South Carolina Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice
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Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.
apprentice certificate: funeral director and/or embalmer
Apprenticeship certificate for funeral directors and/or embalmers.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Apprenticeship extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Extension Period
- After initial 24 months, extend for 12 months at a time, no more than three extensions.
- Fee
- Submit the extension application and fee.
- Military Abeyance
- Registration may be held in abeyance during actual military service, with fees and penalties relieved.
- Supervision
- Continue approved supervision and reporting.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial apprenticeship certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Apply on the Board form, take the required oath and pay the applicable fee.
- Certificate Signatures
- The certificate must be signed by the apprentice, designated licensee supervisor and establishment manager.
- Duration
- Initial certificate is valid for 24 months.
- Employment
- Full-time employment, at least 35 hours per week, in the licensed establishment.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Program Progress
- Educational qualifications, at least 24 months and 50 discipline-specific cases with timely quarterly reports are conditions of eventual full licensure, not entrance examinations for the apprentice certificate.
- Supervision
- Board-approved supervisor must be a South Carolina licensee in the corresponding discipline; direct supervision requires presence on the premises; no more than two apprentices per supervisor.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Continue apprenticeship after change of supervisor or location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Approval
- Submit updated supervisor/location documents and receive approval before resuming under the new supervisor.
- Prior Service
- Obtain and file the prior licensee’s affidavit of length of service.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
apprentice certificate: funeral director and/or embalmer
Certificate of apprenticeship for an apprentice embalmer, issued by the Board upon satisfaction of the applicant's qualifications.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Apprenticeship extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Extension Period
- After initial 24 months, extend for 12 months at a time, no more than three extensions.
- Fee
- Submit the extension application and fee.
- Military Abeyance
- Registration may be held in abeyance during actual military service, with fees and penalties relieved.
- Supervision
- Continue approved supervision and reporting.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial apprenticeship certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Apply on the Board form, take the required oath and pay the applicable fee.
- Certificate Signatures
- The certificate must be signed by the apprentice, designated licensee supervisor and establishment manager.
- Duration
- Initial certificate is valid for 24 months.
- Employment
- Full-time employment, at least 35 hours per week, in the licensed establishment.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Program Progress
- Educational qualifications, at least 24 months and 50 discipline-specific cases with timely quarterly reports are conditions of eventual full licensure, not entrance examinations for the apprentice certificate.
- Supervision
- Board-approved supervisor must be a South Carolina licensee in the corresponding discipline; direct supervision requires presence on the premises; no more than two apprentices per supervisor.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Continue apprenticeship after change of supervisor or location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Approval
- Submit updated supervisor/location documents and receive approval before resuming under the new supervisor.
- Prior Service
- Obtain and file the prior licensee’s affidavit of length of service.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
apprentice certificate: funeral director and/or embalmer
Apprenticeship certificate requiring applicants to be at least eighteen, apply to the board, take the application oath, and pay the required fee.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Apprenticeship extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Extension Period
- After initial 24 months, extend for 12 months at a time, no more than three extensions.
- Fee
- Submit the extension application and fee.
- Military Abeyance
- Registration may be held in abeyance during actual military service, with fees and penalties relieved.
- Supervision
- Continue approved supervision and reporting.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial apprenticeship certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Apply on the Board form, take the required oath and pay the applicable fee.
- Certificate Signatures
- The certificate must be signed by the apprentice, designated licensee supervisor and establishment manager.
- Duration
- Initial certificate is valid for 24 months.
- Employment
- Full-time employment, at least 35 hours per week, in the licensed establishment.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Program Progress
- Educational qualifications, at least 24 months and 50 discipline-specific cases with timely quarterly reports are conditions of eventual full licensure, not entrance examinations for the apprentice certificate.
- Supervision
- Board-approved supervisor must be a South Carolina licensee in the corresponding discipline; direct supervision requires presence on the premises; no more than two apprentices per supervisor.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Continue apprenticeship after change of supervisor or location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Approval
- Submit updated supervisor/location documents and receive approval before resuming under the new supervisor.
- Prior Service
- Obtain and file the prior licensee’s affidavit of length of service.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-240
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-06.1
- apprentice.html
Initial and extension certificate application forms
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Branch Funeral Home Permit
Permit for a branch funeral home requiring a Board-approved application and inspection.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Amend permit following change of location, name, ownership or manager
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Amendment
- Submit the applicable amendment and manager forms; a reinspection is not required if the facility passed within the twelve months immediately preceding application, per the Board establishments page.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
- Parent Home
- Identify the parent funeral home.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(B)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- sc-establishments.html
Amendments to Facility Permit
Reapplication after facility permit cancellation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Cancellation
- Not reinstated within five years; reapply and meet all current permit requirements.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
- Parent Home
- Identify the parent funeral home.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(B)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial facility permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
- Parent Home
- Identify the parent funeral home.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(B)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
Late facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit renewal and penalty fees.
- Board Deadline
- The Board states late renewal postmarked on or before July 31; after August 1 the permit is lapsed and reinstatement is required.
- Inspection
- Maintain compliance and applicable biennial reinspection.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(B)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement of lapsed facility permit within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Reinstatement application and fee.
- Elapsed Time
- Permits not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must reapply.
- Inspection
- Pass inspection before the reinstated permit is issued.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(B)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Biennial facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Renewal application and required fee.
- Expiry Source Difference
- Section 40-19-270(D) states "All permits expire on June thirtieth of each odd-numbered year." The Board establishments page says permits expire in even-numbered years and states a July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028 cycle; the statutory odd-year provision controls, while the applicant must also see the Board’s stated processing cycle.
- Inspection
- Board inspections and continuing facility compliance; § 40-19-230(F) expressly requires inspection passage for a crematory permit or a funeral establishment operating a crematory.
