Continuing Education Requirements

When must I complete the required number of continuing education hours to renew my license?

With the renewal of licensure by March 31st of the current year, you are required to complete a minimum of five (5) 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 (1) hour per year must cover compliance with laws and regulations governing the profession or preneed funeral arrangements. At least one (1) hour of continuing education in preneed funeral arrangements must be completed every three years.

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

No. The Board randomly selects licensees for a post-renewal audit. If selected, you are notified that documentation is required and provided 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 records for two (2) 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 for continuing education requirements?

Forms and instructions can be accessed on the Applications and Forms section of the website.

How are continuing education hours calculated?

Credit for one (1) 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.

If I am newly licensed during the renewal year, do I still need to obtain the full five (5) hours of continuing education? 

No. In accordance with 18VAC65-20-151, Continued competency requirements for renewal of an active license, a licensee is 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 am unable to complete my continuing education requirements prior to renewal?

The Board only considers granting an exemption or waiver due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee only after receiving a written request from the licensee explaining the circumstances prior to the license expiration date.

What if I retire, but don’t want to give up my license?

You may renew your license in “inactive” status on the renewal application and submit the required renewal fee. It is important to note that holding an inactive license does not authorize you 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.
• While in inactive status, you are not required to meet continuing education requirements.
• You will be required to renew your license each year in inactive status.

How do I reactivate my inactive license?

A licensee seeking to reactivate a license must submit an Application for Reactivation (Inactive to Active) of a Funeral Service, Funeral Director, or Embalmer License and pay the difference between the inactive and active renewal fees for the current renewal. The licensee must also provide evidence of completed continuing education hours equal to the requirement for the number of years in which the license has been inactive, not to exceed three (3) years.