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How to become a licensed Funeral Director in Colorado. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Funeral Director (Unlicensed — Colorado does not license funeral directors)
No
Dual License
Not Required
NBE Required
Not Required
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Embalming Required
0 hrs
CE Hours
N/A
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
No state education requirement
ABFSE Accreditation
Not Required
Degree Type
None required by state
Program Length
N/A
Minimum Education
No state minimum education requirement
Funeral director education typically requires an associate's or bachelor's degree in mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited (American Board of Funeral Service Education) program. Programs cover embalming, restorative art, funeral service law, business management, and grief counseling.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNBE Not Required
International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
Format: Not required in Colorado
Retake Policy
N/A
The National Board Examination (NBE) is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB). It consists of two sections: Arts (funeral directing) and Sciences (embalming). Most states require passing both sections for full licensure.
Apprenticeship Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
Supervision Requirements
No apprenticeship required
Timing
N/A
Most states require a period of apprenticeship or internship under a licensed funeral director. The apprenticeship may be completed before, during, or after the mortuary science education program depending on the state. Duration typically ranges from 1 to 3 years.
Embalming License & Training
VerifiedNot Required
Embalming License
Separate
Included in FD License
Embalming Training Required
No
Alternatives to Embalming
Colorado does not regulate embalming at the state level
Some states combine funeral directing and embalming into a single "Funeral Service Practitioner" license, while others issue separate licenses for each. States that issue separate licenses may allow funeral directors to operate without embalming privileges, contracting embalming services as needed.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | N/A |
NBE Fee $285 per section × 2 sections (NBE-Arts + NBE-Sciences); Pearson VUE; scores do not expire | $570 |
License Fee | N/A |
Renewal Fee | N/A |
Establishment License Fee | N/A |
Total Initial Fees No state licensing fees — Colorado does not license funeral directors | N/A |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedN/A
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
N/A
Regulatory Board
Funeral director licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require 10-24 hours of continuing education per renewal period covering topics such as funeral service law, ethics, embalming techniques, and OSHA compliance.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
NBE Score Portability
N/A — Colorado does not require the NBE
Reciprocity Requirements
NBE scores are generally portable between states, making it easier to transfer licenses. However, individual state requirements for education, apprenticeship, and state-specific exams may still apply. License by endorsement is available in most states for experienced funeral directors.
Colorado does not license funeral directors at the state level. The profession was deregulated in 1983, making Colorado one of the few states without funeral director licensing requirements.
Colorado does not license funeral directors at the state level.
The funeral directing profession was deregulated in Colorado in 1983.
No education, examination, or apprenticeship requirements exist at the state level.
Funeral establishments may still need local business permits.
All funeral homes must comply with the FTC Funeral Rule requiring price disclosure.
There is no interstate compact for funeral directors.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#19 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers (SOC 39-4031)
Entry Level
$46,960
25th percentile
Median
$57,420
+15% vs. national avg ($49,800)Experienced
$73,950
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
300 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+9.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+3,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
3,000
per year (avg.)
30,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Estimated total: 160–182 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the National Board Examination.
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Colorado has specific exam requirements for funeral director licensure. All licensing is managed through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.