How to become a funeral director
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working your way up
Apprenticeship
You can start by taking an intermediate apprenticeship as a funeral team member.
Once you have 12 months' industry experience, you can do a funeral director advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start in a support role and get experience as you learn on the job. You would usually need a customer service background, and good IT and administration skills.
You could take a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration, or a Certificate in Funeral Service, while you work.
As you take on more responsibilities, you could do the Diploma in Funeral Directing or the Diploma in Funeral Service.
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Further information
You can get more advice about training to work in the funeral service from the British Institute of Funeral Directors and the National Association of Funeral Directors.