I. Education 

Funeral Director - successfully complete a program of study in Funeral Service Education consisting of not less than thirty (30) semester hours from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and evidenced by an official transcript.

Embalmer - the candidate must obtain an Associate of Arts Degree by successfully completing a mortuary science program consisting of not less than sixty (60) semester hours with a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and evidenced by an official transcript.

 

II. Apprenticeship

1. Complete an apprenticeship under a licensed Tennessee funeral director and/or embalmer depending on what type of license you are pursuing.

- Funeral Director: The applicant for a funeral director license has completed not less than two (2) years of apprenticeship as a bona fide paid employee of an establishment working not less than forty (32) hours per week in the presence of and under the direction and supervision of a licensed funeral director as evidenced by the applicant submitting quarterly reports of apprenticeship training within the allotted time throughout the duration of the apprenticeship

- Embalmer:  The applicant for a Embalmer license has completed not less than one (1) year of apprenticeship as a bona fide paid employee of an establishment working not less than forty (32) hours per week in the presence of and under the direction and supervision of a licensed embalmer as evidenced by the applicant submitting quarterly reports of apprenticeship training within the allotted time throughout the duration of the apprenticeship

2. Quarterly Reports must be submitted for each quarter of your apprenticeship. Rule 0660-04-.02 requires that an apprentice shall submit a quarterly report of apprenticeship training on a form prescribed by the Board. Such report must be received no later than sixty (60) days following the last day of the quarter for which credit is sought.  

3. Upon completion of apprenticeship, submit a "Completion of Apprenticeship" form (provided by the Board) that has been prepared by the licensed Tennessee funeral director / embalmer that you apprenticed under.

III. Application 

1.  Once you have met all Education and Apprenticeship Requirements complete you will need to complete the appropriate application form. You will need to request this via email, funeral.cemetary.board@tn.gov

2. We must have all required attachments that are requested on the application prior to approving you to take the applicable exam.

i. A copy of an official photo identification issued by a governmental agency, such as a valid (permanent, current, unexpired, legible) driver’s license, U.S. passport or federal, state, county or city employee I.D. card showing the individuals date of birth and address

ii. Two (2) letters of recommendation by a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer which attest to the good moral character and competence of the applicant. Such letters shall be signed and dated on printed stationery

iii. Transcripts

Funeral Director- An official transcript evidencing completion of a study in funeral service education consisting of not less than thirty (30) semester hours, forty-five (45) quarter hours or the equivalent, from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Services Education

Embalmer- An official transcript evidencing an Associate of Arts degree by successful completion of a mortuary science program consisting of not less than sixty (60) semester hours, ninety (90) quarter hours or the equivalent, with a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education

iv. Certification of Completion of Apprenticeship Form

v. Court Documentation (If Applicable) 

- If you answered YES to the felony / misdemeanor question involving moral turpitude, attach a written statement explaining the circumstances of each incident, and a copy of the official document(s) which demonstrates the resolution of the charge(s) or any final judgment.

 

IV. Examinations

1. When we receive your completed application, approval for testing will be sent to the testing center. It is the responsibility of the applicant to schedule the date, time, and location of the examination(s) directly with the testing agency. 

Funeral Director:

i. National Board Exam (Art) passing score of 75

ii. Tennessee Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam passing score of 75

Embalmer:

i.  National Board Exam (Science) passing score of 75

ii. Tennessee Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam passing score of 75

2. After you take the examination(s), the testing center will notify our office of your score(s). If approved, you will be directed to pay the appropriate licensing fee(s).

- Those individuals receiving a passing grade will be notified to appear, if necessary, before the Board. The Board normally meets the second Tuesday of each month. When requested to appear before the Board, you will be interviewed and the Board will decide whether to approve the requested license(s). If approved, you will be directed to pay the appropriate licensing fee(s).

 

V. Fee, $435

 

 

How to Apply, Apprentice and Student

Embalmer Apprentice 

Application at https://core.tn.gov

1. Attachments

i. An official transcript from an educational institution showing the applicant has graduated from a High School or has earned a GED recognized by a State Department of Education

ii. Copy of Government ID

iii. Court Documents (If Applicable) 

- If you answered YES to the felony / misdemeanor question involving moral turpitude, you must attach a written statement explaining the circumstances of each incident. A copy of the official document(s) which demonstrates the resolution of the charge(s) or any final judgment.

2. Fee, $50.00

Students must also submit quarterly reports of apprenticeship training throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. In order for an apprenticeship to be valid the position must be full time (32 hours a week).

 

Funeral Director Apprentice 

 Application at https://core.tn.gov

1. Attachments

i. An official transcript from an educational institution showing the applicant has graduated from a High School or has earned a GED recognized by a State Department of Education

ii. Copy of Government ID 

iii. Court Documents (If Applicable) 

- If you answered YES to the felony / misdemeanor question involving moral turpitude, you must attach a written statement explaining the circumstances of each incident. A copy of the official document(s) which demonstrates the resolution of the charge(s) or any final judgment.

2. Fee, $50.00

Students must also submit quarterly reports of apprenticeship training throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. In order for an apprenticeship to be valid the position must be full time (32 hours a week).

 

Student 

Application at https://core.tn.gov

1. Attachments

i. An official transcript from an educational institution showing the applicant has graduated from a High School or has earned a GED recognized by a State Department of Education

ii. Copy of Government ID 

iii. Court Documents (If Applicable) 

- If you answered YES to the felony / misdemeanor question involving moral turpitude, you must attach a written statement explaining the circumstances of each incident. A copy of the official document(s) which demonstrates the resolution of the charge(s) or any final judgment.

2. Fee, $50.00