Pennsylvania does not reduce neatly to one generic “mortician license” checklist. Pennsylvania’s official snapshot is unusually direct: it gives the degree path, examinations, resident-intern requirement, case minimum, CE, and fees on one state page. Start by choosing the license type that matches the work you want to do, then verify the current application packet with Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors.
Licensing rules can change. Treat this page as a planning guide, not legal advice. Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors is the final authority.
Quick Answer
Pennsylvania’s standard funeral director route combines mortuary college course completion, two examinations, 12 continuous months as a resident intern, at least 35 case histories, child-abuse recognition continuing education for initial licensure, and biennial renewal.
Which Pennsylvania License Do You Need?
| Likely license | Who it fits | Education signal | Supervised-work signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Director | People practicing funeral directing, embalming, care and disposition of the human dead, or supervising burial, transportation, or disposal in Pennsylvania. | The licensure snapshot says applicants complete two years of academic work at an accredited college or university and one year at an ABFSE-accredited mortuary college or university. | Pennsylvania requires 12 full continuous months as a resident intern, working at least 40 hours per week. |
| Resident Intern | Candidates completing the Pennsylvania supervised year before funeral director licensure. | Plan the internship after confirming the mortuary college and academic prerequisites with the Board. | 12 full continuous months with at least 40 hours per week. |
Pennsylvania License Paths
Funeral Director
Who this is for: People practicing funeral directing, embalming, care and disposition of the human dead, or supervising burial, transportation, or disposal in Pennsylvania.
Education: The licensure snapshot says applicants complete two years of academic work at an accredited college or university and one year at an ABFSE-accredited mortuary college or university.
Exams: National Board Examination; Written and oral examinations on clinical practice, the act, and board regulations.
Supervised work: Pennsylvania requires 12 full continuous months as a resident intern, working at least 40 hours per week.
Cases or reports: The resident intern must complete work on at least 35 deceased individuals, age one or older, and maintain a case history for each.
Fees and renewal: The official snapshot lists a $25 initial licensing fee and $400 biennial renewal fee. Biennial renewal; licensed funeral directors need 6 continuing education hours each renewal period, including 2 hours in child abuse recognition and reporting.
Planning note: Initial licensure requires 3 hours of board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting continuing education.
Resident Intern
Who this is for: Candidates completing the Pennsylvania supervised year before funeral director licensure.
Education: Plan the internship after confirming the mortuary college and academic prerequisites with the Board.
Exams: Board examination requirements apply before full licensure.
Supervised work: 12 full continuous months with at least 40 hours per week.
Cases or reports: At least 35 deceased-individual case histories are required.
Fees and renewal: Fee details should be verified in PALS and the Board fee rules. Resident intern registration timing should be verified before starting.
Planning note: The snapshot also links a separate funeral resident intern licensure snapshot.
What Can Delay Your Pennsylvania License?
- Pennsylvania’s case-history rule is specific: at least 35 deceased individuals, age one or older.
- Child abuse recognition and reporting CE applies at initial licensure and renewal.
- Out-of-state applicants should review Act 41 portability rules and reciprocity language before assuming direct transfer.
Official Pennsylvania Links
- Official State Board page.
- Official licensure snapshot with education, exams, internship, CE, and fees.
- PALS application and renewal portal.
- Official license verification service.
Plan Your Next Step
If you are still choosing a school or deciding whether this state is worth the move, model the time and money path before you apply:
- Compare mortuary schools - tuition, completion, and program fit
- Run the ROI Calculator - tuition, lost income, and payback timing
- Check Pennsylvania salary data - state wage context before committing
- View the Market Map - compare Pennsylvania with nearby states
- Back to license requirements by state - compare rules before relocating
Sources and Method
This page was rebuilt from official Pennsylvania board, state agency, statute, rule, application, fee, and lookup sources found with AnySearch, search-layer, and direct source extraction. Source notes are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-sources.json; structured facts are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-requirements.json.