Free District of Columbia Written Law Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

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

1. 1For how long must a funeral director retain records required by the District Vital Records Act?

   1. A. At least one year
   2. B. At least three years
   3. C. At least five years
   4. D. At least seven years

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The Act requires the covered records to be retained "for no less than 5 years."

   Reference: § 7–231.05. Individuals required to keep records. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Code § 7-231.05(d)-(e)

2. 2Under District law, which activity is included in the practice of funeral directing?

   1. A. Caring for and disposing of human remains
   2. B. Issuing a medical certification of death
   3. C. Authorizing a cemetery corporation charter
   4. D. Conducting a medicolegal autopsy

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The definition includes "engaging in the care and disposal of human remains." That activity is therefore within the licensed practice.

   Reference: § 3–402. Definitions. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Code § 3-402(18)

3. 3Which death is within the Chief Medical Examiner's investigatory jurisdiction?

   1. A. A violent death, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal, or accidental
   2. B. Every expected hospice death
   3. C. Every death certified by an attending physician
   4. D. Only deaths occurring in hospitals

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The first listed category is "Violent deaths, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal, or accidental."

   Reference: § 5–1405. Deaths — determinations and investigations; cremations. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Code § 5-1405(b)(1)

4. 4What lighting must each vehicle in a District funeral procession use?

   1. A. Two illuminated headlights
   2. B. Hazard lights only
   3. C. One flashing red light
   4. D. No lights during daylight

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The traffic rule requires "two (2) illuminated headlights" on each procession vehicle.

   Reference: Dcmr 18 (2218) — 18 DCMR § 2218.5

5. 5What is the minimum age for an applicant for a District funeral director license?

   1. A. 18 years
   2. B. 19 years
   3. C. 21 years
   4. D. 25 years

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The applicant must be "at least eighteen (18) years of age." Thus 18 is the minimum.

   Reference: Dcmr 17 (3001) — 17 DCMR § 3000.1

6. 6Who must manage and supervise a licensed funeral services establishment?

   1. A. A designated funeral director licensed in good standing
   2. B. A cemetery association treasurer
   3. C. A registered vital-records clerk
   4. D. A licensed physician selected by the owner

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The appointee must be "licensed and in good standing in the District of Columbia" and responsible for daily operation and management.

   Reference: Dcmr 17 (3112) — 17 DCMR § 3112.1

7. 7Which items must accompany a District funeral-director license application under the general application rule?

   1. A. A notarized application and two recent two-inch photographs
   2. B. A signed but unnotarized application and one recent photograph
   3. C. A notarized application and one passport copy
   4. D. An electronic application and two unsigned identity affidavits

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The applicant must have the application notarized and submit "two (2) recent passport-type photographs" measuring two inches by two inches.

   Reference: 17-3300 — 17 DCMR § 3301.1

8. 8How many persons may organize a cemetery association under the District statute?

   1. A. Three or more
   2. B. Five or more
   3. C. Seven or more
   4. D. Ten or more

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The incorporation provision begins, "When 5 or more persons shall associate themselves together for the purpose of forming a cemetery association."

   Reference: § 43–101. Incorporation; powers. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Code § 43-101

9. 9By what day each month must a funeral director submit the prior month's required death list to the Registrar?

   1. A. The 5th day
   2. B. The 10th day
   3. C. The 15th day
   4. D. The last day

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The duty applies "No later than the 10th day of each month."

   Reference: § 7–231.06. Duties to furnish information. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Code § 7-231.06(c)

10. 10A person plans to embalm human remains in the District for compensation. What credential does District law require?

    1. A. A cemetery salesperson registration
    2. B. A funeral director license
    3. C. A courtesy card alone
    4. D. A vital-records agent appointment

    Answer: B

    Explanation: District law bars a person from engaging in funeral directing unless "licensed as a funeral director." Embalming is part of that regulated practice.

    Reference: § 3–411. Prohibited acts; exemption for services provided during emergency. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Code § 3-411(a)