Free Mortuary Science State Licensing Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Mortuary Science State Licensing Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A person is paid to arrange and direct a funeral in Minnesota. Which credential must that person hold?

   1. A. A valid license to practice mortuary science
   2. B. A funeral establishment license
   3. C. An intern registration
   4. D. A transfer care specialist registration

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minnesota law states that a person who "arranges, directs, or supervises a funeral, memorial service, or graveside service must possess a valid license to practice mortuary science issued by the commissioner." The establishment license and registrations do not independently authorize this paid role.

   Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20, subdivision 1

2. 2A noncompensated person with the legal right to control a body wants to act personally. Which activity remains outside that exception?

   1. A. Removing the body from the place of death
   2. B. Transporting the body
   3. C. Arranging for final disposition of the body
   4. D. Embalming the body

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The exception permits the person to "prepare the body for disposition, except embalming." It separately permits removal, transportation, and arranging final disposition, so embalming remains outside the exception.

   Reference: Ch. 149A MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.01, subdivision 3(c)

3. 3Which condition governs Minnesota's exception for recognized religious washing and casketing rites?

   1. A. Every remaining provision of the governing mortuary-science chapter must be satisfied
   2. B. The rites must occur inside a licensed establishment
   3. C. A mortician must perform every part of the rite
   4. D. The commissioner must give case-specific written approval

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The statute protects recognized cultural or religious rites "to the extent that all other provisions of this chapter are complied with." It does not impose the other listed conditions.

   Reference: Ch. 149A MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.01, subdivision 3(b)

4. 4An unlicensed celebrant is asked to direct a memorial service. Under which circumstance may the celebrant do so?

   1. A. Neither the celebrant nor the employer has charge of the body
   2. B. The celebrant has completed an internship
   3. C. The service occurs more than ten days after death
   4. D. The funeral establishment remains closed during the service

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minnesota permits an unlicensed person to direct or supervise a memorial service "if that person or that person's employer does not have charge of the dead human body." The other facts do not create the exception.

   Reference: Ch. 149A MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.01, subdivision 3(f)

5. 5A registered mortuary science intern is working without holding an individual mortuary science license. What supervision does the licensure exception require?

   1. A. Direct and exclusive supervision by a currently licensed mortuary science practitioner
   2. B. Remote supervision by any funeral establishment owner
   3. C. General supervision by a registered transfer care specialist
   4. D. Periodic review by an unlicensed establishment manager

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The exception applies when interns are registered and "act under the direct and exclusive supervision of a person holding a current license to practice mortuary science in Minnesota."

   Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20

6. 6What is the minimum age for an initial Minnesota license to practice mortuary science?

   1. A. 18 years
   2. B. 19 years
   3. C. 20 years
   4. D. 21 years

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20 provides: "The person must be at least 21 years of age."

   Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20, subdivision 3

7. 7Which examination combination does Minnesota law require for the initial mortuary science route?

   1. A. The National Board Examination and the Minnesota state licensing examination
   2. B. The National Board Examination and a practical examination
   3. C. The Minnesota state licensing examination and a practical examination
   4. D. A practical examination and an oral jurisprudence examination

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The statute requires a passing National Board Examination score and adds: "In addition, a person must attain a passing score on the state licensing examination administered by or on behalf of the commissioner."

   Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20, subdivision 5

8. 8An applicant fails the Minnesota state licensing examination. How many calendar days must the applicant wait before retaking it?

   1. A. 10 calendar days
   2. B. 14 calendar days
   3. C. 15 calendar days
   4. D. 30 calendar days

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The examination provision says, "If a passing score is not attained on the state examination, the individual must wait two weeks before they can retake the examination." Two weeks equals 14 calendar days.

   Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20, subdivision 5

9. 9For what period is an individual Minnesota license to practice mortuary science valid?

   1. A. One calendar year
   2. B. Two calendar years
   3. C. Three calendar years
   4. D. Five calendar years

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minnesota law states that individual mortuary science licenses "shall be valid for one calendar year, beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 regardless of the date of issuance."

   Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20, subdivision 9

10. 10A mortician changes the address recorded on the license. By when must the change be reported to the commissioner?

    1. A. Within 10 calendar days
    2. B. Within 20 calendar days
    3. C. Within 30 calendar days
    4. D. Within 60 calendar days

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The licensee must report a change "no later than 30 calendar days after the change occurs." Failure to do so is grounds for discipline.

    Reference: Sec. 149A.20 MN Statutes — Minnesota Statutes section 149A.20, subdivision 12