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North Carolina Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NC · License preparation

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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.

Branch Funeral Establishment Registration

Registration of a branch funeral establishment or chapel's name, location, and ownership with the Board before operation, subject to a 50-mile straight-line limit from the funeral establishment.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Principal establishment
Registered to a permitted principal funeral establishment; within 50 miles in a straight line.
Registration
Register name, location and ownership with the Board before operation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Chapel Registration

Registration of a chapel's name, location, and ownership with the Board before operation; the chapel must be within 50 miles in a straight line of the funeral establishment.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Principal establishment
Registered to a permitted principal funeral establishment; within 50 miles in a straight line.
Registration
Register name, location and ownership with the Board before operation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

courtesy cards

A special permit allowing nonresident funeral directors limited practice in North Carolina without establishing a place of business or engaging generally in funeral directing and embalming.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Special courtesy permit for teaching continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Special courtesy permit for disaster work
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial courtesy card
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual courtesy card renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and continued license verification.
Validity
Ends at December 31 or earlier termination of the underlying out-of-jurisdiction license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer Courtesy Card

Courtesy card permitting limited practice by a nonresident embalmer without establishing a place of business or engaging generally in the business in North Carolina.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Special courtesy permit for teaching continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Special courtesy permit for disaster work
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial courtesy card
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual courtesy card renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and continued license verification.
Validity
Ends at December 31 or earlier termination of the underlying out-of-jurisdiction license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

courtesy cards

Special permits allowing nonresident funeral directors, embalmers and funeral service licensees to perform limited funeral services in North Carolina without establishing a place of business or engaging generally in the business.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Special courtesy permit for teaching continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Special courtesy permit for disaster work
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial courtesy card
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold the corresponding license outside North Carolina, verified by the licensing authority.
Limited scope
Remove bodies, arrange and direct funerals or embalm as permitted by license category; no establishment or general business in North Carolina.
Reciprocity
The originating jurisdiction must offer similar courtesy cards, except permits for teaching CE or disaster work.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual courtesy card renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and continued license verification.
Validity
Ends at December 31 or earlier termination of the underlying out-of-jurisdiction license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory License

Renewable crematory license subject to Board inspection and verification of manager and technician educational certificates.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File Board application and fees.
Background check
Consent to required criminal history checks.
Facility
Premises, facilities, structure and equipment must meet inspection and statutory standards.
Manager technician
Qualified crematory manager and technicians with valid Board-approved training-course certificates.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory Manager Permit

Permit for crematory managers who are at least 18, of good moral character, and qualified as crematory technicians.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18.
Character
Good moral character.
Licensed manager exception
An active funeral-director or funeral-service license holder qualified as a technician may manage without the separate manager permit; certain pre-2004 crematories retain the statutory grandfather exception.
Training
Qualify as a technician by holding a certificate of attendance at a Board-approved training course.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License

