Licensing guide · Nova Scotia

How to Become an Embalmer in Nova Scotia

Last checked 5 sources checkedNOC 62201

Do you need certification?

Certification required

Embalmer is a compulsory trade in Nova Scotia. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.

Protected titles
Embalmer
Show the source
“Anyone who wants to act as an embalmer in Nova Scotia.”

From nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html, checked October 10, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status
Certification required See the source
Routes
Annual fees
Not stated by the regulator Check with Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Your roadmap

Every route is listed. Follow the one that matches where you trained.

Trained in Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $600
  • 2 steps without a listed fee
  • Listed time: 22 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)

  1. You submit an application with supporting documents and the applicable fee to the Board, either online, by hard copy, or electronically.

    Source
    “Applications and supporting documentation can be submitted through the online applicant/licensee portal found here. Alternatively, you can send in a hard copy or submit the completed application to the Board electronically, along with the applicable fee (see Price below), and supporting documentation.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  2. You must be accepted under an apprenticeship agreement with a licensed embalmer and submit the Apprenticeship Agreement to the Board for review and approval or denial of the requested mentor.

    Source
    “Applications for a license as apprentice embalmer must be accompanied by proof that the applicant has been accepted under an apprenticeship agreement with a licensed embalmer and the Apprenticeship Agreement (mentor agrerment form) is submitted to the Board of Registration for review and approval or denial of the requested mentor.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  3. During the apprenticeship you complete a combination of academic and clinical training and experience, conduct at least 25 embalmings, and keep a detailed log reviewed, confirmed, and signed by your licensed approved embalmer mentor.

    Time: 22 months
    Time source
    “Once the apprentice has completed the minimum apprenticeship duration (22 months) and once the apprentice has conducted the minimum number of embalming cases (25), and has graduated from the Funeral and Allied Health Services Program, the apprentice can apply to complete the written examination.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html
    Source
    “During the course of the apprenticeship, if approved, the apprentice must complete a combination of academic/clinical apprentice training and experience. The minimum requirement for clinical experience is that the apprentice conduct 25 embalmings. Apprentices must keep a detailed log of their activities using the required reporting forms and these must be reviewed, confirmed, and signed by the licensed, approved embalmer mentor.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  4. Once you have completed the minimum apprenticeship duration, the minimum number of embalming cases, and graduated from the program, you can apply to complete the written examination, submitting the application at least 30 days before the exam.

    Source
    “Once the apprentice has completed the minimum apprenticeship duration (22 months) and once the apprentice has conducted the minimum number of embalming cases (25), and has graduated from the Funeral and Allied Health Services Program, the apprentice can apply to complete the written examination. Examination applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the written examination and all case, duration, and graduation requirements detailed above must be met prior to applying.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  5. You must successfully pass both the written and clinical examinations, each with a pass mark of 75%.

    Source
    “Apprentices must successfully pass both written and clinical examinations. The pass mark for these examinations is 75%.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  6. If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the license is mailed to the applicant.

    Source
    “If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the license will be mailed to the applicant.”
    nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $600

One-time fees listed for Trained in Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $300 50%
Exams $300 50%
One-time total $600 100%

2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Licensed in another province

  • Listed one-time fees: $450
  • 2 steps without a listed fee

  1. You submit confirmation of your license in good standing via a Letter of Good Standing sent directly from your provincial licensing body, along with a police records check, driver's license proof, and proof of high school completion.

    Source
    “– Confirmation that you hold an individual professional license in good standing. A Letter of Good Standing must be sent directly to our office from the provincial licensing body in your current province.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  2. You submit the examination application and pay the Mortuary Law Examination fee to the Board.

    Source
    “– Submit the examination application and pay the $250.00 Mortuary Law Examination fee to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  3. Before a license is issued you must pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam with a minimum competency grade of 75% or higher.

    Source
    “– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam by meeting the minimum competency grade of 75% or higher.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  4. You submit a fully completed application form for embalmer licensure along with the licensing application fee.

    Source
    “– Submit a fully completed application form for embalmer and/or funeral director licensure – Submit the licensing application fee”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $450

One-time fees listed for Licensed in another province, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $200 44%
Exams $250 56%
One-time total $450 100%

2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Trained outside Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $450
  • 2 steps without a listed fee

  1. If licensed in the United States, you submit confirmation of your license in good standing from the State Licensing Board, proof of completion of an ABFSE-accredited program, proof of the National Board Examination, and proof of a valid driver's license.

    Source
    “– Confirmation that you hold an individual professional license in good standing issued by the State Licensing Board”
    nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html

  2. You submit an examination application to write the written Mortuary Law Exam.

    Source
    “– Submit an examination application to write the written Mortuary Law Exam”
    nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html

  3. Before a license is issued you must successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam.

    Source
    “– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam”
    nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html

  4. You submit an individual license application and provide a police records check dated within the last three months.

    Source
    “– Submit an individual license application – Provide a Police Records Check dated inside the last three months”
    nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $450

One-time fees listed for Trained outside Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $200 44%
Exams $250 56%
One-time total $450 100%

2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Other listed fees

The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.

Requirements

Conditions the regulator sets on top of the roadmap steps.

Education

  • Applicants must have completed the Funeral and Allied Health Services Diploma Program from the Nova Scotia Community College in Nova Scotia.

    Source
    “2. Have completed the Funeral and Allied Health Services Diploma Program from the Nova Scotia Community College in Nova Scotia, and serve an apprenticeship for at least 22 months under the direction of a licensed embalmer; and”
    nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html

  • Apprentice applicants must provide proof of completion of high school or equivalent.

