Becoming a mortician takes roughly 3-5 years from starting school to working independently. The path is well-defined: choose your target state, complete a funeral service or mortuary science degree, finish supervised apprenticeship or internship hours, pass licensing exams, and apply for the state license that matches the work you want to do. There are no shortcuts, but there are no hidden barriers either.
This is the main step-by-step guide for searches like “how to become a mortician,” “how to be a mortician,” and “how do you become a mortician.” It covers every step using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O*NET, and state licensing requirements.
Quick Answer: How to Become a Mortician in 2026
To become a mortician in the U.S., choose the state where you want to work, complete an ABFSE-accredited funeral service or mortuary science degree, finish that state’s apprenticeship or internship, pass the National Board Exam and any state law exam, and apply for a state license. Most new entrants should budget for a 3-5 year path.
Use this page when you need the full path from school to license. If you searched “mortician requirements” and need an item-by-item eligibility list, use the Mortician Requirements checklist. If your blocker is only the degree rule, use the focused degree guide linked below.
For a fast checklist, the path looks like this:
| Step | What to do | Typical timing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the state where you plan to work | Before school | Mortician licenses are state-based, so the state rules control the whole path. |
| 2 | Confirm education, age, apprenticeship, and exam rules | 1-2 days | State requirements decide which school and internship sequence will count. |
| 3 | Pick an ABFSE-accredited program | 2 years | Most full-license paths require accredited funeral service or mortuary science education. |
| 4 | Complete school and supervised practice | 1-3 years | Apprenticeship or internship hours turn classroom training into license-eligible experience. |
| 5 | Pass the required exams and apply for the license | Varies | The National Board Exam, state law exam, and license application make you eligible to practice independently. |
That order matters. Many students start with a school search, but the state license rules decide whether the school, apprenticeship timeline, and exam path actually work.
| Common question | Direct answer | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| How long does it take to become a mortician? | Usually 3-5 years: about 2 years of school plus 1-3 years of supervised practice. | Check whether your state allows apprenticeship during school. |
| Do you need a degree to become a mortician? | Usually yes for a full funeral director, embalmer, or combined mortician license. | Compare ABFSE-accredited programs in the School Finder. |
| What license is required? | A state funeral director, embalmer, or combined funeral service license, depending on state. | Use License Requirements by State. |
| Can you work before you are fully licensed? | Often yes as an apprentice, intern, assistant, or support worker under supervision. | Verify apprentice rules with your state board before relying on the job. |
If your search is specifically about a narrower blocker, use the focused guide first:
- How long does it take to become a mortician? for the 3-5 year timeline.
- Do you need a degree to be a mortician? for degree, ABFSE, and state-rule exceptions.
- Can you become a mortician without a degree? for no-degree, apprentice, and support-role paths.
- How old do you have to be to be a mortician? for age 18 vs 21 planning.
- Mortician Requirements checklist for the full education, age, exam, background check, and license checklist.
If you are starting from zero, the first decision is not the exam. It is whether your target state has a workable combination of school cost, apprenticeship availability, licensing rules, and salary. A low-cost program can still be a poor choice if the local wage market is weak; a high-paying state can still be hard to enter if job count is low.
Planning note: the safest sequence is license state → school → apprenticeship → salary math. Reversing that order is where many career plans get fragile: a student finds a convenient program, then later discovers the target state has a different internship sequence, exam rule, or salary market than expected.
| Decision | What to Check | Best Next Page |
|---|---|---|
| Can this career pay enough where I live? | State salary range and job density | Salary Calculator |
| Which school should I choose? | Tuition, debt, outcomes, and ABFSE status | School Finder |
| What does my state require? | Education, exam, internship, renewal rules | License Requirements by State |
| Is the degree worth the debt? | Breakeven year and 10-year ROI | Career ROI Calculator |
For the short demand answer, read Are Morticians in Demand? before you choose a school. For the full projection data, use the Mortician Job Outlook. For pay by market, compare Mortician Salary by State.
