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Virginia Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

US-VA · 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.

Funeral Service License (combination license)

Combination license for the practice of funeral service.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to five hours annually, including the specified one-hour law/preneed requirement and at least one preneed hour every three years; first renewal after initial Virginia licensure by examination is exempt. Maintain records for three years. Board extensions and exemptions may apply.
Deadline
Submit renewal form and fee by March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement or reciprocity
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Application
Provide license verifications and supporting credentials. The application checklist asks for existing national scores to be transferred if applicable; the endorsement rule identifies the Virginia State Board Examination as its examination requirement.
Other jurisdiction license
Valid equivalent license in another United States jurisdiction.
Substantial equivalence
Credentials substantially similar to or more stringent than the Commonwealth required when the applicant was initially licensed; approval is case-by-case.
Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the completed application, official transcripts, required examination scores, fee, and additional Board-requested documentation; scores are transferred by The Conference.
Criminal and disciplinary history
Board discretion applies to felony convictions after completion of sentencing, pardon, or restoration of civil rights and to pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Education
Graduation from an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science or funeral service program; official transcripts.
Internship
Complete the corresponding Board-prescribed internship: at least 2,000 hours over 12 to 48 months, normally 20 to 60 hours weekly; 25 funerals and 25 embalmings for the combined license, 25 funerals and arrangement conferences for the director license, or 25 embalmings for the embalmer license.
Internship currency
No credit for training completed more than three years before the license application or more than five years before the examination.
National score timing
Passing national examination scores remain leaves even when the examinations were passed before applying.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
State registration
The Board receives the license application and submits eligibility to The Conference before LRR registration.
Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
Expired no more than one year.
Renewal
Meet ordinary renewal and continuing-competency requirements and pay renewal and late fees; practice is prohibited while the license is invalid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide hours required for the inactive period, capped at three years.
Fees
Pay the difference between inactive and active renewal fees for the reactivation year.
Inactive status
Holder of an inactive license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee.
Continuing education
Provide evidence of completing continuing-competency hours required during the lapse.
Expiry
License expired more than one year and no more than three years; reinstatement is subject to Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after three years
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Application
Reapply and pass the LRR examination; provide license verifications and documentation required by the reinstatement application.
Expiry
License not reinstated within three years of expiration.

Temporary Funeral Service License (combination license) for a Foreign National

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Endorsement
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Other license
Valid substantially equivalent out-of-jurisdiction license; Board approval and the endorsement LRR requirement apply.
Temporary authorization
Otherwise qualified foreign national unable to provide the required identifying number; authorization lasts no more than 90 days.
Initial examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the completed application, official transcripts, required examination scores, fee, and additional Board-requested documentation; scores are transferred by The Conference.
Criminal and disciplinary history
Board discretion applies to felony convictions after completion of sentencing, pardon, or restoration of civil rights and to pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Education
Graduation from an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science or funeral service program; official transcripts.
Internship
Complete the corresponding Board-prescribed internship: at least 2,000 hours over 12 to 48 months, normally 20 to 60 hours weekly; 25 funerals and 25 embalmings for the combined license, 25 funerals and arrangement conferences for the director license, or 25 embalmings for the embalmer license.
Internship currency
No credit for training completed more than three years before the license application or more than five years before the examination.
National score timing
Passing national examination scores remain leaves even when the examinations were passed before applying.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
State registration
The Board receives the license application and submits eligibility to The Conference before LRR registration.
Temporary authorization
Otherwise qualified foreign national unable to provide a Social Security number or DMV control number; Board may authorize practice for no more than 90 days.

