What does your state ask? Choose where you want to work. Select a state on the map or in the list to read its requirements here.
An unverified state is not a “no.” It means we are still checking the official text.
See California as an example →
Verification pending
Alabama Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Alaska Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School 30 semester credits (one year) at any accredited college; no mortuary school
Experience At least 1-year apprenticeship, 30+ hours a week, assisting with at least 24 funerals
Exams Arts section of the Conference exam plus the Alaska state law exam (75% average, no subject under 70%)
Embalming None stated in the college credits, apprenticeship or Arts exam; a funeral director may not embalm
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Arizona Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Arkansas Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School High school diploma or equivalent; no mortuary school
Experience At least 18-month Arkansas apprenticeship assisting with 50 services, plus 6 classroom hours
Exams Arkansas Laws, Rules and Regulations exam (75% to pass)
Embalming None stated in the apprenticeship or law exam; a funeral-director-only licensee may not embalm
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
California Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School Associate degree (AA or AS) or higher, or equivalent, recognized by a national accreditor; no mortuary school
Experience No experience requirement stated in the law
Exams Bureau funeral director exam: signs of death, disposal laws, local health rules
Embalming None stated: no embalming course, training or cases; the exam covers laws and health rules
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Colorado Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Connecticut Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Delaware Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School 60-credit associate degree in mortuary science (ABFSE school), or a 30-credit certificate plus credits to 60
Experience 1-year Delaware internship: 25 embalmings, 25 arrangements, 25 funeral services; one extension allowed
Exams National Conference exam plus the Delaware state law exam (70% minimum)
Embalming 25 embalming reports during the 1-year internship
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
District of Columbia Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School Mortuary school (12 months or 840 hours) or a 2-year mortuary-science associate degree
Experience Apprenticeship of at least 1 year (associate degree) or 2 years (other mortuary school); 25 funerals
Exams National Board Arts and Sciences, the DC law exam, and a DC embalming practical exam
Embalming Mortuary school, at least 25 embalmings as an apprentice, and an embalming practical exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Florida Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Georgia Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School Graduation from an ABFSE-accredited (or Board-approved) funeral service college, for the embalmer license
Experience 3,120-hour apprenticeship over at least 18 months; assist with 50 embalmings and 50 funerals
Exams National Board Science and Arts exams plus the Georgia jurisprudence exam
Embalming Georgia embalmer license first: college, assisting with 50 embalmings, Science exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Hawaii Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Idaho Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School 45 college semester hours (C avg; 3/4 liberal arts, business or science) + 15 ABFSE or board-approved mortuary credits
Experience At least 12-month Idaho traineeship under a licensed mortician: 25 arrangements and 25 funerals
Exams Arts section of the National Board Exam, after all other requirements are met
Embalming None stated in the required courses, traineeship or Arts exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
Illinois Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School One academic year of college plus at least one year of approved mortuary school
Experience At least 12-month Illinois internship: arrange 24 funerals and embalm 24 bodies
Exams Both parts of the Conference National Board Exam (Science and Arts), passed within 3 years
Embalming Mortuary school, 24 embalmings in the internship, and embalming on the Science exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Indiana Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Iowa Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School 60 college semester hours (2.0 GPA, no technical mortuary courses), an ABFSE mortuary program, an Iowa law course
Experience At least 1-year full-time internship: embalm 25 bodies and direct or assist with 25 funerals
Exams National Board exam, both Arts and Sciences sections
Embalming Mortuary school, 25 embalmings in the internship, and embalming on the exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Kansas Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Kentucky Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Louisiana Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Maine Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School Associate degree or higher from an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program
Experience 2,000-hour traineeship lasting 1 to 4 years (Board may extend for hardship); no case count set
Exams National Board Arts and Sciences, state law exam and a practical exam (75% on each)
Embalming Practical exam: actual embalming in front of a Board member
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Maryland Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Massachusetts Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School Mortuary-science associate degree (ABFSE-accredited or equivalent); high school diploma
Experience At least 2-year apprenticeship, 30+ hours a week: embalm 50 bodies, attend 25 family conferences
Exams The Board's exam (subjects and pass mark not stated in the law we read)
Embalming Embalming school course plus 50 embalmings during the apprenticeship
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
Michigan Only part of the route. Some parts can be done without embalming, but the whole route is not free of it.
