Funeral Service Exam for International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) Latest Update

Funeral Service Exam for International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) Latest Update

The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB), commonly known as The Conference, is the authoritative body responsible for the National Board Examination (NBE), a pivotal assessment for aspiring funeral service professionals in the United States.

Enhanced Score Reporting

Effective January 1, 2023, The Conference introduced significant enhancements to the NBE score reports. Candidates who do not pass the examination now receive detailed feedback on their performance. This feedback includes the overall failing scaled score and a breakdown of objective areas where questions were answered incorrectly. These objective areas correspond to the NBE Content Outline provided in the NBE Study Guide. This initiative aims to offer candidates clearer insights into their performance, enabling more focused preparation for future attempts.

Introduction of On-Screen Calculators

In response to candidate feedback, The Conference has integrated basic on-screen calculators into both the NBE-Arts and NBE-Sciences examinations. This feature, available since January 1, 2023, assists candidates in performing necessary calculations during the exam. It's important to note that personal calculators or electronic devices remain prohibited in the testing centers to maintain exam integrity.

Transition from State Board Examination (SBE) to NBE

As of January 1, 2023, candidates previously eligible for the State Board Examination (SBE) are now required to take the NBE-Arts (funeral directing) or NBE-Sciences (embalming) examinations. This transition standardizes the examination process across jurisdictions. The content and preparation for the exams remain consistent, as does the passing standard.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NBE, candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Graduate from an American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accredited program with a minimum of an Associate's Degree.

• Meet state-specific eligibility requirements and have the state board where licensure is sought provide exam eligibility directly to The Conference.

Application Process

Prospective candidates should follow these steps to apply for the NBE:

1. Review the NBE Candidate Handbook: Understand the policies and procedures of the exam administration process.

2. Request Access to the Candidate Portal: Submit a request for an account, which may take up to 2-3 business days for approval.

3. Submit Exam Application: Log in to the portal to apply for the NBE and/or Laws, Rules, and Regulations (LRR) exams.

4. Verify Eligibility: Confirm with your state or educational institution that you meet the eligibility criteria to sit for the exam.

5. Schedule the Examination: Upon approval, schedule your exam appointment through Pearson VUE, the official testing partner.

Exam Structure

The NBE comprises two separate sections:

• NBE-Arts: Covers areas such as Funeral Arranging and Directing, Funeral Service Marketing/Merchandising, Funeral Service Counseling, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, and Cemetery and Crematory Dispositions.

• NBE-Sciences: Encompasses Embalming, Restorative Art, Other Preparation of the Deceased, and Funeral Service Sciences.

Each section contains 170 multiple-choice questions, including 20 unscored pretest questions. Candidates are allotted 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes) to complete each section.

Scoring and Results

The passing score for the NBE is a scaled score of 75. Candidates receive immediate pass/fail status upon completion of the exam. Those who do not pass will receive detailed feedback to guide their preparation for retakes.

Preparation Resources

To aid in exam preparation, The Conference provides sample questions representative of the NBE Arts and Sciences examinations. These questions, crafted by qualified practitioners, offer valuable insights into the exam format and content areas.

Conclusion

The ICFSEB remains committed to enhancing the examination process for funeral service professionals. By implementing detailed score reports, integrating on-screen calculators, and standardizing examination requirements, The Conference strives to support candidates in achieving their professional goals while upholding the standards of the funeral service industry.