Virginia Inactive Funeral Service License

Inactive status of the existing practitioner license; practice in Virginia is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Submit inactive renewal and fee by March 31.
Practice
No practice; continuing education is deferred until reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion to inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request inactive status on the renewal application and submit the required fee.
Continuing education
No continuing education while inactive except for reactivation.
Current license
Current unrestricted Virginia license.
Practice
No acts requiring the active professional license may be performed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Virginia Temporary Funeral Service License for Military Spouses

A temporary licensing pathway for qualifying military spouses holding the same or a similar license from another jurisdiction, applicable to funeral service practice.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Pending equivalence review
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
No more than 12 months while Board reviews or the applicant completes Virginia-specific requirements.
Other license
Same or similar license in another jurisdiction and otherwise meets subsection A qualifications; no disciplinary disqualification.
Outstanding requirements
Any Virginia-specific requirements not required in the original licensing jurisdiction must be completed; the temporary-issuance statute does not identify an examination for that open slot.
Spouse
Spouse on federal active-duty orders, or veteran who left active duty within one year of application; applicant accompanies spouse to Virginia, an adjoining state, or the District of Columbia.
Timing
Board unable to finish document review or equivalency decision within 20 days of a complete application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Courtesy Card

Allows practice authorized by current licensure in another jurisdiction, but not establishing or generally engaging in the funeral directing and embalming business in Virginia.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License
Document current unrestricted funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming licensure in the jurisdictions where licensed.
Renewal
Submit renewal and applicable fees by March 31, or within one year of expiration with the late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed application and prescribed fee.
License
Current valid out-of-state funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming license; provide verification of current unrestricted licensure.
Scope
Only the practice authorized by the existing license; no establishment or general business of funeral directing and embalming in Virginia.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License
Document current unrestricted funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming licensure in the jurisdictions where licensed.
Renewal
Submit renewal and applicable fees by March 31, or within one year of expiration with the late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reinstatement application and fee; maintain qualifying unrestricted other-jurisdiction licensure.
Expiry
More than one year but no more than three years; Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crematory Registration

Registration to operate a crematory following application, confirmation of functional equipment and an initial inspection.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal form and prescribed fee by March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed application and fee at least 30 days before opening; identify crematory manager.
Direct to public
Requires funeral service establishment licensure or status as its branch.
Inspection
Board may authorize a test cremation while application is pending; functional equipment and completed initial inspection precede registration.
Manager
Manager must hold CANA, ICCFA, or other Board-recognized certification and OSHA universal-precautions/bloodborne-pathogen training.
Operators
Retort operators must hold recognized certification; supervised training permitted for no more than six months. These certifications are qualifications, not a state examination identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
No more than one year expired.
Renewal
Submit renewal form, ordinary renewal fee, and late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board may consider reinstatement application with prescribed fee.
Expiry
More than one but no more than three years after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director License

License to practice funeral directing within the Commonwealth.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to five hours annually, including the specified one-hour law/preneed requirement and at least one preneed hour every three years; first renewal after initial Virginia licensure by examination is exempt. Maintain records for three years. Board extensions and exemptions may apply.
Deadline
Submit renewal form and fee by March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement or reciprocity
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Application
Provide license verifications and supporting credentials. The application checklist asks for existing national scores to be transferred if applicable; the endorsement rule identifies the Virginia State Board Examination as its examination requirement.
Other jurisdiction license
Valid equivalent license in another United States jurisdiction.
Substantial equivalence
Credentials substantially similar to or more stringent than the Commonwealth required when the applicant was initially licensed; approval is case-by-case.
Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the completed application, official transcripts, required examination scores, fee, and additional Board-requested documentation; scores are transferred by The Conference.
Criminal and disciplinary history
Board discretion applies to felony convictions after completion of sentencing, pardon, or restoration of civil rights and to pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Education
ABFSE-accredited mortuary science/funeral service program, or an associate degree or equivalent of at least 60 credits including at least 30 credits in a Board-approved funeral-directing program; Board-approved pathology coursework.
Internship
Complete the corresponding Board-prescribed internship: at least 2,000 hours over 12 to 48 months, normally 20 to 60 hours weekly; 25 funerals and 25 embalmings for the combined license, 25 funerals and arrangement conferences for the director license, or 25 embalmings for the embalmer license.
Internship currency
No credit for training completed more than three years before the license application or more than five years before the examination.
National score timing
Passing national examination scores remain leaves even when the examinations were passed before applying.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
State registration
The Board receives the license application and submits eligibility to The Conference before LRR registration.
Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
Expired no more than one year.
Renewal
Meet ordinary renewal and continuing-competency requirements and pay renewal and late fees; practice is prohibited while the license is invalid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide hours required for the inactive period, capped at three years.
Fees
Pay the difference between inactive and active renewal fees for the reactivation year.
Inactive status
Holder of an inactive license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee.
Continuing education
Provide evidence of completing continuing-competency hours required during the lapse.
Expiry
License expired more than one year and no more than three years; reinstatement is subject to Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after three years
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Application
Reapply and pass the LRR examination; provide license verifications and documentation required by the reinstatement application.
Expiry
License not reinstated within three years of expiration.