- Military Abeyance
- Any applicable fee relief follows the governing statutory conditions.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(B)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Crematory Permit
Permit to operate a crematory, requiring a Board-approved application, inspection, applicable fee, and evidence of employment of a factory-trained operator.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Amend permit following change of location, name, ownership or manager
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Amendment
- Submit the applicable amendment and manager forms; a reinspection is not required if the facility passed within the twelve months immediately preceding application, per the Board establishments page.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Operator
- Employ a factory-trained operator and ensure cremations are performed by Board-registered, trained individuals.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(D)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- sc-establishments.html
Amendments to Facility Permit
Reapplication after facility permit cancellation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Cancellation
- Not reinstated within five years; reapply and meet all current permit requirements.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Operator
- Employ a factory-trained operator and ensure cremations are performed by Board-registered, trained individuals.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(D)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial facility permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Operator
- Employ a factory-trained operator and ensure cremations are performed by Board-registered, trained individuals.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(D)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
Late facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit renewal and penalty fees.
- Board Deadline
- The Board states late renewal postmarked on or before July 31; after August 1 the permit is lapsed and reinstatement is required.
- Inspection
- Maintain compliance and applicable biennial reinspection.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(D)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement of lapsed facility permit within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Reinstatement application and fee.
- Elapsed Time
- Permits not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must reapply.
- Inspection
- Pass inspection before the reinstated permit is issued.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(D)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Biennial facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Renewal application and required fee.
- Expiry Source Difference
- Section 40-19-270(D) states "All permits expire on June thirtieth of each odd-numbered year." The Board establishments page says permits expire in even-numbered years and states a July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028 cycle; the statutory odd-year provision controls, while the applicant must also see the Board’s stated processing cycle.
- Inspection
- Board inspections and continuing facility compliance; § 40-19-230(F) expressly requires inspection passage for a crematory permit or a funeral establishment operating a crematory.
- Military Abeyance
- Any applicable fee relief follows the governing statutory conditions.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(D)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Crematory Operator Registration
Registration requiring a Board-approved crematory operator training course of at least eight instructional hours, with renewal every two years.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial crematory operator registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Complete the Board application and pay the fee.
- Approved Courses
- The Board overview lists NFDA Cremation Certification Program, CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program, and Matthews Environmental Solutions; Matthews courses before December 4, 2024 are not accepted.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide criminal background checks for all residence jurisdictions within five years.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities or fitness.
- Employer Equipment Training
- Section 32-8-385(A) requires training by the employing licensed crematory authority and equipment manufacturer or an appropriate regulatory method.
- Identity
- Government identification, Social Security card and lawful-presence verification; explain name changes and personal-history yes answers.
- Training
- Complete a Board-approved crematory operator training course of at least eight instructional hours and provide its completion certificate. Training is an applicant condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title32-ch8.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 32-8-385
- operator-overview.pdf
Registration Requirements
Reapplication after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Complete the Board application and pay the fee.
- Approved Courses
- The Board overview lists NFDA Cremation Certification Program, CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program, and Matthews Environmental Solutions; Matthews courses before December 4, 2024 are not accepted.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide criminal background checks for all residence jurisdictions within five years.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities or fitness.
- Employer Equipment Training
- Section 32-8-385(A) requires training by the employing licensed crematory authority and equipment manufacturer or an appropriate regulatory method.
- Expiration
- An expired registration after August 1 of the renewal year must be reapplied for.
- Identity
- Government identification, Social Security card and lawful-presence verification; explain name changes and personal-history yes answers.
- Training
- Complete a Board-approved crematory operator training course of at least eight instructional hours and provide its completion certificate. Training is an applicant condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title32-ch8.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 32-8-385
- operator-overview.pdf
Registration Requirements
- crematory.html
Renewals and fees
Biennial crematory operator renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Renewal application and required fee.
- Late Procedure
- The Board permits late renewal through July 31 with a penalty; after August 1 reapply.
- Period
- Renew every two years; current Board cycle is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title32-ch8.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 32-8-385
- operator-overview.pdf
Registration Requirements
- crematory.html
Renewals and fees
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Ordinary professional license; examinations and endorsements are separate applicant pathways.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Licensure by endorsement: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- At least five years of licensed funeral-service practice, established through official license verifications.
- Similarity
- The Board may approve even when the other jurisdiction does not have substantially similar requirements, based on at least five years of practice and a passing Board-approved examination.
Licensure by endorsement: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- Less than five years of licensed funeral-service practice; the Board reviews substantially similar requirements and may require an application hearing.
- Similarity
- The other jurisdiction must have substantially similar requirements; Regulation 57-08(C) permits additional South Carolina education or experience conditions for applicants with less than five years of practice.
Licensure by examination
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Board Eligibility
- The Board must approve exam eligibility before registration with The Conference.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea to a crime directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities, or fitness; current § 40-19-230 controls the older licensure page.
- Embalmer Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised embalming service; at least 50 embalming cases, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Embalmer Education
- Successfully complete an embalming-college course accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and approved by the Board.
- Exam Score
- Board-approved national examination passing score is at least 75; SC Laws passing score is 75.
- Funeral Director Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised funeral-directing service; at least 50 funerals, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Funeral Director Education
- One-year accredited mortuary-college course, a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, or 60 semester hours including 24 hours in at least four specified subject areas under Regulation 57-05(C); bachelor’s-degree applicants have no specific course breakdown.
- Historical Alternative
- The examination page still names State Board Arts/Embalming alternatives; the owner consolidated SBE into NBE beginning January 1, 2023.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Official Records
- Educational transcripts, relevant licensure verifications and national examination scores must be sent directly by the issuing institution or agency.
- Prior Page Apprenticeship Waiver
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "A person holding a valid funeral director's license in another state or territory, which has been in effect continuously for at least five years, is not required to serve an apprenticeship to qualify for examination." Its corresponding embalmer paragraph gives the same five-year waiver; the current examination statute and rules do not repeat that waiver. The Board must determine applicability.
- Prior Page Criminal Statement
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "(2) has not been convicted of a violent crime or found guilty of a felony or crime of moral turpitude;" The current occupationally related criminal-conviction standard in § 40-19-230 applies.
- Secondary Education
- High school diploma or equivalent accepted by the Board.
