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Oklahoma Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

US-OK · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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certificate of apprenticeship

Certificate for an embalming apprenticeship, which may be served concurrently with a funeral-directing apprenticeship.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial apprenticeship registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Seventeen or older.
Application
Written Board application with registration fee and proof of education. OAC 235:10-3-5(b) also requires employment affidavit completed by apprentice and employing establishment.
Character
Good moral character; disclose applicable criminal history.
Education
Accredited high school graduate or GED credential.
Supervision
Only practice under personal supervision of the respective licensed funeral director or embalmer; concurrent apprenticeships allowed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of apprenticeship certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
OAC 235:10-3-5(c)(4) requires an official transcript showing graduation or active enrollment in an accredited mortuary-science school and payment of the fee.
Duration
Certificate valid for one year; up to four additional one-year renewals.
Reports
Maintain required employment and experience reports and personal supervision; late reports do not count and an omitted quarterly report cancels apprenticeship unless Board grants a written exception.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

certificate of apprenticeship

Certificate for a funeral-directing apprenticeship, requiring a written application to the Board and a registration fee.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial apprenticeship registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Seventeen or older.
Application
Written Board application with registration fee and proof of education. OAC 235:10-3-5(b) also requires employment affidavit completed by apprentice and employing establishment.
Character
Good moral character; disclose applicable criminal history.
Education
Accredited high school graduate or GED credential.
Supervision
Only practice under personal supervision of the respective licensed funeral director or embalmer; concurrent apprenticeships allowed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of apprenticeship certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
OAC 235:10-3-5(c)(4) requires an official transcript showing graduation or active enrollment in an accredited mortuary-science school and payment of the fee.
Duration
Certificate valid for one year; up to four additional one-year renewals.
Reports
Maintain required employment and experience reports and personal supervision; late reports do not count and an omitted quarterly report cancels apprenticeship unless Board grants a written exception.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Assistant Funeral Director License

Assistant funeral director licensure is separate and distinct from registration as an apprentice funeral director or embalmer.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial assistant funeral director licensure
Oklahoma Law Examination
Age
At least eighteen.
Education
At least sixty semester hours, measured in quarter or clock hours, from a regionally accredited college or university.
Employment
Employee of and registered under the supervising Oklahoma-licensed funeral director in charge. Only one assistant per funeral director in charge.
Fees
Pay application fee including the license fee for the current year or portion thereof.
Law Examination
Successful completion of the Oklahoma State Law Examination for Funeral Directors; official Board guide identifies 75% passing grade.
Recommendation
Application and written recommendation on Board forms; proof of capability, trustworthiness, good moral character, community standing and qualification. Felony convictions considered but not an automatic bar.
Reinstatement upon employment with another funeral director in charge
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Employment
Former supervising director immediately notifies the Board when the assistant leaves employment. Upon reemployment by another funeral director in charge, Board reinstates the assistant under that supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual assistant license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the Board-required continuing education under §396.5b as expressly required of assistant funeral directors by §396.3b(D).
Renewal
File before December 31 expiration and pay renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Burial Agent License

License authorizing representation of a burial association, issued after Board character and qualification review upon association requisition.

Licensing authority: oklahoma state board of embalmers and funeral directors · Application information

Initial burial agent license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board form; determine honesty, integrity, responsibility and trustworthiness; applicant must otherwise qualify under the Burial Association Act.
Association
An association requisitions the agent's license and pays the statutory fee; agent authorized for that association.
Decision
Board character determination is a licensing decision, not an examination assessment.
Residency
Burial agreements are issued or delivered only through licensed resident agents under §8-224.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance after revocation or refusal to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Waiting Period
No issuance during three years after the Board order of revocation or refusal to renew; thereafter satisfy §8-220 application, character and qualification requirements and association requisition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual burial agent renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Receipt
Renewal receipt is forwarded to the agent and kept by the agent; timely requisition/fee keeps license effective pending renewal or express refusal.
Requisition
Association files alphabetical list of agents to renew and pays each renewal fee before June 30; association cannot charge its agent the fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Burial Association License

License authorizing a burial association to transact business, renewable annually unless suspended, revoked, or renewal refused.

