OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Connecticut Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

US-CT · License preparation

602 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Registered apprentice embalmer

Registered apprentice authorization to complete supervised embalming training.

Licensing authority: department of public health

Initial apprentice registration
Duration
Ordinary registration lasts no more than one year. Embalmer trainees must complete the statutory 50-body requirement.
Education
Complete the Board-approved educational program before ordinary apprentice registration.
Supervisor
The supervising licensed embalmer or funeral director must sign the application; practical training begins when DPH issues registration.
Additional apprentice training year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
Renewal is discretionary; the initial national examination remains an initial-registration requirement rather than a newly imposed renewal assessment.
Existing registration
Hold the apprentice registration; DPH may renew for one further year if necessary for satisfactory completion of training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Veteran reinstatement of registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Qualifications
DPH must approve professional qualifications; reinstatement is expressly without examination.
Service
Held this registration in good standing at entry into the armed forces; apply upon separation or within one year thereafter.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Registered apprentice funeral director

Registered apprentice authorization to complete supervised funeral-directing training.

Licensing authority: department of public health

Initial apprentice registration
National Board Exam Arts
Duration
Ordinary registration lasts no more than one year. Embalmer trainees must complete the statutory 50-body requirement.
Education
Complete the Board-approved educational program before ordinary apprentice registration.
Supervisor
The supervising licensed embalmer or funeral director must sign the application; practical training begins when DPH issues registration.
Additional apprentice training year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
Renewal is discretionary; the initial national examination remains an initial-registration requirement rather than a newly imposed renewal assessment.
Existing registration
Hold the apprentice registration; DPH may renew for one further year if necessary for satisfactory completion of training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Veteran reinstatement of registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Qualifications
DPH must approve professional qualifications; reinstatement is expressly without examination.
Service
Held this registration in good standing at entry into the armed forces; apply upon separation or within one year thereafter.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer's license

An embalmer's license entitles the holder to act as a funeral director or embalmer; owners of funeral-service establishments must comply with section 20-222.

Licensing authority: department of public health · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective measures
The Board or Department may impose the disciplinary or corrective measures authorized in section 19a-17, including practice restrictions, probation and continued education.
Hearing
After a hearing, the Board or Department must be satisfied that the practitioner can practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on substantially equivalent out of state license
Embalmer/Funeral Director Jurisprudence Examination
Application
Apply and pay the $210 statutory fee; DPH requests license verification and the other licensing authority’s requirements directly from that authority.
Apprenticeship agreement
Section 20-211a authorizes an inter-authority agreement waiving apprenticeship; an agreement is an applicant eligibility condition and does not identify another Connecticut examination.
Discipline
No license is issued while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint is pending.
Exam waiver
Section 20-213(c) exempts the general examination but expressly retains the written Connecticut law examination.
Other license
Hold a license in another jurisdiction with substantially similar or higher licensing requirements and be a currently practicing competent embalmer.
Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the application with photograph and $210 fee. DPH accepts online applications and requires transcripts, exam reports, apprenticeship verification and all license verifications directly from their sources.
Apprenticeship
Complete one year of full-time, paid Connecticut apprenticeship under a licensed embalmer; the statute requires embalming 50 human bodies within no more than two years. DPH describes embalming or assisting in embalming at least 50 bodies.
Education
Complete a Board-approved mortuary-science program. DPH requires an ABFSE-accredited associate degree, or an ABFSE diploma plus a regionally accredited baccalaureate with at least 6 semester or 9 trimester hours in its listed funeral-service content areas.
Practical waiver
DPH states: "Applicants who have completed a practical examination as a part of the licensure requirements in another jurisdiction may be exempted from this provision."
State exam timing
DPH permits the law examination after six months of apprenticeship, within six months of completion.
Licensure based on at least four years of licensed practice
Checks fees
Satisfy required background or character and fitness checks and pay the applicable fees.
Denial discretion
The Commissioner may deny the application if denial is in the best interest of the state under section 19a-14d(d).
Exam discretion
Section 19a-14d(b): (b) In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the department may require a person applying for a license, permit, certification or registration under this section to take and pass all, or a portion of, any examination required of other persons applying for such license, permit, certification or registration.
Good standing
Be in good standing in every licensing jurisdiction, with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct complaint or investigation, or surrender under investigation.
Other license
Hold a valid United States license in the profession and have practiced under it for at least four years.
Reinstatement after nonrenewal with recent active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
The applicant has not been out of active practice for more than six months; the Board’s additional-training/examination clause applies beyond that period.
Documentation
Provide notarized application, photograph, $210 fee, curriculum vitae, direct license verifications and employment evaluation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal after military related lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete the continuing education or refresher training normally required for renewal; annual training outside mobilization does not qualify.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaint.
Service
The license became void while on active duty or on National Guard service ordered by the Governor; apply within one year after discharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Six hours per registration period, including two hours of funeral-service federal and state law. First renewal is exempt; disability or illness may support a waiver or extension. Retain completion certificates for three years.
Existing license
Hold the existing Connecticut professional license and renew annually in the birth month under section 19a-88.
Fee
$115 for an embalmer; $235 for a funeral director under section 20-222a(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Veteran reinstatement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board approval
The Department must approve the applicant’s professional qualifications; section 20-228 expressly provides reinstatement without examination.
Service
Held the registration or license in good standing on entering the armed forces; apply on separation from active duty or within one year thereafter.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Specially designated license

State-issued recognition of a covered embalmer license under section 19a-14d(e) and 50 USC 4025a.

