This guide summarizes Rhode Island mortician / funeral director licensing requirements using the 2025 Regulations in Funeral Service Licensing publication from The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.
Licensing rules can change. Treat this page as a planning guide, not legal advice. Always verify final requirements with the Rhode Island licensing board before enrolling, applying, or relocating.
Quick Checklist
- ABFSE-accredited funeral service or mortuary science education is referenced in the 2025 requirements table.
- The National Board Exam (NBE) is referenced in the requirements table.
- A state law/rules exam or other jurisdiction-specific exam may apply.
- Renewal requirements and renewal frequency are reported in the table.
2025 Requirements Snapshot
The Conference’s 2025 table reports the following Rhode Island licensing details in its individual licensing section:
RHODE ISLAND* Funeral Director & Emb. Combination NA; NA ABFSE graduate; Associate of Applied Science ✓ ✓ Served in RI; reports due quarterly $30 & $30 Renew each year SASKATCHEWAN (CANADA)* Funeral Director Federal; NA Graduate from institution recognized by Council ✓ $75 Served after education 30 $160 & $160 Renew each year Embalmer Graduate from institution recognized by Council Practical embalming exam $75 Served after education 30 (inc. 5 autopsies) $160 & $160 Crematory Operator Completion of provider-approved course; annual CE class ✓ $175 Observe 5 cremations & conduct 10 cremations $160; NA NA Transporter ✓ $200 & $200 Renew each year Salesperson Salesperson course ✓ Assist in 6 funerals & arrangements, completion/execution of 10 prepaid contracts $160 & $160 NBE Arts NBE Sciences Other Exam LRR Served before/ after/during education, etc.? Case Reports
Because the source is a table, some items may apply only to certain license types, such as funeral director, embalmer, intern, apprentice, or combined funeral service license.
What to Verify With the State Board
Before choosing a school or applying for a license, confirm these items directly with the Rhode Island board:
- Which license type you need — funeral director, embalmer, intern/apprentice, or combined license.
- Education requirement — ABFSE degree, certificate, college credits, or state-specific pathway.
- Exam requirement — NBE Arts, NBE Sciences, state law/rules exam, or other exam.
- Apprenticeship or internship timing — before, during, or after education.
- Case report requirement — number and type of cases, if required.
- Renewal and continuing education — renewal frequency, fees, and CE hours.
Best Next Step
If you are still choosing a school, start with programs that fit Rhode Island’s education rules, then model the cost and income path:
- Compare mortuary schools — tuition, debt, completion, and 10-year earnings
- Run the ROI Calculator — tuition plus lost income and salary outcomes
- Check Rhode Island salary data — if BLS state wage data is available
- View the Market Map — salary and demand by state