Wisconsin does not reduce neatly to one generic “mortician license” checklist. Wisconsin’s state-specific details live in Chapter FD 1: college instruction, mortuary school, certification class, semiannual reports, supervision, term limits, and 25/25/25 apprenticeship proof. Start by choosing the license type that matches the work you want to do, then verify the current application packet with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Funeral Directors Examining Board.
Licensing rules can change. Treat this page as a planning guide, not legal advice. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Funeral Directors Examining Board is the final authority.
Quick Answer
Wisconsin licenses funeral directors. The rule requires a completed application, fee, at least 24 semester credits of recognized college instruction, at least 9 months of mortuary science instruction, one year of apprenticeship, passage of the National Board Examination, and passage of the Wisconsin jurisprudence examination. Apprenticeship eligibility also requires 25 embalmings, 25 non-embalming preparations, and 25 funeral services.
Which Wisconsin License Do You Need?
| Likely license | Who it fits | Education signal | Supervised-work signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Director | People seeking Wisconsin funeral director authority. | At least 24 semester credits from a recognized college or university, plus 9 months or more instruction in a prescribed mortuary science course accredited by ABFSE or deemed equivalent by the Board. | One year of apprenticeship under Wisconsin law and Chapter FD 1. |
| Funeral Director Apprentice | People completing Wisconsin’s supervised year before funeral director licensure. | Before starting the apprenticeship, the applicant must complete a 16-hour in-person certification class unless already completed the required mortuary science course. | Apprentices may perform arrangements, embalming, and funeral services only under the required supervision level; when in the preparation room, the apprentice must be within line of sight of the supervising funeral director. |
| Reciprocity Funeral Director | Out-of-state funeral directors seeking Wisconsin licensure. | Applicant must hold a valid funeral director license in good standing from a state whose requirements the Board determines substantially equivalent. | The reciprocity rule focuses on substantial equivalency and license verification rather than a new Wisconsin apprenticeship. |
Wisconsin License Paths
Funeral Director
Who this is for: People seeking Wisconsin funeral director authority.
Education: At least 24 semester credits from a recognized college or university, plus 9 months or more instruction in a prescribed mortuary science course accredited by ABFSE or deemed equivalent by the Board.
Exams: National Board Examination of The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards; Wisconsin jurisprudence examination for funeral directors.
Supervised work: One year of apprenticeship under Wisconsin law and Chapter FD 1.
Cases or reports: For licensure eligibility, apprentice affidavits must verify 25 assisted embalmings for burial or shipment, 25 other preparations for burial or transportation, and 25 assisted funeral services.
Fees and renewal: The DSPS application information found by AnySearch lists a $60 initial credentialing fee through LicensE. Verify the current amount in DSPS before applying. Wisconsin renewal requires the renewal fee and attestation to required continuing education; late renewal fees apply if not renewed before expiration.
Planning note: If the license has been expired for more than five years, Wisconsin has a separate renewal-after-five-years process.
Funeral Director Apprentice
Who this is for: People completing Wisconsin’s supervised year before funeral director licensure.
Education: Before starting the apprenticeship, the applicant must complete a 16-hour in-person certification class unless already completed the required mortuary science course.
Exams: The certification class includes a written examination with 75% passing score.
Supervised work: Apprentices may perform arrangements, embalming, and funeral services only under the required supervision level; when in the preparation room, the apprentice must be within line of sight of the supervising funeral director.
Cases or reports: Semiannual apprentice reports cover January 1 to June 30 and July 1 to December 31 and are due 30 days after each reporting period.
Fees and renewal: Verify apprentice registration fees with DSPS LicensE. An apprenticeship may not exceed four years from first registration unless a one-year extension is granted by the Board.
Planning note: A small funeral establishment with fewer than three full-time funeral directors may supervise up to two apprentices; otherwise the Board expects one full-time funeral director per apprentice.
Reciprocity Funeral Director
Who this is for: Out-of-state funeral directors seeking Wisconsin licensure.
Education: Applicant must hold a valid funeral director license in good standing from a state whose requirements the Board determines substantially equivalent.
Exams: Wisconsin jurisprudence examination for funeral directors.
Supervised work: The reciprocity rule focuses on substantial equivalency and license verification rather than a new Wisconsin apprenticeship.
Cases or reports: Not listed for the reciprocity route in the reviewed rule.
Fees and renewal: Fee specified under Wisconsin law and DSPS application instructions. Wisconsin renewal rules apply after licensure.
Planning note: Applicants with arrest or conviction records must provide documentation for the Board’s substantial-relationship review.
What Can Delay Your Wisconsin License?
- Wisconsin’s 1-year apprenticeship is not just time served; the 25/25/25 affidavits matter for eligibility.
- The certification class is required before apprenticeship unless the candidate already completed the mortuary science course.
- Apprenticeship cannot run indefinitely; after four years plus any extension, the apprentice may need to complete the certification class again.
Official Wisconsin Links
- Official DSPS funeral director profession page.
- Wisconsin Administrative Code FD 1.02 and surrounding Chapter FD 1 requirements.
- Wisconsin Administrative Code FD 1.10 renewal and reinstatement rules.
- Wisconsin license search portal.
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 Wisconsin salary data - state wage context before committing
- View the Market Map - compare Wisconsin with nearby states
- Back to license requirements by state - compare rules before relocating
Sources and Method
This page was rebuilt from official Wisconsin board, agency, statute, rule, application, fee, renewal, and lookup sources found with AnySearch, search-layer, direct source extraction, and PDF text extraction where needed. Source notes are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-sources.json; structured facts are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-requirements.json.