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Illinois Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

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Funeral Director and Embalmer

Combined professional license issued by acceptance of examination or endorsement.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Licensure by endorsement
Application
Submit the signed certified application on Department forms or electronically, supporting qualifications and the required fee; complete the application within three years under 225 ILCS 41/10-20.
Board Application Demand
IDFPR Funeral Director & Embalmer Qualifications for Licensure (034), Page 3, Examination: Verification of successful completion of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, Inc. (the Conference) National Board of examination. Verification of successful completion must be forwarded by the Internation Conference directly to the department
Contact Information
Provide a valid address and email address of record and update changes within 14 days under 225 ILCS 41/5-7 or 10-7.
Current License
Hold a current funeral director and embalmer license from another United States state, territory, possession or the District of Columbia; its requirements at licensure must be substantially equivalent and evidence of good standing must be provided.
Education
At least 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, including 20 semester or 30 quarter credits in liberal arts or physical, biological or applied sciences, plus graduation from an approved mortuary-science course of at least 12 months; alternatively an approved mortuary-science associate degree, equivalent applied-science associate degree or baccalaureate degree. See 225 ILCS 41/10-10 or 10-15 and 1250.120 or 1250.150.
Foreign Language Documents
Documents in another language require an original official notarized translation by someone other than the applicant, certifying fluency and accuracy.
Immunization
Certificate attesting immunization against diphtheria, hepatitis B and tetanus, and adequate protection against communicable diseases.
License Certification
Original jurisdiction certifies the licensing period, discipline or pending discipline, and examination description and grades. Current IDFPR instructions also require certification from the jurisdiction where most recently practicing.
Practice
At least 12 months of active practice during the five years preceding application, established by affidavits of two active licensees with personal knowledge.
Waiver
225 ILCS 41/10-43 permits the Department to issue a license without the required examination; applicant-specific waiver remains discretionary. Current application instructions expressly request successful Conference National Board verification, so both current registered parts are retained.
Automatic reinstatement after temporary suspension without a timely hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination
No applicant examination is imposed for this automatic statutory reinstatement.
Trigger
The Department temporarily suspended the license without a hearing and did not hold a hearing within 30 days, unless continued at the licensee request. The statute automatically reinstates the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from discipline more than three years
Board Discretion
68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1250, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1250.175 (b): b) In addition to the factors contained in subsection (a), the Board may find that there is sufficient evidence in the record to recommend to the Director that the petitioner must also successfully complete a competency examination in compliance with Section 1250.140 and paid for by the petitioner, prior to restoration of a license. This identifies the Conference examination under 1250.140 as a possible prerequisite, so both parts are leaves. The Board recommendation and individual order determine whether this applicant must take them.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Fitness Evidence
Also comply with 1250.160(a)(4)(C): acceptable education or experience within the preceding five years, including Conference examination verification or six approved mortuary-science credit hours split between directing and embalming.
Other Evaluation
Physical or mental examination reports, treatment evidence and rehabilitation documentation are applicant conditions under 1250.175(a), not separate identified professional exams.
Rehabilitation
Prove rehabilitation under 1250.175(a), comply with the applicable restoration requirements and pay the restoration fee.
Status
License revoked, suspended or in refuse-to-renew status for more than three years.
Restoration from discipline three years or less
Board Discretion
68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1250, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1250.175 (b): b) In addition to the factors contained in subsection (a), the Board may find that there is sufficient evidence in the record to recommend to the Director that the petitioner must also successfully complete a competency examination in compliance with Section 1250.140 and paid for by the petitioner, prior to restoration of a license. This identifies the Conference examination under 1250.140 as a possible prerequisite, so both parts are leaves. The Board recommendation and individual order determine whether this applicant must take them.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Other Evaluation
Physical or mental examination reports, treatment evidence and rehabilitation documentation are applicant conditions under 1250.175(a), not separate identified professional exams.
Rehabilitation
Prove rehabilitation under 1250.175(a), comply with the applicable restoration requirements and pay the restoration fee.
Status
License revoked, suspended or in refuse-to-renew status for three years or less; subsection (f) also includes probation.
Reinstatement of expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Expiration
Expired license no more than five years before application, as the statute provides. Rule 1250.160(b) uses less than five years; the statutory five-year reinstatement entitlement is retained.
Fees
Required reinstatement and renewal fees; reinstatement takes effect on reissuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after less than five years inactive or restoration from CE nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Signed application, required fees and acceptable attendance certificates for applicable CE.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Practice Prohibition
No practice while inactive or nonrenewed.
Status
Inactive for less than five years or placed in nonrenewed status for failure to comply with CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years through active practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Practice
Sworn evidence of practice elsewhere, with certification from its licensing authority of authorization during practice; an employer statement is accepted where the profession is not licensed.