Reapplication following cancellation or expiration beyond five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Board Appearance
- The Board FAQ requires an appearance for applications to reinstate a license lapsed for more than five years.
- Board Eligibility
- The Board must approve exam eligibility before registration with The Conference.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea to a crime directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities, or fitness; current § 40-19-230 controls the older licensure page.
- Embalmer Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised embalming service; at least 50 embalming cases, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Embalmer Education
- Successfully complete an embalming-college course accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and approved by the Board.
- Exam Score
- Board-approved national examination passing score is at least 75; SC Laws passing score is 75.
- Expired Duration
- Regulation 57-09(D) requires reapplication and re-examination when expired more than five years. The current Board fd.aspx page additionally says licenses not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must meet all current requirements; at that boundary follow the Board’s reapplication demand.
- Funeral Director Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised funeral-directing service; at least 50 funerals, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Funeral Director Education
- One-year accredited mortuary-college course, a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, or 60 semester hours including 24 hours in at least four specified subject areas under Regulation 57-05(C); bachelor’s-degree applicants have no specific course breakdown.
- Historical Alternative
- The examination page still names State Board Arts/Embalming alternatives; the owner consolidated SBE into NBE beginning January 1, 2023.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Official Records
- Educational transcripts, relevant licensure verifications and national examination scores must be sent directly by the issuing institution or agency.
- Prior Page Apprenticeship Waiver
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "A person holding a valid funeral director's license in another state or territory, which has been in effect continuously for at least five years, is not required to serve an apprenticeship to qualify for examination." Its corresponding embalmer paragraph gives the same five-year waiver; the current examination statute and rules do not repeat that waiver. The Board must determine applicability.
- Prior Page Criminal Statement
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "(2) has not been convicted of a violent crime or found guilty of a felony or crime of moral turpitude;" The current occupationally related criminal-conviction standard in § 40-19-230 applies.
- Secondary Education
- High school diploma or equivalent accepted by the Board.
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Late renewal during the regulatory six month penalty period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Board Processing
- The Board fd.aspx page states "After August 1 of the renewal year, the license is lapsed and must be reinstated." Follow the Board’s reinstatement procedure when it applies.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Late Period
- Regulation 57-09(B) authorizes late renewal during the six-month penalty period with the required continuing education, renewal fee and penalty.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Military spouse expedited ordinary endorsement: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Military Evidence
- Submit military orders, marriage documentation, all license verifications and the Military Spouse Expedited Licensure Request Form.
- Military Marriage
- Married to and living with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member relocated and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- At least five years of licensed funeral-service practice, established through official license verifications.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes eligible military-spouse applications; no examination waiver is stated in the expedited-process material.
- Similarity
- The Board may approve even when the other jurisdiction does not have substantially similar requirements, based on at least five years of practice and a passing Board-approved examination.
Military spouse expedited ordinary endorsement: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Military Evidence
- Submit military orders, marriage documentation, all license verifications and the Military Spouse Expedited Licensure Request Form.
- Military Marriage
- Married to and living with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member relocated and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- Less than five years of licensed funeral-service practice; the Board reviews substantially similar requirements and may require an application hearing.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes eligible military-spouse applications; no examination waiver is stated in the expedited-process material.
- Similarity
- The other jurisdiction must have substantially similar requirements; Regulation 57-08(C) permits additional South Carolina education or experience conditions for applicants with less than five years of practice.
Reactivation of a license expired less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Education Arrears
- Provide evidence of required continuing education for each expired year.
- Expiration
- The license has been expired for less than five years.
- Fees
- Pay required renewal/reactivation fees.
- Nonpractice Affidavit
- Provide a notarized affidavit that no practice occurred in South Carolina while the license was not current.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
- Supervised Experience
- The Board may require supervised experience.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Apply on the Board form and pay renewal fees within the statutory thirty-day periods surrounding expiration.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Military Fee Exemption
- A calendar year containing any active military duty is exempt from licensing fees under § 40-1-620.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary Funeral Director and Embalmer License (Military Spouse)
One-year, nonrenewable temporary professional license under § 40-1-630; all state licensing requirements must still be met.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Temporary military spouse licensure: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved application, evidence of marriage and official duty-station orders, license verification, and ordinary applicant documentation.
- Background Checks
- Fingerprint checks by SLED and FBI apply only if a similar check is required for ordinary licensure, as § 40-1-630(B)(1)(d) specifies.
- License Held
- Valid corresponding professional license in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, territory, possession or foreign jurisdiction, supported by a certificate of good standing.
- Licensed Practice
- At least five years of licensed practice, documented by issuing agencies; Board-approved examination score of at least 75.
- Military Marriage
- Spouse of an active-duty Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- State Requirements
- Section 40-1-630(A) requires evidence that all South Carolina licensure requirements are met. The ordinary endorsement examinations remain involved.
- Temporary Duration
- Expires one year from issue and cannot be renewed.
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary military spouse licensure: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved application, evidence of marriage and official duty-station orders, license verification, and ordinary applicant documentation.
- Background Checks
- Fingerprint checks by SLED and FBI apply only if a similar check is required for ordinary licensure, as § 40-1-630(B)(1)(d) specifies.
- License Held
- Valid corresponding professional license in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, territory, possession or foreign jurisdiction, supported by a certificate of good standing.
- Licensed Practice
- Less than five years of licensed practice; substantially similar licensing qualifications and any Board-imposed additional requirements.
- Military Marriage
- Spouse of an active-duty Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- State Requirements
- Section 40-1-630(A) requires evidence that all South Carolina licensure requirements are met. The ordinary endorsement examinations remain involved.
- Temporary Duration
- Expires one year from issue and cannot be renewed.
Embalmer
Ordinary professional license; examinations and endorsements are separate applicant pathways.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Licensure by endorsement: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- At least five years of licensed funeral-service practice, established through official license verifications.
- Similarity
- The Board may approve even when the other jurisdiction does not have substantially similar requirements, based on at least five years of practice and a passing Board-approved examination.
