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Minnesota Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

License to Operate an Alkaline Hydrolysis Facility

Facility licence specific to the named entity and location, issued after application verification and premises inspection.

Licensing authority: commissioner of health

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial premises licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Environmental documentation
Provide required wastewater and other environmental permits/licences.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Compliant building and hydrolysis vessel; approved drying and refrigeration methods; processing and holding facilities; wastewater/environmental permits and licences.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after lapse exceeds one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Environmental documentation
Provide required wastewater and other environmental permits/licences.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Lapse
If not restored within one year after expiration, current initial licensing requirements apply.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Compliant building and hydrolysis vessel; approved drying and refrigeration methods; processing and holding facilities; wastewater/environmental permits and licences.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal including late filing within 31 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late filing
Late filing penalty is payable before reissuance and within 31 days after expiry; timely submission is required to avoid lapse.
Renewal
Expires June 30; submit completed renewal application by June 30 with liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of lapsed premises licence within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inspection
Reinspection of premises before discretionary restoration; funeral establishment also requires renewal and reinspection fees.
Lapse
Receipt of completed renewal application and required late penalty within one year after expiry; no violation of the cease-and-desist order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License to Operate a Crematory

License to operate a crematory, specific to the named person and location, with issuance following documentary verification and premises inspection.

Licensing authority: commissioner of health

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial premises licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Compliant building with cremation chamber/retort, device for processing cremated remains, and appropriate holding facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after lapse exceeds one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Lapse
If not restored within one year after expiration, current initial licensing requirements apply.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Compliant building with cremation chamber/retort, device for processing cremated remains, and appropriate holding facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal including late filing within 31 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late filing
Late filing penalty is payable before reissuance and within 31 days after expiry; timely submission is required to avoid lapse.
Renewal
Expires June 30; submit completed renewal application by June 30 with liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of lapsed premises licence within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inspection
Reinspection of premises before discretionary restoration; funeral establishment also requires renewal and reinspection fees.
Lapse
Receipt of completed renewal application and required late penalty within one year after expiry; no violation of the cease-and-desist order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Mortuary Science Practitioner Emeritus Registration

Retired practitioner registration and certificate; does not authorize active practice.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health, Commissioner of Health · Application information

Registration after retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the licensure form or petition; a $50 one-time fee buys the registration certificate.
Effect
No active practice; no continuing-education requirement, renewal cycle or renewal fee.
Prior licence
Minnesota licensed mortuary-science practitioner.
Retirement
Completely cease active practice in every jurisdiction; no disciplinary action or suspended, conditional or restricted licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited License; Funeral Director Only

Renewal-only grandfathered licence for a person who held a funeral director only licence on July 31, 1957; embalming prohibited.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health, Commissioner of Health

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after cancellation solely for nonrenewal during protected service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Licensee/registrant or someone on their behalf may apply for reinstatement without penalties or costs; § 326.56 preserves renewal rights during the six-month return period.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into protected service/employment; canceled or revoked solely for nonpayment of renewal fees or failure to apply for renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation and renewal during protected military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into ordered active military service or essential wartime/national-defense employment outside the United States.
Exemption
No renewal application, renewal fee or late penalty during protected service/employment and six months afterward.
Notification
Notify MDH and provide evidence of status; reconfirm continuation and report discharge/return. MDH exempts mortuary-science continuing education while protected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal including late filing within 31 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
15 hours, including 3 body preparation/care/handling, 3 professional practices and 3 regulation/ethics; report in odd or even years according to licence-number parity.
Late filing
A late filing penalty is due for an application received after expiration; application, fee and penalty must be received within 31 days to prevent lapse.
Limited eligibility
Held a funeral director only licence on July 31, 1957; must not embalm.
Prior licence
Current mortuary-science licence expires December 31; submit completed renewal form and appropriate fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of lapsed licence within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Must not have violated the cease-and-desist order.
Continuing education
15 hours, including 3 body preparation/care/handling, 3 professional practices and 3 regulation/ethics; report in odd or even years according to licence-number parity.
Decision
Commissioner may restore after reviewing the completed renewal submission.
Lapse
Application, renewal fee and late penalty received within one year after expiration.
Limited eligibility
Held a funeral director only licence on July 31, 1957; must not embalm.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License to Operate a Funeral Establishment

Separate premises and operator licence; statutory issuance uses documentary verification and premises inspection.

