Funeral Director / Embalmer / West Virginia
2026 data West Virginia board official source

West Virginia Funeral Director / Embalmer License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Manages funeral services. Licensed in all 50 states.

What the West Virginia data shows for Funeral Director / Embalmers

West Virginia sets the entry bar for funeral director / embalmers at 1,500 training hours and a passing score on a state-approved exam. A background check is a standard part of the process. The credential is administered under West Virginia's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $75 on a 2-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in West Virginia, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

West Virginia evaluates out-of-state credentials case-by-case rather than through a published reciprocity list.

Licensing Requirements in West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,500 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

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Compare all states for Funeral Director / Embalmer All West Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with West Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Funeral Director / Embalmer in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia requires 1500 education/training hours, passing an exam, and an initial fee of $75. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Funeral Director / Embalmer in West Virginia? ▼
Certification as a funeral director / embalmer in West Virginia means clearing the state's checklist: 1500 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The West Virginia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director / Embalmer license to West Virginia from another state? ▼
Out-of-state funeral director / embalmer credentials get a case-by-case review in West Virginia rather than automatic recognition. Interstate compacts exist for a number of professions and might still help. Confirm the details with the West Virginia licensing board.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Funeral Director / Embalmer licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the funeral director / embalmer licensing process in West Virginia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.