Licensure by endorsement: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- Less than five years of licensed funeral-service practice; the Board reviews substantially similar requirements and may require an application hearing.
- Similarity
- The other jurisdiction must have substantially similar requirements; Regulation 57-08(C) permits additional South Carolina education or experience conditions for applicants with less than five years of practice.
Licensure by examination
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Board Eligibility
- The Board must approve exam eligibility before registration with The Conference.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea to a crime directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities, or fitness; current § 40-19-230 controls the older licensure page.
- Embalmer Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised embalming service; at least 50 embalming cases, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Embalmer Education
- Successfully complete an embalming-college course accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and approved by the Board.
- Exam Score
- Board-approved national examination passing score is at least 75; SC Laws passing score is 75.
- Historical Alternative
- The examination page still names State Board Arts/Embalming alternatives; the owner consolidated SBE into NBE beginning January 1, 2023.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Official Records
- Educational transcripts, relevant licensure verifications and national examination scores must be sent directly by the issuing institution or agency.
- Prior Page Apprenticeship Waiver
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "A person holding a valid funeral director's license in another state or territory, which has been in effect continuously for at least five years, is not required to serve an apprenticeship to qualify for examination." Its corresponding embalmer paragraph gives the same five-year waiver; the current examination statute and rules do not repeat that waiver. The Board must determine applicability.
- Prior Page Criminal Statement
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "(2) has not been convicted of a violent crime or found guilty of a felony or crime of moral turpitude;" The current occupationally related criminal-conviction standard in § 40-19-230 applies.
- Secondary Education
- High school diploma or equivalent accepted by the Board.
Reapplication following cancellation or expiration beyond five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Board Appearance
- The Board FAQ requires an appearance for applications to reinstate a license lapsed for more than five years.
- Board Eligibility
- The Board must approve exam eligibility before registration with The Conference.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea to a crime directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities, or fitness; current § 40-19-230 controls the older licensure page.
- Embalmer Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised embalming service; at least 50 embalming cases, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Embalmer Education
- Successfully complete an embalming-college course accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and approved by the Board.
- Exam Score
- Board-approved national examination passing score is at least 75; SC Laws passing score is 75.
- Expired Duration
- Regulation 57-09(D) requires reapplication and re-examination when expired more than five years. The current Board fd.aspx page additionally says licenses not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must meet all current requirements; at that boundary follow the Board’s reapplication demand.
- Historical Alternative
- The examination page still names State Board Arts/Embalming alternatives; the owner consolidated SBE into NBE beginning January 1, 2023.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Official Records
- Educational transcripts, relevant licensure verifications and national examination scores must be sent directly by the issuing institution or agency.
- Prior Page Apprenticeship Waiver
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "A person holding a valid funeral director's license in another state or territory, which has been in effect continuously for at least five years, is not required to serve an apprenticeship to qualify for examination." Its corresponding embalmer paragraph gives the same five-year waiver; the current examination statute and rules do not repeat that waiver. The Board must determine applicability.
- Prior Page Criminal Statement
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "(2) has not been convicted of a violent crime or found guilty of a felony or crime of moral turpitude;" The current occupationally related criminal-conviction standard in § 40-19-230 applies.
- Secondary Education
- High school diploma or equivalent accepted by the Board.
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Late renewal during the regulatory six month penalty period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Board Processing
- The Board fd.aspx page states "After August 1 of the renewal year, the license is lapsed and must be reinstated." Follow the Board’s reinstatement procedure when it applies.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Late Period
- Regulation 57-09(B) authorizes late renewal during the six-month penalty period with the required continuing education, renewal fee and penalty.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Military spouse expedited ordinary endorsement: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Military Evidence
- Submit military orders, marriage documentation, all license verifications and the Military Spouse Expedited Licensure Request Form.
- Military Marriage
- Married to and living with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member relocated and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- At least five years of licensed funeral-service practice, established through official license verifications.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes eligible military-spouse applications; no examination waiver is stated in the expedited-process material.
- Similarity
- The Board may approve even when the other jurisdiction does not have substantially similar requirements, based on at least five years of practice and a passing Board-approved examination.
Military spouse expedited ordinary endorsement: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Military Evidence
- Submit military orders, marriage documentation, all license verifications and the Military Spouse Expedited Licensure Request Form.
- Military Marriage
- Married to and living with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member relocated and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- Less than five years of licensed funeral-service practice; the Board reviews substantially similar requirements and may require an application hearing.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes eligible military-spouse applications; no examination waiver is stated in the expedited-process material.
- Similarity
- The other jurisdiction must have substantially similar requirements; Regulation 57-08(C) permits additional South Carolina education or experience conditions for applicants with less than five years of practice.
Reactivation of a license expired less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Education Arrears
- Provide evidence of required continuing education for each expired year.
- Expiration
- The license has been expired for less than five years.
- Fees
- Pay required renewal/reactivation fees.
- Nonpractice Affidavit
- Provide a notarized affidavit that no practice occurred in South Carolina while the license was not current.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
- Supervised Experience
- The Board may require supervised experience.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Apply on the Board form and pay renewal fees within the statutory thirty-day periods surrounding expiration.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Military Fee Exemption
- A calendar year containing any active military duty is exempt from licensing fees under § 40-1-620.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary Embalmer License (Military Spouse)
One-year, nonrenewable temporary professional license under § 40-1-630; all state licensing requirements must still be met.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Temporary military spouse licensure: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved application, evidence of marriage and official duty-station orders, license verification, and ordinary applicant documentation.
- Background Checks
- Fingerprint checks by SLED and FBI apply only if a similar check is required for ordinary licensure, as § 40-1-630(B)(1)(d) specifies.
- License Held
- Valid corresponding professional license in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, territory, possession or foreign jurisdiction, supported by a certificate of good standing.
- Licensed Practice
- At least five years of licensed practice, documented by issuing agencies; Board-approved examination score of at least 75.
- Military Marriage
- Spouse of an active-duty Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- State Requirements
- Section 40-1-630(A) requires evidence that all South Carolina licensure requirements are met. The ordinary endorsement examinations remain involved.