Temporary Funeral Director License for a Foreign National

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Endorsement
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Other license
Valid substantially equivalent out-of-jurisdiction license; Board approval and the endorsement LRR requirement apply.
Temporary authorization
Otherwise qualified foreign national unable to provide the required identifying number; authorization lasts no more than 90 days.
Initial examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the completed application, official transcripts, required examination scores, fee, and additional Board-requested documentation; scores are transferred by The Conference.
Criminal and disciplinary history
Board discretion applies to felony convictions after completion of sentencing, pardon, or restoration of civil rights and to pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Education
ABFSE-accredited mortuary science/funeral service program, or an associate degree or equivalent of at least 60 credits including at least 30 credits in a Board-approved funeral-directing program; Board-approved pathology coursework.
Internship
Complete the corresponding Board-prescribed internship: at least 2,000 hours over 12 to 48 months, normally 20 to 60 hours weekly; 25 funerals and 25 embalmings for the combined license, 25 funerals and arrangement conferences for the director license, or 25 embalmings for the embalmer license.
Internship currency
No credit for training completed more than three years before the license application or more than five years before the examination.
National score timing
Passing national examination scores remain leaves even when the examinations were passed before applying.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
State registration
The Board receives the license application and submits eligibility to The Conference before LRR registration.
Temporary authorization
Otherwise qualified foreign national unable to provide a Social Security number or DMV control number; Board may authorize practice for no more than 90 days.

Inactive Funeral Director License

Inactive status of the existing practitioner license; practice in Virginia is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Submit inactive renewal and fee by March 31.
Practice
No practice; continuing education is deferred until reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion to inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request inactive status on the renewal application and submit the required fee.
Continuing education
No continuing education while inactive except for reactivation.
Current license
Current unrestricted Virginia license.
Practice
No acts requiring the active professional license may be performed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Funeral Director License for a Military Spouse

Temporary licensing pathway for eligible military spouses who hold the same or similar license in another jurisdiction and seek to practice funeral directing in Virginia.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Pending equivalence review
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
No more than 12 months while Board reviews or the applicant completes Virginia-specific requirements.
Other license
Same or similar license in another jurisdiction and otherwise meets subsection A qualifications; no disciplinary disqualification.
Outstanding requirements
Any Virginia-specific requirements not required in the original licensing jurisdiction must be completed; the temporary-issuance statute does not identify an examination for that open slot.
Spouse
Spouse on federal active-duty orders, or veteran who left active duty within one year of application; applicant accompanies spouse to Virginia, an adjoining state, or the District of Columbia.
Timing
Board unable to finish document review or equivalency decision within 20 days of a complete application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer License

