with 300 Key Concepts Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationales Review/ CA Funeral Director Exam 2026-2027
1. A person is considered a "funeral director" under California law when
they:
A) Have completed a 2-year apprenticeship
B) Pass the National Board Examination
C) Are engaged in preparing or directing the transportation or disposition of human
remains
D) Have worked in a funeral home for at least 5 years
Answer: C
Explanation: Section 7600 of the Cemetery and Funeral Act defines a funeral
director as a person engaged in preparing or directing the transportation or
disposition of human remains, maintaining an establishment for such purposes, or
using titles implying they are engaged as a funeral director.
2. What is the minimum educational requirement to become a licensed funeral
director in California?
A) High School Diploma
B) Associate of Arts degree or equivalent
C) Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science
D) Completion of embalming school only
Answer: B
Explanation: Criteria for being a funeral director requires an AA degree, or
equivalent or higher, along with being 18 years of age or older, passing the
Funeral Directors Examination, and not having committed disqualifying acts.
3. A funeral establishment must have which of the following facilities?
1
,A) A chapel for services
B) A retail showroom
C) An embalming or storage room
D) A parking lot
Answer: C
Explanation: Section 7600 of the Cemetery and Funeral Act requires a funeral
establishment to have an embalming or storage room. These rooms may be at a
different location from where business activities take place.
4. How many embalming cases must an apprentice assist on during their
apprenticeship?
A) 50
B) 75
C) 100
D) 150
Answer: C
Explanation: Qualifications for Embalmers require a 2-year apprenticeship under
a qualified licensed embalmer with assistance in at least 100 embalming cases.
5. At least how many of the 100 embalming cases must an apprentice complete
under the direct supervision and in the presence of the designated supervising
embalmer?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 25
D) 50
Answer: C
Explanation: CCR 1229 requires that at least 25 of the first 100 bodies an
apprentice embalms must be in the presence of their designated supervising
embalmer.
6. What is the maximum length of an embalming apprenticeship?
2
,A) 2 years
B) 4 years
C) 6 years
D) 8 years
Answer: C
Explanation: The maximum length of apprenticeship must be completed within 6
years, excluding military service.
7. An apprentice may take a leave of absence for no longer than:
A) 6 months
B) One cumulative year
C) 18 months
D) 2 years
Answer: B
Explanation: Apprentices leave of absence may be no longer than one cumulative
year.
8. What is the minimum number of embalming cases a supervising embalmer
must have per year to train an apprentice?
A) 25
B) 35
C) 50
D) 75
Answer: C
Explanation: Requirements to train an apprentice include having at least 50
embalming cases a year.
9. How many years must a person be licensed as an embalmer before they can
be a supervising embalmer?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
3
, C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Answer: B
Explanation: Requirements to be a supervising embalmer include 2 years as a
licensed embalmer.
10. What is the ratio requirement for licensed embalmers to apprentices?
A) One licensed embalmer per apprentice
B) One licensed embalmer per 2 apprentices
C) Two licensed embalmers per apprentice
D) One licensed embalmer per 3 apprentices
Answer: B
Explanation: Requirements to train an apprentice include at least one licensed
embalmer per 2 apprentices.
11. Who is responsible for compliance with applicable laws relating to funeral
directing and embalming at a funeral establishment?
A) The owner of the establishment
B) The designated managing funeral director
C) The supervising embalmer
D) The office manager
Answer: B
Explanation: Every funeral establishment must have a designated managing
funeral director who is responsible for compliance with applicable laws relating to
funeral directing and embalming.
12. A designated managing funeral director must be:
A) A licensed embalmer
B) A licensed funeral director
C) Both a licensed embalmer and funeral director
D) An owner of the establishment
4