- Temporary Duration
- Expires one year from issue and cannot be renewed.
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary military spouse licensure: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved application, evidence of marriage and official duty-station orders, license verification, and ordinary applicant documentation.
- Background Checks
- Fingerprint checks by SLED and FBI apply only if a similar check is required for ordinary licensure, as § 40-1-630(B)(1)(d) specifies.
- License Held
- Valid corresponding professional license in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, territory, possession or foreign jurisdiction, supported by a certificate of good standing.
- Licensed Practice
- Less than five years of licensed practice; substantially similar licensing qualifications and any Board-imposed additional requirements.
- Military Marriage
- Spouse of an active-duty Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- State Requirements
- Section 40-1-630(A) requires evidence that all South Carolina licensure requirements are met. The ordinary endorsement examinations remain involved.
- Temporary Duration
- Expires one year from issue and cannot be renewed.
Funeral Director
Ordinary professional license; examinations and endorsements are separate applicant pathways.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Licensure by endorsement: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- At least five years of licensed funeral-service practice, established through official license verifications.
- Similarity
- The Board may approve even when the other jurisdiction does not have substantially similar requirements, based on at least five years of practice and a passing Board-approved examination.
Licensure by endorsement: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- Less than five years of licensed funeral-service practice; the Board reviews substantially similar requirements and may require an application hearing.
- Similarity
- The other jurisdiction must have substantially similar requirements; Regulation 57-08(C) permits additional South Carolina education or experience conditions for applicants with less than five years of practice.
Licensure by examination
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Board Eligibility
- The Board must approve exam eligibility before registration with The Conference.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea to a crime directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities, or fitness; current § 40-19-230 controls the older licensure page.
- Exam Score
- Board-approved national examination passing score is at least 75; SC Laws passing score is 75.
- Funeral Director Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised funeral-directing service; at least 50 funerals, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Funeral Director Education
- One-year accredited mortuary-college course, a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, or 60 semester hours including 24 hours in at least four specified subject areas under Regulation 57-05(C); bachelor’s-degree applicants have no specific course breakdown.
- Historical Alternative
- The examination page still names State Board Arts/Embalming alternatives; the owner consolidated SBE into NBE beginning January 1, 2023.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Official Records
- Educational transcripts, relevant licensure verifications and national examination scores must be sent directly by the issuing institution or agency.
- Prior Page Apprenticeship Waiver
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "A person holding a valid funeral director's license in another state or territory, which has been in effect continuously for at least five years, is not required to serve an apprenticeship to qualify for examination." Its corresponding embalmer paragraph gives the same five-year waiver; the current examination statute and rules do not repeat that waiver. The Board must determine applicability.
- Prior Page Criminal Statement
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "(2) has not been convicted of a violent crime or found guilty of a felony or crime of moral turpitude;" The current occupationally related criminal-conviction standard in § 40-19-230 applies.
- Secondary Education
- High school diploma or equivalent accepted by the Board.
Reapplication following cancellation or expiration beyond five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Board Appearance
- The Board FAQ requires an appearance for applications to reinstate a license lapsed for more than five years.
- Board Eligibility
- The Board must approve exam eligibility before registration with The Conference.
- Criminal History
- No conviction or guilty plea to a crime directly related to occupational duties, responsibilities, or fitness; current § 40-19-230 controls the older licensure page.
- Exam Score
- Board-approved national examination passing score is at least 75; SC Laws passing score is 75.
- Expired Duration
- Regulation 57-09(D) requires reapplication and re-examination when expired more than five years. The current Board fd.aspx page additionally says licenses not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must meet all current requirements; at that boundary follow the Board’s reapplication demand.
- Funeral Director Apprenticeship
- At least 24 months of full-time Board-approved supervised funeral-directing service; at least 50 funerals, including 25 with Board-specified tasks, with timely quarterly reports and affidavits.
- Funeral Director Education
- One-year accredited mortuary-college course, a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, or 60 semester hours including 24 hours in at least four specified subject areas under Regulation 57-05(C); bachelor’s-degree applicants have no specific course breakdown.
- Historical Alternative
- The examination page still names State Board Arts/Embalming alternatives; the owner consolidated SBE into NBE beginning January 1, 2023.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Official Records
- Educational transcripts, relevant licensure verifications and national examination scores must be sent directly by the issuing institution or agency.
- Prior Page Apprenticeship Waiver
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "A person holding a valid funeral director's license in another state or territory, which has been in effect continuously for at least five years, is not required to serve an apprenticeship to qualify for examination." Its corresponding embalmer paragraph gives the same five-year waiver; the current examination statute and rules do not repeat that waiver. The Board must determine applicability.
- Prior Page Criminal Statement
- The Board licensure.aspx page states "(2) has not been convicted of a violent crime or found guilty of a felony or crime of moral turpitude;" The current occupationally related criminal-conviction standard in § 40-19-230 applies.
- Secondary Education
- High school diploma or equivalent accepted by the Board.
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Late renewal during the regulatory six month penalty period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Board Processing
- The Board fd.aspx page states "After August 1 of the renewal year, the license is lapsed and must be reinstated." Follow the Board’s reinstatement procedure when it applies.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Late Period
- Regulation 57-09(B) authorizes late renewal during the six-month penalty period with the required continuing education, renewal fee and penalty.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Military spouse expedited ordinary endorsement: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Military Evidence
- Submit military orders, marriage documentation, all license verifications and the Military Spouse Expedited Licensure Request Form.
- Military Marriage
- Married to and living with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member relocated and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- At least five years of licensed funeral-service practice, established through official license verifications.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes eligible military-spouse applications; no examination waiver is stated in the expedited-process material.
- Similarity
- The Board may approve even when the other jurisdiction does not have substantially similar requirements, based on at least five years of practice and a passing Board-approved examination.
Military spouse expedited ordinary endorsement: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Complete the Board application and submit the applicable nonrefundable fee; the application expires after one year if requirements remain unmet.