Licensing authority: oklahoma state board of embalmers and funeral directors · Application information

Initial burial association license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Entity
Oklahoma incorporated or unincorporated mutual burial association satisfying the Burial Association Act. Foreign associations are not eligible under §8-228.
Financial Conditions
Statutory nonprofit/mutual character, operating-expense and trust-fund requirements, permissible investments and treasurer's surety bond apply under §§8-205, 206 and 209.
Issuance
Board must be satisfied with compliance before business begins. This is an association license, not a professional knowledge examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual burial association renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Annual license expires June 30; renewal available unless suspended, revoked or refused.
Report And Fee
Report preceding-calendar-year income under oath of president and secretary and pay annual fee by June 30 under §8-214; statutory penalties apply to late reporting or payment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Permit for Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Temporary permit allowing funeral directors and embalmers from other states to practice following a catastrophe declared by the Board's executive director, for a duration determined by the Board.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Catastrophe temporary practice permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Length determined by Board.
Prior License
Funeral director or embalmer licensed outside Oklahoma; Board may permit practice in Oklahoma.
Trigger
Catastrophe declared by the Board executive director.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Commercial Embalming Establishment License

License for a commercial embalming establishment.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial establishment licensing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board application, ownership and entity disclosures, background and disciplinary disclosures, fees, and required facilities, records, current statutes and rules.
Facility
Meet OAC 235:10-3-2 facility requirements and applicable exceptions. Commercial embalming establishments also meet §235:10-3-3 and may serve only licensed establishments, with no public selection-room sales. Crematories must be licensed in conjunction with a funeral or commercial embalming establishment under §396.30(B) and comply with §235:10-14-1.
Inspection
Board inspection before first licensure and continuing inspection access.
Licensed Staff
Employ required licensed personnel and appoint a Board-approved funeral director in charge. The staff's own professional examination requirements belong to their licenses, not to this entity license.
Ownership
Permitted entity form and fixed address; local zoning and occupancy requirements apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license following sale, lease or relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
License not transferable; sale, lease or relocation requires a new application with fee, notice and inspection. Existing license may temporarily remain by buyer/seller consent for thirty days or until the next regular Board meeting. Grandfathered facility license exceptions do not transfer.
Notification
Funeral director in charge notifies Board within ten days; purchaser, lessee or owner requests inspection and new license.
Staff And Facility
Meet current establishment and occupation-specific facility/staff requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Expires December 31; renewal application contains required updates and fees. No further examination under §396.5.
Reports
Applicable disposition fees and reports required; crematories provide annual operations reports and proof of preventative maintenance and safety inspection under OAC 235:10-14-1(l).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory License

License for a facility used to cremate human remains, including through alkaline hydrolysis.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial establishment licensing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board application, ownership and entity disclosures, background and disciplinary disclosures, fees, and required facilities, records, current statutes and rules.
Facility
Meet OAC 235:10-3-2 facility requirements and applicable exceptions. Commercial embalming establishments also meet §235:10-3-3 and may serve only licensed establishments, with no public selection-room sales. Crematories must be licensed in conjunction with a funeral or commercial embalming establishment under §396.30(B) and comply with §235:10-14-1.
Inspection
Board inspection before first licensure and continuing inspection access.
Licensed Staff
Employ required licensed personnel and appoint a Board-approved funeral director in charge. The staff's own professional examination requirements belong to their licenses, not to this entity license.
Ownership
Permitted entity form and fixed address; local zoning and occupancy requirements apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license following sale, lease or relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
License not transferable; sale, lease or relocation requires a new application with fee, notice and inspection. Existing license may temporarily remain by buyer/seller consent for thirty days or until the next regular Board meeting. Grandfathered facility license exceptions do not transfer.
Notification
Funeral director in charge notifies Board within ten days; purchaser, lessee or owner requests inspection and new license.
Staff And Facility
Meet current establishment and occupation-specific facility/staff requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Expires December 31; renewal application contains required updates and fees. No further examination under §396.5.
Reports
Applicable disposition fees and reports required; crematories provide annual operations reports and proof of preventative maintenance and safety inspection under OAC 235:10-14-1(l).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License

