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Kentucky Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

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Embalmer's License

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors · Application information

Licensure by examination after apprenticeship

All of the following:

Alternative examination
Successful completion of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards permits a request for exemption from the written license examination; an oral examination is then required in lieu of the written examination. The Kentucky sources identify National Boards generically, without resolving the exact Arts/Sciences examinations required for that alternative. Under the contract rule for an unresolved examination slot, the Conference examination is retained here as a condition; no part-specific adoption or relationship is inferred.
Application
Typed licensure application, photograph, fee, official transcripts, and two separate character references, one from a licensed funeral director and one from a licensed embalmer; references cannot be the same person.
Apprenticeship
Full-time paid apprenticeship in a Kentucky funeral establishment under an appropriate Kentucky-licensed supervisor; semiannual sworn statements and required reports.
Apprenticeship duration
One year under a Kentucky-licensed embalmer.
Board page difference
The Licensure Exam page still describes the earlier alternative as an oral examination on embalming and cites Section 1(4)(a). The current 201 KAR 15:040 Section 4 expressly permits the oral alternative for both embalmer and funeral director examinations. Board page: According to 201 KAR 15:040 section 1 (4)(a)​, The Board may accept the results of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and the results of an oral examination on the subject of embalming administered by one (1) or more members of the Board in lieu of the written examination for embalmer's license administered by the Board.
Cases
Assist with at least 25 embalmings under direct supervision.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal records
Current CJIS/FBI report obtained no more than 90 days before apprenticeship application.
Exam application time
Apply and pay at least 45 days before the desired Board examination under 201 KAR 15:040 Section 1(2).
Laws exam
The Kentucky Laws Exam is required in addition to the license examination under Section 5.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Professional education
Associate degree in funeral services from an ABFSE-accredited college or university.
Secondary education
High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.
Licensure by reciprocity

All of the following:

Alternative examination
Successful completion of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards permits a request for exemption from the written license examination; an oral examination is then required in lieu of the written examination. The Kentucky sources identify National Boards generically, without resolving the exact Arts/Sciences examinations required for that alternative. Under the contract rule for an unresolved examination slot, the Conference examination is retained here as a condition; no part-specific adoption or relationship is inferred.
Application
Typed licensure application, photograph, fee, official transcripts, and two separate character references, one from a licensed funeral director and one from a licensed embalmer; references cannot be the same person.
Board meeting
Meet with the Board no later than one month before the exam; all packet documents and fees due by the published exam deadline.
Board page difference
The Licensure Exam page still describes the earlier alternative as an oral examination on embalming and cites Section 1(4)(a). The current 201 KAR 15:040 Section 4 expressly permits the oral alternative for both embalmer and funeral director examinations. Board page: According to 201 KAR 15:040 section 1 (4)(a)​, The Board may accept the results of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and the results of an oral examination on the subject of embalming administered by one (1) or more members of the Board in lieu of the written examination for embalmer's license administered by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal records
CJIS/FBI report within the preceding 90 days.
Education or experience
Either 30 semester/45 quarter accredited college hours, or full-time licensed practice for 10 of the immediately preceding 12 years, evidenced by W-2 forms or affidavits from two licensees.
Exam application time
Apply and pay at least 45 days before the desired Board examination under 201 KAR 15:040 Section 1(2).
Existing license
Current license from another state or federal district, certified license verification, disclosure of discipline, and Board finding of same or similar qualifications under KRS 316.030.
Laws exam
The Kentucky Laws Exam is required in addition to the license examination under Section 5.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Professional education
Diploma from an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science school or its predecessor.
Secondary education
High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.
Reinstatement within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may reinstate on satisfaction of these conditions.
Continuing education
Prove cumulative continuing education compliance for the expired period.
Expiration
Expired for failure to renew within three years of expiration.
Fees
Pay late fee and renewal fees for the expired period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-06-29.

  • KRS 316.131

    KRS 316.131(1), reinstatement within three years

Annual renewal, including late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce exemptions
Board may exempt for undue hardship due to disability, illness or clearly mitigating circumstances, or for a licensee at least 70 years old who is not actively involved in embalming or funeral directing.
Continuing education
Except the first renewal, 12 Board-approved hours every two years, including at least 6 live, interactive, in-person hours.
Renewal
Renew before July 31; renewal fee and applicable late fees.
Submission
Submit signed continuing education certificates and required disclosures; paper renewal is required in the circumstances identified by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2012-07-12.