License to practice embalming in Virginia.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to five hours annually, including the specified one-hour law/preneed requirement and at least one preneed hour every three years; first renewal after initial Virginia licensure by examination is exempt. Maintain records for three years. Board extensions and exemptions may apply.
Deadline
Submit renewal form and fee by March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement or reciprocity
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Application
Provide license verifications and supporting credentials. The application checklist asks for existing national scores to be transferred if applicable; the endorsement rule identifies the Virginia State Board Examination as its examination requirement.
Other jurisdiction license
Valid equivalent license in another United States jurisdiction.
Substantial equivalence
Credentials substantially similar to or more stringent than the Commonwealth required when the applicant was initially licensed; approval is case-by-case.
Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the completed application, official transcripts, required examination scores, fee, and additional Board-requested documentation; scores are transferred by The Conference.
Criminal and disciplinary history
Board discretion applies to felony convictions after completion of sentencing, pardon, or restoration of civil rights and to pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Education
ABFSE-accredited mortuary science/funeral service program, or a Board-approved embalming program.
Internship
Complete the corresponding Board-prescribed internship: at least 2,000 hours over 12 to 48 months, normally 20 to 60 hours weekly; 25 funerals and 25 embalmings for the combined license, 25 funerals and arrangement conferences for the director license, or 25 embalmings for the embalmer license.
Internship currency
No credit for training completed more than three years before the license application or more than five years before the examination.
National score timing
Passing national examination scores remain leaves even when the examinations were passed before applying.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
State registration
The Board receives the license application and submits eligibility to The Conference before LRR registration.
Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
Expired no more than one year.
Renewal
Meet ordinary renewal and continuing-competency requirements and pay renewal and late fees; practice is prohibited while the license is invalid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide hours required for the inactive period, capped at three years.
Fees
Pay the difference between inactive and active renewal fees for the reactivation year.
Inactive status
Holder of an inactive license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application and fee.
Continuing education
Provide evidence of completing continuing-competency hours required during the lapse.
Expiry
License expired more than one year and no more than three years; reinstatement is subject to Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after three years
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Application
Reapply and pass the LRR examination; provide license verifications and documentation required by the reinstatement application.
Expiry
License not reinstated within three years of expiration.

Temporary Embalmer License for a Foreign National

Discretionary temporary authorization to practice embalming for an otherwise qualified foreign national, effective for no more than 90 days.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Endorsement
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Other license
Valid substantially equivalent out-of-jurisdiction license; Board approval and the endorsement LRR requirement apply.
Temporary authorization
Otherwise qualified foreign national unable to provide the required identifying number; authorization lasts no more than 90 days.
Initial examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the completed application, official transcripts, required examination scores, fee, and additional Board-requested documentation; scores are transferred by The Conference.
Criminal and disciplinary history
Board discretion applies to felony convictions after completion of sentencing, pardon, or restoration of civil rights and to pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings.
Education
ABFSE-accredited mortuary science/funeral service program, or a Board-approved embalming program.
Internship
Complete the corresponding Board-prescribed internship: at least 2,000 hours over 12 to 48 months, normally 20 to 60 hours weekly; 25 funerals and 25 embalmings for the combined license, 25 funerals and arrangement conferences for the director license, or 25 embalmings for the embalmer license.
Internship currency
No credit for training completed more than three years before the license application or more than five years before the examination.
National score timing
Passing national examination scores remain leaves even when the examinations were passed before applying.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
State registration
The Board receives the license application and submits eligibility to The Conference before LRR registration.
Temporary authorization
Otherwise qualified foreign national unable to provide a Social Security number or DMV control number; Board may authorize practice for no more than 90 days.

Inactive Embalmer License

Inactive status of the existing practitioner license; practice in Virginia is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Submit inactive renewal and fee by March 31.
Practice
No practice; continuing education is deferred until reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion to inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request inactive status on the renewal application and submit the required fee.
Continuing education
No continuing education while inactive except for reactivation.
Current license
Current unrestricted Virginia license.
Practice
No acts requiring the active professional license may be performed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Embalmer License for a Military Spouse

Temporary embalmer licensure for eligible spouses of military service members.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Pending equivalence review
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
No more than 12 months while Board reviews or the applicant completes Virginia-specific requirements.
Other license
Same or similar license in another jurisdiction and otherwise meets subsection A qualifications; no disciplinary disqualification.
Outstanding requirements
Any Virginia-specific requirements not required in the original licensing jurisdiction must be completed; the temporary-issuance statute does not identify an examination for that open slot.
Spouse
Spouse on federal active-duty orders, or veteran who left active duty within one year of application; applicant accompanies spouse to Virginia, an adjoining state, or the District of Columbia.
Timing
Board unable to finish document review or equivalency decision within 20 days of a complete application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Service Establishment License

