Remington CroftHow to Become a Mortician Schooling and License Steps
Last updated: September 16, 2026 — rechecked against BLS funeral-service occupations (bls.gov/ooh), NFDA career data, Data USA ACS and updated where details changed.
Reviewed by Emily Holmes, General Reviewer, following our test method.
A practical walkthrough for how to become a mortician: mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections in plain order, the main options compared side by side, and the mistakes that cause redos flagged up front. Pick one option from the table and work it fully.
Quick answer: compare paths first using the table below. Confirm fit against mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections, state funeral license. Check the mistakes section before you commit. Details and FAQs below.
Quick Comparison Table Certificate vs Associate vs Bachelor Path
Pick one path first — that choice matters more than any single tip below. The table maps the main options; the sections below resolve fit and failure modes.
Illustrative stock photo via Pexels.
| Method | Key Points | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Comparison Table Certificate vs Associate vs Bachelor Path | Main checks for quick comparison table certificate vs associate vs bachelor path — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
| Step 1 Complete Mortuary Science Program | Main checks for step 1 complete mortuary science program — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
| Step 2 Finish Apprenticeship and Case Count | Main checks for step 2 finish apprenticeship and case count — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
Related: How Much Do Morticians Make in 2026? (Salary, Roles and Outlook).
Heads-up: mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections, state funeral license differ from case to case, so use the steps here as the reliable core and confirm current specifics in Sources before you decide.
Step 1 Complete Mortuary Science Program
Work through mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections in order: confirm the starting point, run the steps once without skipping, then verify the result before moving on.
- Use it when: your case matches this option.
- Skip it when: another option below fits better.
- Spec to confirm: the one detail readers get wrong here — check it in Sources.
Step 2 Finish Apprenticeship and Case Count
For step 2 finish apprenticeship and case count, define the goal, try the smallest complete version first, and check it against mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections before continuing. Where details vary, verify specifics in Sources.
Illustrative stock photo via Pexels.
Step 3 Pass NBE Arts and Sciences
For step 3 pass nbe arts and sciences, define the goal, try the smallest complete version first, and check it against mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections before continuing. Where details vary, verify specifics in Sources.
Tuition vs Starting Pay Payback
Three different occupations hide behind one job title. BLS splits them: funeral home managers near $76,830–$78,790, morticians and arrangers near $49,800–$55,010, embalmers separately — quote the wrong line and you're off by thirty grand (bls.gov/ooh). Well over half of managers are self-employed, and preneed commission is where top-end Indeed figures near $95k come from — salary tables alone understate owner upside (BLS work environment, NFDA).
Setup Tips to Get Better Results Faster
Prep beats rework here: gather what you need once, note your starting point, keep mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections in mind while you work, and stop at the first unexpected result to re-check fit.
FAQs Mortician Licensing
What is the fastest way to handle this?
Start with the comparison table, pick one path, and finish its checks fully. Switching mid-way is slower than one clean pass.
What do most guides miss here?
Most short guides skip the fit checks — mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections. The sections above cover them so you don't have to piece it together from five tabs.
When should I choose a different option here?
When your situation points to another option below — use the related guide for that option instead of forcing this one to fit.
Where can I verify current details?
Use the primary sources in Sources below — provider pages and official references change faster than any guide.
Do funeral directors earn commission?
Many do, especially on preneed sales — which is exactly why posted ranges stretch from the $40ks past $90k. Ask how a given home structures it.
Bottom Line
Compare the options first, confirm fit against mortuary science degree, ABFSE accredited schools, NBE exam sections, then check the mistakes section. Use the related guides below for background and nearby options.
Related Guides
- How Much Do Morticians Make in 2026? (Salary, Roles and Outlook)
- Embalmer Apprentice Pay and License Path
- Entry Level Mortician Assistant and Removal Tech Pay
- Mortician vs Funeral Director Pay and Duties
Sources: verify current details in primary references for how to become a mortician — ABFSE school directory + NBE candidate guide + state board rules. Evidence is thin where providers differ; prefer official pages over aggregators.