License to practice funeral directing in North Carolina.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Reinstatement following disciplinary action
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Comply with the Board's suspension, revocation or probation terms; it may require satisfactory completion of remedial or educational training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recognition of covered license after military relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board policy conflict
NCBFS military policy still cites Public Law 117-333 and states: "Has actively practiced funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming for the two years immediately preceding relocation to North Carolina pursuant to military orders". Current 50 U.S.C. 4025a, amended December 23, 2024, governs recognition; the Board policy supplies this additional stated demand.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such an investigation; interstate compact licenses follow the compact.
Military relocation
A covered license holder relocates residence because of military orders; submit proof of orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit the Exam Eligibility Form and certified transcripts, the completed application, and official scores sent by the testing provider; incomplete applications are denied after 90 days.
Character
Good moral character; consent to the required criminal history check.
Education
Board-approved or ABFSE-accredited funeral director program, mortuary science degree or equivalent.
Fees
Pay applicable application and licensing fees.
Pathology equivalence
21 NCAC 34B .0208(b): a final pathology-course examination score of at least 75 percent from a school with an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program is equivalent to passing the required pathology examination; this unnamed institutional examination is an applicant condition.
Practice affiliation
Funeral directing and funeral service require affiliation with a licensed establishment unless the statutory college-employment or qualifying unaffiliated-practice exception applies.
Score age
Required passing scores must be within the last five years; National Board Certificates are accepted for five years after issue under 21 NCAC 34B .0211(c).
Traineeship
Complete 12 months of resident traineeship within the last three years; at least 2,000 hours and substantially assist in 25 funerals (director), 25 embalmings (embalmer), or both (funeral service), as applicable.
Military trained applicant using routine licensing examinations
Documentation
Official notarized military occupational specialty certification and experience, such as DD-214.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party service charges may apply.
Proficiency
The Board military policy implements G.S. 93B-15.1(a2) by requiring the ordinary requisite examinations for the license category; after a failure the Board may require the training-and-experience pathway conditions.
Return from active military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File a renewal application and pay the renewal fee for the calendar year; military status terminates on return to practice or six months after military separation.
Waivers
No fees, renewal applications or CE during approved military status; late claims of military status follow ordinary reinstatement rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, including continuing education or practice in two of the preceding five years.
Conduct
Good standing, no discipline, no pending complaints and no disqualifying acts.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party service charges may apply.
License held
Current out-of-jurisdiction license with substantially equivalent or greater licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military training and experience under G.S. 93B 15.1(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No disqualifying acts and no pending complaints.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party background-check costs may apply.
Military specialty
Military occupational specialty with equivalent training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance.
Practice
Active practice for at least two of the preceding five years; credit all relevant military experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by neighboring jurisdiction recognition
North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)
Competency
Demonstrate competency by the methods determined by the Board.
Fees
Pay applicable processing, licensing, verification and background-check fees.
Good standing
Good standing, no disqualifying criminal history, no pending discipline, and no revoked or voluntarily surrendered license due to unprofessional conduct.
License held
Currently hold a license in one of the jurisdictions enumerated in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), at a substantially equivalent practice level, and have held such licensure for at least one year.
Prior exam
Have passed any examination required by the originating jurisdiction; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Residence
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Renewal of pre July 1, 1975 legacy license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make proper renewal application and pay the renewal fee; practice remains restricted to the prior category.
Prior license
Board license held before July 1, 1975; the funeral-service initial licensing qualifications do not apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of provisional license to funeral director license
Board discretion
The Board may issue the full funeral-director license upon proof of the passing scores.
Pathology
Pathology is not required for this conversion under G.S. 90-210.25(a)(3a) and the Board provisional FAQ.
Prior license
Hold a provisional funeral-director license.
Renewal
The resulting license follows ordinary funeral-director annual renewal requirements.
Time limit
Pass the laws exam and Board-approved entry-level funeral-directing exam within three years of first provisional issuance.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Accredited CE equal to five hours times years inactive.
Fees
No application fee for this reinstatement.
Surrender
Surrender the inactive license upon return to active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity
North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)
Application
Other licensing boards verify good standing; submit transcripts and employment history; complete the application within 90 days.
Character
Proof of good moral character and required criminal history check.
Fees
Pay applicable fees.
License held
Active, valid license in good standing in a jurisdiction that reciprocates this North Carolina license.
Practice
At least three consecutive years of professional practice in a reciprocating jurisdiction.
Reinstatement after forfeiture
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
State and national criminal history check for a license expired three years or more.
Continuing education
Either full-time equivalent practice elsewhere with equivalent CE for each forfeiture year, or North Carolina accredited CE equal to five hours times years of forfeiture.
Fees
Pay all delinquent annual renewal fees and the reinstatement fee.
Military waiver
The Board may waive the provisions when forfeiture occurred during military service and application is within six months of separation.
Traineeship
No additional resident traineeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew annually; expiration is December 31 and forfeiture follows failure to renew by February 1.
Continuing education
Five Board-approved hours in the preceding year, with statutory carryover and illness, hardship, out-of-state nonpractice and long-service exemptions; no CE required in the first licensure year.
Fees
Pay annual renewal fees and late fees when applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License

