Frequently Asked Questions
All NCBFS FAQ
Is NCBFS part of the government?
No, but it is governed by Chapter 90 of the NC General Statutes.
How do I prepare for future funeral arrangements?
Contact your local funeral home for information on preparing for future arrangements.
Do I need to finish school before I can apply for my traineeship?
No. You may begin a traineeship before, during or after enrollment in a mortuary science education program at an accredited college or university.
Will I need to have a criminal background check done?
Yes. The Board requires that you submit your fingerprints to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for a report on criminal history.
Upon submission of an application and application fee, the Board will provide you the instructions and forms necessary for the background check.
Can I become an Applicant if I have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony?
Possibly. In determining qualification for application, the Board will consider any criminal history reported by the NC SBI, and it may deny an application depending on the particular circumstances associated with the SBI report. The Board has provided information on this website regarding the use of criminal history information. Applicants may also petition the Board for a predetermination of a decision regarding an application for a traineeship.
What exactly is a provisional funeral director license?
The General Assembly passed legislation in 2019 creating this new license category as a pathway to a Funeral Director license for those with experience in professional funeral service but without formal academic preparation in mortuary science. Individuals with at least an Associate in Applied Science degree could qualify for a provisional funeral director license provided that they meet all other requirements for examination and training.
What examinations are required for licensure as a Funeral Director through the provisional license pathway?
Provisional licensees have three [3] years to successfully pass State Board examinations in The Arts and in the Laws and Rules of North Carolina. Unlike the traditional pathway to licensure as a Funeral Director, provisional licensees are not required to take the Pathology examination.
Does the Board provide study materials or guides for these examinations?
The Board website provides the general statutes and administrative rules that govern professional funeral practice in North Carolina. A thorough study of these statutes and rules will prepare individuals for the NC Laws and Rules examination. You will then find a link to NCGFS Practice Act and Rules which offers our statutes and rules in a single document.
The Board does not provide study guides or other examination preparation materials for The Arts. The Board recommends that you visit the website for The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. From the homepage, click on Products for information on Study Guides.
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
You may also visit the D.E.A.D. [Death Education Assessment Drills]. This organization provides a full range of study materials and resources to examination candidates.
Am I required to have continuing education credit for renewal of my provisional funeral director license?
Yes. As stated in the general statute, “A provisional licensee shall complete a minimum of five hours of continuing education each year, which may include up to two hours of online instruction.”
What kind of work experience must I have to qualify for a provisional funeral director license?
If you do not have a certified traineeship or are not eligible to certify a traineeship, then you must have at least five [5] years of professional experience under the supervision of a licensed funeral director. The Board will assess all relevant employment experience you report to us. We have provided a supplemental sheet to the Application for Provisional Licensure on our website so that you can provide sufficient detail in reporting your experience.
How long do I have to wait before I can take the required examinations once I receive my provisional license?
There is no waiting period. You may apply for your Laws and Rules examination and The Arts examination at any time after you have been issued a provisional funeral director license. Remember that the Board allows you up to three [3] years to complete these examinations so long as you renew your provisional funeral director license each year.
How long does it take to complete the background check?
The time varies. The NC State Bureau of Investigation determines timeframes for completing background checks. Times range from 2-4 weeks typically.
Will the Board deny my application if I have any criminal history?
Not necessarily. The decision for denial would consider specific factors that are outlined in the law that governs the use of criminal histories by an occupational licensing board. You will find information in the Forms section of the Applicant Portal.
Why do I have to pay $38.00 for the background check?
The $38.00 fee to the NC SBI is to pay them for searching state and national data bases to identify any record of criminal history. Once you have submitted your fingerprints, the NC SBI will conduct the background check. They will then send an invoice to the NC Board of Funeral Service charging $38.00 for the background check. We will hold your $38.00 money order or cashiers check until we receive an invoice from them. Then we will send them your payment. The NC SBI does not accept cash, personal or business checks for this payment. You must send a money order or cashiers check made payable to the NC SBI.
What deadlines are there for licensees?
License and permit renewals – February 1
Annual preneed reports – March 31
Monthly Cremation reports – on the 10th of the following monthHow do I renew my License?
The Renewal Portal will open in the fall. Annual License/Permit renewals are due Febuary 1st.
Am I required to renew a provisional funeral director each year?
Yes. The provisional funeral director license expires on December 31st each year and must be renewed by that date. If not renewed by February 1st of the following year, individuals may request reinstatement of the provisional license but will be subject to a late fee and possibly a civil penalty in addition to the annual $250.00 renewal fee.
What applications and forms do I need to start my traineeship and where can I find them?
All trainee application forms can be found in the Trainee Portal.
Will the Board help me find a funeral establishment where I can complete my traineeship?
The Board is not involved in securing employment with funeral establishments for trainees or prospective trainees.
How much continuing education do I need to keep my license?
I've written a preneed contract which is to be funded by a third party, in this case the county Department of Social Services. I cannot complete and submit the contract until the funds are released which likely will not happen until the 10-day filing period has closed. What should I do?
Once funds are received, you should attach a brief statement to the preneed contract written on funeral home letterhead indicating the date that the purchaser came to the funeral home and that you were required to wait for the funds to be released by your local Social Services department.
When the funds have been received and you are ready to submit the contract to the Board, include the date you received payment and a copy of the check or funds transfer document in your statement.