.
The industry is evolving, with a growing emphasis on personalized celebrations of life and sustainable practices, offering new professionals the chance to innovate within a time-honored tradition.
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