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 a individual professional licence 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 a individual professional licence in good standing
Details related to your individual professional licence need to include:
– the date the licence was first issued,
– the date the current licence was issued,
– the date the licence expires,
– the licence number and
– any conditions or restrictions, or suspensions on the licence
Prior to an individual professional licence being issued, the candidate must:
– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam
– Submit an application form for embalmer and/or funeral director
– Provide a Police Records Check dated inside the last three months
All documentation can be submitted by mail, e-mail, or fax.
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 a individual professional licence 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 a individual professional licence in good standing
Details related to your individual professional licence including:
– the state/jurisdiction issuing the license
– the date the licence was first issued,
– the date the current licence was issued,
– the date the licence expires,
– the licence number, and
– any conditions or restrictions, or suspensions on the licence
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)
Prior to a individual professional licence being issued, the candidate must:
– Successfully pass the Nova Scotia Mortuary Law Exam
– Submit a individual licence application
– Provide a Police Records Check dated inside the last 12 months
With the exception of 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.
All documentation can be submitted by mail, e-mail, or fax.
Other Countries
For applicants licensed in another country, consideration will be given to the applicant’s training and experience on an individual basis. Please contact the Nova Scotia Board of Registration to discuss your specific circumstances.
All documentation can be submitted by mail, e-mail, or fax.
Language Requirements
Competence in the English language is an underlying requirement. Application forms must be completed in 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.
The Nova Scotia Board of Registration will confirm receipt of your inquiry and provide follow up correspondence within 1 - 3 business days.
