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Mississippi Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

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License for the practice of funeral directing

Individual funeral-directing license, excluding embalming. Statutory educational, age, apprenticeship and examination requirements apply. No separate embalmer-only license is created by the current Board licensing provisions.

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Licensure by examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the Board application, supporting documents and applicable nonrefundable application, examination and licensing fees. § 73-11-51(5) requires examination applications at least 60 days before the examination; Rule 3.2 requires licensing applications 30 days before the next Board meeting.
Apprenticeship
At least 12 months under a Mississippi funeral-directing or funeral-service licensee; § 73-11-53(4) fixes completion between 12 and 18 months.
Exam Score
Rule 3.3 requires at least 75% on the Conference Arts examination. The Board separately publishes the Mississippi Funeral Director Licensure Examination.
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Moral Character
Good moral character required under § 73-11-51(3)(e) or (4)(f).
Older Rule Condition
The older Board compilation Rule 6.4(3) says: "The funeral directing apprentice must assist in the planning of at least fifty (50) funerals or dispositions" and uses 24–30 months. The higher-ranked current § 73-11-53(4) controls the 12–18 month period. The August 2023 application instead requires 25 cases for each required activity.
Personal Appearance
The Board may require an applicant to appear personally under Rule 3.3.
Practice Location
Practice must be associated with a licensed funeral establishment under § 73-11-51(6).
Unregistered Conference Alternative
The Conference State Board Examination prepared for funeral directing, expressly named in Rule 3.4 and independently confirmed as an alternative in the Board FAQ, is distinct from the supplied registered NBE-Arts version. That Conference examination remains a condition until the nationwide stage registers it.
Licensure under § 73 50 1 (Military Family Freedom Act) — military out of state license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-1 (Military Family Freedom Act)
Eligibility
A military member, spouse or dependent who has held a current valid license in another state with a similar scope of practice for at least one year.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure under § 73 50 1 (Military Family Freedom Act) — military training
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-1 (Military Family Freedom Act)
Eligibility
A military member, spouse or dependent with a military occupational specialty, completed military training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance in that specialty.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure under § 73 50 1 (Military Family Freedom Act) — military work experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-1 (Military Family Freedom Act)
Eligibility
A military member, spouse or dependent with at least three years of practice in a state that does not license the occupation.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure by reciprocity or endorsement

All of the following:

  • National Board Exam Arts
  • Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Application
File the reciprocal application, certifications and fee at least 60 days before the next scheduled Board meeting under Rule 7.2. Acceptance is within Board discretion under Rule 7.4.
Board Appearance
Rule 7.5 requires the temporary reciprocal permit holder to meet the Board at its next regular meeting before a permanent license issues.
Law Examination Format
§ 73-11-51(7) requires successful passage of a written and/or oral examination on Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and Board rules. Its wording identifies the law examination and its pass requirement but does not fix one exclusive delivery format.
Other Licenses
All licenses must be in good standing; disclose disciplinary history, pending complaints and investigations. Board Rule 7.1 requires substantially equivalent professional and educational qualifications.
Out Of State License
Hold a valid, unrevoked, unexpired nonreciprocal license in a state or territory whose requirements are at least Mississippi requirements, as determined by the Board; provide certified qualification and good-standing evidence.
Prior Exam Scores
Passing Conference examination scores remain examination leaves even when passed before application; the Board reciprocity form requires scores sent directly by The Conference.
Score Convention
Rule 7.1(7) requires at least 75% on Arts for funeral directors; for funeral service it specifies at least 75% on Arts and Science from 2002, and describes the pre-2002 convention as cumulative 75% with at least 70% on each section plus five continuous years of active licensed practice. These score and practice qualifications are conditions, not additional examinations.
Reinstatement after lapse within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay current renewal fee, renewal fees in arrears and reinstatement fee; reinstatement is within Board discretion.
Lapse
Application made within five years of expiration.
Lower Ranked Board Statement
The Board renewal page states: "If your license has been expired more then two (2) years you must contact the Board Office" and says the renewal forms cannot be used; this administrative instruction does not replace the statutory five-year reinstatement period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fees
File renewal application and fee by the due date; licenses renew through June 30 biennially.
License Held
Existing license for the practice of funeral directing or funeral service.
Military Extension
§ 73-11-51(8)(a) expressly reserves § 33-1-39 active-duty extensions; this reservation is an applicant condition, and no conclusion about its detailed eligibility is made without that text.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under § 73 50 2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act) — universal out of state license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act)
Eligibility
Establish Mississippi residence and hold a current valid out-of-state license in good standing with a similar scope for at least one year; the other state verifies its education and any applicable work-experience, examination and clinical-supervision requirements were met.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure under § 73 50 2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act) — universal work experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act)
Eligibility
Establish Mississippi residence and show at least three years of practice in a state that does not license this occupation.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.