License to practice embalming in North Carolina.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Reinstatement following disciplinary action
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Comply with the Board's suspension, revocation or probation terms; it may require satisfactory completion of remedial or educational training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recognition of covered license after military relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board policy conflict
NCBFS military policy still cites Public Law 117-333 and states: "Has actively practiced funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming for the two years immediately preceding relocation to North Carolina pursuant to military orders". Current 50 U.S.C. 4025a, amended December 23, 2024, governs recognition; the Board policy supplies this additional stated demand.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such an investigation; interstate compact licenses follow the compact.
Military relocation
A covered license holder relocates residence because of military orders; submit proof of orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit the Exam Eligibility Form and certified transcripts, the completed application, and official scores sent by the testing provider; incomplete applications are denied after 90 days.
Character
Good moral character; consent to the required criminal history check.
Education
Associate degree in mortuary science or equivalent from a Board-approved, ABFSE-accredited program.
Fees
Pay applicable application and licensing fees.
Practice affiliation
Funeral directing and funeral service require affiliation with a licensed establishment unless the statutory college-employment or qualifying unaffiliated-practice exception applies.
Score age
Required passing scores must be within the last five years; National Board Certificates are accepted for five years after issue under 21 NCAC 34B .0211(c).
Traineeship
Complete 12 months of resident traineeship within the last three years; at least 2,000 hours and substantially assist in 25 funerals (director), 25 embalmings (embalmer), or both (funeral service), as applicable.
Military trained applicant using routine licensing examinations
Documentation
Official notarized military occupational specialty certification and experience, such as DD-214.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party service charges may apply.
Proficiency
The Board military policy implements G.S. 93B-15.1(a2) by requiring the ordinary requisite examinations for the license category; after a failure the Board may require the training-and-experience pathway conditions.
Return from active military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File a renewal application and pay the renewal fee for the calendar year; military status terminates on return to practice or six months after military separation.
Waivers
No fees, renewal applications or CE during approved military status; late claims of military status follow ordinary reinstatement rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, including continuing education or practice in two of the preceding five years.
Conduct
Good standing, no discipline, no pending complaints and no disqualifying acts.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party service charges may apply.
License held
Current out-of-jurisdiction license with substantially equivalent or greater licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military training and experience under G.S. 93B 15.1(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No disqualifying acts and no pending complaints.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party background-check costs may apply.
Military specialty
Military occupational specialty with equivalent training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance.
Practice
Active practice for at least two of the preceding five years; credit all relevant military experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by neighboring jurisdiction recognition
North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)
Competency
Demonstrate competency by the methods determined by the Board.
Fees
Pay applicable processing, licensing, verification and background-check fees.
Good standing
Good standing, no disqualifying criminal history, no pending discipline, and no revoked or voluntarily surrendered license due to unprofessional conduct.
License held
Currently hold a license in one of the jurisdictions enumerated in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), at a substantially equivalent practice level, and have held such licensure for at least one year.
Prior exam
Have passed any examination required by the originating jurisdiction; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Residence
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Renewal of pre July 1, 1975 legacy license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make proper renewal application and pay the renewal fee; practice remains restricted to the prior category.
Prior license
Board license held before July 1, 1975; the funeral-service initial licensing qualifications do not apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Accredited CE equal to five hours times years inactive.
Fees
No application fee for this reinstatement.
Surrender
Surrender the inactive license upon return to active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity
North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)
Application
Other licensing boards verify good standing; submit transcripts and employment history; complete the application within 90 days.
Character
Proof of good moral character and required criminal history check.
Fees
Pay applicable fees.
License held
Active, valid license in good standing in a jurisdiction that reciprocates this North Carolina license.
Practice
At least three consecutive years of professional practice in a reciprocating jurisdiction.
Reinstatement after forfeiture
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
State and national criminal history check for a license expired three years or more.
Continuing education
Either full-time equivalent practice elsewhere with equivalent CE for each forfeiture year, or North Carolina accredited CE equal to five hours times years of forfeiture.
Fees
Pay all delinquent annual renewal fees and the reinstatement fee.
Military waiver
The Board may waive the provisions when forfeiture occurred during military service and application is within six months of separation.
Traineeship
No additional resident traineeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew annually; expiration is December 31 and forfeiture follows failure to renew by February 1.
Continuing education
Five Board-approved hours in the preceding year, with statutory carryover and illness, hardship, out-of-state nonpractice and long-service exemptions; no CE required in the first licensure year.
Fees
Pay annual renewal fees and late fees when applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalming Facility Registration

Registration for an embalming facility outside a funeral establishment, affiliated with a permitted funeral establishment and sharing its licensed manager; the facility may be used only for embalming.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Supply location, ownership, licensed practitioners and facility information on the Board form.
Limited use
Only embalming is authorized; other funeral-service activity requires an establishment permit.
Registrant
An embalmer practicing in a separate embalming facility must register it.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Establishment Permit

