Funeral Home Workers

Certification or Licensing

The National Funeral Directors Association offers the certified crematory operator, certified celebrant, and certified preplanning consultant credentials. It also offers an arranger training program. The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association offers the certified funeral executive, certified cremation executive, and other certification credentials. The Cremation Association of North America also offers certification. Contact these organizations for more information.

All states require embalmers and funeral directors to be licensed. Some states grant a combination single license covering the activity of both the embalmer and funeral director. In order to maintain licensure, a growing number of states require continuing education classes.

After successfully completing their formal education, including apprenticeship, prospective funeral service practitioners must pass a state board examination that usually consists of written and oral tests and demonstration of skills. Those who wish to practice in another state may have to pass that state's examination as well, although some states have reciprocity arrangements to waive this requirement.