There are no specific requirements for becoming a funeral director/embalmer.

However, to be accepted into funeral directing and embalming courses, applicants must:

• be at least 20 years old 
• have at least one year's experience working in a funeral home
• be currently employed in the industry
• be sponsored by their employer to complete the qualifications.

School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is recommended to gain work as a funeral director/embalmer. Useful subjects include English and science.

Tertiary courses in science or behavioural sciences, such as psychology, may be useful for funeral directors/embalmers.

Most skills are gained on the job. Funeral directors/embalmers may also attend seminars and workshops to keep up to date with new developments in the industry.

Experience dealing with the public, such as in the hospitality industry, is useful for funeral directors. Counselling, nursing and rest home work provide good experience for dealing with grieving people. Work in make-up or cosmetics, and/or work in a hospital or laboratory is useful for embalmers.