Application
Signed application and required restoration fees.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f). CE for the immediately preceding prerenewal period must include three hours of hands-on embalming and three hours of OSHA compliance, with attendance certificates.
Status
Combined license expired or inactive for more than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years through evidence of fitness
Application
Signed restoration application and required fees.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f). Include three hours hands-on embalming and three hours OSHA compliance.
Documentation Review
The Division may request further information or a clarifying Board interview under 1250.160(d); that interview is not a separate identified professional examination.
Fitness Evidence
Acceptable education or experience within the preceding five years; passing the Conference examination is an identified alternative. Six approved mortuary-science credit hours, three related to directing and three to embalming, in addition to CE, are another alternative. Other acceptable evidence remains possible. These are applicant conditions, not invented examination leaves.
Status
Combined license expired or inactive more than five years; applicant uses 1250.160(a)(4)(C).
Verification
When examination evidence is used, the Conference must forward successful-completion verification directly.
Restoration following qualifying military service, training or education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Window
Within two years after termination other than dishonorable discharge, with the required affidavit.
Examination Waiver
Statute expressly permits restoration without passing any examination for this pathway.
Fees And Education
No lapsed renewal or restoration fees; under 1250.160(c), only the current renewal fee and no proof of CE are required.
Qualifying Service
License expired during federal active military service, State Militia called into United States service or training, or United States-supervised education or training before induction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
24 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period; at least six interactive hours related to directing and six to embalming; no more than six insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Existing License
Existing combined license.
Expiration
May 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Renewal
Renew during the month before expiration and pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by acceptance of examination
Application
Submit the signed certified application on Department forms or electronically, supporting qualifications and the required fee; complete the application within three years under 225 ILCS 41/10-20.
Case Reports
At least 24 funeral arrangements and 24 body preparations and embalmings, with signed reports under 1250.130.
Contact Information
Provide a valid address and email address of record and update changes within 14 days under 225 ILCS 41/5-7 or 10-7.
Education
At least 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, including 20 semester or 30 quarter credits in liberal arts or physical, biological or applied sciences, plus graduation from an approved mortuary-science course of at least 12 months; alternatively an approved mortuary-science associate degree, equivalent applied-science associate degree or baccalaureate degree. See 225 ILCS 41/10-10 or 10-15 and 1250.120 or 1250.150.
Examination Verification
Pass both Conference National Board parts at its established passing scores; the Conference sends verification directly to the Division.
Immunization
Certificate attesting immunization against diphtheria, hepatitis B and tetanus, and adequate protection against communicable diseases.
Licensed Internship
Complete at least one year under an Illinois licensed funeral director and embalmer while holding an Illinois intern license. Sponsor certification of a 12-month internship within the preceding five years is required; internship begins on intern-license issuance.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Older Internship
More than five years after internship completion requires additional education or case reports as determined by the Division under 1250.130(h).
Place Of Practice
Submit place of practice, ownership and names and license numbers of associated professionals under 225 ILCS 41/15-80 and 1250.135(a)(6).
Reexamination
225 ILCS 41/10-25 allows reexamination when substantial justice was not done. Generic authority for practical or oral tests does not identify additional currently offered examinations.

Funeral Director

Legacy license issued before June 1, 1991; new funeral-director-only licenses are prohibited, while renewal and restoration remain available for life.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Automatic reinstatement after temporary suspension without a timely hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination
No applicant examination is imposed for this automatic statutory reinstatement.
Trigger
The Department temporarily suspended the license without a hearing and did not hold a hearing within 30 days, unless continued at the licensee request. The statute automatically reinstates the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from discipline more than three years
Board Discretion
68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1250, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1250.175 (b): b) In addition to the factors contained in subsection (a), the Board may find that there is sufficient evidence in the record to recommend to the Director that the petitioner must also successfully complete a competency examination in compliance with Section 1250.140 and paid for by the petitioner, prior to restoration of a license. This identifies the Conference examination under 1250.140 as a possible prerequisite, so both parts are leaves. The Board recommendation and individual order determine whether this applicant must take them.
Continuing Education
12 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period, with no more than three insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Fitness Evidence
Also comply with 1250.160(a)(4)(C): acceptable education or experience within the preceding five years, including Conference examination verification or six approved mortuary-science credit hours split between directing and embalming.
Legacy Eligibility
Funeral-director license issued before June 1, 1991; restoration is preserved by 1250.160(e).
Other Evaluation
Physical or mental examination reports, treatment evidence and rehabilitation documentation are applicant conditions under 1250.175(a), not separate identified professional exams.