License to practice embalming issued by the Oklahoma Funeral Board.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Licensure by examination — accredited mortuary science program
Age
59 O.S. §396.3(B)(1) requires at least eighteen. Published OAC 235:10-3-1(1) states: "The individual must be twenty (20) years of age." The statute controls the legal minimum; applicants should note the Board rule.
Application
Apply after requirements are met; pay all fees; demonstrate proficiency to the Board.
Apprenticeship
One year registered apprenticeship; Oklahoma apprenticeship or one the Board determines substantially equivalent. OAC 235:10-3-5 requires personally supervised experience and reports, including assistance with 25 embalmings and 25 funerals.
Character
Good moral character; applicable occupation-related criminal history reviewed by the Board.
Dual Licensure
Holding both funeral director and embalmer licenses requires meeting both license requirements. A current dual license is required for funeral director in charge under §396.3(F), subject to its stated grandfather provision.
Education
Graduate of an ABFSE-accredited program of funeral service or mortuary science.
Law Exam Timing
Complete educational and other examination requirements and submit proof to the Board before the Oklahoma law written examination.
Passing Scores
At least 75 on each applicable examination; Arts for funeral director and Sciences for embalmer.
Residence
Legal resident of Oklahoma and citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Inactive Status
Existing licensee resumes active practice. §396.5b makes continuing education a condition of reactivation; its inactive and nonpracticing nonresident exemptions apply while inactive. License lapse of three years or longer uses the separate reinstatement route requiring the law examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after lapse of three years or longer
Oklahoma Law Examination
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Fees
Pay required reinstatement fee and statutory current-year dues.
Lapse
License lapsed for at least three years; reapply and pass the State Law Examination at 75 or better.
Oral Slot
§396.5 also states written and oral examination as required by the Board. No separately identifiable current oral assessment is named; that Board-dependent slot is an applicant condition. OAC 235:10-7-1 identifies the current State Law Examination.
Reinstatement after nonpayment lapse shorter than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Lapse
License lapsed for less than three years due to nonpayment. Pay past dues and penalties; no retaking State Law Exam under OAC 235:10-7-1(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
OAC 235:10-13-12(a) exempts military-service licensees for the first full calendar year after service.
Military
Notify the Board of armed-forces service; renewal fees excused while on the inactive military list. After discharge and desire to practice, pay the current year's license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity — equal or like educational requirements under §396.8(A)
Existing License
Licensed in another jurisdiction with equal or like educational requirements, as determined by the Board. This route excludes applicants qualifying for the specific moving-resident exemption in §396.8(B).
Fees
Pay reciprocal licensing and examination fees.
Law Examination
Board implementation requires the Oklahoma Law Examination, with a 75 minimum.
Qualification Evidence
Submit certification of existing licensure, educational qualifications, examination qualifications and other Board-required documents. OAC 235:10-3-1(6) identifies the applicable NBE section; 75 minimum.
Reciprocity — different educational requirements and five years of active practice under §396.8(C)
Application
File Board-required documents and pay fees.
Citizenship
Citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Criminal History
No felony substantially related to the occupation posing a reasonable public safety threat and no funeral-service misdemeanor.
Disciplinary History
License never revoked or suspended; no current disciplinary action.
Education
Graduate of an accredited program of mortuary science; further apprenticeship may be excused by the Board.
Existing License
Current license in the applicant's jurisdiction of residence, with at least five years active practice there; intends to practice in Oklahoma.
Law Exam
Pass Oklahoma State Law Examination; published Board rule requires 75 or better.
National Or Prior State Examination
§396.8(C)(11) states: "Has passed the National Board Examination or State Board Examination administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board; and". The currently registered applicable NBE is a leaf. An accepted prior State Board Examination result from the other licensing jurisdiction is an applicant condition and can excuse the NBE alternative for that applicant; no separate Oklahoma examination identity is established by this score alternative.
Reciprocity — out of state resident intending to become an Oklahoma resident under §396.8(B)
National Board Exam Sciences
Board Instructions
The Board study guide nevertheless states: "After you have submitted an application for original or reciprocal license and the Board has verified your credentials or you have submitted the fees to reinstate a license that has been lapsed for three years or more the Board will send you an Admittance letter to take the Oklahoma Law Examination." The lower-ranked implementing demand is recorded here rather than overriding the specific statutory exemption.
Examination Waiver
§396.8(B) directs issuance "without examination"; this is the controlling exemption from a new examination for this pathway.
Fees
Pay fees required by §396.4.
Proof Of Qualifications
Provide satisfactory evidence of having met all requirements of the Funeral Services Licensing Act, including the applicable currently offered NBE qualification identified in §396.3(B) and OAC 235:10-3-1(6). Prior passing results remain examination leaves under this survey contract.
Residence
Currently resident outside Oklahoma and intends to become resident in Oklahoma.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Renewal
Renew by December 31 and pay the renewal fee; no further examination under §396.5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License

