Illinois requires a state-level funeral director license. The licensing authority is State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. The median salary is $68,754 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Illinois requires a funeral director to hold a state license. Plan and arrange funeral services, prepare remains, and counsel bereaved families. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Associate or bachelor's degree in mortuary science + apprenticeship (1-3 years) |
| Experience Details | Associate or bachelor's degree in mortuary science + apprenticeship (1-3 years) |
Illinois requires passing the Illinois National Board Examination (NBE) + State Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $100.
| Exam Name | Illinois National Board Examination (NBE) + State Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | National Board Examination (NBE) + State Exam |
| Application Fee | $100 |
Getting licensed as a funeral director in Illinois takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $100 and renewal fees of $100 every 2 years. Continuing education of 12 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $100 |
| License Renewal | $100 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 12 hours |
Funeral Directors in Illinois earn a median salary of $68,754, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Illinois |
| National average | $65,480 |
Yes — Illinois requires a state-level funeral director license. Plan and arrange funeral services, prepare remains, and counsel bereaved families.
The required exam is the Illinois National Board Examination (NBE) + State Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $100.
The median annual salary for funeral directors in Illinois is $68,754. The national median is $65,480.
Illinois requires 12 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.