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Free Funeral Director Written Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Funeral Director Written Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A caller asks a California funeral director who may authorize disposition when the decedent left no controlling written directions. Which information should the director establish first?

    1. A. The identity of the highest-priority available person under the statutory order
    2. B. The identity of the relative who contacted the establishment first
    3. C. The identity of the relative who lives closest to the establishment
    4. D. The identity of the person who possesses the death certificate

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Health and Safety Code section 7100 states that the right to control disposition "vests in, and the duty of disposition and the liability for the reasonable cost of disposition of the remains devolves upon, the following in the order named." The director must therefore identify the highest-priority available statutory right-holder, not use arrival, distance, or document possession.

    Reference: Codes Display Text — Health and Safety Code section 7100(a)

  2. 2A funeral director orders embalming at the establishment. Who may legally perform it?

    1. A. A licensed embalmer, a supervised registered apprentice, or a supervised student in an accredited program
    2. B. Any trained funeral-establishment employee
    3. C. Only the managing funeral director
    4. D. Any licensed crematory manager

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Business and Professions Code section 7632 requires the director to cause embalming to be performed "by a licensed embalmer, by an apprentice embalmer under the supervision of his or her licensed supervising embalmer, or by a student in a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education under the supervision of a licensed embalmer." Those are the authorized categories.

    Reference: Codes Display Text — Business and Professions Code section 7632

  3. 3May a California funeral director add a special surcharge solely because the decedent had a contagious disease?

    1. A. Yes, if disclosed on the general price list
    2. B. Yes, if protective clothing is used
    3. C. Yes, if the local registrar is notified
    4. D. No, a contagious-disease handling or embalming fee is prohibited

    Answer: D

    Explanation: Section 7685.1 states, "No funeral director or embalmer shall charge any additional fee for handling or embalming a body when death was due to a contagious or infectious disease." The disease alone cannot support the fee.

    Reference: Bpc Ch12 Art5 5 — Business and Professions Code section 7685.1(c)

  4. 4After reasonable inquiry, a funeral director finds no person in the first eight statutory priority classes and gives the public administrator written notice. When may the director take complete authority over disposition?

    1. A. Immediately after sending the notice
    2. B. After the public administrator fails to assume responsibility within seven days
    3. C. Only after thirty days and a court order
    4. D. Only after the State Controller declines the case

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Section 7100 gives the funeral director complete authority when the responsible people cannot be found and "The public administrator fails to assume responsibility for disposition of the remains within seven days after having been given written notice of the facts." The director must complete the inquiry and notice process before relying on that authority.

    Reference: Codes Display Text — Health and Safety Code section 7100(c)

  5. 5What protective apparel must a person wear while embalming human remains?

    1. A. A respirator and shoe covers in every case
    2. B. A clean and sanitary smock or gown and impervious gloves
    3. C. A disposable coverall and double gloves in every case
    4. D. A surgical cap and sterile gloves

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Section 1215 provides that every embalmer "shall be attired in a clean and sanitary smock or gown covering the person from neck to below the knees, and shall, while so engaged, wear impervious gloves." The rule names those items rather than a universal set of additional equipment.

    Reference: Cemetery and Funeral Bureau LAWS AND REGULATIONS 2023 EDITION — 16 CCR section 1215, page 112

  6. 6Hospital staff reports a death suspected to be related to poisoning. Before the funeral director assumes ordinary custody, which official must be notified?

    1. A. The county recorder
    2. B. The cemetery manager
    3. C. The coroner
    4. D. The State Controller

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Government Code section 27491 includes deaths suspected to be due to poisoning and states that a funeral director in charge of the body "shall immediately notify the coroner." Coroner notice cannot await ordinary disposition arrangements.

    Reference: California Code, GOV 27491. — Government Code section 27491(a), (e)

  7. 7A decedent left no binding disposition directions. A qualified health-care agent and an adult child both seek control. Who has priority under California law?

    1. A. The adult child
    2. B. The public administrator
    3. C. The health-care agent with the statutory right and duty
    4. D. The funeral establishment manager

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 7100 places first in the order "An agent under a power of attorney for health care who has the right and duty of disposition." The adult child is lower in the hierarchy, so the qualified agent controls.

    Reference: Codes Display Text — Health and Safety Code section 7100(a)(1)

  8. 8An unembalmed body remains at the funeral establishment beyond 24 hours. What care is required?

    1. A. Immediate cremation
    2. B. Transfer to the coroner
    3. C. Refrigeration at an approved facility with sufficient capacity
    4. D. Placement in a sealed casket

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 1223 provides that an establishment or director holding unembalmed remains longer than 24 hours "shall cause the body to be refrigerated at an approved facility with sufficient capacity." Refrigeration is the required care step.

