How to Become a Funeral Director in North Carolina
People rely on the compassionate and tactful assistance of a funeral director when making burial arrangements. You must be trained and licensed to work as a funeral director in North Carolina. Funeral directors also need the ability to communicate effectively and the desire to comfort grieving people. Candidates can begin their career through the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, which regulates funeral homes and directors.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Register for a course in mortuary science at an accredited school. You may complete the program in two years and obtain an associate's degree from a community college or complete it in four years and obtain a bachelor's degree from a university.
-
2
Seek an apprenticeship at a funeral home in North Carolina. Your supervisor must be a licensed funeral director, be in good standing with the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service and have at least five years of continuous work experience in the state.
-
-
3
Submit a resident trainee permit application to the Board of Funeral Service. Provide information such as your personal data, education and employment history. Also include a transcript from your high school, an affidavit from your supervisor that verifies your apprenticeship and a $50 application fee, as of 2011. You'll receive a trainee certificate when the board approves your application.
-
4
Assist in all the duties required of funeral directors under the guidance of your supervisor, such as preparing pre-need contracts and directing funeral services. Submit a report of your work to the board before the 10th of each month. Include your name, the name and address of the funeral home, and a description of the work you did the previous month. Have your supervisor and the funeral home manager verify and sign the form before you submit it.
-
5
Complete the apprenticeship in 12 months. At the end of the apprenticeship, your supervisor must submit an affidavit that includes a description of the work you completed, such as the number of pre-need contracts you obtained and the number of funerals you directed. Trainees must direct at least 25 funerals and prepare at least 25 contracts.
-
6
Contact the board for a funeral director application. Complete the application and submit it at least 30 days before the licensing exam. Include three affidavits on your moral character from three people and a $40 application fee, as of 2011. Have your school mail a certified copy of your mortuary science college transcript to the board.
-
7
Register with the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards for your state board licensing exam. Pass the computer-based test and have the organization send your scores to the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service.
-
8
Wait for the board to issue a license and mail your certificate. Complete at least eight hours of continuing education courses each year to keep your license current.
-
9
Apply for a position as a funeral director at funeral establishments in North Carolina. Some establishments retain trainees if there is a job opening.
-
1
