A career in funeral services can be deeply impactful, as it involves helping people through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Funeral directors, morticians, and embalmers help people navigate the difficulty of death with grace and understanding. The field is a unique blend of science, business, and interpersonal skills that together can make a big difference in others’ lives.

Becoming a funeral service professional requires a college education, typically at the associate degree level, as well as hands-on experience and a professional license. Depending on where you live and work, you’ll need to pass specific exams to earn your license and enter this important profession. The big one that everyone can look forward to? The National Board Exam for Funeral Service (NBE).

Read on to learn about this key step in becoming a funeral director, mortician, or embalmer (and how to prepare for it!).

What is the National Board Exam for Funeral Service?

The National Board Exam for Funeral Service is a standardized test required in most states to earn licensure. This exam is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) and is all-encompassing, with sections for Arts, Sciences, and Laws and Regulations.

Before completing the NBE exam, it’s typically required to have a postsecondary degree, such as an associate degree in Funeral Service, to become eligible.

Key components of the NBE Funeral Service exam

The funeral service national board exam is divided into a few sections, each covering a distinct area of funeral services knowledge. The required sections, however, vary slightly by state and by career path.

Together, these sections ensure that candidates are well-rounded professionals, equipped to handle both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the profession. Let’s take a closer look at the common sections of the NBE exam.

Funeral arts services (the arts section)

The funeral arts services section of the funeral director national board exam covers the art and business aspects of funeral services. It also touches on the interpersonal skills necessary to be effective in this field, since you’ll primarily be interacting with people who are grieving. You must be able to connect with them and help them through a process that is likely very painful.

Key topics you should be familiar with for this section include:

• Funeral arranging: Planning and coordinating funeral services that meet the familial wishes while adhering to state and federal regulations.
• Marketing: Strategies to promote your funeral services thoughtfully.
• Sociology of funeral service: Understanding the role of funeral services in society, including cultural, religious, and psychological components.
• History: Understanding of the history and evolution of funeral services, customs, and rituals.
• Funeral service law/ethics: Legalities, industry regulations, and ethical considerations surrounding the funeral industry, including family rights and responsibilities.

Funeral service sciences (the sciences section)

The sciences section focuses on the technological and biological aspects of funeral services, where you’ll need to demonstrate familiarity with the technical aspects of embalming, restorative art, and other related biological and scientific topics. This knowledge is typically included in the curriculum in a funeral services program.

Key topics you should be well-versed in for this section include:

• Embalming: The preservation of human remains, including the chemical processes involved and the ethics of the practice.
• Restorative art: Techniques for restoring or reconstructing deceased bodies to improve their appearance for memorial purposes.
• Microbiology: Understanding bacteria, fungi, and viruses that may affect the embalming process.
• Pathology: The study of disease and its effects on the body, particularly as it pertains to embalming and funeral arrangements. This is particularly relevant for safety.
• Chemistry: The chemical processes involved in embalming. The preservation of tissue and the prevention of decay. Safety in this area is a priority.
• Anatomy: An understanding of the human body. You should be familiar with its structure and systems. This knowledge is vital for embalming and restorative art.

Laws, rules, and regulations (LRR)

While not a consistent component of the NBE exam, some states (including Connecticut) require this test alongside the national board exam before granting licensure. This state-specific examination evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of local laws relating to death care and funeral service.

As its name implies, the LRR portion ensures that funeral service professionals understand the legal and ethical standards in this line of work, within their jurisdiction. Because laws and regulations vary by state, the components of this test will vary slightly depending on where you reside. However, rest assured that a great Mortuary Science program will cover laws and ethics as part of their curriculum.

Learn how to start your Mortuary Services degree through Goodwin University.

How to prepare for the National Board Exam

To enter the funeral services field, you must be licensed. And in order to get licensed, you’ll have to pass the funeral director national board exam. Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of passing with ease.

1. Verify ABFSE-accreditation

At the start of your education, you’ll want to make sure that the program you’re considering is an ABFSE-accredited program. The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) ensures that programs meet the educational and training standards required to sit for the NBE.

2. Start early

The earlier you start studying and preparing for the national board exam for funeral directors, the more margin of error you give yourself. We recommend you start studying for the exam during the final semester of your degree program. You want to make sure you’re confidently prepped and ready to pass the exam.

3. Use official resources

The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) provides study guides and practice national board exams for funeral directors. Your best study materials are going to come from the source, from the people who design the test. Check where you’re getting your study materials and make sure they’re up to date and from the official source.

4. Focus on your weakest area

Do your best to figure out which section of the exam (Arts or Sciences) is more challenging for you. Spend more time with that material until you feel confident in both.

5. Join a study group

If you’re enrolled at Goodwin University, jump into one of the study groups. Your peers and collegiate community can be an incredible resource. Sometimes, helping others understand something can help you remember the concept even more thoroughly.

The 24-hour rule

Be extra conscientious on the last day before the exam. Make sure you get enough sleep and rest, eat a balanced meal, and know where to go for the test.

Become a funeral services professional with a degree from Goodwin University

A career in funeral services is a meaningful, compassionate choice. At Goodwin University, you’ll get the education you need to pass the National Board Exam. A supportive staff and lively community will help you feel at home while working toward your career goals.

Goodwin’s Mortuary Science program will give you theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring you’re ready for your career. Apply today to get started and launch your career in funeral services.

Learn more about funeral services programs at Goodwin University to see if a career in funeral services is a good choice for you.