How to Become an Embalmer at a Funeral Home
An embalmer performs a necessary task in the burial process by injecting the body with a fluid that prevents the corpse from decaying. Embalmers must study the embalming process and apprentice under a licensed embalmer before earning their state embalming licenses. Each state has its own standards and regulations for the funeral and embalming industry, making the process for becoming an embalmer differ depending on where you wish to practice.
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Instructions
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Contact your state's regulations and licensing department to find out what requirements embalmers must follow. Knowing what is required before starting the education process could save you time and money. Most states have an official board for embalmers and funeral directors that is accessible through this department.
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Complete the embalming education requirements. Most states require the embalmer to complete an approved mortuary science program. Some states may ask you to be enrolled in the program at the time of initiating your license process; others may require you to complete the program before starting an application.
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Complete state apprenticeship requirements. Apprenticeship requirements may include a certain number of hours every month for a particular period of months, or a total number of hours during a set period of time. Some states may require you to complete a separate application for the apprenticeship license.
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Pass a criminal background check. Most states require an embalmer to pass a background check before receiving a license to practice. Background checks cost between $25 and $100, depending on the requirements and available vendors.
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Pass the National Board Exam. Most states require the embalmer to pass the National Board Exam, managed by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, or ICFSEB, with a score of 75 percent or better. You must have graduated from an accredited mortuary school or be within 45 days of graduating before qualifying for the exam. The exam fee of $400 is separate from the licensing fee, and is payable at the time you apply for the exam.
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Pass other state-required exams. Some states require additional exams for embalmers and may manage the state exam through the ICFSEB, making it possible for you to sign up for state exams when applying for the national exam. Check with your state regulations and licensing board to find out more about the state exams. For instance, Ohio requires embalmers to take the Ohio Laws and Regulations Exam in addition to the National Board Exam, at an additional cost of $120.
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Complete and return all licensing applications materials and licensing fees. This may require you to obtain school transcripts and provide proof of a complete apprenticeship. Some states request notarized documents. An embalmer's state licensing fee can vary. For instance, Texas requires a fee of $187, Ohio requires a fee of $140 and California requires a fee of $150.
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Tips & Warnings
Some states refer to an apprenticeship license as a provisional license.
You must receive your license in the mail before practicing or calling yourself an embalmer.