Licensing authority: commissioner of health

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial premises licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Preparation/embalming room meeting § 149A.92; arrangements office; applicable building codes, zoning and ordinances.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after lapse exceeds one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Lapse
If not restored within one year after expiration, current initial licensing requirements apply.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Preparation/embalming room meeting § 149A.92; arrangements office; applicable building codes, zoning and ordinances.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal including late filing within 31 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late filing
Late filing penalty is payable before reissuance and within 31 days after expiry; timely submission is required to avoid lapse.
Renewal
Expires June 30; submit completed renewal application by June 30 with liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of lapsed premises licence within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inspection
Reinspection of premises before discretionary restoration; funeral establishment also requires renewal and reinspection fees.
Lapse
Receipt of completed renewal application and required late penalty within one year after expiry; no violation of the cease-and-desist order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Mortuary Science Intern Registration

Registration permit for supervised internship; not an independent licence to practice.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health, Commissioner of Health · Application information

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Intern registration while enrolled
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
At least 2,080 hours during enrollment, after graduation or both; up to 520 hours may be waived for an eligible clinical/practicum; 25 reports each for embalming, arrangements and services.
Embalming safeguard
Before completing embalming/restorative-arts coursework, surgical procedures and embalming require the physical presence of the primary or alternate supervisor.
Entry
Currently enrolled in an ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science program. Submit its letter confirming program name/address, enrollment, completed credits, anticipated graduation and embalming/restorative-arts coursework.
Registration
Submit registration form, appropriate fee, start date and primary/alternate supervising mortician information.
Supervision
Registered primary or alternate supervisor directs the internship; primary supervisor has only one intern at a time; registration permit is displayed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Intern registration after graduation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
At least 2,080 hours during enrollment, after graduation or both; up to 520 hours may be waived for an eligible clinical/practicum; 25 reports each for embalming, arrangements and services.
Embalming safeguard
Before completing embalming/restorative-arts coursework, surgical procedures and embalming require the physical presence of the primary or alternate supervisor.
Entry
Completed an ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science program; beginning internship does not depend on prior exam passage under the amended entry alternatives.
Registration
Submit registration form, appropriate fee, start date and primary/alternate supervising mortician information.
Supervision
Registered primary or alternate supervisor directs the internship; primary supervisor has only one intern at a time; registration permit is displayed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after cancellation solely for nonrenewal during protected service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Licensee/registrant or someone on their behalf may apply for reinstatement without penalties or costs; § 326.56 preserves renewal rights during the six-month return period.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into protected service/employment; canceled or revoked solely for nonpayment of renewal fees or failure to apply for renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation and renewal during protected military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into ordered active military service or essential wartime/national-defense employment outside the United States.
Exemption
No renewal application, renewal fee or late penalty during protected service/employment and six months afterward.
Notification
Notify MDH and provide evidence of status; reconfirm continuation and report discharge/return. MDH exempts mortuary-science continuing education while protected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Intern registration after passing examinations
Duration
At least 2,080 hours during enrollment, after graduation or both; up to 520 hours may be waived for an eligible clinical/practicum; 25 reports each for embalming, arrangements and services.
Embalming safeguard
Before completing embalming/restorative-arts coursework, surgical procedures and embalming require the physical presence of the primary or alternate supervisor.
Entry
Attained passing scores on both examinations referenced in § 149A.20, subd. 5.
Registration
Submit registration form, appropriate fee, start date and primary/alternate supervising mortician information.
Supervision
Registered primary or alternate supervisor directs the internship; primary supervisor has only one intern at a time; registration permit is displayed.
Annual renewal of intern registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
$75 renewal registration fee; supervised internship conditions continue.
Ongoing internship
Intern registration must be renewed annually when it exceeds one calendar year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License to Practice Mortuary Science

Individual mortician licence. The commissioner also issues the same licence through reciprocity.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health · Application information