License required to operate a funeral service establishment; issuance requires a completed and approved inspection.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal form and prescribed fee by March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Branch or chapel
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affiliation
Identify the main establishment and attest affiliation; separate manager of record except as permitted by law.
Application
Separate license, fee, and Board-approved inspection.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Change of ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inspection
Reinspection no later than one year after change.
Timing
Within 30 days of change request reinspection, apply for a new license identifying owner, and pay fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Emergency operations
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Identify both managers and provide emergency-usage agreement.
Emergency
Board may approve operations at another licensed establishment for 60 days, extendable 30 days for good cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, and documentation at least 30 days before opening.
Inspection
License requires a completed and approved inspection.
Manager
Qualified full-time manager of record, subject to the statutory hardship waiver.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
No more than one year expired.
Renewal
Submit renewal form, ordinary renewal fee, and late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board may consider reinstatement application with prescribed fee.
Expiry
More than one but no more than three years after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after three years
virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam
Expiry
Establishment license not reinstated within three years.
Statutory reading
18VAC65-20-140(C) says an applicant whose license is not reinstated within three years shall reapply and pass the state examination; the paragraph does not limit license to individual practitioner licenses. This route applies that wording literally.

Funeral Service Intern Registration

Registration as a funeral service intern requires an application package documenting qualifications, supervising licensee signatures, school transcripts, and the required fee.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No training credit under expired registration.
Renewal
Expires March 31; submit renewal notice and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fee.
Criminal history
Board discretion and disqualifications under the applicable internship statute/rule apply; embezzlement and the specified corpse-related offense disqualify.
Education
High-school diploma or equivalent; submit transcripts and documentation.
Supervision
Application carries supervising licensee signatures; Board must approve before training starts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
No more than one year after expiration.
Fees
Pay current renewal and late renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New registration after three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
Registration not reinstated within three years.
Training
File a new registration application and begin a new internship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and reinstatement fee.
Expiry
More than one but no more than three years; Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Directing Intern Registration

Intern registration requires an application package with qualification documentation, supervising licensee signatures, school transcripts, and the required fee.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No training credit under expired registration.
Renewal
Expires March 31; submit renewal notice and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fee.
Criminal history
Board discretion and disqualifications under the applicable internship statute/rule apply; embezzlement and the specified corpse-related offense disqualify.
Education
High-school diploma or equivalent; submit transcripts and documentation.
Supervision
Application carries supervising licensee signatures; Board must approve before training starts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
No more than one year after expiration.
Fees
Pay current renewal and late renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New registration after three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
Registration not reinstated within three years.
Training
File a new registration application and begin a new internship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and reinstatement fee.
Expiry
More than one but no more than three years; Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalming Intern Registration

Registration as an embalming intern requires an application package, school transcripts, the required fee, qualifications documentation, and supervising licensee signatures.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No training credit under expired registration.
Renewal
Expires March 31; submit renewal notice and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fee.
Criminal history
Board discretion and disqualifications under the applicable internship statute/rule apply; embezzlement and the specified corpse-related offense disqualify.
Education
High-school diploma or equivalent; submit transcripts and documentation.
Supervision
Application carries supervising licensee signatures; Board must approve before training starts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
No more than one year after expiration.
Fees
Pay current renewal and late renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New registration after three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
Registration not reinstated within three years.
Training
File a new registration application and begin a new internship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and reinstatement fee.
Expiry
More than one but no more than three years; Board consideration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Internship Supervisor Registration