Temporary funeral directing work permit

Temporary individual work permit before the next Board meeting; applicable examination qualifications are retained even when completed before the permit application.

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Temporary permit pending initial license approval

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the Board application, supporting documents and applicable nonrefundable application, examination and licensing fees. § 73-11-51(5) requires examination applications at least 60 days before the examination; Rule 3.2 requires licensing applications 30 days before the next Board meeting.
Apprenticeship
At least 12 months under a Mississippi funeral-directing or funeral-service licensee; § 73-11-53(4) fixes completion between 12 and 18 months.
Exam Score
Rule 3.3 requires at least 75% on the Conference Arts examination. The Board separately publishes the Mississippi Funeral Director Licensure Examination.
Expiration
Expires at the next regular Board meeting.
Extension
Rule 3.5 permits a timely written good-cause request for up to two extensions, each at most 90 days.
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Moral Character
Good moral character required under § 73-11-51(3)(e) or (4)(f).
Older Rule Condition
The older Board compilation Rule 6.4(3) says: "The funeral directing apprentice must assist in the planning of at least fifty (50) funerals or dispositions" and uses 24–30 months. The higher-ranked current § 73-11-53(4) controls the 12–18 month period. The August 2023 application instead requires 25 cases for each required activity.
Permit Discretion
The Executive Director may issue the permit when all § 73-11-51 qualifications have been met.
Personal Appearance
The Board may require an applicant to appear personally under Rule 3.3.
Practice Location
Practice must be associated with a licensed funeral establishment under § 73-11-51(6).
Unregistered Conference Alternative
The Conference State Board Examination prepared for funeral directing, expressly named in Rule 3.4 and independently confirmed as an alternative in the Board FAQ, is distinct from the supplied registered NBE-Arts version. That Conference examination remains a condition until the nationwide stage registers it.
Temporary practice permit under Military Family Freedom Act — experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary practice permit under Military Family Freedom Act — license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary practice permit under Military Family Freedom Act — training
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary permit pending reciprocal license approval

All of the following:

  • National Board Exam Arts
  • Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Application
File the reciprocal application, certifications and fee at least 60 days before the next scheduled Board meeting under Rule 7.2. Acceptance is within Board discretion under Rule 7.4.
Board Appearance
Rule 7.5 requires the temporary reciprocal permit holder to meet the Board at its next regular meeting before a permanent license issues.
Expiration
Next regular Board meeting unless extended under Rule 3.5.
Law Examination Format
§ 73-11-51(7) requires successful passage of a written and/or oral examination on Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and Board rules. Its wording identifies the law examination and its pass requirement but does not fix one exclusive delivery format.
Other Licenses
All licenses must be in good standing; disclose disciplinary history, pending complaints and investigations. Board Rule 7.1 requires substantially equivalent professional and educational qualifications.
Out Of State License
Hold a valid, unrevoked, unexpired nonreciprocal license in a state or territory whose requirements are at least Mississippi requirements, as determined by the Board; provide certified qualification and good-standing evidence.
Permit Discretion
Executive Director or designee may issue the permit when reciprocal requirements have been met.
Prior Exam Scores
Passing Conference examination scores remain examination leaves even when passed before application; the Board reciprocity form requires scores sent directly by The Conference.
Score Convention
Rule 7.1(7) requires at least 75% on Arts for funeral directors; for funeral service it specifies at least 75% on Arts and Science from 2002, and describes the pre-2002 convention as cumulative 75% with at least 70% on each section plus five continuous years of active licensed practice. These score and practice qualifications are conditions, not additional examinations.
Temporary practice permit under Universal Recognition Act — experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary practice permit under Universal Recognition Act — license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.