License to practice funeral directing.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Licensure by examination — accredited mortuary science program
Age
59 O.S. §396.3(B)(1) requires at least eighteen. Published OAC 235:10-3-1(1) states: "The individual must be twenty (20) years of age." The statute controls the legal minimum; applicants should note the Board rule.
Application
Apply after requirements are met; pay all fees; demonstrate proficiency to the Board.
Apprenticeship
One year registered apprenticeship; Oklahoma apprenticeship or one the Board determines substantially equivalent. OAC 235:10-3-5 requires personally supervised experience and reports, including assistance with 25 embalmings and 25 funerals.
Character
Good moral character; applicable occupation-related criminal history reviewed by the Board.
Dual Licensure
Holding both funeral director and embalmer licenses requires meeting both license requirements. A current dual license is required for funeral director in charge under §396.3(F), subject to its stated grandfather provision.
Education
Graduate of an ABFSE-accredited program of funeral service or mortuary science.
Law Exam Timing
Complete educational and other examination requirements and submit proof to the Board before the Oklahoma law written examination.
Passing Scores
At least 75 on each applicable examination; Arts for funeral director and Sciences for embalmer.
Residence
Legal resident of Oklahoma and citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Inactive Status
Existing licensee resumes active practice. §396.5b makes continuing education a condition of reactivation; its inactive and nonpracticing nonresident exemptions apply while inactive. License lapse of three years or longer uses the separate reinstatement route requiring the law examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after lapse of three years or longer
Oklahoma Law Examination
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Fees
Pay required reinstatement fee and statutory current-year dues.
Lapse
License lapsed for at least three years; reapply and pass the State Law Examination at 75 or better.
Oral Slot
§396.5 also states written and oral examination as required by the Board. No separately identifiable current oral assessment is named; that Board-dependent slot is an applicant condition. OAC 235:10-7-1 identifies the current State Law Examination.
Reinstatement after nonpayment lapse shorter than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Lapse
License lapsed for less than three years due to nonpayment. Pay past dues and penalties; no retaking State Law Exam under OAC 235:10-7-1(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
OAC 235:10-13-12(a) exempts military-service licensees for the first full calendar year after service.
Military
Notify the Board of armed-forces service; renewal fees excused while on the inactive military list. After discharge and desire to practice, pay the current year's license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity — equal or like educational requirements under §396.8(A)
Existing License
Licensed in another jurisdiction with equal or like educational requirements, as determined by the Board. This route excludes applicants qualifying for the specific moving-resident exemption in §396.8(B).
Fees
Pay reciprocal licensing and examination fees.
Law Examination
Board implementation requires the Oklahoma Law Examination, with a 75 minimum.
Qualification Evidence
Submit certification of existing licensure, educational qualifications, examination qualifications and other Board-required documents. OAC 235:10-3-1(6) identifies the applicable NBE section; 75 minimum.
Reciprocity — different educational requirements and five years of active practice under §396.8(C)
Application
File Board-required documents and pay fees.
Citizenship
Citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Criminal History
No felony substantially related to the occupation posing a reasonable public safety threat and no funeral-service misdemeanor.
Disciplinary History
License never revoked or suspended; no current disciplinary action.
Education
Graduate of an accredited program of mortuary science; further apprenticeship may be excused by the Board.
Existing License
Current license in the applicant's jurisdiction of residence, with at least five years active practice there; intends to practice in Oklahoma.
Law Exam
Pass Oklahoma State Law Examination; published Board rule requires 75 or better.
National Or Prior State Examination
§396.8(C)(11) states: "Has passed the National Board Examination or State Board Examination administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board; and". The currently registered applicable NBE is a leaf. An accepted prior State Board Examination result from the other licensing jurisdiction is an applicant condition and can excuse the NBE alternative for that applicant; no separate Oklahoma examination identity is established by this score alternative.
Reciprocity — out of state resident intending to become an Oklahoma resident under §396.8(B)
National Board Exam Arts
Board Instructions
The Board study guide nevertheless states: "After you have submitted an application for original or reciprocal license and the Board has verified your credentials or you have submitted the fees to reinstate a license that has been lapsed for three years or more the Board will send you an Admittance letter to take the Oklahoma Law Examination." The lower-ranked implementing demand is recorded here rather than overriding the specific statutory exemption.
Examination Waiver
§396.8(B) directs issuance "without examination"; this is the controlling exemption from a new examination for this pathway.
Fees
Pay fees required by §396.4.
Proof Of Qualifications
Provide satisfactory evidence of having met all requirements of the Funeral Services Licensing Act, including the applicable currently offered NBE qualification identified in §396.3(B) and OAC 235:10-3-1(6). Prior passing results remain examination leaves under this survey contract.
Residence
Currently resident outside Oklahoma and intends to become resident in Oklahoma.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Renewal
Renew by December 31 and pay the renewal fee; no further examination under §396.5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Establishment License