State Requirements Before You Choose a School
Mortician requirements are set by state boards, not by one national license. Before you enroll, confirm whether your state uses a funeral director license, embalmer license, mortician license, apprentice or intern registration, or a combined funeral service license. A program that works in one state may not be the cleanest path in another.
| Requirement area | Typical 2026 rule | What to verify in your state |
|---|---|---|
| Education | ABFSE-accredited funeral service or mortuary science degree is the safest baseline. | Whether the state accepts your program, degree level, and online or hybrid coursework. |
| Apprenticeship or internship | Usually 1-3 years or a required number of supervised cases. | Whether hours can start during school or only after graduation. |
| Exams | National Board Exam plus state law or rules exam in many states. | Which exam parts apply to funeral director, embalmer, or combined license paths. |
| Age and background | Many full-license paths require age 21, fees, and background checks. | Minimum age, application timing, criminal history rules, and required documents. |
| Renewal | Continuing education is usually required after licensure. | Renewal cycle, CE hours, and any state-specific ethics or law courses. |
Use the Mortician License Requirements by State directory before choosing a school. Then use this page to plan the sequence.
How to Become a Mortician in 2026: 5-Step Checklist
The standard way to become a mortician is to complete accredited education, supervised practice, exams, and state licensure in the right order. The exact timeline depends on the state, but most people should plan for 3-5 years from starting school to working independently.
| Stage | Typical requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| State choice | Pick the state where you want to be licensed | Do this before choosing a school, because state boards set the rules. |
| Degree | Usually a 2-year ABFSE-accredited associate’s degree | Some states have different education rules, but accredited school is the safest baseline. |
| Apprenticeship | Usually 1-3 years of supervised practice | Some states allow hours during school; others require school first. |
| Exams | National Board Exam plus any state law exam | Exam rules can differ for funeral director, embalmer, or combined licenses. |
| License application | State license, fees, age rule, and background checks | You cannot practice independently until the state issues the license. |
If you are comparing schools, confirm that the program, apprenticeship sequence, and exams match the state where you actually plan to work. A cheaper or closer school is not a good deal if it does not satisfy your target license path.
How do you become a mortician?
You become a mortician by completing an accredited funeral service or mortuary science program, finishing the apprenticeship or internship required by your state, passing the National Board Exam and any state law exam, and applying for a state license. In most states, the full path takes about 3 to 5 years.
How to be a mortician: the short version
If you want to be a mortician, choose the state where you plan to work first, then pick an ABFSE-accredited school that satisfies that state’s license rules. From there, the practical sequence is school, apprenticeship, exams, and a state license application.
Where do mortician requirements fit in the step-by-step path?
Mortician requirements sit inside the broader career path: first confirm your state’s eligibility rules, then choose a school and apprenticeship that satisfy those rules. This page explains the sequence. Use the Mortician Requirements checklist when you need the item-by-item requirement list instead of the step-by-step career path.
Do you need a degree to become a mortician?
In most states, yes. The standard education path is an ABFSE-accredited associate’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science. A bachelor’s degree can help for management goals, but the associate’s degree is the normal licensing baseline. Before you choose a program, confirm the exact license requirements by state.
Can You Be a Mortician Without a Degree?
Usually, not for a full mortician or funeral director license. Most states require an ABFSE-accredited funeral service or mortuary science education before you can complete the licensing exam and practice independently. Some support, apprentice, removal technician, or funeral attendant roles may not require a degree, but those jobs are not the same as holding a full mortician license.
| Path | Degree usually required? | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Full mortician or funeral director license | Yes | Most states require accredited education, supervised practice, exams, and a state license. |
| Apprentice or support role | Sometimes no | You may work under supervision while completing school or state-required training. |
| Removal technician or funeral attendant | Often no | These roles may not require a degree, but they usually do not allow independent practice. |
High-school-only paths are usually historical, state-specific, grandfathered, or limited to non-license roles. If your goal is to become a licensed mortician today, confirm your state’s education rule before assuming a no-degree route is available.
How to Become a Mortician in 5 Steps
Step 1: Associate's Degree in Funeral Service (2 years)
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Step 2: Supervised Apprenticeship (1–3 years, varies by state)
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Step 3: Meet age requirement (21 in most states)
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Step 4: Pass state licensing exam (NBE + state exam)
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Step 5: Continuing education to maintain licenseMost people enter the workforce as a licensed mortician within 3–4 years of starting their education.