    Reference: Cemetery and Funeral Bureau LAWS AND REGULATIONS 2023 EDITION — 16 CCR section 1223(c)

  9. 9Which licensed role's statutory practice includes directing and supervising transportation of human remains?

    1. A. Funeral director
    2. B. Local registrar
    3. C. Cemetery salesperson
    4. D. Preneed trustee

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Section 7615 includes within funeral directing, "Preparing for the transportation or burial or disposal, or directing and supervising for transportation or burial or disposal of human remains." A licensed funeral director carries that statutory function.

    Reference: Codes Display Text — Business and Professions Code section 7615(a)

  10. 10Adult siblings with equal disposition rights cannot agree within the statutory period. Which forum may be asked to decide who controls disposition?

    1. A. The local registrar
    2. B. The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
    3. C. The county board of supervisors
    4. D. The superior court

    Answer: D

    Explanation: Section 7105 permits a petition "in the superior court in the county in which the decedent resided at the time of his or her death, or in which the remains are located." The court, not an administrative office, determines control among equal right-holders.

    Reference: Codes Display Text — Health and Safety Code section 7105(c)

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for Funeral Director Written Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • Disposition Administration
    • Disposition Authorizations (13% of examination)
    • Identify the persons with the right to control disposition by gathering information from consumers, health officials, and other parties.
    • Obtain authorization for release of human remains from the persons with the right to control disposition to assume care of decedent.
    • Obtain vital statistics information about decedent from persons with the right to control disposition to complete documents and aid in the disposition process.
    • Coordinate with health officials and third parties on behalf of consumers to facilitate the completion of documents and disposition services.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain information from consumers and health officials to aid in the disposition process.
    • Knowledge of regulations pertaining to the right to control disposition and degree of kinship.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain information from consumers to aid in determining the person with the right to control disposition.
    • Knowledge of methods to complete authorization documents on paper or electronically.
    • Knowledge of procedures for preparing and filing death certificates.
    • Knowledge of information required to complete death certificates.
    • Knowledge of required coroner approvals and authorizations for processes.
    • Knowledge of processes to obtain information, documents, signatures, and other approvals from health officials.
    • Knowledge of requirement and process to submit disposition documents to the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
    • Disposition Documents (10% of examination)
    • Coordinate the completion of required forms with consumers to document decedent information and include in decedent file.
    • Complete documents (e.g., cremation authorization, accept/decline embalming form, pre-need disclosure) on paper or electronically to maintain records of consumer preferences and authorizations.
    • Obtain disposition permit from the registrar to perform disposition in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain required signatures from consumers to aid in the process of disposition of human remains.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain completed Authorization to Accept or Decline Embalming form from the persons with the right to control disposition of human remains.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain cremation authorization form from persons with the right to control disposition.
    • Knowledge of regulations and process of cremation.
    • Knowledge of methods to complete statement of services and merchandise by inputting the consumer's requested services and merchandise into a contract form.
    • Knowledge of methods to develop contracts for funeral goods and services.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain permits for disposition.
    • Knowledge of funeral customs that require an expedited disposition permit.
    • Disposition Planning and Compliance (37% of examination)
    • Obtain payments from consumers to cover the costs of goods and services.
    • Provide consumers with the Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases to inform consumers of their rights.
    • Discuss whether pre-need arrangements exist before drafting a contract for funeral goods and services to assist consumers with carrying out decedent's disposition wishes.
    • Provide consumers with price lists for goods and services.
    • Explain funding options for pre-need agreements.
    • Explain types of pre-need agreements.
    • Give consumers an itemized statement of goods and services, including possible additional cost estimates for goods and services.
    • Notify coroner, health officials, or public administrator of all reportable information.
    • Submit signed documents as required to maintain compliance with cemetery and funeral statutes (e.g., death certificate, embalming authorization, cremation authorization).
    • Maintain case records, registers, or files in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Maintain up-to-date documents, forms, and other records for reference in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Manage pre-need trust funds in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of how pre-need funds are applied at need.
    • Knowledge of financial resources available for at-need funeral arrangements.
    • Knowledge of regulations pertaining to consumer cemetery and funeral public assistance funding eligibility.
    • Knowledge of funding options for goods and services.
    • Knowledge of requirement to provide consumers with the Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases.