License issued by the Oklahoma Funeral Board for a funeral establishment.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial establishment licensing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board application, ownership and entity disclosures, background and disciplinary disclosures, fees, and required facilities, records, current statutes and rules.
Facility
Meet OAC 235:10-3-2 facility requirements and applicable exceptions. Commercial embalming establishments also meet §235:10-3-3 and may serve only licensed establishments, with no public selection-room sales. Crematories must be licensed in conjunction with a funeral or commercial embalming establishment under §396.30(B) and comply with §235:10-14-1.
Inspection
Board inspection before first licensure and continuing inspection access.
Licensed Staff
Employ required licensed personnel and appoint a Board-approved funeral director in charge. The staff's own professional examination requirements belong to their licenses, not to this entity license.
Ownership
Permitted entity form and fixed address; local zoning and occupancy requirements apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license following sale, lease or relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
License not transferable; sale, lease or relocation requires a new application with fee, notice and inspection. Existing license may temporarily remain by buyer/seller consent for thirty days or until the next regular Board meeting. Grandfathered facility license exceptions do not transfer.
Notification
Funeral director in charge notifies Board within ten days; purchaser, lessee or owner requests inspection and new license.
Staff And Facility
Meet current establishment and occupation-specific facility/staff requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Expires December 31; renewal application contains required updates and fees. No further examination under §396.5.
Reports
Applicable disposition fees and reports required; crematories provide annual operations reports and proof of preventative maintenance and safety inspection under OAC 235:10-14-1(l).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Embalmer License

Embalming only; not eligible to be funeral director in charge.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial restricted licensure — Board approved occupation specific course
Age
Published general OAC 235:10-3-1(1) specifies twenty; §396.3(C)(3) does not state a separate numerical age.
Application
Pay applicable fees and submit Board-required proof.
Apprenticeship
Twelve-month registered apprenticeship with employment at a licensed establishment; may occur before, during or after the course.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
Complete a Board-approved course of at least 30 semester hours or equivalent in an ABFSE-accredited funeral-service/mortuary-science program, using the curriculum enumerated in §396.3(C) for this license.
Examinations
§396.3(C) requires the applicable examination provided by the Conference and the Oklahoma Funeral Board law examination, both at 75 or better. OAC 235:10-3-1(6) names NBE-Arts for a funeral director license and NBE-Sciences for an embalmer license; that published implementation is the identification applied to the Conference examination slot.
Experience
Full-time employment and assistance with 25 embalmings under a licensed Oklahoma embalmer.
Residence And Citizenship
Legal resident of Oklahoma; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Restriction
License restricted to the specified occupation; not eligible to serve as funeral director in charge.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Inactive Status
Existing licensee resumes active practice. §396.5b makes continuing education a condition of reactivation; its inactive and nonpracticing nonresident exemptions apply while inactive. License lapse of three years or longer uses the separate reinstatement route requiring the law examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after lapse of three years or longer
Oklahoma Law Examination
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Fees
Pay required reinstatement fee and statutory current-year dues.
Lapse
License lapsed for at least three years; reapply and pass the State Law Examination at 75 or better.
Oral Slot
§396.5 also states written and oral examination as required by the Board. No separately identifiable current oral assessment is named; that Board-dependent slot is an applicant condition. OAC 235:10-7-1 identifies the current State Law Examination.
Reinstatement after nonpayment lapse shorter than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Lapse
License lapsed for less than three years due to nonpayment. Pay past dues and penalties; no retaking State Law Exam under OAC 235:10-7-1(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
OAC 235:10-13-12(a) exempts military-service licensees for the first full calendar year after service.
Military
Notify the Board of armed-forces service; renewal fees excused while on the inactive military list. After discharge and desire to practice, pay the current year's license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Renewal
Renew by December 31 and pay the renewal fee; no further examination under §396.5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License (Funeral Directing Only)