Funeral Director's License

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors · Application information

Licensure by examination after apprenticeship

All of the following:

Alternative examination
Successful completion of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards permits a request for exemption from the written license examination; an oral examination is then required in lieu of the written examination. The Kentucky sources identify National Boards generically, without resolving the exact Arts/Sciences examinations required for that alternative. Under the contract rule for an unresolved examination slot, the Conference examination is retained here as a condition; no part-specific adoption or relationship is inferred.
Application
Typed licensure application, photograph, fee, official transcripts, and two separate character references, one from a licensed funeral director and one from a licensed embalmer; references cannot be the same person.
Apprenticeship
Full-time paid apprenticeship in a Kentucky funeral establishment under an appropriate Kentucky-licensed supervisor; semiannual sworn statements and required reports.
Apprenticeship duration
Three consecutive years; an ABFSE-accredited associate degree in funeral services substitutes for two years, and 30 accredited semester credit hours or equivalent substitute for one year. No more than two years may be substituted.
Board page difference
The Licensure Exam page still describes the earlier alternative as an oral examination on embalming and cites Section 1(4)(a). The current 201 KAR 15:040 Section 4 expressly permits the oral alternative for both embalmer and funeral director examinations. Board page: According to 201 KAR 15:040 section 1 (4)(a)​, The Board may accept the results of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and the results of an oral examination on the subject of embalming administered by one (1) or more members of the Board in lieu of the written examination for embalmer's license administered by the Board.
Cases
Assist with management of at least 25 funerals under direct supervision.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal records
Current CJIS/FBI report obtained no more than 90 days before apprenticeship application.
Exam application time
Apply and pay at least 45 days before the desired Board examination under 201 KAR 15:040 Section 1(2).
Laws exam
The Kentucky Laws Exam is required in addition to the license examination under Section 5.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Secondary education
High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.
Licensure by reciprocity

All of the following:

Alternative examination
Successful completion of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards permits a request for exemption from the written license examination; an oral examination is then required in lieu of the written examination. The Kentucky sources identify National Boards generically, without resolving the exact Arts/Sciences examinations required for that alternative. Under the contract rule for an unresolved examination slot, the Conference examination is retained here as a condition; no part-specific adoption or relationship is inferred.
Application
Typed licensure application, photograph, fee, official transcripts, and two separate character references, one from a licensed funeral director and one from a licensed embalmer; references cannot be the same person.
Board meeting
Meet with the Board no later than one month before the exam; all packet documents and fees due by the published exam deadline.
Board page difference
The Licensure Exam page still describes the earlier alternative as an oral examination on embalming and cites Section 1(4)(a). The current 201 KAR 15:040 Section 4 expressly permits the oral alternative for both embalmer and funeral director examinations. Board page: According to 201 KAR 15:040 section 1 (4)(a)​, The Board may accept the results of the examination prepared and administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and the results of an oral examination on the subject of embalming administered by one (1) or more members of the Board in lieu of the written examination for embalmer's license administered by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal records
CJIS/FBI report within the preceding 90 days.
Education or experience
Either 30 semester/45 quarter accredited college hours, or full-time licensed practice for 10 of the immediately preceding 12 years, evidenced by W-2 forms or affidavits from two licensees.
Exam application time
Apply and pay at least 45 days before the desired Board examination under 201 KAR 15:040 Section 1(2).
Existing license
Current license from another state or federal district, certified license verification, disclosure of discipline, and Board finding of same or similar qualifications under KRS 316.030.
Laws exam
The Kentucky Laws Exam is required in addition to the license examination under Section 5.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Professional education
Diploma from an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science school or its predecessor.
Secondary education
High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.
Reinstatement within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may reinstate on satisfaction of these conditions.
Continuing education
Prove cumulative continuing education compliance for the expired period.
Expiration
Expired for failure to renew within three years of expiration.
Fees
Pay late fee and renewal fees for the expired period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-06-29.

  • KRS 316.131

    KRS 316.131(1), reinstatement within three years

Annual renewal, including late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce exemptions
Board may exempt for undue hardship due to disability, illness or clearly mitigating circumstances, or for a licensee at least 70 years old who is not actively involved in embalming or funeral directing.
Continuing education
Except the first renewal, 12 Board-approved hours every two years, including at least 6 live, interactive, in-person hours.
Renewal
Renew before July 31; renewal fee and applicable late fees.
Submission
Submit signed continuing education certificates and required disclosures; paper renewal is required in the circumstances identified by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2012-07-12.

Kentucky Embalmer Oral Examination

Provider
Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Embalming
  • Anatomy
  • Microbiology
  • Pathology
  • Chemistry
  • Restorative art
  • Mortuary administration and law
  • Accounting
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Requirements of KRS Chapter 316 and the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter 316
Examination sources

Kentucky Embalmer Written Examination

Provider
Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Embalming
  • Anatomy
  • Microbiology
  • Pathology
  • Chemistry
  • Restorative art
  • Mortuary administration and law
  • Accounting
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Requirements of KRS Chapter 316 and the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter 316
Examination sources

Kentucky Laws Exam (Funeral Director and Embalmer Licensure)

Provider
Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
Passing score
75 percent
Practice scope

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

  • KRS Chapter 316 — Embalmers and Funeral Directors
  • 201 KAR Chapter 15 — Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
Examination sources

Kentucky Funeral Director Oral Examination

Provider
Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Mortuary administration
  • Ethics
  • Accounting
  • Sociology
  • Business law
  • Primary psychology
  • Transportation rules
  • Hygiene, sanitation, and disinfection
  • Requirements of KRS Chapter 316 and the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter 316
Examination sources

Kentucky Funeral Director Written Examination

Provider
Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Mortuary administration
  • Ethics
  • Accounting
  • Sociology
  • Business law
  • Primary psychology
  • Transportation rules
  • Hygiene, sanitation, and disinfection
  • Requirements of KRS Chapter 316 and the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter 316
Examination sources