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 education requirements below.
    • Have at least 5 years’ active licensed experience in another state.
  • Complete an embalmer internship.
  • Take and pass the licensing exam.

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 and other college courses.

  • The courses must consist of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours.
  • Credits may be earned at more than one college to satisfy the total number required.

Warning: Some mortuary schools may issue a diploma or certificate, but not an associate’s degree because their curriculum doesn’t equal 60 semester or 90 quarter hours. Please be aware that a diploma or certificate alone from this type of mortuary school doesn’t meet this state’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 to get a license.
  • If you have less than 5 yearsof 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.
    • Be sure to include official transcripts from the schools, colleges, or universities where you completed your education (copies of transcripts aren’t acceptable).
    • Your Social Security number is now required by law.
  2. Request that an official copy of your National Board scores be sent to us directly from the National Board.
  3. Mail your signed application, transcripts, and a check or money order payable to the Washington State Treasurer for the application fee to the address on the application form.

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

  1. Complete a Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application.
    • Be sure to provide written verification of licensure from the state boards of the states where you have been licensed, and indicate your experience on Page 2 of the form.
    • Your Social Security number is now required by law.
  2. Mail your signed application, transcripts, and a check or money order payable to the Washington State Treasurer for the application fee to the address on the application form

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

  1. Complete a Funeral Director/Embalmer License Application.
    • Include official transcripts from the schools, colleges, or universities where you completed your education (copies of transcripts aren’t acceptable).
    • Provide written verification of licensure from the state boards of the states where you have been licensed, and indicate your experience on Page 2 of the form.
    • Your Social Security number is now required by law.
  2. Request that an official copy of your National Board scores sent to us directly from the National Board.
  3. Mail your signed application, transcripts, and a check or money order payable to the Washington State Treasurer for the application fee to the address on the application form.
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