How to get your license: Embalmers

Requirements

To get a license as an embalmer, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Meet at least one of the following education requirements:
    • Have an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science.
    • Meet the alternative education requirements below.
    • Have at least 5 years of active licensed experience in another state.
  • Complete an embalmer internship.
  • Take and pass the licensing exam.

Alternative education requirements

If you don’t have an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science, you must complete a course of instruction at an accredited mortuary science college program:

  • The course must consist of at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours.
  • Credits may be earned at more than 1 college to satisfy the total number required. The mortuary science school will determine if courses from other colleges or universities are transferrable.

Note: A diploma or certificate from a mortuary school whose curriculum doesn’t equal 60 semester or 90 quarter hours doesn’t meet Washington’s education requirements.

Out-of-state applicants

  • If you have at least 5 years of active licensed experience in another state, you don’t need to meet the education requirements.
  • If you have less than 5 years of active licensed experience in another state, you must meet the education requirements.

How to apply for a license

  1. Complete a Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application.
  2. Have your college or university send us your official transcripts. Only sealed transcripts send directly from the issuing college or university are accepted.
  3. Request that an official copy of your National Board scores be sent to us directly from the National Board.
  4. Mail all of the following to the address on the application form:
    • Your completed, signed application.
    • A check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).

If you’ve been licensed in another state for at least 5 years

  1. Complete a Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application.
  2. Have your license history and exam verifications sent directly to us from any states you’ve been licensed in.
  3. Mail all of the following to the address on the application form:
    • Your completed, signed application.
    • A check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).

If you’ve been licensed in another state for less than 5 years

  1. Complete a Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application.
  2. Have your college or university send us your official transcripts. Only sealed transcripts send directly from the issuing college or university are accepted.
  3. Have your license history and exam verifications sent directly to us from any states you’ve been licensed in.
  4. Have an official copy of your National Board scores sent directly to us from the National Board.
  5. Mail all of the following to the address on the application form:
    • Your completed, signed application.
    • A check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
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