Permit required to operate a funeral establishment, with a separate permit required for each specific location.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Facilities
Satisfy G.S. 90-210.27A and Board inspection and facility standards.
Fees
Pay permit fees.
Manager
Qualified licensed funeral director or funeral service manager; provide the employed or contracted licensee list.
Ownership
Appropriate owner, partner, corporate officer or LLC member must hold an active funeral-director or funeral-service license and participate in operations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New permit after ownership transfer
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Majority change
A change in a majority of owners triggers a new application; a deceased majority owner's estate has 180 days to apply.
Transfer
Permits are nontransferable; apply at least 30 days before sale or acquisition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Expire December 31; submit renewal and fee by January 1, with a late fee after February 1; permits expired at least six months cannot be renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

hydrolysis license

License to hydrolyze human remains, available only to permitted funeral establishments, with alkaline hydrolysis restricted to their physical premises.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Establishment
Hold an active funeral establishment permit; hydrolysis is performed on its physical premises.
Requirements
Follow Article 13F licensing, equipment, qualified staff, inspection and application requirements applicable to crematories.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hydrolysis Manager Permit

Permit for managing and operating a hydrolysis facility, subject to the same minimum requirements as a crematory manager.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18.
Character
Good moral character.
Licensed manager exception
An active funeral-director or funeral-service license holder qualified as a technician may manage without the separate manager permit; certain pre-2004 crematories retain the statutory grandfather exception.
Training
Qualify as a technician by holding a certificate of attendance at a Board-approved training course.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive Funeral Director License

Inactive status in the same category as the active license held, renewable annually without continuing education; activities requiring an active license are prohibited.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Transfer of active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold an active license in the same category.
Practice
No activity requiring an active license is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual inactive renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Continuing education is not required while inactive.
Renewal
Renew annually.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive Embalmer License

Inactive status in the same category as the active license held, renewable annually without continuing education; activities requiring an active license are prohibited.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Transfer of active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold an active license in the same category.
Practice
No activity requiring an active license is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual inactive renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Continuing education is not required while inactive.
Renewal
Renew annually.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive Funeral Service License

An inactive license is renewable annually without continuing education and does not permit activities requiring an active license.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Transfer of active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License held
Hold an active license in the same category.
Practice
No activity requiring an active license is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual inactive renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Continuing education is not required while inactive.
Renewal
Renew annually.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive License for Resident Trainees

Registered resident trainees may apply for an inactive license in the same category; renewal is annual without continuing education, and activities requiring an active license are prohibited.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Transfer resident registration to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Do not engage in activity requiring active registration.
Prior registration
Hold resident-trainee registration in the corresponding category.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual inactive resident registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Annual renewal; no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive License for Embalmer Resident Trainees

Registered resident trainees may apply for inactive status in the same category, renewable annually without continuing education; activities requiring an active license are prohibited.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Transfer resident registration to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Do not engage in activity requiring active registration.
Prior registration
Hold resident-trainee registration in the corresponding category.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual inactive resident registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Annual renewal; no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive Funeral Service Resident Trainee License

Inactive status available to registered resident trainees in the same category, renewable annually without continuing education; holders may not perform activities requiring an active license.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Transfer resident registration to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Do not engage in activity requiring active registration.
Prior registration
Hold resident-trainee registration in the corresponding category.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual inactive resident registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Annual renewal; no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Service License