Use this as the national path, not a substitute for state rules. Some states let apprenticeship hours run while you are in school; others require a sequential path. That difference can change your timeline by a year or more.
Step 1: Education Requirements
What degree do you need?
According to O*NET data, the education breakdown among currently employed morticians is:
| Education Level | Share of Workforce |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree | 73% |
| High school diploma | 15% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 11% |
The Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service (or Mortuary Science) is the standard entry point. It typically takes 2 years and covers:
- Embalming and restorative art
- Funeral service law and ethics
- Grief counseling and family communication
- Business management and accounting
- Microbiology and chemistry
- Federal and state regulations (FTC Funeral Rule)
Do you need a bachelor’s degree?
No — 73% of working morticians have an associate’s degree. A bachelor’s is not required for licensure in any state. However, some employers prefer it for management-track positions, and it can help if you plan to own a funeral home.
Accreditation matters
Your program must be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Non-accredited programs will not qualify you to sit for the National Board Exam. There are approximately 60 ABFSE-accredited programs in the U.S.
Step 2: Apprenticeship / Internship
After completing your degree, most states require a supervised apprenticeship before you can be licensed independently. Requirements vary significantly:
| Requirement | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1–3 years |
| Cases required | 25–50 embalming cases (varies by state) |
| Supervisor | Must be a licensed funeral director/mortician |
| Age minimum | 18–21 (varies by state) |
During your apprenticeship you’ll work under a licensed mortician, handling actual cases while building the practical skills that school can’t fully teach — family communication, on-call response, and the physical demands of body preparation.
What to ask before you accept an apprenticeship
Before you accept an apprenticeship, ask how many licensed supervisors are available, whether embalming or arrangement cases are documented toward state requirements, how on-call work is scheduled, and whether the employer has a clear path from apprentice pay to licensed pay. These details matter because a weak apprenticeship can delay licensure even after you finish school.
If the employer cannot explain how hours, case reports, or supervisor signatures are tracked, verify the process with the state board before you rely on that role.
Step 3: Licensing
National Board Exam (NBE)
The National Board Examination, administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB), is required in most states. It has two parts:
- Arts section — embalming, restorative art, pathology
- Sciences section — microbiology, chemistry, anatomy
State exam
In addition to the NBE, most states have their own exam covering state-specific laws and regulations. Some states (like California) have particularly rigorous additional requirements.
Age requirement
Most states require you to be at least 21 years old to obtain a full license. You can complete your degree and begin your apprenticeship before turning 21, but you cannot be licensed until you meet the age requirement.
Continuing education
Once licensed, morticians must complete continuing education (CE) hours to renew their license. Requirements vary by state, typically 6–15 CE hours per renewal period (usually every 1–2 years).
Core Skills for the Job
O*NET identifies these as the most important skills for morticians:
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Active listening | Families in grief need to feel heard before they can make decisions |
| Social perceptiveness | Reading emotional states to adjust communication style |
| Service orientation | The job is fundamentally about serving families at their worst moment |
| Coordination | Managing multiple cases, vendors, and family timelines simultaneously |
| Oral expression | Explaining options clearly to distressed family members |
| Time management | Death doesn’t follow a schedule — neither does this job |
| Critical thinking | Problem-solving under pressure with incomplete information |
| Judgment and decision-making | Balancing family wishes, legal requirements, and practical constraints |
Skills that increase your salary
Salary.com data shows these skills command a pay premium:
| Skill | Salary Premium |
|---|---|
| Creativity (service design, memorial customization) | +18% |
| Communication | +9% |
| Continuous learning | +9% |
What the Job Actually Looks Like
Work environment (BLS data):
- 93% work in funeral service establishments
- 5% are self-employed (typically funeral home owners)
- Most positions are full-time
- On-call availability is standard — deaths happen at all hours
- Irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Some positions require more than 40 hours per week
Day-to-day tasks (O*NET):
- Embalming and preparing bodies for viewing or burial
- Meeting with families to arrange funeral services
- Coordinating with cemeteries, crematoriums, and clergy
- Completing death certificates and legal paperwork
- Managing casket and merchandise selection
- Directing funeral services and graveside ceremonies
- Handling transportation of remains
Career Advancement
The clearest path to higher pay is moving into management:
| Role | Median Salary | Step Up From Mortician |
|---|---|---|
| Mortician | $55,010 | — |
| Funeral Home Manager | $76,830 | +40% |
| Funeral Home Owner | Varies widely | Unlimited upside |
Most funeral home managers started as morticians. The transition typically requires 5–10 years of experience, demonstrated business management skills, and in some cases additional education in business administration.