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least 21 years of age (Minn. Stat. § 149A.20, subd. 3).
Application
Submit application, fee, proof of age, official postsecondary transcripts, national and state passing-score documentation, and a signed, dated, notarized primary-supervisor affidavit; commissioner verifies eligibility (2026 Laws c. 115, art. 4, § 3).
Education
A bachelor of science degree majoring in mortuary science; or an accredited bachelor of science or arts degree plus an ABFSE-accredited funeral-service/mortuary-science course; or accredited credit hours equivalent in aggregate and distribution to a bachelor degree plus an ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science course (subd. 4).
Exam timing
Education precedes the examinations; the 2026 amendment permits internship before examinations. Initial licensure still requires national and state passing scores.
Internship
Complete a registered supervised internship of at least 2,080 hours during ABFSE program enrollment, after graduation, or both. The commissioner may waive up to 520 hours for an eligible clinical or practicum. Complete 25 reports each for embalming, arrangements and services (2026 Laws c. 115, art. 4, § 2).
Other approved examination
The commissioner may accept another examination that adequately and accurately assesses mortuary-science knowledge and skills. This open, unnamed alternative is an applicant condition; the named currently offered National Board examinations are retained.
State retest
After failing the state exam, wait two weeks before retaking.
Supervision
Register a primary supervisor and any alternate; the primary supervisor may have one registered intern. Before completing embalming/restorative-arts coursework, surgical procedures and embalming require the physical presence of a supervisor.
Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after cancellation solely for nonrenewal during protected service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Licensee/registrant or someone on their behalf may apply for reinstatement without penalties or costs; § 326.56 preserves renewal rights during the six-month return period.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into protected service/employment; canceled or revoked solely for nonpayment of renewal fees or failure to apply for renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation and renewal during protected military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into ordered active military service or essential wartime/national-defense employment outside the United States.
Exemption
No renewal application, renewal fee or late penalty during protected service/employment and six months afterward.
Notification
Notify MDH and provide evidence of status; reconfirm continuation and report discharge/return. MDH exempts mortuary-science continuing education while protected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after lapse exceeds one year
Age
At least 21 years of age (Minn. Stat. § 149A.20, subd. 3).
Application
Submit application, fee, proof of age, official postsecondary transcripts, national and state passing-score documentation, and a signed, dated, notarized primary-supervisor affidavit; commissioner verifies eligibility (2026 Laws c. 115, art. 4, § 3).
Education
A bachelor of science degree majoring in mortuary science; or an accredited bachelor of science or arts degree plus an ABFSE-accredited funeral-service/mortuary-science course; or accredited credit hours equivalent in aggregate and distribution to a bachelor degree plus an ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science course (subd. 4).
Exam timing
Education precedes the examinations; the 2026 amendment permits internship before examinations. Initial licensure still requires national and state passing scores.
Internship
Complete a registered supervised internship of at least 2,080 hours during ABFSE program enrollment, after graduation, or both. The commissioner may waive up to 520 hours for an eligible clinical or practicum. Complete 25 reports each for embalming, arrangements and services (2026 Laws c. 115, art. 4, § 2).
Lapse
Lapsed licence not restored within one calendar year; must meet current § 149A.20 initial licensing requirements.
Other approved examination
The commissioner may accept another examination that adequately and accurately assesses mortuary-science knowledge and skills. This open, unnamed alternative is an applicant condition; the named currently offered National Board examinations are retained.
State retest
After failing the state exam, wait two weeks before retaking.
Supervision
Register a primary supervisor and any alternate; the primary supervisor may have one registered intern. Before completing embalming/restorative-arts coursework, surgical procedures and embalming require the physical presence of a supervisor.
Annual renewal including late filing within 31 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
15 hours, including 3 body preparation/care/handling, 3 professional practices and 3 regulation/ethics; report in odd or even years according to licence-number parity.
Late filing
A late filing penalty is due for an application received after expiration; application, fee and penalty must be received within 31 days to prevent lapse.