Rehabilitation
Prove rehabilitation under 1250.175(a), comply with the applicable restoration requirements and pay the restoration fee.
Status
License revoked, suspended or in refuse-to-renew status for more than three years.
Restoration from discipline three years or less
Board Discretion
68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1250, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1250.175 (b): b) In addition to the factors contained in subsection (a), the Board may find that there is sufficient evidence in the record to recommend to the Director that the petitioner must also successfully complete a competency examination in compliance with Section 1250.140 and paid for by the petitioner, prior to restoration of a license. This identifies the Conference examination under 1250.140 as a possible prerequisite, so both parts are leaves. The Board recommendation and individual order determine whether this applicant must take them.
Continuing Education
12 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period, with no more than three insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Legacy Eligibility
Funeral-director license issued before June 1, 1991; restoration is preserved by 1250.160(e).
Other Evaluation
Physical or mental examination reports, treatment evidence and rehabilitation documentation are applicant conditions under 1250.175(a), not separate identified professional exams.
Rehabilitation
Prove rehabilitation under 1250.175(a), comply with the applicable restoration requirements and pay the restoration fee.
Status
License revoked, suspended or in refuse-to-renew status for three years or less; subsection (f) also includes probation.
Reinstatement of expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
12 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period, with no more than three insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Expiration
Expired license no more than five years before application, as the statute provides. Rule 1250.160(b) uses less than five years; the statutory five-year reinstatement entitlement is retained.
Fees
Required reinstatement and renewal fees; reinstatement takes effect on reissuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation supported by active lawful practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Practice
Proof of fitness acceptable to the Department may include sworn evidence of active lawful practice elsewhere satisfactory to the Department. Section 5-18 places its discretionary practical-examination provision on those without satisfactory active practice.
Application
Application, required fees and acceptable fitness proof.
Continuing Education
12 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period, with no more than three insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Existing License
Legacy funeral-director license issued before June 1, 1991, inactive or expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after less than five years inactive or restoration from CE nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Signed application, required fees and acceptable attendance certificates for applicable CE.
Continuing Education
12 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period, with no more than three insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Practice Prohibition
No practice while inactive or nonrenewed.
Status
Inactive for less than five years or placed in nonrenewed status for failure to comply with CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration following qualifying military service, training or education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Window
Within two years after termination other than dishonorable discharge, with the required affidavit.
Examination Waiver
Statute expressly permits restoration without passing any examination for this pathway.
Fees And Education
No lapsed renewal or restoration fees; under 1250.160(c), only the current renewal fee and no proof of CE are required.
Qualifying Service
License expired during federal active military service, State Militia called into United States service or training, or United States-supervised education or training before induction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of legacy funeral director license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
12 relevant CE hours in the preceding 24-month period, with no more than three insurance hours. First renewal and at least 40 years of practice are exempt. Military or documented hardship exemptions may be requested under 1250.220(f).
Existing License
Funeral-director license issued before June 1, 1991.
Expiration
May 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Renewal
Renew during the month before expiration and pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer Intern

Supervised internship license; ordinary issuance does not require an examination, while reapplication following two renewals does.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Automatic reinstatement after temporary suspension without a timely hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination
No applicant examination is imposed for this automatic statutory reinstatement.
Trigger
The Department temporarily suspended the license without a hearing and did not hold a hearing within 30 days, unless continued at the licensee request. The statute automatically reinstates the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from discipline more than three years
Board Discretion
68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1250, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1250.175 (b): b) In addition to the factors contained in subsection (a), the Board may find that there is sufficient evidence in the record to recommend to the Director that the petitioner must also successfully complete a competency examination in compliance with Section 1250.140 and paid for by the petitioner, prior to restoration of a license. This identifies the Conference examination under 1250.140 as a possible prerequisite, so both parts are leaves. The Board recommendation and individual order determine whether this applicant must take them.
Continuing Education
Meet applicable Department requirements; 1250.220 specifies CE hour amounts for professional directors and combined licensees, without establishing a distinct intern CE hour amount.
Fitness Evidence
Also comply with 1250.160(a)(4)(C): acceptable education or experience within the preceding five years, including Conference examination verification or six approved mortuary-science credit hours split between directing and embalming.
Other Evaluation
Physical or mental examination reports, treatment evidence and rehabilitation documentation are applicant conditions under 1250.175(a), not separate identified professional exams.
Rehabilitation
Prove rehabilitation under 1250.175(a), comply with the applicable restoration requirements and pay the restoration fee.
Renewal Cap
The statutory two-renewal cap remains applicable; restoration does not establish another ordinary renewal entitlement.
Status
License revoked, suspended or in refuse-to-renew status for more than three years.