Supervisors must register with the board for each intern; registration expires after 48 months or completion of the intern's training, whichever occurs first.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Registration for each intern
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Separate signed Board application for each intern; signatures of establishment manager and supervising licensees.
Employment
Full-time employment or contract with training establishment, facility, or institution.
License
Unrestricted Virginia funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license; at least two consecutive years of practice; no Board discipline in the most recent two years.
Scope
Supervise only authorized licensed activities; at most two concurrent interns.
Term
Registration expires at completion of training or 48 months, except Board-approved extension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Surface Transportation and Removal Service Registration

Registration authorizing the business of surface transportation or removal of dead human bodies in the Commonwealth.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal form and prescribed fee by March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed signed application, fee, additional Board-required eligibility documentation, and manager name.
Insurance
Bonding or liability-insurance coverage.
Scope
Removal and transportation only; funeral arrangements, preparation/embalming, and funeral goods require establishment licensure. Licensed funeral establishments need no additional transport registration.
Training
Evidence of OSHA universal-precautions and bloodborne-pathogen training for manager and staff.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiry
No more than one year expired.
Renewal
Submit renewal form, ordinary renewal fee, and late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement one to three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board may consider reinstatement application with prescribed fee.
Expiry
More than one but no more than three years after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Board Exam Arts

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

National Board Exam Sciences

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

virginia laws, rules, and regulations (lrr) exam

Practice scope

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

  • Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 28. Funeral Services
  • 18VAC65-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Funeral Services
  • 18VAC65-30. Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning
  • 18VAC65-40. Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program
  • 12VAC5-550. Board of Health Regulations Governing Vital Records
  • Code of Virginia, Title 32.1, Chapter 7. Vital Records
  • Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 24. General Provisions
  • 12VAC5-11. Public Participation Guidelines
  • 12VAC5-66. Regulations Governing Durable Do Not Resuscitate Orders
  • 12VAC5-67. Advance Health Care Directive Registry
  • 12VAC5-90. Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control
  • 12VAC5-105. Rabies Regulations
  • 12VAC5-115. Virginia Immunization Information System
  • 12VAC5-135. Recreational Advisories
  • 12VAC5-150. Regulations for the Sanitary Control of Storing, Processing, Packing or Repacking of Oysters, Clams and Other Shellfish
  • 12VAC5-165. Regulations for the Repacking of Crab Meat
  • 12VAC5-216. Methodology to Measure Efficiency and Productivity of Health Care Institutions
  • 12VAC5-217. Regulations of the Patient Level Data System
  • 12VAC5-218. Rules and Regulations Governing Outpatient Health Data Reporting
  • 12VAC5-403. Certification of Doulas
  • 12VAC5-405. Rules Governing Private Review Agents
  • 12VAC5-407. Procedures for the Submission of Health Maintenance Organization Quality of Care Performance Information
  • 12VAC5-421. Food Regulations
  • 12VAC5-440. Regulations for Summer Camps
  • 12VAC5-475. Regulations Implementing the Virginia Donor Registry
  • 12VAC5-481. Virginia Radiation Protection Regulations
  • 12VAC5-510. Regulations for General Assembly Nursing Scholarships
  • 12VAC5-520. Regulations Governing the Dental Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs
  • 12VAC5-525. Regulations for Physician Assistant Scholarships
  • 12VAC5-530. Regulations Governing the Virginia Medical Scholarship Program
  • 12VAC5-540. Rules and Regulations for the Identification of Medically Underserved Areas in Virginia
  • 12VAC5-542. Rules and Regulations Governing the Virginia Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship Program
  • 12VAC5-545. Regulations for the Nurse Educator Scholarship Program
  • 12VAC5-590. Waterworks Regulations
  • 12VAC5-600. Waterworks Operation Fee
  • 12VAC5-610. Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations
  • 12VAC5-613. Regulations for Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems
  • 12VAC5-620. Regulations Governing Fees for Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems, Alternative Discharge Systems, and Private Wells
  • 12VAC5-630. Private Well Regulations
  • 12VAC5-635. Rainwater Harvesting System Regulations
  • 12VAC5-650. Schedule of Civil Penalties
Examination sources