Prior licence
Current mortuary-science licence expires December 31; submit completed renewal form and appropriate fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of lapsed licence within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Must not have violated the cease-and-desist order.
Continuing education
15 hours, including 3 body preparation/care/handling, 3 professional practices and 3 regulation/ethics; report in odd or even years according to licence-number parity.
Decision
Commissioner may restore after reviewing the completed renewal submission.
Lapse
Application, renewal fee and late penalty received within one year after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity through educational qualifications
Application
Submit the application and state passing-score notification referenced in § 149A.20, subd. 7(1),(5), and appropriate fee.
Case experience
Signed, dated affidavit declaring at least 25 services, 25 funeral arrangements and 25 embalming cases.
Continuing education
Complete the 15 CE hours prescribed by § 149A.40, subd. 11 within the two years preceding application: 3 hours body preparation/care/handling, 3 professional practices, 3 regulation/ethics, plus remaining hours.
Current credential
Hold a current licence or other credential in another jurisdiction.
Decision
Commissioner reviews all information and grants or denies licensure.
Examinations
Pass the Minnesota state examination and the National Board Examination, or another examination the commissioner determines adequate; submit national-score certification. The open unnamed alternative is an applicant condition.
Good standing
Signed, dated affidavit declaring no pending investigation by another mortuary-science licensing authority and no current practice under a restricted credential.
Qualification
Document one of the three educational alternatives in § 149A.20, subd. 4.
Reciprocity through three years of licensed practice
Application
Submit the application and state passing-score notification referenced in § 149A.20, subd. 7(1),(5), and appropriate fee.
Case experience
Signed, dated affidavit declaring at least 25 services, 25 funeral arrangements and 25 embalming cases.
Continuing education
Complete the 15 CE hours prescribed by § 149A.40, subd. 11 within the two years preceding application: 3 hours body preparation/care/handling, 3 professional practices, 3 regulation/ethics, plus remaining hours.
Current credential
Hold a current licence or other credential in another jurisdiction.
Decision
Commissioner reviews all information and grants or denies licensure.
Examinations
Pass the Minnesota state examination and the National Board Examination, or another examination the commissioner determines adequate; submit national-score certification. The open unnamed alternative is an applicant condition.
Good standing
Signed, dated affidavit declaring no pending investigation by another mortuary-science licensing authority and no current practice under a restricted credential.
Qualification
Document licensure or credentialing in another jurisdiction and submit a signed, dated affidavit of at least three years of practice there performing the duties of a licensed mortician; substitutes for the educational requirements.
Return to active licensure from emeritus registration
Age
At least 21 years of age (Minn. Stat. § 149A.20, subd. 3).
Application
Submit application, fee, proof of age, official postsecondary transcripts, national and state passing-score documentation, and a signed, dated, notarized primary-supervisor affidavit; commissioner verifies eligibility (2026 Laws c. 115, art. 4, § 3).
Education
A bachelor of science degree majoring in mortuary science; or an accredited bachelor of science or arts degree plus an ABFSE-accredited funeral-service/mortuary-science course; or accredited credit hours equivalent in aggregate and distribution to a bachelor degree plus an ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science course (subd. 4).
Exam timing
Education precedes the examinations; the 2026 amendment permits internship before examinations. Initial licensure still requires national and state passing scores.
Internship
Complete a registered supervised internship of at least 2,080 hours during ABFSE program enrollment, after graduation, or both. The commissioner may waive up to 520 hours for an eligible clinical or practicum. Complete 25 reports each for embalming, arrangements and services (2026 Laws c. 115, art. 4, § 2).
Other approved examination
The commissioner may accept another examination that adequately and accurately assesses mortuary-science knowledge and skills. This open, unnamed alternative is an applicant condition; the named currently offered National Board examinations are retained.
Retirement
After one year an emeritus registrant may reapply by meeting current § 149A.20 licensure requirements.
State retest
After failing the state exam, wait two weeks before retaking.
Supervision
Register a primary supervisor and any alternate; the primary supervisor may have one registered intern. Before completing embalming/restorative-arts coursework, surgical procedures and embalming require the physical presence of a supervisor.

