Requirements to get your license: Funeral directors

An applicant for a license as a funeral director shall be at least 18 years of age and must have:

• obtained an associate of arts degree in mortuary science.
• OR
• completed a course of instruction of not less than 2 years in an accredited college. This course of instruction must consist of 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of instruction at a school, college, or university accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges or other accredited association approved by the board, with a minimum 2.0 grade point, or a grade of C or better, in each of the following subjects:
  • 1 course in psychology
  • 1 course in mathematics
  • 2 courses in English composition
  • 2 courses in social science
  • 3 courses selected from any of the following subjects:
    • behavioral sciences
    • public speaking
    • counseling
    • business administration and management
    • computer science
    • first aid.

Note:

• Credits may be earned at more than one college to satisfy the total number required.
• Some mortuary schools may issue a diploma or certificate but not an associate’s degree because their curriculum does not equal 60 semester or 90 quarter hours. Graduates of such mortuary schools need to be aware that their diploma or certificate alone DOES NOT constitute fulfillment of this state’s requirement for 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of college.
• The requirement for classes in certain subjects does not apply to applicants licensed more than 5 years in another state.

Out-of-state applicants

The board may recognize licenses issued to funeral directors or embalmers from other states and extend reciprocity. The board may issue a funeral director or embalmer license upon verification of the other state’s licenses, payment of the application fee, and successful completion of the Washington State Law examination. Five years’ active experience as a licensee may be accepted to make up a deficit in the comparable education requirements.

Applicants with at least 5 years’ active licensed experience in another state don’t need to provide college transcripts or National Board scores. However, they must provide written verification of licensure from the state boards of the states where they are licensed, and indicate their experience on Page 2 of the application form. Out-of-state applicants with less than five years’ active licensed experience will be required to meet our educational requirements (except for the specific course requirements) and to provide college transcripts, National Board scores and verification of licensure.