    Source
    “It is the responsibility of the applicant to send in with his or her application form, proof of valid Class 5 driver's license, a criminal record check completed within the last 90 days, proof of completion of high school or equivalent, proof of enrollment in the NSCC Funeral and Allied Health Services Program, the applicable fee, and signed Apprenticeship (Mentor) Agreement to request mentor approval by the Board.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  • Applicants licensed in another Canadian province must provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.

    Source
    “– Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  • Applicants licensed in the United States must prove successful completion of a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Services Education.

    Source
    “– Proof that you have successfully completed a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Services Education (ABFSE)”
    nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html

Experience

  • Applicants must serve an apprenticeship of at least 22 months under the direction of a licensed embalmer.

    Source
    “2. Have completed the Funeral and Allied Health Services Diploma Program from the Nova Scotia Community College in Nova Scotia, and serve an apprenticeship for at least 22 months under the direction of a licensed embalmer; and”
    nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html

  • Applicants must have completed the minimum number of embalming cases outlined in the Regulations, involving key aspects of embalming.

    Source
    “3. Completed the minimum number of embalming cases as outlined in the Embalmer and Funeral Directors Regulations and which are acceptable cases involving key aspects of embalming.”
    nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html

Police check

  • Apprentice applicants must send in a criminal record check completed within the last 90 days.

    Source
    “It is the responsibility of the applicant to send in with his or her application form, proof of valid Class 5 driver's license, a criminal record check completed within the last 90 days, proof of completion of high school or equivalent, proof of enrollment in the NSCC Funeral and Allied Health Services Program, the applicable fee, and signed Apprenticeship (Mentor) Agreement to request mentor approval by the Board.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  • Applicants licensed in another Canadian province must provide a Police Records Check dated within the last 90 days.

    Source
    “– Provide a Police Records Check dated within the last 90 days from the date received by our office.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

Other

  • Applicants must be at least 19 years of age or older.

    Source
    “1. Be at least 19 years of age or older”
    nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html

  • Applicants must successfully pass both written and clinical examinations with a pass mark of 75%.

    Source
    “4. Successfully pass both written and clinical examinations. The pass mark for these examinations is 75%.”
    nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html

  • Apprentice applicants must provide proof of a valid Class 5 driver's license.

    Source
    “It is the responsibility of the applicant to send in with his or her application form, proof of valid Class 5 driver's license, a criminal record check completed within the last 90 days, proof of completion of high school or equivalent, proof of enrollment in the NSCC Funeral and Allied Health Services Program, the applicable fee, and signed Apprenticeship (Mentor) Agreement to request mentor approval by the Board.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html

  • Applicants licensed in another Canadian province must provide proof of a valid driver's license, and a learner's permit is not accepted.

    Source
    “– Provide proof of valid driver's license. Learner's permit is not accepted.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  • Applicants previously licensed in another province but not currently licensed must complete the required examinations outlined in the Statute of Limitations Policy.

    Source
    “– Complete the required examinations as outlined in the Statute of Limitations Policy”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  • Applicants licensed in the United States must prove successful completion of the National Board Examination.

    Source
    “– Proof that you have successfully completed the National Board Examination (from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards)”
    nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html

  • Applicants must demonstrate competence in English, completing forms in English and communicating in English during the interview without translators.

    Source
    “Competence in the English language is an underlying requirement of the application process. Application forms should be completed in the English. During the interview process, the applicant will be expected to communicate their competence and respond to questions in English without the assistance of translators.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

Already licensed in another province?

Extra steps

Applicants licensed in another Canadian province must have their credentials assessed, pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam, and submit a license application and fee.

Source
“If you are a funeral professional licensed and in good standing in a Canadian province, outside of Nova Scotia, you may be eligible to apply for an individual professional license in Nova Scotia.”
nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  1. Have credentials assessed

    Source
    “To have your credentials assessed, please submit the following items to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors:”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  2. Pass Mortuary Law Exam

    Source
    “– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam by meeting the minimum competency grade of 75% or higher.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  3. Submit application and fee

    Source
    “– Submit a fully completed application form for embalmer and/or funeral director licensure – Submit the licensing application fee”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Check a move between two provinces

Credential assessment

Not stated by the regulator Check with Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Exams

Language tests

Not stated by the regulator Check with Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Compare scores across provinces and professions

Canadian experience

Not stated by the regulator Check with Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Supervised practice

Not stated by the regulator Check with Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Demand and pay

Job Bank figures for NOC 62201, Funeral directors and embalmers. Wages for 2023-2024 in Canadian dollars an hour; outlook for 2025-2027.

Job Bank wages and outlook in Nova Scotia and Canada
WhereLowMedianHighOutlook
Nova Scotia $22.60 $25.64 $35.00 Moderate (3 of 5)
Canada $18.00 $31.25 $50.48 —

Wages by region and job outlook in Nova Scotia

Wages in every province and territory

Embalmers in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 9 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

Compare embalmer licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 10, 2026.

  1. Embalmer License Information - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/Embalmer_License_Information_1423186.html · fetched October 9, 2026
  2. Apprenticeship Embalmer Information - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/Apprenticeship_Embalmer_Information_1423183.html · fetched October 9, 2026
  3. License Transfer from Another Jurisdiction - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot... · fetched October 9, 2026
  4. International Applicants - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/International_Applicants_1687935.html · fetched October 9, 2026
  5. Exam Fees - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/Exam_Fees_1559202.html · fetched October 9, 2026

Frequently asked questions

2

Do you need a licence to work as an embalmer in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is managed by the Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Which exams are required?

Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam, National Board Examination.

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