Licensing authority: Department of Public Health

Recognition of covered military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders, a marriage certificate for a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c); a background check may be conducted.
Covered license
The applicant is a servicemember or spouse relocating under military orders and holds a covered professional license meeting 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender under investigation.
Fees
Connecticut charges no fee for this recognition application.
Practice
The holder is subject to Connecticut practice law and disciplinary jurisdiction.
Term
Connecticut’s specially designated credential expires when residence is no longer required by military orders, or upon the final decision on a complete application for the ordinary credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license

Discretionary temporary license when required recognition of a covered license cannot be completed within 30 days after receiving the required application; confers the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a permanent license.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, under the supervision of the Connecticut Board of Examiners of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Temporary license pending military portability recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders, a marriage certificate for a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c); a background check may be conducted.
Covered license
The applicant is a servicemember or spouse relocating under military orders and holds a covered professional license meeting 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender under investigation.
Delay
The authority must recognize the covered license but cannot complete recognition within 30 days after receiving the application; issuance of the temporary license is discretionary.
Practice
The temporary license confers the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a permanent license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral director's license

Individual authorization to practice funeral directing under chapter 385.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, under the supervision of the Connecticut Board of Examiners of Embalmers and Funeral Directors · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective measures
The Board or Department may impose the disciplinary or corrective measures authorized in section 19a-17, including practice restrictions, probation and continued education.
Hearing
After a hearing, the Board or Department must be satisfied that the practitioner can practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on substantially equivalent out of state license
Embalmer/Funeral Director Jurisprudence Examination
Application
Apply and pay the $210 statutory fee; DPH requests license verification and the other licensing authority’s requirements directly from that authority.
Apprenticeship agreement
Section 20-211a authorizes an inter-authority agreement waiving apprenticeship; an agreement is an applicant eligibility condition and does not identify another Connecticut examination.
Discipline
No license is issued while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint is pending.
Exam waiver
Section 20-217(c) exempts the general examination but expressly retains the written Connecticut law examination.
Other license
Hold a license in another jurisdiction with substantially similar or higher licensing requirements and be a currently practicing competent funeral director.
Licensure by examination
Application
Submit an application and the $210 initial license fee. The current linked combined application offers Funeral Director and Examination selections.
Apprenticeship
Complete one year of full-time practical training under personal supervision of a Connecticut licensed embalmer or funeral director.
Education
Complete a Board-approved education program with Commissioner consent. The November 6, 2003 Board action recommends an ABFSE-accredited associate degree or a regionally accredited associate degree plus 24 additional semester hours in funeral-service content areas; the statute controls approval.
National score
The November 6, 2003 Board action adopts an NBE Arts passing score of 75.
Licensure based on at least four years of licensed practice
Checks fees
Satisfy required background or character and fitness checks and pay the applicable fees.
Denial discretion
The Commissioner may deny the application if denial is in the best interest of the state under section 19a-14d(d).
Exam discretion
Section 19a-14d(b): (b) In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the department may require a person applying for a license, permit, certification or registration under this section to take and pass all, or a portion of, any examination required of other persons applying for such license, permit, certification or registration.
Good standing
Be in good standing in every licensing jurisdiction, with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct complaint or investigation, or surrender under investigation.
Other license
Hold a valid United States license in the profession and have practiced under it for at least four years.
Renewal after military related lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete the continuing education or refresher training normally required for renewal; annual training outside mobilization does not qualify.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaint.
Service
The license became void while on active duty or on National Guard service ordered by the Governor; apply within one year after discharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Six hours per registration period, including two hours of funeral-service federal and state law. First renewal is exempt; disability or illness may support a waiver or extension. Retain completion certificates for three years.
Existing license
Hold the existing Connecticut professional license and renew annually in the birth month under section 19a-88.
Fee
$115 for an embalmer; $235 for a funeral director under section 20-222a(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Veteran reinstatement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board approval
The Department must approve the applicant’s professional qualifications; section 20-228 expressly provides reinstatement without examination.
Service
Held the registration or license in good standing on entering the armed forces; apply on separation from active duty or within one year thereafter.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Specially designated license

State-issued recognition of a covered funeral director license under section 19a-14d(e) and 50 USC 4025a.

