Continuing Education Requirements

When must I have the required number of continuing education hours completed in order to renew my license?

With the renewal of licensure by March 31st of the current year, you will be required to complete a minimum of five hours per year of continuing education offered by a board-approved sponsor for licensure renewal in courses that emphasize the ethics, standards of practice, preneed contracts and funding, or federal or state laws and regulations governing the profession of funeral service. One hour per year shall cover compliance with laws and regulations governing the profession, and at least one hour per year shall cover preneed funeral arrangements.

Am I required to send in evidence of my continuing education hours at the time I renew?

No, the Board will randomly select licensees for a post renewal audit. If selected, you would be notified by mail that documentation is required and given a time frame within which to comply.

When do the continuing education requirements begin?

Continuing education requirements begin on April 1st of each year and end on March 31st of the following year.

Who maintains the required documents for verification of continuing education?

It is the licensee’s responsibility to maintain certificates and any other continuing education or records for two years following the renewal of an active license. Do not send any forms or documents to the Board unless requested to do so.

Where do I obtain the instructions and forms to continuing education requirements?

Regulations, forms and instructions may be obtained from the Board or downloaded from the Applications and Forms section of the website. Forms may also be photocopied.

How are continuing education hours calculated?

Credit for one hour of live coursework in continuing education must include at least 50 minutes of instruction.  Please see the Board’s Guidance Document on Time Credit for Continuing Education for more information.

What if I am newly licensed during the renewal year? Do I still have to obtain the full 5 hours of continuing education?

No, in accordance with 18VAC65-20-151, a licensee shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first renewal following the date of initial licensure by examination in Virginia.

What if I become ill or incapacitated and unable to complete my continuing education requirements prior to renewal?

Only upon a written request from the licensee explaining the circumstances, will the Board consider granting an exemption or waiver in cases of certified illness or undue hardship. The written request must be received prior to the March 31st renewal date.

What if I am now retired and do not want to obtain continuing education hours but don’t want to give up my license?

You may request an inactive license from the Board, during the renewal cycle ending on March 31st. It is important to note that holding an inactive license does not authorize anyone to engage in the practice of funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming in Virginia. If you intend to practice at all in Virginia, even on a part-time or non-compensatory basis, you must retain your active license.

What happens if I take an inactive licensure status and later decide to reactivate?

A licensee seeking to reactivate a license must file a reinstatement application and pay the difference between the inactive and active renewal fees for the current renewal and provide documentation of having completed continuing education hours equal to the requirement for the number of years not to exceed two years, in which the license has been inactive.