General Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Some college, in accordance with a state's requirement, a portion of which is in funeral service education:
  The funeral service curriculum, approved by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE),the United States funeral service accrediting agency, includes courses in:
  • Public Health and Technical Area - microbiology, anatomy, chemistry, pathology, restorative art, and embalming.
  • Business Management Area - business management, funeral arranging, funeral merchandising, funeral home management, computer applications, Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule, and accounting.
  • Social Science Area - sociology of funeral service, psychology of grief, funeral directing, history of funeral service, communication skills, and counseling.
  • Legal, Regulatory and Ethical Area - business law, funeral service law and regulation, and professional ethics.
• Passing a state and/or national board licensing examination.
• An internship or apprenticeship ranging from one to three years.
• Several states require that funeral directors meet continuing education requirements.

Financial Aid
Financial aid opportunities are available.
To inquire for more information, call or write:
American Board of Funeral Service Education
14 Crestwood Road
Cumberland, ME 04021
(207) 829-5715