Partly without embalming
Requirements Open for details School 90 college semester hours including an accredited mortuary-science program (3-year course)
Experience At least 12-month residency, 40+ hours a week (bachelor's holders may request a 6-month waiver); 20 of each service
Exams All parts of the National Board Exam plus the Michigan law exam (75%)
Embalming 10+ embalmings in mortuary school; national exam's Sciences part covers embalming; residency allows preparations
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Minnesota Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Mississippi Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Missouri Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Montana Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Nebraska Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School 40 college credits in set subjects plus a full course at an accredited mortuary school
Experience 12-month apprenticeship: arterially embalm 25 bodies and assist with 25 funerals
Exams National board exam (scaled score 75), plus Nebraska jurisprudence and vital-statistics forms exams (75% each)
Embalming 25 arterial embalmings during the apprenticeship; the only new license includes embalming
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
Nevada Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School No degree or mortuary school required
Experience 1 year of active practice as a licensed funeral arranger in Nevada
Exams Nevada laws exam (NVLRR), plus the Nevada State Board exam or the National Board Arts exam
Embalming None on this route
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
New Hampshire Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
New Jersey Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
New Mexico Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
New York Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School At least 60 semester credits of approved funeral-service study, or a funeral-service associate degree
Experience 12-month full-time residency at a registered New York funeral firm
Exams National Board Exam (in place of the state exam) and the New York law exam
Embalming At least 10 hands-on embalming cases in accredited mortuary school
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
North Carolina Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School Standard route: a mortuary-science degree, or a Board-approved or ABFSE-accredited funeral director program
Experience 12-month traineeship, at least 2,000 hours, assisting in directing at least 25 funerals
Exams National Board Arts exam, NC laws and rules exam, and a pathology exam
Embalming None stated for a funeral director program, the traineeship or the exams
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
North Dakota Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School Accredited mortuary-science college plus at least 60 semester hours of other college
Experience 12-month internship: at least 25 embalmings and at least 10 funerals
Exams National Board Exam and the North Dakota laws and rules exam
Embalming At least 25 embalmings in the internship, a proficiency affidavit, and embalming on the exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Ohio Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Oklahoma Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Oregon Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School Associate degree or higher in any field from an accredited college; no mortuary school
Experience Apprenticeship of at least 1,440 hours with at least 25 arrangements (48 months at most)
Exams Oregon funeral service practitioner exam on state and federal law (75% to pass)
Embalming None stated in the degree, apprenticeship or law exam; only embalmers may prepare remains
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
Pennsylvania Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School 2 years of college (60 semester hours) plus a 1-year ABFSE mortuary course, or an integrated mortuary program
Experience 12 continuous months as a resident intern, at least 40 hours a week, with 35 funerals
Exams National Board Exam plus Pennsylvania written and oral exams on practice and the law
Embalming Mortuary school (a "school of embalming") and 35 arterially embalmed cases in the internship
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
Rhode Island Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School Accredited mortuary school, plus an associate degree or 60 college hours (or current enrolment)
Experience Internship of at least 1 year, done within 5 years: 50 embalmings in 1 year, or 25 a year if longer
Exams Both National Board sections (funeral director and embalmer) and a Board practical exam
Embalming At least 50 embalmings in a 1-year internship, plus the embalmer portion of the national exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
South Carolina Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
South Dakota Embalming training is required. The ordinary route includes embalming training. Read where it is required before choosing a school.
Embalming required
Requirements Open for details School At least 90 college credits, including an ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science or funeral-service program
Experience Traineeship of at least 1 year (2,080 hours), finished within 3 years, with 25 funerals
Exams National Board Exam (International Conference)
Embalming 25 embalming case reports during the traineeship
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Tennessee Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Texas Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Utah Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Vermont Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Virginia Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verified state guide
Washington Yes, there is a route. You can qualify without embalming. You still need to meet this state’s requirements.
No embalming needed
Requirements Open for details School 60 general-college semester credits, C or better in each required course (no mortuary school); or a mortuary AA
Experience 1-year internship: at least 1,800 hours and 25 arrangements, no shorter than a calendar year
Exams Funeral Arts exam (or the National Board Exam, 75% average) and the Washington state law exam
Embalming None on the general-college route: none stated in its courses, internship or Funeral Arts exam
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verified state guide
West Virginia Yes, with limits. A route without embalming exists, but restrictions apply. Read the full route before making a plan.
No embalming, with limits
Requirements Open for details School Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (no field named); no mortuary school
Experience 1-year full-time apprenticeship: at least 35 disposition arrangements and 35 funeral or memorial services
Exams West Virginia Laws, Rules and Regulations exam (75% average)
Embalming None on this route
Important · Before you enroll Read the full route and confirm it with the state board.
See the full route & official sources → Sources checked 23 October 2026 . General information, not legal advice.
Verification pending
Wisconsin Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
Verification pending
Wyoming Not verified yet. We are still checking the law. This is not a yes or a no.
Not yet verified
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