License to practice funeral service in North Carolina.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Reinstatement following disciplinary action
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Comply with the Board's suspension, revocation or probation terms; it may require satisfactory completion of remedial or educational training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recognition of covered license after military relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board policy conflict
NCBFS military policy still cites Public Law 117-333 and states: "Has actively practiced funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming for the two years immediately preceding relocation to North Carolina pursuant to military orders". Current 50 U.S.C. 4025a, amended December 23, 2024, governs recognition; the Board policy supplies this additional stated demand.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such an investigation; interstate compact licenses follow the compact.
Military relocation
A covered license holder relocates residence because of military orders; submit proof of orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit the Exam Eligibility Form and certified transcripts, the completed application, and official scores sent by the testing provider; incomplete applications are denied after 90 days.
Character
Good moral character; consent to the required criminal history check.
Education
Associate degree in mortuary science or equivalent from a Board-approved, ABFSE-accredited program.
Fees
Pay applicable application and licensing fees.
Practice affiliation
Funeral directing and funeral service require affiliation with a licensed establishment unless the statutory college-employment or qualifying unaffiliated-practice exception applies.
Score age
Required passing scores must be within the last five years; National Board Certificates are accepted for five years after issue under 21 NCAC 34B .0211(c).
Traineeship
Complete 12 months of resident traineeship within the last three years; at least 2,000 hours and substantially assist in 25 funerals (director), 25 embalmings (embalmer), or both (funeral service), as applicable.
Military trained applicant using routine licensing examinations
Documentation
Official notarized military occupational specialty certification and experience, such as DD-214.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party service charges may apply.
Proficiency
The Board military policy implements G.S. 93B-15.1(a2) by requiring the ordinary requisite examinations for the license category; after a failure the Board may require the training-and-experience pathway conditions.
Return from active military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File a renewal application and pay the renewal fee for the calendar year; military status terminates on return to practice or six months after military separation.
Waivers
No fees, renewal applications or CE during approved military status; late claims of military status follow ordinary reinstatement rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, including continuing education or practice in two of the preceding five years.
Conduct
Good standing, no discipline, no pending complaints and no disqualifying acts.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party service charges may apply.
License held
Current out-of-jurisdiction license with substantially equivalent or greater licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military training and experience under G.S. 93B 15.1(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No disqualifying acts and no pending complaints.
Fees
No initial application fee; third-party background-check costs may apply.
Military specialty
Military occupational specialty with equivalent training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance.
Practice
Active practice for at least two of the preceding five years; credit all relevant military experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by neighboring jurisdiction recognition
North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)
Competency
Demonstrate competency by the methods determined by the Board.
Fees
Pay applicable processing, licensing, verification and background-check fees.
Good standing
Good standing, no disqualifying criminal history, no pending discipline, and no revoked or voluntarily surrendered license due to unprofessional conduct.
License held
Currently hold a license in one of the jurisdictions enumerated in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), at a substantially equivalent practice level, and have held such licensure for at least one year.
Prior exam
Have passed any examination required by the originating jurisdiction; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Residence
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Conversion of pre July 1, 1975 dual funeral director and embalmer licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior licenses
Previously licensed by the Board as both a funeral director and an embalmer before July 1, 1975; apply for a funeral service license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Accredited CE equal to five hours times years inactive.
Fees
No application fee for this reinstatement.
Surrender
Surrender the inactive license upon return to active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity
North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)
Application
Other licensing boards verify good standing; submit transcripts and employment history; complete the application within 90 days.
Character
Proof of good moral character and required criminal history check.
Fees
Pay applicable fees.
License held
Active, valid license in good standing in a jurisdiction that reciprocates this North Carolina license.
Practice
At least three consecutive years of professional practice in a reciprocating jurisdiction.
Reinstatement after forfeiture
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
State and national criminal history check for a license expired three years or more.
Continuing education
Either full-time equivalent practice elsewhere with equivalent CE for each forfeiture year, or North Carolina accredited CE equal to five hours times years of forfeiture.
Fees
Pay all delinquent annual renewal fees and the reinstatement fee.
Military waiver
The Board may waive the provisions when forfeiture occurred during military service and application is within six months of separation.
Traineeship
No additional resident traineeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew annually; expiration is December 31 and forfeiture follows failure to renew by February 1.
Continuing education
Five Board-approved hours in the preceding year, with statutory carryover and illness, hardship, out-of-state nonpractice and long-service exemptions; no CE required in the first licensure year.
Fees
Pay annual renewal fees and late fees when applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Preneed Funeral Establishment License

License for a permitted funeral establishment to offer or sell preneed funeral contracts or make funded funeral prearrangements.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond
Obtain the statutory surety bond or authorized deposit; duration may be adjusted by Board findings of solvency.
Business
Authorized, solvent entity without the statutory fraud or disqualifying conduct.
Establishment
Hold an active funeral establishment permit.
Sales staff
Register the preneed sales licensees acting for the establishment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Preneed Sales License

License for eligible employees and agents of licensed preneed funeral establishments to engage in preneed funeral planning.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
A licensed preneed funeral establishment applies on behalf of the individual; identify the employment or agency relationship.
Education
Two or more hours of preneed statutes/rules CE within the preceding three calendar years.
Insurance sales
For prearrangement insurance sales, satisfy the Commissioner of Insurance's licensing requirements; another profession's examinations are applicant conditions.
License held
Active funeral-director or funeral-service license; a provisional license does not qualify.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Funeral Director License

