In Illinois, funeral directors and embalmers have a combined license. It is obtained from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Licensing applicants must:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • complete 30 semester hours of college credit and a 12 month course of study in an approved program of mortuary science; or
  • complete an associate's degree in an approved mortuary science program; or
  • complete a bachelor's degree in an approved mortuary science program; and
  • complete one year of training under the direct supervision of a licensed funeral director and embalmer; and
  • pass the state board exam.

For additional licensing information, contact:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217.785.0800, Fax: 217.782.7645