Applicants Currently Licensed in Another Canadian Province
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.
To have your credentials assessed, please submit the following items to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors:
– Confirmation that you hold an individual professional license in good standing
– Provide a Police Records Check dated inside the last 90 days
– Provide proof of valid driver's license
– Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent
Details related to your individual professional license need to include:
– The date the license was first issued,
– the date the current license was issued,
– the date the license expires,
– the license number and
– any conditions or restrictions, or suspensions on the license
– 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
Prior to an individual professional license being issued, the candidate must:
– 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.
– Submit a fully completed application form for embalmer and/or funeral director licensure
– Submit the licensing application fee
Applications and documents will not be reviewed or processed until all items have been received by the Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. All licensing fees are non-refundable.
Applicants previously licensed in another province, not currently licensed
– Provide a Police Records Check dated inside the last three months
– Complete the required examinations as outlined in the Statute of Limitations Policy**
– Provide government issued photo ID
– Submit an individual license application
As indicated in the Statute of Limitations Policy, a license lapsed for three (3) years or more, whether it be a funeral director or embalmer license will be required to complete a new written exam and complete a new clinical or practical exam, with a passing mark of 75% on both.
Applicants Currently Licensed Outside of Canada
If you are a funeral professional licensed and in good standing, in a jurisdiction outside of Canada, you may be eligible to apply for an individual professional license in Nova Scotia. You can begin submitting documentation ahead of your entrance into Canada, if you wish to begin the process.
If you are licensed in the United States:
To have your credentials assessed as a funeral director licensed in good standing in a jurisdiction in the United States, please submit the following items to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors:
– Confirmation that you hold an individual professional license in good standing issued by the State Licensing Board
Details related to your individual professional license including:
– the state/jurisdiction issuing the license
– the date the license was first issued,
– the date the current license was issued,
– the date the license expires,
– the license number, and
– any conditions or restrictions, or suspensions on the license
– Proof that you have successfully completed a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Services Education (ABFSE)
– Proof that you have successfully completed the National Board Examination (from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards)
– Proof ofof of valid driver's license
Prior to an individual professional license being issued, the candidate must:
– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam
– Submit an individual license application
– Provide a Police/Criminal Records Check dated within the last 90 days
Except for writing the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam, all other requirements can be submitted to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration prior to arrival in Nova Scotia.
Other Countries
For applicants licensed in another country, consideration will be given to the applicant’s education, training and experience on an individual basis. Supporting documentation related to education, training, employment history, criminal record check, and proof of identification can be submitted prior to arrival in Nova Scotia.
Please contact the Nova Scotia Board of Registration to discuss your specific circumstances.
For Applicants Outside of Canada and International Applicants:
Applications and documentation will not be approved until all items required have been received by the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. All items required for applications must be received within six (6) months of the initial submission process beginning. All licensing fees are non-refundable.
Language Requirements
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. All licensing application supporting documents must be provided along with a certified translated copy into the English language. It is the applicant's responsibility to arrange for the translation of supporting documentation and education qualifications.
Applicants transferring from outside of Nova Scotia must have their provincial or state licensing body complete a Letter of Good Standing, which is to be submitted directly from the licensing body to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. If documentation requires verification, documents must be submitted to Government of Canada’s Authentication of Documents website:
Policies to review related to licensing:
Exam Policy
Statute of Limitations Policy
Continuing Education Policy
Policy for Accommodation of Applicants
