Apprenticeships

Completing an apprenticeship is the primary way that Funeral Service Practitioners (FSP) and Embalmers become licensed in the state of Oregon.

All apprentices must be working at a licensed Oregon facility under the supervision of a licensee who has been licensed for at least one year prior to the beginning of the apprenticeship. Supervisors may not supervise more than three apprentices of any type at one time.

To apply for an Apprentice License, visit our Applicant Portal.

Funeral Service Practitioner Apprentice

Funeral Service Practitioner (FSP) Apprentices work a minimum of 1440 hours within a 12 month period under the direct supervision of a licensed FSP. They must directly assist with a minimum of 25 funerals or dispositions in the course of the year.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must possess an associates degree or higher in any field OR be scheduled to complete an associates degree or higher before the completion of the apprenticeship.

Information/Documentation Required to Apply:

Transcripts showing proof of an Associate's Degree

Name of intended supervisor

Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate

Photo of the Applicant

10 Years of Residential History

10 Years of Employment History

Documentation related to any prior convictions or administrative actions, if applicable

Verification of any other Professional Licenses that you hold, in Oregon or any other states/jurisdictions

Licenses are valid for up to 1 year. Licenses expire on December 31. The initial license fee is $50, and renewing the license is $25.

An FSP apprentice must keep a log book on the premises of the licensed facility where he or she is supervised, showing all arrangements made or participated in by the apprentice.

FSP Apprentice Log Samples: PDF | Word

Please note- an FSP Apprenticeship and an Embalmer Apprenticeship can run concurrently. Please submit an application for each apprenticeship if you intend to complete both.

Intern Apprentice

An intern apprentice is any student enrolled in an accredited funeral service education program who is serving his/her three-month internship under the supervision of a licensed combination funeral service practitioner/embalmer at a participating licensed funeral establishment. Intern apprentices shall serve their apprenticeships in accordance with the internship guidelines established by an accredited funeral service education program. Intern apprentices are required to intern at a funeral home for 15 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be enrolled in an accredited funeral service education program.

Information Required to Apply:

Photo of the Applicant, similar to a passport or driver’s license. The photo must only include the applicant.
10 Years of Residential History

10 Years of Employment History

Documentation related to any prior convictions or administrative actions, if applicable

Verification of any other Professional Licenses that you hold, in Oregon or any other states/jurisdictions

Licenses are valid for up to 3 months. Licenses expire on June 30, unless special arrangements are made to accommodate summer internships. The license fee is $25.

Embalmer Apprentice

Embalmer Apprentices work a minimum of 1440 hours within a 12 month period under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer. They also must assist with a minimum of 35 embalmings (not restricted to a 12 month period.)

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have graduated from an accredited school of Funeral Service Education OR be scheduled to graduate before the completion of the apprenticeship.

Information Required to Apply:

Transcripts showing proof of graduation from an accredited school of Funeral Service Education
Certified Scores for the National Board Exam, Arts and Sciences
Name of intended supervisor
Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate
Photo of the Applicant
10 Years of Residential History
10 Years of Employment History
Documentation related to any prior convictions or administrative actions, if applicable
Verification of any other Professional Licenses that you hold, in Oregon or any other states/jurisdictions

Licenses are valid for up to 1 year. Licenses expire on December 31. The initial license fee is $50, and renewing the license is $25.

An embalmer apprentice must maintain a log book of embalmings under supervision, with accurate and current entries, and the apprentice and his or her supervisor must furnish this record to the Board upon request.

Embalmer Apprentice Log Samples: PDF | Word

Please note- an FSP Apprenticeship and an Embalmer Apprenticeship can run concurrently. Please submit an application for each apprenticeship if you intend to complete both.