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Board-approved application and $500 application fee.
Board rule demand
21 NCAC 34B .0313(b)(3) states: "Applicants shall have attained a passing score of 75 percent on the Laws and Rules Examination." The exhaustive initial qualifications in G.S. 90-210.25(a)(3a) control; the statutory examination requirement is for later conversion, and the Board FAQ allows testing after provisional issuance.
Character
Good moral character and criminal history background check.
Education
Undergraduate degree in any field, Associate of Applied Science degree in any field, or diploma in funeral directing from a Board-approved curriculum at an accredited mortuary-science college.
Experience
Certified resident traineeship, eligibility for traineeship certification, or five years of professional experience supervised by a licensed funeral director or funeral service licensee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of lapsed provisional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Satisfy applicable reinstatement CE requirements.
Duration
Limited by the three-year provisional period and maximum two renewals.
Fees
Annual renewal fee plus late fee and possibly a civil penalty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual provisional renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Five hours of Board-approved CE annually.
Duration
December 31 expiration; no more than two annual renewals.
Fees
Annual renewal fee of $250.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Funeral Director License

Temporary authorization for eligible military applicants or military spouses during license recognition or completion of state licensure requirements.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Temporary license while military portability application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board policy conflict
NCBFS military policy still cites Public Law 117-333 and states: "Has actively practiced funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming for the two years immediately preceding relocation to North Carolina pursuant to military orders". Current 50 U.S.C. 4025a, amended December 23, 2024, governs recognition; the Board policy supplies this additional stated demand.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such an investigation; interstate compact licenses follow the compact.
Military relocation
A covered license holder relocates residence because of military orders; submit proof of orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).
Processing
The authority may issue a temporary license if it cannot complete recognition within 30 days after receiving the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary military applicant or military spouse practice permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the information in the underlying license application; issue within 15 days.
Complaints
A pending complaint may result in denial or revocation after notice.
License held
Licensed elsewhere under substantially equivalent standards while satisfying G.S. 93B-15.1(a) or (b).
Validity
Valid for the later of one year or the required renewal date, or until the full license is granted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Embalmer License

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Temporary license while military portability application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board policy conflict
NCBFS military policy still cites Public Law 117-333 and states: "Has actively practiced funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming for the two years immediately preceding relocation to North Carolina pursuant to military orders". Current 50 U.S.C. 4025a, amended December 23, 2024, governs recognition; the Board policy supplies this additional stated demand.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such an investigation; interstate compact licenses follow the compact.
Military relocation
A covered license holder relocates residence because of military orders; submit proof of orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).
Processing
The authority may issue a temporary license if it cannot complete recognition within 30 days after receiving the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary military applicant or military spouse practice permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the information in the underlying license application; issue within 15 days.
Complaints
A pending complaint may result in denial or revocation after notice.
License held
Licensed elsewhere under substantially equivalent standards while satisfying G.S. 93B-15.1(a) or (b).
Validity
Valid for the later of one year or the required renewal date, or until the full license is granted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary License

Temporary authorization for qualifying military applicants or spouses pending license recognition or while satisfying licensure requirements.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Temporary license while military portability application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board policy conflict
NCBFS military policy still cites Public Law 117-333 and states: "Has actively practiced funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming for the two years immediately preceding relocation to North Carolina pursuant to military orders". Current 50 U.S.C. 4025a, amended December 23, 2024, governs recognition; the Board policy supplies this additional stated demand.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such an investigation; interstate compact licenses follow the compact.
Military relocation
A covered license holder relocates residence because of military orders; submit proof of orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).
Processing
The authority may issue a temporary license if it cannot complete recognition within 30 days after receiving the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary military applicant or military spouse practice permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the information in the underlying license application; issue within 15 days.
Complaints
A pending complaint may result in denial or revocation after notice.
License held
Licensed elsewhere under substantially equivalent standards while satisfying G.S. 93B-15.1(a) or (b).
Validity
Valid for the later of one year or the required renewal date, or until the full license is granted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director Resident Trainee Registration

Resident-trainee registration for a person training to become a funeral director.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Reinstatement after traineeship discipline
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Comply with Board-determined probation and reinstatement terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial resident trainee registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Sworn application with fee; register only after Board approval.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High-school graduate or equivalent.
Supervision
Identify a qualified registered supervisor licensed in the appropriate category, in good standing and practicing full-time for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return inactive resident registration to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Accredited CE equal to five hours times years inactive.
Surrender
Surrender inactive registration; no reactivation application fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident trainee registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Renewable for one year after original registration, at most twice.
Fees
Pay renewal fees; failure to pay within 30 days of notice cancels registration; late fees apply except to active military trainees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation under another registered supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reapply to the Board for approval of the new supervisor before continuing the traineeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer Resident Trainee Registration

