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Information and Instructions for Embalmer Licensure

An embalmer is an individual who is duly qualified to (1) disinfect or preserve dead human bodies by the injection or external application of antiseptics, disinfectants, or preservative fluids; (2) prepare human bodies for transportation in cases where death was caused by contagious or infectious diseases; (3) use derma–surgery or plastic art for restoring mutilated features; (4) and who is duly licensed as an embalmer under the laws of the State of California.

To be eligible for licensure as an embalmer, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Have committed no acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480 of the Business and Professions Code.
  • Have completed at least two years of apprenticeship under an embalmer licensed and engagedin practice as an embalmer in this state in a funeral establishment which shall have beenapproved for apprentices by the bureau and while so apprenticed shall have assisted inembalming not fewer than 100 human remains; provided, however, that a person who has beenlicensed and has practiced as an embalmer for a minimum of three years within the seven yearspreceding his or her application in any other state or country and whose license has never beensuspended or revoked for unethical conduct shall not be required to serve any apprenticeship inthis state.
  • Have graduated from a mortuary science program approved by the bureau and accredited by theAmerican Board of Funeral Service Education, or its equivalent, as determined by the bureau,and furnished official transcripts from that program or equivalent.
  • Pass the sciences section of the national examination administered by the InternationalConference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB), or its equivalent, as determined bythe bureau.
  • Pass an examination, administered by the bureau, on the state's laws and the rules andregulations of the bureau, including those sections of the Health and Safety Code, which pertainto the funeral industry.

To apply for licensure as an embalmer, submit the following:

  • Completed and signed application
  • Application and Examination Fee of $280
  • Requested your Official Transcripts from the mortuary science program to be sent in a sealedenvelope to the Bureau.
  • Requested Official Certified Copies of your ICFSEB (sciences section) examination results to besent in a sealed envelope to the Bureau.
  • Included your completed "Request for Live Scan Service" form If you do not obtain your licensewithin twelve months of your fingerprinting date, you will be required to submit new fingerprints.

OUT–OF–STATE EMBALMER APPLICANTS

  • Certification of Licensure as an Embalmer (Section I)
  • Proof of out–of–state Practice as Licensed Embalmer (Section J)

If more than one certification is required, copies of the certification form may be made for completion by any additional state(s) where you hold an embalmer license.

The certifications are to be completed by former employers or associates who have personal knowledge of and can attest to your practice as a licensed embalmer and must include exact dates of employment. The certification may be copied if additional forms are needed.

CURRENT EMBALMING COLLEGE STUDENTS

  • Certification of Embalming College

To be scheduled for the Embalmer California Law Examination in lieu of college transcripts. Prior to licensure, an official copy of your Mortuary Science Degree transcripts must be mailed directly to the Bureau.

The license term is one year.

  • Annual Renewal Fee: $190

Embalmer Exam:

  • Abandoned Applications: Applicants who fail to take the Embalmer examination within one (1)year after being notified of eligibility will result in the application for licensure and/or examinationto be considered to have been abandoned.
    • You will be required to submit a new application which must be accompanied by therequired fee.
  • Abandoned Examination Results: Applicants who fail to apply for licensure as an embalmerwithin (12) months of passing the examination will result in the application and examinationresults to be considered to have been abandoned.
    • You will be required to submit a new application which must be accompanied by therequired fees.
  • Examination No Show: Applicants who fail to appear at the scheduled examination date/timemust submit a new application, accompanied by the required fee, prior to being approved toretake the examination.
  • Failed Examination: Applicants who fail an examination must submit a new application,accompanied by the required fee, and wait until 90 days after the failed examination date beforethey retake the examination.

To request an application, or for more information about licensure as an embalmer, call the Bureau's Licensing Division at (916) 574–7870.