- Background Checks
- Official statewide background checks for every residence jurisdiction during the five years before application; explain convictions and personal-history yes answers; Board appearance may be required.
- Exam Scores
- Submit directly reported passing national Arts and/or Sciences scores applicable to the license; at least 75 on the Board-approved examination, and pass the SC Laws exam.
- Identity
- Submit valid government identification and signed Social Security card.
- Lawful Presence
- Submit notarized verification of lawful presence.
- License Held
- Current, active and unrestricted corresponding professional license in another jurisdiction, with direct official verification of all current and previous licenses.
- Military Evidence
- Submit military orders, marriage documentation, all license verifications and the Military Spouse Expedited Licensure Request Form.
- Military Marriage
- Married to and living with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member relocated and stationed in South Carolina under official orders.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years of age.
- Name Change
- Submit legal documentation of a name change when applicable.
- Origin Law Exam
- Section 40-19-235 describes successful passage of the law exam in the jurisdiction of the existing license; that other jurisdiction’s own exam is prior applicant evidence and is not a South Carolina leaf.
- Practice Experience
- Less than five years of licensed funeral-service practice; the Board reviews substantially similar requirements and may require an application hearing.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes eligible military-spouse applications; no examination waiver is stated in the expedited-process material.
- Similarity
- The other jurisdiction must have substantially similar requirements; Regulation 57-08(C) permits additional South Carolina education or experience conditions for applicants with less than five years of practice.
Reactivation of a license expired less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Education Arrears
- Provide evidence of required continuing education for each expired year.
- Expiration
- The license has been expired for less than five years.
- Fees
- Pay required renewal/reactivation fees.
- Nonpractice Affidavit
- Provide a notarized affidavit that no practice occurred in South Carolina while the license was not current.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
- Supervised Experience
- The Board may require supervised experience.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Apply on the Board form and pay renewal fees within the statutory thirty-day periods surrounding expiration.
- Board CEWaiver
- Regulation 57-11(B) permits disability or illness waivers or extensions supported by a health-care-professional statement.
- Ce Exemption
- Applies only to non-managers who are both at least 60 years old and licensed for at least 30 years; active military service exemptions apply under § 40-1-610.
- Continuing Education
- Current § 40-19-250 requires four hours annually including one hour of funeral-service ethics. The Board fd.aspx page implements eight hours per biennial cycle, including four live in-person hours.
- Military Fee Exemption
- A calendar year containing any active military duty is exempt from licensing fees under § 40-1-620.
- Rule Difference
- Regulation 57-11(A) states "must complete six (6) hours of formal continuing education during every licensure period" and describes age or tenure exemptions. Current § 40-19-250 controls the conflicting amounts and conjunctive exemption.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-250
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-09
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-11
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-620
- fd.html
Continuing Education, current implementation
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary Funeral Director License (Military Spouse)
One-year, nonrenewable temporary professional license under § 40-1-630; all state licensing requirements must still be met.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Temporary military spouse licensure: five years or more
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved application, evidence of marriage and official duty-station orders, license verification, and ordinary applicant documentation.
- Background Checks
- Fingerprint checks by SLED and FBI apply only if a similar check is required for ordinary licensure, as § 40-1-630(B)(1)(d) specifies.
- License Held
- Valid corresponding professional license in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, territory, possession or foreign jurisdiction, supported by a certificate of good standing.
- Licensed Practice
- At least five years of licensed practice, documented by issuing agencies; Board-approved examination score of at least 75.
- Military Marriage
- Spouse of an active-duty Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- State Requirements
- Section 40-1-630(A) requires evidence that all South Carolina licensure requirements are met. The ordinary endorsement examinations remain involved.
- Temporary Duration
- Expires one year from issue and cannot be renewed.
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary military spouse licensure: under five years
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved application, evidence of marriage and official duty-station orders, license verification, and ordinary applicant documentation.
- Background Checks
- Fingerprint checks by SLED and FBI apply only if a similar check is required for ordinary licensure, as § 40-1-630(B)(1)(d) specifies.
- License Held
- Valid corresponding professional license in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, territory, possession or foreign jurisdiction, supported by a certificate of good standing.
- Licensed Practice
- Less than five years of licensed practice; substantially similar licensing qualifications and any Board-imposed additional requirements.
- Military Marriage
- Spouse of an active-duty Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- State Requirements
- Section 40-1-630(A) requires evidence that all South Carolina licensure requirements are met. The ordinary endorsement examinations remain involved.
- Temporary Duration
- Expires one year from issue and cannot be renewed.
Funeral Home Permit
Funeral-home permit requiring a Board-approved application and inspection, an applicable nonrefundable fee, and other statutory conditions.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Amend permit following change of location, name, ownership or manager
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Amendment
- Submit the applicable amendment and manager forms; a reinspection is not required if the facility passed within the twelve months immediately preceding application, per the Board establishments page.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(A)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- sc-establishments.html
Amendments to Facility Permit
Reapplication after facility permit cancellation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Cancellation
- Not reinstated within five years; reapply and meet all current permit requirements.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(A)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial facility permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Manager
- Designate a current South Carolina funeral director in good standing licensed for at least one year, as a regular full-time manager responsible for daily operations, living within 75 miles. The older licensure.aspx page states "lives within a radius of twenty-five miles of the establishment"; the amended statute controls.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
- Ownership License
- Meet the Board’s licensed sole-proprietor or licensed partner/officer/full-time-manager requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(A)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
Late facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit renewal and penalty fees.
- Board Deadline
- The Board states late renewal postmarked on or before July 31; after August 1 the permit is lapsed and reinstatement is required.
- Inspection
- Maintain compliance and applicable biennial reinspection.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(A)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement of lapsed facility permit within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Reinstatement application and fee.
- Elapsed Time
- Permits not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must reapply.
- Inspection
- Pass inspection before the reinstated permit is issued.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(A)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Biennial facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Renewal application and required fee.