License to Operate a Natural Organic Reduction Facility

Facility licence specific to the named entity and location, issued after application verification, premises inspection, and resolution of deficiencies.

Licensing authority: commissioner of health

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial premises licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Compliant building with natural-reduction vessels; motorized remains-processing device; refrigerated holding facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after lapse exceeds one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed commissioner application, proof of business form/ownership, liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence, and appropriate fee.
Inspection
Initial inspection, correction of deficiencies and any needed reinspections precede the commissioner's grant/denial.
Lapse
If not restored within one year after expiration, current initial licensing requirements apply.
Ownership
Licence is specific to entity and location; 50% or more ownership change or location change terminates it and requires licensure for the new operator/location.
Premises
Compliant building with natural-reduction vessels; motorized remains-processing device; refrigerated holding facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal including late filing within 31 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late filing
Late filing penalty is payable before reissuance and within 31 days after expiry; timely submission is required to avoid lapse.
Renewal
Expires June 30; submit completed renewal application by June 30 with liability insurance or commissioner-approved financial evidence and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of lapsed premises licence within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inspection
Reinspection of premises before discretionary restoration; funeral establishment also requires renewal and reinspection fees.
Lapse
Receipt of completed renewal application and required late penalty within one year after expiry; no violation of the cease-and-desist order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

transfer care specialist

Registered employee of a licensed funeral establishment authorized for supervised removal of bodies, with training and annual continuing education.

Licensing authority: Commissioner of Health

Restoration of revoked credential or removal of disciplinary restriction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The regulatory agency may restore, reduce suspension or remove limitations when there is sufficient reason; satisfy the individualized order. Section 149A.09, subdivision 5 does not identify a required examination.
Prior status
Existing revoked credential, suspension or limitation under Chapter 149A.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial transfer care specialist registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit required applicant, business and supervising mortician details; proof of training; appropriate fee.
Employment
Employee of a licensed funeral establishment; supervised by a licensed mortician, who may supervise up to four transfer care specialists.
Scope
Only supervised removal to a licensed funeral establishment; no independent mortuary-science practice.
Training
Before registration complete at least seven hours covering ethical care/transport, health and safety/universal precautions, and relevant state/federal transfer and transport laws.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after cancellation solely for nonrenewal during protected service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Licensee/registrant or someone on their behalf may apply for reinstatement without penalties or costs; § 326.56 preserves renewal rights during the six-month return period.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into protected service/employment; canceled or revoked solely for nonpayment of renewal fees or failure to apply for renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation and renewal during protected military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential effective upon entry into ordered active military service or essential wartime/national-defense employment outside the United States.
Exemption
No renewal application, renewal fee or late penalty during protected service/employment and six months afterward.
Notification
Notify MDH and provide evidence of status; reconfirm continuation and report discharge/return. MDH exempts mortuary-science continuing education while protected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal of transfer care specialist registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Three hours annually covering the statutory training content; submit proof with renewal.
Employment
Continue working under a licensed mortician as an employee of a licensed funeral establishment.
Renewal
Registration expires December 31; submit renewal application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Board Exam Arts

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Sciences section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Funeral Arranging and Directing (51 of 150 scored items; 34% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (34%)
  • II. Funeral Service Marketing/Merchandising (21 of 150 scored items; 14% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (14%)
  • III. Funeral Service Counseling (19 of 150 scored items; 13% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (13%)
  • IV. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (35 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (23%)
  • V. Cemetery/Crematory/Other Dispositions (24 of 150 scored items; 16% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (16%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Sciences

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Arts section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Embalming (62 of 150 scored items; 41% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (41%)
  • II. Restorative Art (34 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (23%)
  • III. Other Preparation of the Deceased (28 of 150 scored items; 19% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (19%)
  • IV. Funeral Service Sciences (26 of 150 scored items; 17% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (17%)
Examination sources

Mortuary Science State Licensing Exam

Provider
Minnesota Department of Health
Format
Objective multiple-choice examination delivered online through Microsoft Teams
Exam questions
75 objective multiple-choice questions
Time limit
Up to two hours
Passing score
75%
Exam fee
$125
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Minnesota Statutes Chapter 149A — Mortuary Science; Disposition of Dead Bodies
Examination sources