Owning a funeral home is the highest-earning path but requires significant capital investment and business risk.
Is It Worth It Financially?
The honest answer: it depends on your priorities.
The case for it:
- Stable demand — death is not cyclical
- ~5,800 job openings per year nationally (BLS 2024–2034 projection)
- 3% job growth, in line with the national average
- Clear licensing path with no ambiguity about requirements
- Management track can reach $76,830+ median
The honest trade-offs:
- Starting pay ($33,350–$42,430 at P10–P25) is low
- Irregular hours and on-call requirements affect work-life balance
- Emotional demands are real and sustained
- Pay varies enormously by state (see salary by state)
For people drawn to the work itself — serving families, the technical craft of preparation, the ritual significance of the role — the financial picture is reasonable. For people primarily motivated by income, there are faster paths to higher pay.
Best Starting Point by Situation
| If you are… | Start here |
|---|---|
| Still deciding on the career | Mortician Job Outlook |
| Comparing income by location | Mortician Salary by State |
| Choosing a school | School Finder |
| Checking state license rules | License Requirements by State |
| Checking a state path quickly | Licensing Wizard |
| Modeling debt and payoff timing | Career ROI Calculator |
This keeps the career decision practical: first confirm the work, then confirm the market, then choose the cheapest accredited path that still gets you licensed in the state where you want to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a mortician?
Typically 3–4 years: 2 years for an associate’s degree plus 1–2 years of apprenticeship. Some states require 3 years of apprenticeship, extending the timeline to 5 years.
What degree do you need to be a mortician?
Most new entrants should plan on an ABFSE-accredited associate’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science. A bachelor’s degree can help for management or ownership goals, but the associate’s degree is the standard licensing baseline in many states. Always confirm the target state’s current board rules before enrolling.
Where should you check the full mortician requirements?
Use this guide for the order of the career path: state choice, school, apprenticeship, exams, and license application. For the item-by-item requirements, use the Mortician Requirements checklist, which covers education, age, apprenticeship, exams, licensing, background checks, renewal, and state verification.
Do you need a license to work as a mortician?
Yes. All states require a license to practice as a mortician or funeral director. Requirements include completing an accredited program, passing the National Board Exam, completing a supervised apprenticeship, and meeting the age requirement (usually 21).
Can you become a mortician without a degree?
Usually not for a full mortician or funeral director license. Most states require ABFSE-accredited education, but some support, apprentice, removal technician, or funeral attendant roles may not require a degree. See the no-degree section above before choosing a path, because high-school-only routes are usually historical, state-specific, grandfathered, or not full-license roles.
What is the difference between a mortician and an embalmer?
An embalmer focuses specifically on the technical preparation of remains. A mortician (or funeral director) handles the full scope: preparation, family coordination, service arrangement, and legal paperwork. In practice, most morticians do both.
Plan Your Career Finances
Before you start, know what the market pays in your target state. The Mortician Salary Toolkit has the complete 50-state BLS data — so you can evaluate whether your target state and career path make financial sense before you invest in the degree and apprenticeship.
One-time download, $24.99. See what’s included →
Next Step: Compare Your Options
Use the free Salary Calculator to check pay in your target state, then compare programs in the School Finder and run the Career ROI Calculator before you commit to a school or relocation plan.
If you want a more guided path, compare Free vs Pro or request a personalized deep report during the launch period.
Method and Limits
This guide synthesizes public career, licensing, school, and salary references into decision guidance. The method is to separate official requirements and wage data from practical interpretation, then point readers to the relevant state board, school, or labor data source before they make a final decision.
Data Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
- O*NET OnLine — SOC 39-4031 skills, education, and work context data
- American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
- International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB)
- Salary.com — skills premium data
→ See also: Mortician Salary Guide | Mortician Salary by State | Is Becoming a Mortician Worth It? | Mortician Job Outlook