Restoration from discipline three years or less
Board Discretion
68 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1250, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1250.175 (b): b) In addition to the factors contained in subsection (a), the Board may find that there is sufficient evidence in the record to recommend to the Director that the petitioner must also successfully complete a competency examination in compliance with Section 1250.140 and paid for by the petitioner, prior to restoration of a license. This identifies the Conference examination under 1250.140 as a possible prerequisite, so both parts are leaves. The Board recommendation and individual order determine whether this applicant must take them.
Continuing Education
Meet applicable Department requirements; 1250.220 specifies CE hour amounts for professional directors and combined licensees, without establishing a distinct intern CE hour amount.
Other Evaluation
Physical or mental examination reports, treatment evidence and rehabilitation documentation are applicant conditions under 1250.175(a), not separate identified professional exams.
Rehabilitation
Prove rehabilitation under 1250.175(a), comply with the applicable restoration requirements and pay the restoration fee.
Renewal Cap
The statutory two-renewal cap remains applicable; restoration does not establish another ordinary renewal entitlement.
Status
License revoked, suspended or in refuse-to-renew status for three years or less; subsection (f) also includes probation.
Reinstatement of expired intern license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Signed application and required fees, with applicable Department requirements.
Continuing Education
Meet applicable Department requirements; 1250.220 specifies CE hour amounts for professional directors and combined licensees, without establishing a distinct intern CE hour amount.
Expiration
Previously licensed intern, expired no more than five years. The reinstatement sentence in 10-35 uses the term funeral director and embalmer trainee.
Renewal Cap
The two-renewal cap remains applicable. An applicant falling under 1250.130(g) uses the separately recorded reapplication pathway and its examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial intern licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed certified application on Department forms or electronically, supporting qualifications and the required fee; complete the application within three years under 225 ILCS 41/10-20.
Contact Information
Provide a valid address and email address of record and update changes within 14 days under 225 ILCS 41/5-7 or 10-7.
Education
At least 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, including 20 semester or 30 quarter credits in liberal arts or physical, biological or applied sciences, plus graduation from an approved mortuary-science course of at least 12 months; alternatively an approved mortuary-science associate degree, equivalent applied-science associate degree or baccalaureate degree. See 225 ILCS 41/10-10 or 10-15 and 1250.120 or 1250.150.
Future Professional License
The Conference examination must be passed for the later combined license; it is not required for ordinary intern issuance.
Immunization
Certificate attesting immunization against diphtheria, hepatitis B and tetanus, and adequate protection against communicable diseases.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Sponsor
Accepted by an active Illinois licensed funeral director and embalmer in good standing, who signs the acceptance certificate.
Supervision
Study and train under a combined-license holder; no independent practice. Submit the change-of-sponsor form within 30 days after a sponsor change.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration following qualifying military service, training or education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Window
Within two years after termination other than dishonorable discharge, with the required affidavit.
Examination Waiver
Statute expressly permits restoration without passing any examination for this pathway.
Fees And Education
No lapsed renewal or restoration fees; under 1250.160(c), only the current renewal fee and no proof of CE are required.
Qualifying Service
License expired during federal active military service, State Militia called into United States service or training, or United States-supervised education or training before induction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after two sequential intern renewals
Application
Submit the signed certified application on Department forms or electronically, supporting qualifications and the required fee; complete the application within three years under 225 ILCS 41/10-20.
Contact Information
Provide a valid address and email address of record and update changes within 14 days under 225 ILCS 41/5-7 or 10-7.
Education
At least 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, including 20 semester or 30 quarter credits in liberal arts or physical, biological or applied sciences, plus graduation from an approved mortuary-science course of at least 12 months; alternatively an approved mortuary-science associate degree, equivalent applied-science associate degree or baccalaureate degree. See 225 ILCS 41/10-10 or 10-15 and 1250.120 or 1250.150.
Immunization
Certificate attesting immunization against diphtheria, hepatitis B and tetanus, and adequate protection against communicable diseases.
Prior Credit
1250.130(g) disallows credit for previously passed examinations or previously earned internship on reapplication.
Prior Intern Status
Intern license renewed twice without completing the internship or passing the examination within those renewals.
Prior Passage
Must pass the examination specified by 1250.140 before reapplication; both currently offered registered parts remain leaves even though taken before applying.
Sponsor
Current acceptance by an Illinois licensed funeral director and embalmer.
Intern license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination Timing
Passage is not a condition of renewal of the existing intern license. After two sequential renewals, 1250.130(g) requires examination passage before reapplying.
Fee And Expiration
Pay the required renewal fee; expiration is May 31 of odd-numbered years.
Renewal Limit
Intern licenses may be renewed no more than twice.

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