HawaiiFuneral Director License Requirements

Minimum Education

Associate's degree from ABFSE-accredited program

Required Coursework

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.

Format: Multiple-choice examination administered by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB)

Additional State Exam

Hawaii State Law Examination

Retake Policy

90-day waiting period between attempts

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.

Supervision Requirements

Must serve under the direct supervision of a licensed funeral director at a licensed funeral establishment

Timing

post-education

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 Training Required

Yes

Alternatives to Embalming

Embalming is required as part of the combined license; refrigeration or immediate disposition may be alternatives for families

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.

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.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Active funeral director license in good standing in another state
• •Passage of the NBE (Arts section minimum)
• •Submit reciprocity application with verification of original licensure
• •May require state-specific jurisprudence exam

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.