New York regulates funeral directing through the Department of Health’s Bureau of Funeral Directing. The key planning issue is not just school: New York also uses student registration, a registered resident period, quarterly residency reporting, and a New York law exam. If you are coming from another state, the Bureau has a separate out-of-state and endorsement process.
Licensing rules can change. Treat this page as a planning guide, not legal advice. The New York State Department of Health Bureau of Funeral Directing is the final authority.
Quick Answer
To become a New York funeral director, you generally need approved funeral service education, examination eligibility, acceptable National Board Exam certification where applicable, a New York State law exam, and a registered residency with a New York funeral firm. The residency must be registered with the Department within two weeks of employment, includes quarterly reports, and is normally planned as a one-year supervised training period.
Which New York Path Fits You?
| Situation | Route to check first | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| You are starting school or still choosing a program | Student registration plus approved funeral service education | NFDA notes that New York students must register with the state board before entering school. |
| You finished funeral service education and need practice training | Registered resident route | Sponsor, firm eligibility, quarterly reports, and NY law exam timing. |
| You are licensed in another state | Out-of-state licensure route | Whether you need the 12-month New York residency or can apply by endorsement. |
| You have at least three years of full-time licensed funeral director and embalmer experience | Possible endorsement route | Good-standing letters, original-state reciprocity statement, NY law exam, resume, and intent to practice in New York. |
New York Education Requirements
10 NYCRR 77.1 says applicants for the funeral director examination must show approved funeral service study of at least 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits, including mortuary arts/sciences, funeral service education, and electives. The Department may also accept an associate or higher degree in funeral service from an approved or recognized accredited institution.
For planning purposes, do not assume that any general associate degree works. New York’s academic rule is tied to funeral service study or a funeral service degree.
Exams: NBE and New York Law
New York’s examination rule lists a passing grade of not less than 75. It also says the Department may accept certification from The Conference based on approved National Board Examination scores taken after August 31, 1973, but that acceptance does not replace the New York law exam required by Public Health Law section 3421.
The Bureau homepage reviewed for this guide listed 2026 New York State law exam dates of February 5, May 14, and October 1.
Registered Resident Path
New York’s registered resident rule is highly specific:
- Register with the Department within two weeks of beginning resident employment.
- Work under a licensed and registered funeral director or undertaker and embalmer who is regularly employed by the funeral firm.
- Use a funeral firm that meets Department standards, including at least 40 qualifying cases in the 12 months before the proposed residency begins.
- Serve full-time in training broad enough to cover all aspects of funeral service.
- File quarterly reports jointly with the sponsor within 10 days after each quarter ends.
- Carry the resident pocket card while engaged in residency activities.
- Take the New York law exam after or during the one-year residency period.
The Department’s resident training guidelines also state that a New York resident’s activity is limited to New York State. Residents may not complete funeral arrangements, sign legal documents that require a licensed funeral director, or own or manage a funeral establishment.
Out-of-State Licensees
The Bureau’s out-of-state instructions describe a step-by-step route: letter of introduction, student registration, direct school transcripts, NBE certified score report, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, registered resident application, 12-month residency, and NY law exam.
The endorsement alternative may replace the residency requirement if the applicant can show at least three years of full-time licensed funeral director and embalmer experience and meet the Bureau’s documentation requirements. That documentation includes good-standing letters from all licensing states and a statement that the original state will accept New York licensees.
Fees and Renewal
The Conference’s 2025 table reports a $125 application amount, $125 renewal amount, and two-year renewal cycle for New York funeral directors. Because New York fee pages and forms can change, confirm the current fee directly with the Bureau before mailing or submitting anything.
What Can Delay Your New York License?
- Missing student registration: NFDA notes that New York students must register with the board before entering school.
- Late resident registration: the Department rule says resident employment must be registered within two weeks.
- Weak sponsor or firm fit: the firm must meet case-volume and facility standards before employing a resident.
- Quarterly report problems: resident and sponsor reports are due within 10 days after each quarter.
- Assuming NBE replaces the state law exam: New York’s rule treats the state law exam separately.
- Out-of-state endorsement assumptions: endorsement requires experience, good-standing letters, reciprocity evidence, and Bureau approval.
Official New York Links
- New York Bureau of Funeral Directing
- Academic requirements - 10 NYCRR 77.1
- Examinations - 10 NYCRR 77.2
- Registered residents - 10 NYCRR 77.3
- Registered resident training guidelines
- Out-of-state licensure
- Active funeral director listing
Plan Your Next Step
- Compare mortuary schools - confirm program fit before registration and tuition
- Run the ROI Calculator - model school plus residency timing
- Check New York salary data - compare earnings against school and residency costs
- View the Market Map - compare New York with nearby states
- Back to license requirements by state - compare residency and reciprocity rules
Sources and Method
This page was rebuilt from New York Department of Health Bureau pages, 10 NYCRR Part 77 sections, the Bureau’s resident training and out-of-state guidance, NFDA’s updated board directory, and The Conference’s 2025 licensing table. Source notes are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-sources.json.