- Expiry Source Difference
- Section 40-19-270(D) states "All permits expire on June thirtieth of each odd-numbered year." The Board establishments page says permits expire in even-numbered years and states a July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028 cycle; the statutory odd-year provision controls, while the applicant must also see the Board’s stated processing cycle.
- Inspection
- Board inspections and continuing facility compliance; § 40-19-230(F) expressly requires inspection passage for a crematory permit or a funeral establishment operating a crematory.
- Military Abeyance
- Any applicable fee relief follows the governing statutory conditions.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(A)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
preneed funeral contracts license
Business authorization for a licensed South Carolina funeral home to accept or hold preneed contract payments; distinct from the Board’s individual professional licenses.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs · Application information
Initial preneed provider license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Written, signed and verified DCA application; $250 per initial location.
- Attestation
- Authorized business signatory certifies that the application and attachments are true, accurate and complete.
- Bond Amounts
- The initial application lists $15,000, $30,000, $45,000 or $75,000 according to the outstanding trust and insurance balance bands.
- Business License
- South Carolina-licensed funeral home with a licensed funeral director; identify each location, ownership and relevant license numbers.
- Disclosures
- Supply details of litigation, prior licensing/disciplinary actions, prior contracts and funds already accepted.
- Financial Evidence
- Current fiscal-year financial statement, organizational documents, Secretary of State registration as applicable, and original bond or letter of credit under the application checklist.
- Fitness
- DCA considers insolvency, insolvency likely to arise, outstanding judgments, fraud, misrepresentation and capacity to comply with trust requirements under § 32-7-50(B).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title32-ch7.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 32-7-50
- preneed-initial.pdf
Page 2, attachments
- preneed-initial.pdf
Page 3, financial responsibility and authorized attestation
Biennial preneed provider renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Changes
- Identify additional locations, ownership/address changes, litigation and any licensing or disciplinary action; certify truth and completeness.
- Deadline
- File renewal at least thirty days before September 30 of each odd-numbered year under § 32-7-50(D).
- Fee
- $200 per location.
- Financial Responsibility
- Updated bond, continuation letter or letter of credit; report outstanding trust/insurance balance.
- Fitness
- DCA reconsiders the statutory § 32-7-50(B) factors.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title32-ch7.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 32-7-50
- preneed-renewal.pdf
Page 3, renewal attachments
New preneed license after cancellation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Written, signed and verified DCA application; $250 per initial location.
- Attestation
- Authorized business signatory certifies that the application and attachments are true, accurate and complete.
- Bond Amounts
- The initial application lists $15,000, $30,000, $45,000 or $75,000 according to the outstanding trust and insurance balance bands.
- Business License
- South Carolina-licensed funeral home with a licensed funeral director; identify each location, ownership and relevant license numbers.
- Cancellation Review
- DCA must investigate books, records and accounts for violations before issuing a new license after cancellation.
- Disclosures
- Supply details of litigation, prior licensing/disciplinary actions, prior contracts and funds already accepted.
- Financial Evidence
- Current fiscal-year financial statement, organizational documents, Secretary of State registration as applicable, and original bond or letter of credit under the application checklist.
- Fitness
- DCA considers insolvency, insolvency likely to arise, outstanding judgments, fraud, misrepresentation and capacity to comply with trust requirements under § 32-7-50(B).
Retail Sales Outlet Permit
Permit for a retail sales outlet requiring a Board-approved application, successful inspection, the applicable nonrefundable fee, and compliance with section 40-19-290.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Amend permit following change of location, name, ownership or manager
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Amendment
- Submit the applicable amendment and manager forms; a reinspection is not required if the facility passed within the twelve months immediately preceding application, per the Board establishments page.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(C)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- sc-establishments.html
Amendments to Facility Permit
Reapplication after facility permit cancellation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Cancellation
- Not reinstated within five years; reapply and meet all current permit requirements.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(C)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial facility permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit the Board-approved permit application and required fee.
- Equipment
- Meet the applicable equipment, sanitation, building, fire and disclosure requirements.
- Facility Name
- Observe § 40-19-30(B) restrictions on names of unlicensed, revoked or suspended persons.
- Inspection
- Successfully pass a Board-approved inspection of the business premises; this is a facility compliance inspection, not a separate professional licensing examination.
- Ownership
- Identify all persons able to direct management or policies; submit ownership/organizational documents and applicable Secretary of State certificate within six months.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(C)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
Late facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Submit renewal and penalty fees.
- Board Deadline
- The Board states late renewal postmarked on or before July 31; after August 1 the permit is lapsed and reinstatement is required.
- Inspection
- Maintain compliance and applicable biennial reinspection.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(C)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Reinstatement of lapsed facility permit within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Reinstatement application and fee.
- Elapsed Time
- Permits not reinstated within five years are cancelled and must reapply.
- Inspection
- Pass inspection before the reinstated permit is issued.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(C)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Biennial facility permit renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Application
- Renewal application and required fee.
- Expiry Source Difference
- Section 40-19-270(D) states "All permits expire on June thirtieth of each odd-numbered year." The Board establishments page says permits expire in even-numbered years and states a July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028 cycle; the statutory odd-year provision controls, while the applicant must also see the Board’s stated processing cycle.
- Inspection
- Board inspections and continuing facility compliance; § 40-19-230(F) expressly requires inspection passage for a crematory permit or a funeral establishment operating a crematory.
- Military Abeyance
- Any applicable fee relief follows the governing statutory conditions.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-265(C)
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- facility-overview.pdf
Permit requirements and process, overview
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-230
- sc-establishments.html
Renewals and Reinstatement
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Student Permit: Funeral Director and/or Embalmer
Permit for supervised funeral-service activities undertaken with academic training by eligible mortuary science students, valid only while student status is maintained.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service · Application information
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Initial student permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Academic Practice
- Funeral-service activities must be in conjunction with academic training.
- Application
- Submit the Board application and required documentation.
- Duration
- Valid only while actively enrolled; the current student page says the permit cannot be renewed, and reapplication is required after leaving and returning. The older licensure.aspx page calls this a renewal.
- Enrollment
- Enrolled in an accredited mortuary science college or South Carolina program seeking accreditation; maintain at least part-time status.