License for the practice of funeral service

Individual funeral-service license covering funeral directing and embalming.

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the Board application, supporting documents and applicable nonrefundable application, examination and licensing fees. § 73-11-51(5) requires examination applications at least 60 days before the examination; Rule 3.2 requires licensing applications 30 days before the next Board meeting.
Apprenticeship
At least 12 months, before or after graduation, under a Mississippi funeral-service licensee at a Mississippi licensed establishment; § 73-11-53(4) fixes completion between 12 and 18 months.
Exam Score
At least 75% on each of the Conference Arts and Science examinations under Rule 3.3.
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Moral Character
Good moral character required under § 73-11-51(3)(e) or (4)(f).
Older Rule Condition
The Board compilation Rule 6.4(2) says: "The funeral service apprentice must assist in the embalming of at least twenty-five (25) human bodies" and uses 12–24 months. The higher-ranked § 73-11-53(4) controls the 12–18 month period; the August 2023 form requires 25 cases for each required activity.
Other Approved Examination
§ 73-11-51(4)(e) also permits another Board-approved examination without identifying it; this open remainder is an applicant condition.
Personal Appearance
The Board may require an applicant to appear personally under Rule 3.3.
Practice Location
Practice must be associated with a licensed funeral establishment under § 73-11-51(6).
Professional Education
Complete at least 12 months of academic and professional instruction at an accredited funeral-service institution and provide the certificate of completion specified in § 73-11-51(4)(c).
Licensure under § 73 50 1 (Military Family Freedom Act) — military out of state license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-1 (Military Family Freedom Act)
Eligibility
A military member, spouse or dependent who has held a current valid license in another state with a similar scope of practice for at least one year.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure under § 73 50 1 (Military Family Freedom Act) — military training
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-1 (Military Family Freedom Act)
Eligibility
A military member, spouse or dependent with a military occupational specialty, completed military training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance in that specialty.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure under § 73 50 1 (Military Family Freedom Act) — military work experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-1 (Military Family Freedom Act)
Eligibility
A military member, spouse or dependent with at least three years of practice in a state that does not license the occupation.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure by reciprocity or endorsement

All of the following:

Application
File the reciprocal application, certifications and fee at least 60 days before the next scheduled Board meeting under Rule 7.2. Acceptance is within Board discretion under Rule 7.4.
Board Appearance
Rule 7.5 requires the temporary reciprocal permit holder to meet the Board at its next regular meeting before a permanent license issues.
Law Examination Format
§ 73-11-51(7) requires successful passage of a written and/or oral examination on Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and Board rules. Its wording identifies the law examination and its pass requirement but does not fix one exclusive delivery format.
Other Licenses
All licenses must be in good standing; disclose disciplinary history, pending complaints and investigations. Board Rule 7.1 requires substantially equivalent professional and educational qualifications.
Out Of State License
Hold a valid, unrevoked, unexpired nonreciprocal license in a state or territory whose requirements are at least Mississippi requirements, as determined by the Board; provide certified qualification and good-standing evidence.
Prior Exam Scores
Passing Conference examination scores remain examination leaves even when passed before application; the Board reciprocity form requires scores sent directly by The Conference.
Score Convention
Rule 7.1(7) requires at least 75% on Arts for funeral directors; for funeral service it specifies at least 75% on Arts and Science from 2002, and describes the pre-2002 convention as cumulative 75% with at least 70% on each section plus five continuous years of active licensed practice. These score and practice qualifications are conditions, not additional examinations.
Reinstatement after lapse within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay current renewal fee, renewal fees in arrears and reinstatement fee; reinstatement is within Board discretion.
Lapse
Application made within five years of expiration.
Lower Ranked Board Statement
The Board renewal page states: "If your license has been expired more then two (2) years you must contact the Board Office" and says the renewal forms cannot be used; this administrative instruction does not replace the statutory five-year reinstatement period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fees
File renewal application and fee by the due date; licenses renew through June 30 biennially.
License Held
Existing license for the practice of funeral directing or funeral service.
Military Extension
§ 73-11-51(8)(a) expressly reserves § 33-1-39 active-duty extensions; this reservation is an applicant condition, and no conclusion about its detailed eligibility is made without that text.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under § 73 50 2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act) — universal out of state license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act)
Eligibility
Establish Mississippi residence and hold a current valid out-of-state license in good standing with a similar scope for at least one year; the other state verifies its education and any applicable work-experience, examination and clinical-supervision requirements were met.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.
Licensure under § 73 50 2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act) — universal work experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Authority
§ 73-50-2 (Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act)
Eligibility
Establish Mississippi residence and show at least three years of practice in a state that does not license this occupation.
Fitness
No disqualifying criminal record, misconduct that would justify discipline, license surrender for negligence or misconduct, or unresolved complaint preventing issuance; pay applicable fees.
Historical Testing
Testing completed for military training or an out-of-state license is qualification evidence unless this route identifies a currently offered registered examination; no such nationwide examination is named here.
Law Exam Discretion
The Board may require the examination on relevant Mississippi laws under subsection (5). Discretion is an applicant condition; the state law examination remains a leaf. Nationwide examinations are not additional Mississippi requirements of the overriding recognition route.