Resident-trainee registration for a person training to become an embalmer.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Reinstatement after traineeship discipline
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Comply with Board-determined probation and reinstatement terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial resident trainee registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Sworn application with fee; register only after Board approval.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High-school graduate or equivalent.
Supervision
Identify a qualified registered supervisor licensed in the appropriate category, in good standing and practicing full-time for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return inactive resident registration to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Accredited CE equal to five hours times years inactive.
Surrender
Surrender inactive registration; no reactivation application fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident trainee registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Renewable for one year after original registration, at most twice.
Fees
Pay renewal fees; failure to pay within 30 days of notice cancels registration; late fees apply except to active military trainees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation under another registered supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reapply to the Board for approval of the new supervisor before continuing the traineeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Service Resident Trainee Registration

Resident-trainee registration requires Board approval of the applicant's qualifications, a sworn application and the appropriate fee.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Reinstatement after traineeship discipline
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Comply with Board-determined probation and reinstatement terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial resident trainee registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Sworn application with fee; register only after Board approval.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High-school graduate or equivalent.
Supervision
Identify a qualified registered supervisor licensed in the appropriate category, in good standing and practicing full-time for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return inactive resident registration to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Accredited CE equal to five hours times years inactive.
Surrender
Surrender inactive registration; no reactivation application fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident trainee registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Renewable for one year after original registration, at most twice.
Fees
Pay renewal fees; failure to pay within 30 days of notice cancels registration; late fees apply except to active military trainees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation under another registered supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reapply to the Board for approval of the new supervisor before continuing the traineeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transportation Service Permit

Permit for a business engaged in the transportation or removal of a dead human body.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Business
Provide entity, ownership and records-location information and required criminal/background disclosures.
Professional insurance
Professional liability coverage meeting G.S. 90-210.25(c)(7)f.
Staff
Employ at least one individually permitted transporter unless exempt.
Vehicles
Provide vehicle details, valid driver's licenses, liability insurance and compliant transportation equipment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Removal and Transportation Permit

Permit required for individuals transporting or removing a dead human body, unless exempt.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18.
Character
Good moral character; required application and criminal-history disclosures.
Drivers license
Maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license and vehicle liability insurance.
Knowledge attestation
Swear that the applicable statutes, rules and Board guidelines have been read and understood; this is an attestation, not an examination.
Professional insurance
Maintain professional liability coverage of at least $500,000, including qualifying employer coverage.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Unaffiliated Practice Permit

Permit for funeral directors or funeral service licensees meeting Hurricane Helene eligibility and other unaffiliated-practice requirements.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Funeral Service · Application information

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Consumer rules
Comply with funeral-establishment consumer-protection requirements.
Eligibility
The statutory unaffiliated route requires an affidavit of ownership of or employment by a funeral establishment directly damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
Fees
Pay the establishment licensing fee; this exception is repealed effective July 1, 2030.
Insurance
Maintain professional liability insurance of at least $1 million.
License held
An active funeral-director or funeral-service license.
Records
Maintain business records at a location disclosed to the Board and available for inspection.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit annual renewal and applicable fee; maintain the issuance qualifications.

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

North Carolina Laws Exam (NC-Law)

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
Format
Computer-based examination
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Chapter 90, Article 13A — Practice of Funeral Service
  • Chapter 90, Article 13D — Preneed Funeral Funds
  • Chapter 90, Article 13F — Cremations
  • Chapter 90, Article 13E — Mutual Burial Associations
  • 21 NCAC Chapter 34 — Funeral Service
  • 16 CFR Part 453 — Funeral Industry Practices
  • G.S. 14-288.4 — Disorderly conduct
  • G.S. 20-157.1 — Funeral processions
  • G.S. 58-58-97 — Provision of life insurance information to funeral provider
  • Chapter 65 — Enumerated burial and grave-removal provisions
  • Chapter 130A — Enumerated public-health provisions
  • 10A NCAC 39B — Enumerated Commission of Anatomy rules
  • 10A NCAC 41A — Enumerated communicable-disease control rules
  • 10A NCAC 41H — Enumerated vital-records rules
  • 10A NCAC Chapter 44 — Enumerated postmortem medicolegal examination rules
  • 15A NCAC 02D .1208 — Other Incinerators
Examination sources

North Carolina Pathology Examination

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
50 scored questions; no pretest questions as of May 1, 2024
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Pathology
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