Licensing guide · Nova Scotia

How to Become a Funeral Director in Nova Scotia

Last checked 5 sources checkedNOC 62201

Do you need certification?

Certification required

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

Protected titles
Funeral Director
Show the source
“Anyone who wants to act as a funeral director in Nova Scotia.”

From nsbrefd.com/Funeral_Director_License_Information_1423188.html, checked October 10, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status
Certification required See the source
Routes
Annual fees

Your roadmap

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

Trained in Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $400
  • 2 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $200
  • Listed time: 12.5 months (only 2 of 5 steps state a time)

  1. The applicant submits an application with proof of a valid Class 5 driver's licence, a criminal record check completed within the last 90 days, proof of high school completion or equivalent, the applicable fee, and a signed Mentor Agreement requesting mentor approval.

    Source
    “It is the responsibility of the applicant to send in with their application, 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, the applicable fee, and signed Mentor Agreement to request mentor approval by the Board.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html

  2. Once approved, the apprentice completes a combination of academic and practical training and experience under the direct supervision of their approved, licensed mentor.

    Time: 12 months
    Time source
    “Once the apprentice has completed the minimum apprenticeship duration (12 months) and once the apprentice has conducted the minimum number of funeral director cases as detailed above, the apprentice can apply to complete the written examination.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html
    Source
    “During the course of apprenticeship, if approved, the apprentice is required to complete a combination of academic/practical apprentice training and experience. The minimum requirement for practical experience is that the apprentice (under the direct supervision of their approved, licensed mentor) conduct: 25 funerals, 25 committals, assist in 25 arrangements with their licensed, approved mentor, and conduct 25 arrangements.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html

  3. After completing the minimum apprenticeship duration and required cases, the apprentice applies to complete the written examination, submitting the application and exam fees at least 30 days before the exam.

    Source
    “Once the apprentice has completed the minimum apprenticeship duration (12 months) and once the apprentice has conducted the minimum number of funeral director cases as detailed above, the apprentice can apply to complete the written examination. Examination applications and exam fees must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the written examination.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html

  4. The apprentice must successfully pass both the written and practical examinations with a pass mark of 75%.

    Source
    “Apprentices must successfully pass both written and practical examinations. The pass mark for these examinations is 75%.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html

  5. If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the licence is sent to the employer by mail.

    Time: 14 days
    Time source
    “This license is normally processed within 14 working days, , once all the items which must accompany the application have been received, and all requirements are met.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html
    Source
    “If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the license will be sent to the employer by mail.”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $400

One-time fees listed for Trained in Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $100 25%
Exams $300 75%
One-time total $400 100%

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

Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.

Official page for this route

Licensed in another province

  • Listed one-time fees: $450
  • 2 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $200
  1. 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. The applicant submits the examination application and pays 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 licence is issued, the candidate must pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam with a grade of 75% or higher.

    Source
    “– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam by meeting the minimum competency grade of 75% or higher. The required competencies for the Mortuary Law Exam can be found here.”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

  4. The candidate submits a fully completed application form for funeral director 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.

Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.

Official page for this route

Trained outside Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $250
  • 2 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $200

  1. A funeral director licensed in the United States submits confirmation of an individual professional licence in good standing issued by the State Licensing Board, including licence details, proof of completion of an ABFSE-accredited program, proof of the National Board Examination, and proof of a valid driver's licence.

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

  2. The applicant submits an examination application to write the written Mortuary Law Exam and must pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam before a licence is issued.

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

  3. The candidate submits an individual licence application and a Police Records Check dated within the last 90 days.

    Source
    “– Submit an individual license application – Provide a Police/Criminal Records Check dated within the last 90 days”
    nsbrefd.com/License_Applications_and_Transfer_Information_from_Anot...

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $250

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

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

Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.

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 submit proof of completion of high school or equivalent.

    Source
    “proof of completion of high school or equivalent”
    nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.html

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

    Source
    “Have completed the approved Funeral Directing and Arranging Certificate Program or the Funeral and Allied Health Services Diploma Program from Nova Scotia Community College in Nova Scotia, and a minimum of 12 months of apprenticeship with an approved funeral home and approved licensed mentor.”
    nsbrefd.com/Funeral_Director_License_Information_1423188.html

  • Applicants transferring from another 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...

Experience

  • Applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 months of apprenticeship with an approved funeral home and approved licensed mentor.

    Source
    “a minimum of 12 months of apprenticeship with an approved funeral home and approved licensed mentor”
    nsbrefd.com/Funeral_Director_License_Information_1423188.html

  • Applicants must have conducted the minimum required number of funeral directing cases under the direct supervision of the licensed, approved mentor.

    Source
    “Conducted the minimum required number of funeral directing cases, under the direct supervision of the licensed, approved mentor, as required under the Embalmer and Funeral Director Regulations.”
    nsbrefd.com/Funeral_Director_License_Information_1423188.html

Police check

Other

Already licensed in another province?

Extra steps

Applicants licensed in another Canadian province must have their credentials assessed, submit a Letter of Good Standing and other documents, and pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam before a licence is issued.

Source
“– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam by meeting the minimum competency grade of 75% or higher. The required competencies for the Mortuary Law Exam can be found here.”
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

Funeral directors in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 4 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

  • British Columbia Voluntary certification
  • Alberta Not confirmed yet
  • Saskatchewan Certification required
  • Manitoba Certification required
  • Ontario Not confirmed yet
  • Quebec Not confirmed yet
  • New Brunswick Certification required
  • Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
  • Yukon Not confirmed yet
  • Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
  • Nunavut Not confirmed yet

Compare funeral director licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 10, 2026.

  1. Funeral Director License Information - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/Funeral_Director_License_Information_1423188.html · fetched October 9, 2026
  2. Apprentice Funeral Director Information - Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors nsbrefd.com/Apprentice_Funeral_Director_Information_1423182.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 a funeral director 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.

Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too

Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.

Schedule a Call

Free consultation. No commitment.