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Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers / Burial Services

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Licensing

 

FAQ's:

  1. How do I become a funeral director?
  2. Is there a mortuary college in the State of Tennessee?
  3. Does Tennessee reciprocate with other states?
  4. If I attend mortuary college, do I still have to complete a two (2) year apprenticeship program?
  5. If I do not pass the required exam, is there a waiting period before I can take the exam again?

 

How do I become a funeral director?

 

An individual must:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age;
  2. Be of good moral character;
  3. Be properly protected against communicable diseases either through immunization or education;
  4. Have graduated from a high school or has earned a GED recognized by a state education department;
  5. Have successfully completed a program of study in Funeral Service Education consisting of not less than thirty (30) semester hours (45 quarter hours or the equivalent) from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and evidenced by an official transcript;
  6. Have completed two (2) years of apprenticeship in the presence of and under the direction and supervision of a licensed funeral director.
  7. Pass the Funeral Director Examination and State Law, Rules and Regulations Examination and pay the required fees.

Is there a mortuary college within the State of Tennessee?

 

Yes.

 

John A. Gupton College
1616 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-3927
www.guptoncollege.edu

 

Does Tennessee reciprocate with other states?

 

Yes, as long as their state's requirements are the same as Tennessee's requirements.

 

If I attend mortuary college, do I still have to complete a two year apprenticeship program?

 

No. If you successfully complete mortuary college, then only a one year apprenticeship program is required. The apprenticeship can be done either before, during or after mortuary college as long as the apprentice is a bona fide paid employee working not less than forty (40) hours per week in the presence of and under the direction and supervision of a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer.

 

If I do not pass the required examination(s), is there a waiting period before I can take the exam again?

 

Yes. An unsuccessful candidate may only take an examination every thirty days.