Funeral directing only; not eligible to be funeral director in charge.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Initial restricted licensure — Board approved occupation specific course
Age
At least eighteen under §396.3(C)(1); published general Board rule states twenty.
Application
Pay applicable fees and submit Board-required proof.
Apprenticeship
Twelve-month registered apprenticeship with employment at a licensed establishment; may occur before, during or after the course.
Education
Complete a Board-approved course of at least 30 semester hours or equivalent in an ABFSE-accredited funeral-service/mortuary-science program, using the curriculum enumerated in §396.3(C) for this license.
Examinations
§396.3(C) requires the applicable examination provided by the Conference and the Oklahoma Funeral Board law examination, both at 75 or better. OAC 235:10-3-1(6) names NBE-Arts for a funeral director license and NBE-Sciences for an embalmer license; that published implementation is the identification applied to the Conference examination slot.
Experience
Assist with 25 arrangement conferences and 25 separate funeral or memorial services under a licensed Oklahoma funeral director.
Residence And Citizenship
Legal resident of Oklahoma; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Restriction
License restricted to the specified occupation; not eligible to serve as funeral director in charge.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Inactive Status
Existing licensee resumes active practice. §396.5b makes continuing education a condition of reactivation; its inactive and nonpracticing nonresident exemptions apply while inactive. License lapse of three years or longer uses the separate reinstatement route requiring the law examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after lapse of three years or longer
Oklahoma Law Examination
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Fees
Pay required reinstatement fee and statutory current-year dues.
Lapse
License lapsed for at least three years; reapply and pass the State Law Examination at 75 or better.
Oral Slot
§396.5 also states written and oral examination as required by the Board. No separately identifiable current oral assessment is named; that Board-dependent slot is an applicant condition. OAC 235:10-7-1 identifies the current State Law Examination.
Reinstatement after nonpayment lapse shorter than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Lapse
License lapsed for less than three years due to nonpayment. Pay past dues and penalties; no retaking State Law Exam under OAC 235:10-7-1(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
OAC 235:10-13-12(a) exempts military-service licensees for the first full calendar year after service.
Military
Notify the Board of armed-forces service; renewal fees excused while on the inactive military list. After discharge and desire to practice, pay the current year's license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six contact hours per calendar year before renewal under OAC 235:10-13-10, including one ethics hour and two hours physically present; proof and fees required. Statutory and rule exemptions apply to military service, inactive or nonpracticing nonresidents, illness or disability approved by the Board, and persons at least 65 who are not funeral director in charge. No credit for repeating the same course in a calendar year; at most six hours may carry forward. Initial and reciprocal licensees start in the first full calendar year after issuance.
Renewal
Renew by December 31 and pay the renewal fee; no further examination under §396.5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Funeral Establishment License

Temporary licensing allows a funeral establishment to continue operating after facility destruction or damage; the board may waive certain licensing requirements during good-faith rebuilding or restoration.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Funeral Board · Application information

Temporary license after destruction or damage
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may issue temporary license to continue operations and waive certain requirements while the establishment makes a good-faith effort to rebuild or restore full compliance.
Trigger
Licensed establishment's facilities destroyed or damaged.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Law Examination

Provider
University of Central Oklahoma Testing Service
Format
Multiple choice and true/false; scantron answers scored by scanner
Exam questions
50
Time limit
No preset time limit
Passing score
75%
Examination outline
  • Funeral Services Licensing Act (Title 59, Chapter 9)
  • Oklahoma Funeral Board Administrative Operations (OAC Title 235, Chapter 1)
  • Funeral Services Licensing (OAC Title 235, Chapter 10)
  • Prepaid Funeral Benefits Act
  • Violation of Sepulture and the Remains of the Dead (Title 21, Chapter 47)
  • Medical Examiner Statutes
  • Oklahoma Public Health Code (Title 63, Chapter 1)
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

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