License: Funeral Director

Arkansas Department of Commerce State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemetaries, and Burial Serv external site

1 Commerce Way, Suite 502

Little Rock, AR 72202-2087

(501) 682-0574

Funeral Directors arrange and direct funeral services and coordinate the activities of workers handling and embalming bodies. They collect the information needed to complete the death certificate and consult with the family to arrange the funeral details such as the certificate and obituary notice, selection of the casket, location and time of the burial or cremation. They arrange and adjust lights, fixtures, floral displays, and the casket. The funeral director also directs pallbearers in moving the casket and organizes other proceedings during the service and funeral procession. After the service, they may help the family file claims for social security, insurance, and other benefits. Every funeral conducted within the State of Arkansas must be under the personal supervision, direction, and charge of a funeral director who holds a valid license. Requirements: 1) Must serve eighteen (18) months as an apprentice under a Licensed Funeral Director. 2) Must have completed 18 months of apprenticeship before taking the exam or completed case reports. 3) Must actively assist in conducting 50 funerals during apprenticeship. 4) If a graduate of an accredited school of mortuary science and have passed the National Conference Exam, only have to serve one year as an apprentice. 5) Must pass the written Arkansas Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam with a score of at least 75. Written Examinations required, Examination fee: $100.00, Original License fee: $10.00, Renewal fee: $30.00, Duplicate License fee: $20.00