    • Knowledge of methods to obtain pre-need arrangement information.
    • Knowledge of methods to adhere to pre-need arrangements.
    • Knowledge of revocable and irrevocable pre-need agreements.
    • Knowledge of pre-need arrangements, and the differences between guaranteed (e.g., goods and services) and non- guaranteed (e.g., cash advances) line items.
    • Knowledge of methods to disclose pre-need trust arrangements in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of requirements to provide consumers with a General Price List.
    • Knowledge of requirements to provide consumers with a Casket Price List.
    • Knowledge of requirements to provide consumers with an Outer Burial Container price list.
    • Knowledge of legal requirements surrounding price transparency for funeral goods and services.
    • Knowledge of diseases that must be reported to health officials.
    • Knowledge of death injuries and circumstances that must be reported to the coroner.
    • Knowledge of methods to submit documentation to facilitate services and disposition.
    • Knowledge of EDRS system function and process of approval.
    • Knowledge of methods to maintain funeral and disposition documentation in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of methods to display prices for consumers.
    • Knowledge of requirements to maintain records of price lists.
    • Knowledge of methods to manage pre-need trust funds in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of escheat regulations for returning pre-need funds to beneficiaries or trustors if a funeral establishment closes.
  • Facility Maintenance and Decedent Care and Preparation
    • Assist in the care and process of preparing human remains for services, including dressing and casketing as needed.
    • Refrigerate human remains in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Maintain privacy and security in areas of preparation and embalming by adhering to cemetery and funeral regulations.
    • Maintain sanitary conditions of funeral establishment rooms in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Manage upkeep of equipment and storage of supplies for use during preparation in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of requirements related to care and preparation of human remains.
    • Knowledge of exceptions to preparation room access for third-party personnel (e.g., hairdressers, maintenance workers).
    • Knowledge of legal requirements pertaining to the refrigeration of human remains.
    • Knowledge of legal requirements to maintain decedent privacy in preparation and embalming areas.
    • Knowledge of standards of cleanliness and sanitation for preparation and embalming facilities.
    • Knowledge of requirements to maintain preparation equipment and storage facilities.
  • Consumer Counseling and Disposition Coordination
    • Consumer Counseling (22% of examination)
    • Take first call to obtain information about decedent to aid in the removal process.
    • Discuss goods and services options with consumer to determine desired type of disposition.
    • Explain embalming to consumers in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Explain to consumers options and requirements for interment of human remains.
    • Explain to consumers the requirements for disinterment of human remains.
    • Explain public assistance funds available for at-need funeral arrangement purposes (e.g., FEMA, funds for veterans, indigent people, and victims of crime).
    • Coordinate funeral or memorial services and disposition with cemetery staff, consumers, and third parties.
    • Knowledge of vital information that is required to perform a removal (e.g., location, weight, communicable diseases, obstacles).
    • Knowledge of parties who must be notified of death before a funeral home takes human remains into their care (e.g., coroner, hospice).
    • Knowledge of equipment and number of personnel needed to perform removal of human remains.
    • Knowledge of regulations and process of embalming.
    • Knowledge of regulations pertaining to the sale of funeral goods and services.
    • Knowledge of regulations pertaining to using, renting, and selling caskets.
    • Knowledge of religious and cultural customs related to funeral and memorial services.
    • Knowledge of cremation regulations and process.
    • Knowledge of third-party provided services and equipment for funerals (e.g., dove release, gun salute).
    • Knowledge of types of funeral and memorial services.
    • Knowledge of funeral goods and services.
    • Knowledge of types of interments.
    • Knowledge of methods to coordinate cemetery and funeral events with services from multiple contributors and vendors.
    • Knowledge of veteran-related funeral and memorial benefits and services.
    • Knowledge of methods to discuss the process and definition of embalming with consumers.
    • Knowledge of legal requirements to disclose known document fees (e.g., death certificate fees).
    • Knowledge of information required to complete disposition permits.
    • Knowledge of legal requirements pertaining to issuance and use of permits for disinterment.
    • Knowledge of regulations regarding disinterment and removal of human remains from locations of interment.
    • Knowledge of financial resources available for services and interment.
    • Knowledge of health care systems’ functioning and processes related to the death of decedent to aid in the process of funeral arranging.
    • Disposition Coordination (6% of examination)
    • Schedule funeral services in accordance with consumer requests to meet their disposition preferences and customs.
    • Transfer human remains between locations by providing or coordinating the provision of transportation.
    • Knowledge of methods to describe disposition services to consumers.
    • Knowledge of legal requirements regarding transportation of human remains.
    • Knowledge of methods to transport human remains between locations.
    • Knowledge of legal requirements regarding forwarding and receiving human remains (e.g., transit permit, container specs, disposition permits).
    • Knowledge of standards of cleanliness and sanitation for vehicles used to transport human remains.

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