Today's Date: Saturday November 7, 2009
Examination Requirements for Funeral Service
The Cypress College Mortuary Science Program prepares the students to take the following exams:
- National Board Examination
- California Embalmers Examination
- California Funeral Directors Examination
- National Board Exam (required for graduation from Cypress College)
- Students must complete ASMS (Associate in Science Mortuary Science)
- Cost is approximately $350
- The NBE is a component of licensure in most states. 49 States require a passing score of both sections of the NBE for Licensure
- California Embalmers Exam (required for licensure in California)
- Students must have graduated from an accredited American Board of Funeral Service Education Mortuary Science Program
- Cost is approximately $206
- Passing this Exam is a step towards licensure as an Embalmer in California
- In addition to passing the exam, it is required that a two-year apprenticeship (working full-time in a funeral establishment) is served. Once the Bureau process has been initiated (either by the test or the registration form for apprenticeship) the student has a 6-year time frame to complete the requirements for licensure. This license allows an embalmer to prepare dead human remains for disposition.
- California Funeral Directors Exam (required for licensure in California)
- This exam requires completion of an Associate degree or its equivalent.
- Passing this Exam is the first step towards Licensure as a Funeral Director
- This license allows funeral directors to work with families, not embalm bodies.
- Cost is approximately $356
Any additional questions, please call the Mortuary Science Department at 714/484-7278 or email: mortsci@cypresscollege.edu
Web site information for the examination:
California Funeral Directors and Embalmers Examinations www.cfb.ca.gov
National Board Examination www.cfseb.org