Licensing authority: Department of Public Health

Recognition of covered military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders, a marriage certificate for a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c); a background check may be conducted.
Covered license
The applicant is a servicemember or spouse relocating under military orders and holds a covered professional license meeting 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender under investigation.
Fees
Connecticut charges no fee for this recognition application.
Interstate compacts
This recognition route does not apply to a servicemember or spouse who has a covered license to operate in multiple states pursuant to an interstate compact described in 10 USC 1784. Under 50 USC 4025a(e), that person is subject to the requirements of the compact or applicable state law instead.
Practice
The holder is subject to Connecticut practice law and disciplinary jurisdiction.
Term
Connecticut’s specially designated credential expires when residence is no longer required by military orders, or upon the final decision on a complete application for the ordinary credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license

Temporary military-portability form for the funeral director profession when recognition cannot be completed within 30 days under 50 USC 4025a(b).

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, under the supervision of the Connecticut Board of Examiners of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Temporary license pending military portability recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders, a marriage certificate for a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c); a background check may be conducted.
Covered license
The applicant is a servicemember or spouse relocating under military orders and holds a covered professional license meeting 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender under investigation.
Delay
The authority must recognize the covered license but cannot complete recognition within 30 days after receiving the application; issuance of the temporary license is discretionary.
Practice
The temporary license confers the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a permanent license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral home license

Establishment license issued after application and inspection under section 20-222.

Licensing authority: department of public health

Initial establishment license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to DPH, identify the licensed embalmer or funeral-director manager and pay $375.
License term
The initial license runs until the next July 1 unless suspended or revoked.
Premises
Satisfy the preparation-room, equipment, sanitary and inspection requirements of section 20-222.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License for relocated premises
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice
Notify DPH 30 days before changing the place of business; submit the new-premises license application and $25 fee.
Premises
The new premises must satisfy section 20-222 and inspection requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay $190 on or before July 1; the annual renewal runs from July 1.
Inspection
The Department must inspect the premises at least triennially.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pregraduate student embalmer

Nonrenewable pregraduate registration valid for no more than three months, available before completion of the referenced education or examination.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, under the supervision of the Connecticut Board of Examiners of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Pregraduate trainee registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Valid for no more than three months and nonrenewable.
Education exam exception
DPH may register a person who has not yet completed the education or examination required for ordinary apprenticeship.
Practice
DPH restricts trainees to duties outside the scope of embalming.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pregraduate student funeral director

Nonrenewable pregraduate registration valid for up to three months under section 20-211-21a.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, under the supervision of the Connecticut Board of Examiners of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Pregraduate trainee registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Valid for no more than three months and nonrenewable.
Education exam exception
DPH may register a person who has not yet completed the education or examination required for ordinary apprenticeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Board Exam Arts

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Sciences section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Funeral Arranging and Directing (51 of 150 scored items; 34% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (34%)
  • II. Funeral Service Marketing/Merchandising (21 of 150 scored items; 14% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (14%)
  • III. Funeral Service Counseling (19 of 150 scored items; 13% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (13%)
  • IV. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (35 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (23%)
  • V. Cemetery/Crematory/Other Dispositions (24 of 150 scored items; 16% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (16%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Sciences

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Arts section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Embalming (62 of 150 scored items; 41% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (41%)
  • II. Restorative Art (34 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (23%)
  • III. Other Preparation of the Deceased (28 of 150 scored items; 19% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (19%)
  • IV. Funeral Service Sciences (26 of 150 scored items; 17% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (17%)
Examination sources

Embalmer/Funeral Director Jurisprudence Examination

Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Chapter 385 — Embalmers and Funeral Directors
  • Chapter 93 — Registrars of Vital Statistics: funeral-related provisions
  • Chapter 700b — Life Insurance and Annuities: burial contracts
  • Chapter 743c — Funeral Service Contracts
  • Chapter 802b — Decedents’ Estates
  • Chapter 368a — Department of Public Health: preparation, transportation and disposition of deceased persons
  • Chapter 368i — Anatomical Donations
  • Chapter 368j — Cemeteries
  • Chapter 368k — Crematories
  • Chapter 368q — Medicolegal Investigations
  • Chapter 319s — Financial Assistance: funeral allowances and estate claims
  • Chapter 946 — Offenses Against Public Policy: embalming, burial and disinterment
  • Chapter 319v — Medical Assistance: claim on estate of institution patient
  • Chapter 57 — Department of Administrative Services: disposition of estates
  • Chapter 506 — Veterans: funeral expenses, headstones and memorials
  • Chapter 961 — Trial and Proceedings After Conviction: disposal of body of executed criminal
  • Chapter 474 — Pollution: proximity of cemetery to reservoir
  • Embalmers — Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies §§ 20-211-1–20-211-35
  • Reportable Diseases and Laboratory Findings — funeral and embalming provisions
  • Transportation of Bodies of Deceased Persons — Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies § 19-49-1
Examination sources

Embalmer Licensure Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources