Become a funeral director in Washington without embalming

What it takes, step by step

1. Be at least 18.

   Sources for step 1

   • WAC 308-48-132

2. Education: 60 semester or 90 quarter credits at an accredited college, with a C or better in 1 psychology, 1 math, 2 English composition and 2 social science courses, plus 3 courses from behavioral sciences, public speaking, counseling, business, computer science or first aid. A mortuary-science associate degree also qualifies but is not required.

   Sources for step 2

   • RCW 18.39.045
   • WAC 308-48-132
   • WA Department of Licensing, alternative education

3. A one-year internship (supervised work in a funeral home; some states use this word for the apprenticeship) of at least 1,800 hours, lasting at least one calendar year, under a sponsor with at least one year as a Washington funeral director at the same establishment. You must help coordinate all aspects of at least 25 arrangements. There is no embalming count.

   Sources for step 3

   • RCW 18.39.035(1)
   • WAC 308-48-150
   • WAC 308-48-850

4. Pass the Funeral Arts exam (ICFSEB) and the Washington state law exam. No Sciences exam is needed.

   Sources for step 4

   • RCW 18.39.035(1)
   • WAC 308-48-142
   • WA Department of Licensing, funeral director exam

Does a funeral home need an embalmer?

No. A funeral home needs a licensed funeral director: the owner, or one licensed funeral director it employs who serves at that location. Each establishment and branch must employ a designated funeral director with at least one year of practice as a licensed funeral director in Washington. Work that needs a license must be done by licensed people or registered interns.

Licensed in another state?

The board may grant reciprocity if your license came from a state with substantially equivalent requirements. Five years of active licensed experience can make up for missing education. You still pass the Washington law exam. With less than five years, you must meet the education rules and do the internship.

Good to know

• Families must be told that state law does not require embalming, except where Board of Health rules require it.

  Sources

  • RCW 18.39.215(1)(b)

• A short mortuary-school diploma or certificate under 60 semester credits does not meet the education rule.

  Sources

  • WA Department of Licensing, alternative education

• The Department's exam page says you can skip the Funeral Arts exam if you passed the National Board Exam (the NBE, the national licensing exam set by The Conference (the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards), in two sections, Arts and Sciences; The Conference, National Board Exam) with a 75% average, or another state's Funeral Arts exam.

  Sources

  • WA Department of Licensing, funeral director exam

Check with the board

Rules change. Confirm the current licensing requirements with the board before you enroll.

Washington Funeral and Cemetery Board (Department of Licensing)

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