- Statement
- Provide the required notarized statement and college verification.
- Supervision
- A licensee designated by the accredited South Carolina college or program must supervise.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-245
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-07
- student.html
Renewals, continuing enrollment and reapplication
Reapplication on return to a mortuary science program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Academic Practice
- Funeral-service activities must be in conjunction with academic training.
- Application
- Submit the Board application and required documentation.
- Duration
- Valid only while actively enrolled; the current student page says the permit cannot be renewed, and reapplication is required after leaving and returning. The older licensure.aspx page calls this a renewal.
- Enrollment
- Enrolled in an accredited mortuary science college or South Carolina program seeking accreditation; maintain at least part-time status.
- Statement
- Provide the required notarized statement and college verification.
- Supervision
- A licensee designated by the accredited South Carolina college or program must supervise.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-245
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-07
- student.html
Renewals, continuing enrollment and reapplication
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
Temporary Permit for Replacement Funeral Establishment or Crematory Manager
Temporary permit for a replacement funeral establishment or crematory manager following the incumbent’s death, resignation, or incapacity, on terms the board considers in the community’s best interest.
Licensing authority: South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service
Reinstatement after suspension for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation to reinstate.
- Remaining Validity
- Any underlying statutory permit duration, enrollment or temporary-license limit still applies.
- Suspension
- Authorization suspended for a dishonored check or similar fee instrument, effective ten days after certified-mail notice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-50(G)
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for financial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Duration
- Conditional renewal or reinstatement is for a maximum of one year.
- Hardship
- Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid investigation/prosecution costs.
- Other Requirements
- Remain subject to all credential-specific licensing requirements and duration restrictions; a nonrenewable temporary permit cannot be extended under this general provision.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170(D)
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-170
Temporary replacement manager appointment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Discretion
- Issued on terms and conditions the Board considers in the community’s best interest.
- License Held
- Manager must satisfy applicable funeral-director licensing qualifications. The license already held is a condition; the temporary managerial appointment does not identify a new examination.
- Notice
- Notify the Board within thirty days and submit successor-manager documents.
- Trigger
- Death, resignation or incapacity of the establishment or crematory manager.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-270
- chapter57-regulations.pdf
S.C. Code Regs. 57-10
Board reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board Vote
- Board must reinstate by majority vote.
- Individual Conditions
- Fulfill any disciplinary conditions imposed by the Board before reinstatement; § 40-1-150 names no specific examination.
- Remaining Validity
- The original credential’s duration, enrollment and any nonrenewability limits still apply.
- Surrender
- Authorization was surrendered during an investigation and is invalid until reinstatement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-1-150
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
SC Laws Exam
- Provider
- The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards; computer-based delivery by Pearson VUE
- Format
- Computer-based questions
- Exam questions
- 50 scored questions plus 5 pretest questions
- Time limit
- 1 hour
- Passing score
- 75
Examination outline
- Embalmers and Funeral Directors (Title 40, Chapter 19)
- South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service (Code of Regulations, Chapter 57)
- Preneed Funeral Contracts (Title 32, Chapter 7)
- Cremation Authorizations and Procedures (Title 32, Chapter 8)
- Coroners and Medical Examiners (Title 17, Chapter 5)
- Professions and Occupations (Title 40, Chapter 1)
- Vital Statistics (Title 44, Chapter 63)
Examination sources
- dual-license-overview.pdf
Page 2, Examination, complete state-law reference boundary
- sc-board-exam.html
State Law Exam Study Materials, complete state-instrument list
- sc-board-laws.html
Laws and Policies, state statutory and regulatory instruments
- title40-ch19.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 40-19-5
- title44-ch63.html
S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-72
- lrr-candidate-handbook.pdf
Printed page 5, South Carolina scored/pretest row
- lrr-candidate-handbook.pdf
Printed page 6, computer-based administration
- sc-board-exam.html
Requirements & Exam Registration, approval and application
- lrr-candidate-handbook.pdf
Printed page 6, candidate portal registration
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
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, content outline heading
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Arts domain I
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Arts domain II
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Arts domain III
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Arts domain IV
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Arts domain V
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Arts row I
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Arts row II
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Arts row III
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Arts row IV
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Arts row V
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table heading
- The Conference — 2025 Guide to the National Board Exam
PDF p. 4, Exam Content Outline paragraph
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Basis for Exam Content
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, item counts
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, scored questions
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 33, Scoring, passing standard
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 29, exam timing table, NBE row
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 7, Summaries of Policies & Procedures, calculator
- The Conference — For Candidates (National Board Exam FAQ)
National Board Exam FAQ, How is the NBE scored?
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, first sentence
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 19, Exam Fees
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 21, scheduling, separate scheduling of the two sections
- The Conference — FAQ: Exam Changes as of January 1, 2023
What is changing ... SBE/NBE Moving to NBE-Arts and NBE-Sciences
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
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, content outline heading
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Sciences domain I
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Sciences domain II
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Sciences domain III
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, NBE-Sciences domain IV
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Sciences row I
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Sciences row II
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Sciences row III
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table, NBE-Sciences row IV
- The Conference — The Conference Releases 2023 National Board Exam Content Outline (August 30, 2022)
UPDATED NBE Blueprint (2023 - TBD) table heading
- The Conference — 2025 Guide to the National Board Exam
PDF p. 4, Exam Content Outline paragraph
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Basis for Exam Content
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, item counts
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, scored questions
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 33, Scoring, passing standard
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 29, exam timing table, NBE row
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 7, Summaries of Policies & Procedures, calculator
- The Conference — For Candidates (National Board Exam FAQ)
National Board Exam FAQ, How is the NBE scored?
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 13, Exam Structure & Content, first sentence
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 19, Exam Fees
- The Conference — NBE Candidate Handbook 2026
PDF p. 21, scheduling, separate scheduling of the two sections
- The Conference — FAQ: Exam Changes as of January 1, 2023
What is changing ... SBE/NBE Moving to NBE-Arts and NBE-Sciences