Temporary funeral service work permit

Temporary individual work permit before the next Board meeting; applicable examination qualifications are retained even when completed before the permit application.

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Temporary permit pending initial license approval
Application
Submit the Board application, supporting documents and applicable nonrefundable application, examination and licensing fees. § 73-11-51(5) requires examination applications at least 60 days before the examination; Rule 3.2 requires licensing applications 30 days before the next Board meeting.
Apprenticeship
At least 12 months, before or after graduation, under a Mississippi funeral-service licensee at a Mississippi licensed establishment; § 73-11-53(4) fixes completion between 12 and 18 months.
Exam Score
At least 75% on each of the Conference Arts and Science examinations under Rule 3.3.
Expiration
Expires at the next regular Board meeting.
Extension
Rule 3.5 permits a timely written good-cause request for up to two extensions, each at most 90 days.
General Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Moral Character
Good moral character required under § 73-11-51(3)(e) or (4)(f).
Older Rule Condition
The Board compilation Rule 6.4(2) says: "The funeral service apprentice must assist in the embalming of at least twenty-five (25) human bodies" and uses 12–24 months. The higher-ranked § 73-11-53(4) controls the 12–18 month period; the August 2023 form requires 25 cases for each required activity.
Other Approved Examination
§ 73-11-51(4)(e) also permits another Board-approved examination without identifying it; this open remainder is an applicant condition.
Permit Discretion
The Executive Director may issue the permit when all § 73-11-51 qualifications have been met.
Personal Appearance
The Board may require an applicant to appear personally under Rule 3.3.
Practice Location
Practice must be associated with a licensed funeral establishment under § 73-11-51(6).
Professional Education
Complete at least 12 months of academic and professional instruction at an accredited funeral-service institution and provide the certificate of completion specified in § 73-11-51(4)(c).
Temporary practice permit under Military Family Freedom Act — experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary practice permit under Military Family Freedom Act — license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary practice permit under Military Family Freedom Act — training
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary permit pending reciprocal license approval

All of the following:

Application
File the reciprocal application, certifications and fee at least 60 days before the next scheduled Board meeting under Rule 7.2. Acceptance is within Board discretion under Rule 7.4.
Board Appearance
Rule 7.5 requires the temporary reciprocal permit holder to meet the Board at its next regular meeting before a permanent license issues.
Expiration
Next regular Board meeting unless extended under Rule 3.5.
Law Examination Format
§ 73-11-51(7) requires successful passage of a written and/or oral examination on Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and Board rules. Its wording identifies the law examination and its pass requirement but does not fix one exclusive delivery format.
Other Licenses
All licenses must be in good standing; disclose disciplinary history, pending complaints and investigations. Board Rule 7.1 requires substantially equivalent professional and educational qualifications.
Out Of State License
Hold a valid, unrevoked, unexpired nonreciprocal license in a state or territory whose requirements are at least Mississippi requirements, as determined by the Board; provide certified qualification and good-standing evidence.
Permit Discretion
Executive Director or designee may issue the permit when reciprocal requirements have been met.
Prior Exam Scores
Passing Conference examination scores remain examination leaves even when passed before application; the Board reciprocity form requires scores sent directly by The Conference.
Score Convention
Rule 7.1(7) requires at least 75% on Arts for funeral directors; for funeral service it specifies at least 75% on Arts and Science from 2002, and describes the pre-2002 convention as cumulative 75% with at least 70% on each section plus five continuous years of active licensed practice. These score and practice qualifications are conditions, not additional examinations.
Temporary practice permit under Universal Recognition Act — experience
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.
Temporary practice permit under Universal Recognition Act — license
Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations (practice unavailable)
Affidavit And Fees
Submit an affidavit under penalties of perjury affirming applicable qualifications and pay fees; applies when processing takes longer than two weeks.
Eligibility
Satisfy the corresponding military-training, qualifying out-of-state-license or three-year unlicensed-state work-experience pathway under § 73-50-1(3)–(4) or § 73-50-2(3)–(4), as indicated by the pathway.
Issuance And Duration
Issue within 30 days; practice until license issuance or notice of denial, with the statutory 365-day termination condition.
Law Exam Discretion
Any identified state-law examination that the Board requires under subsection (5) remains subject to Board discretion.

Mississippi Funeral Director Licensure Examination

Provider
Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service
Format
Multiple-choice examination
Examination outline
  • Complying with the Funeral Rule, Federal Trade Commission
  • The Fundamentals of Funeral Directing: Building a Professional Cornerstone, John B. Fritch Ph.D., J. Chandler Alteiri, Ed. D., 2017
    • Unit 1, Build a Foundation of Knowledge
    • Chapter 1: The Ethical Funeral Director
    • Chapter 2: Know your Merchandise
    • Chapter 3: Funeral Service Merchandising
    • Unit 2, Orchestrating Services
    • Chapter 4: Elements of Effective Communication
    • Chapter 5: The First Call and Transfer of Remains
    • Chapter 6: The Arrangement Conference
    • Chapter 7: Delivering the Exceptional Funeral Experience
    • Unit 3, Understanding Central Elements of our Profession
    • Chapter 8: Cremation
    • Chapter 9: Cemeteries and other Grave Concerns
    • Chapter 10: Shipping Human Remains
    • Chapter 11: Shipping Cremated Remains
    • Chapter 13: Understanding Pre-Need
    • Chapter 14: Floral Tributes
    • Unit 4, Federal Commissions and Administrations
    • Chapter 15: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
    • Chapter 16: Veterans Administration and Social Security
    • Glossary
  • Mississippi State Laws pertaining to Mississippi funeral practices
    • Senate Bill 2339
    • Administrative Law
    • Mississippi State Department of Health Office of Public Health Statistics
    • Registration of Deaths
    • Registration of Fetal Deaths
    • Cause of Death Quick Fact Sheet
    • Application for Certified Mississippi Death Certificate
    • Pre-need Funeral Rules and Regulations
Examination sources

Examination on the Mississippi Funeral Service licensing law and rules and regulations

Provider
Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service
Format
Written and/or oral examination prepared or approved by the Board under § 73-11-51(7); the statute permits both formats and does not select an exclusive delivery format
Passing score
Successful passage required by § 73-11-51(7); no numerical passing threshold stated
Examination outline
  • Mississippi Code Title 73, Chapter 11 — State Board of Funeral Service (§§ 73-11-33 through 73-11-73)
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 1: Rules and Regulations Adopted by the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 2: General Provisions
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 3: Practice of Funeral Service and Funeral Directing
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 4: Funeral Establishment
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 5: LICENSEE IN CHARGE
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 6: RESIDENT TRAINEE
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 7: Reciprocity (Out-of-State Licenses)
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 8: Refusal to examine, grant, or renew licenses; Revocation or suspension; Grounds; Hearings
  • Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2401, Chapter 9: DISCLOSURES
Examination sources

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