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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the New York State Department of Health's Bureau of Funeral Directing. Bank checked October 15, 2026.
A candidate fails the licensing examination. To how many re-examinations is the candidate entitled?Answer: A maximum of 3. Source: PHL 3422(3)
A candidate who has not passed within how long after completing training must requalify?Answer: 3 years. Source: PHL 3422(3)
A corporation's registration report must name each stockholder or other person holding what interest in it?Answer: 10 percent or greater. Source: PHL 3428(1)
A funeral firm will end its business with no transferee. How far ahead must it give the department notice?Answer: Not less than 30 days before. Source: PHL 3428(1)
A registered resident and the manager or sponsor file joint reports on the residency. How often?Answer: Quarterly. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.3(c)
A registrant moves house. Within how long must the department be told in writing of the new residence address?Answer: 10 days. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(h)
An inactive registrant lets his or her name be used in advertising. What does PHL 3428(9) require?Answer: The inactive status is disclosed in the materials. Source: PHL 3428(9)
Show all 190 questions (183 more)
Licensing, residency and registration, continued
The department accepts a National Board Examination certification in place of its own first examination. Does that cover the law examination of PHL 3421(4)(d)?Answer: No; the certification does not apply to that examination. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.2(k)
For endorsement under PHL 3426, how long must the applicant have practiced funeral directing since being licensed in the other state?Answer: 3 years or more. Source: PHL 3426(c)
For how long is a certificate of approval for a school for funeral directors valid?Answer: 1 year. Source: PHL 3425(3)
For the notice of sale that PHL 3428 requires, what is a "controlling interest" in a funeral firm?Answer: A 51 percent interest. Source: PHL 3428(1)
How long is a "contact hour" of continuing education?Answer: Between 50 and 60 minutes, continuously measured. Source: PHL 3429(1)
How long must an applicant serve as a registered resident before a license is issued?Answer: 1 year. Source: PHL 3421(4)
How many hours of continuing education must a funeral director complete in each biennium?Answer: 12. Source: PHL 3429(3)
How much collegiate study in funeral service does PHL 3421 require before examination?Answer: 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits. Source: PHL 3421(2)
How often must a funeral director and a funeral firm apply to the department for a certificate of registration?Answer: Biennially. Source: PHL 3428(1)
How soon after starting employment as a registered resident must a candidate register with the department?Answer: Within 2 weeks. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.3(a)
Of the continuing education hours in a biennium, how many must relate to New York laws and regulations on funeral directing, embalming and preneed services?Answer: At least 2. Source: PHL 3429(3)
On what date is the biennial registration of funeral firms renewable?Answer: July 1 of each odd year. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(i)
On what date is the biennial registration of licensed funeral directors renewable?Answer: July 1 of each even year. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(i)
On what is the second examination that PHL 3421 requires for a funeral director license?Answer: New York State laws, rules and regulations relating to funeral directing. Source: PHL 3421(4)
To be approved to employ a registered resident, how many cases must a funeral firm have handled in the preceding 12 months?Answer: At least 40. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.3(b)
What citizenship or immigration status must an applicant for examination have?Answer: A United States citizen or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Source: PHL 3421(2)
What does a registered resident's practice in connection with funeral arrangements consist of?Answer: Observing, instruction, taking preliminary information and exposure to sales. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.3(b)
What fee does PHL 3421 set for the license to practice funeral directing?Answer: $125. Source: PHL 3421(4)
What fee does PHL 3426 set for endorsing a funeral director license issued by another state?Answer: $300. Source: PHL 3426
What grade must a candidate reach to pass an examination for a funeral director license?Answer: Not less than 75. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.2(f)
What is a funeral director's biennial registration fee under PHL 3428?Answer: $125. Source: PHL 3428(2)
What must a registered resident carry at all times while engaged in activities of the residency?Answer: A pocket card issued by the department. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.3(c)
What must a registration report say about crimes?Answer: Whether the applicant or a listed person was convicted of a crime in the preceding two years. Source: PHL 3428(1)
What must the other state do before New York will endorse its license under PHL 3426?Answer: Give similar recognition and endorsement to New York licenses. Source: PHL 3426(b)
When does an applicant take the second examination that PHL 3421 requires?Answer: After or during the one-year period as a registered resident. Source: PHL 3421(4)
When must a licensee carry the current certificate of biennial registration on his or her person?Answer: While actively engaged in practice or on the premises of any funeral establishment. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(h)
Which of these may embalm in New York without a license under Article 34?Answer: A physician or surgeon licensed to practice in the state. Source: PHL 3420(1)
Definitions and the advisory board 20
A direct burial has no formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present, with one exception. What is it?Answer: A graveside service. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.0(m)
A local law is inconsistent with a provision of Article 34. Which governs?Answer: Article 34, which supersedes any inconsistent general, special or local law. Source: PHL 3404
As Article 34 defines it, what is one "funeral establishment"?Answer: A single physical location, address or premises. Source: PHL 3400(g)
At least how often must the advisory board meet?Answer: Once every three months. Source: PHL 3402(2)
For how long must a licensed member of the advisory board have been in practice before appointment?Answer: At least 5 years. Source: PHL 3402(1)
How far ahead of an advisory board meeting must written notice be mailed to the members?Answer: At least 10 days. Source: PHL 3402(2)
How long is the term of an advisory board member?Answer: 3 years. Source: PHL 3402(1)
How many advisory board members represent consumer interests?Answer: 3. Source: PHL 3402(1)
How many members make a quorum of the advisory board?Answer: Not less than 6. Source: PHL 3402(2)
How many members sit on the funeral directing advisory board?Answer: 10. Source: PHL 3402(1)
How many of the ten advisory board members must be licensed funeral directors, undertakers or embalmers?Answer: 6. Source: PHL 3402(1)
One seat on the advisory board is reserved for a person from which field?Answer: An officer, director or employee of a cemetery corporation. Source: PHL 3402(1)
What are advisory board members paid?Answer: No compensation, only reasonable expenses actually and necessarily incurred. Source: PHL 3402(3)
What does "burial" include, as Article 34 defines it?Answer: Transportation and/or cremation. Source: PHL 3400(h)
What makes a cremation a "direct cremation" under 10 NYCRR 77.0?Answer: There is no formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.0(l)
What powers does the funeral directing advisory board have?Answer: None that are executive, administrative or appointive; it advises and recommends. Source: PHL 3402(6)
Which describes an "alternative container" under 10 NYCRR 77.0?Answer: A nonmetal receptacle with no ornamentation or fixed interior lining, of cardboard, pressed wood or the like. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.0(o)
Which of these may a registered resident NOT do?Answer: Make funeral arrangements. Source: PHL 3400(k)
Who appoints the members of the funeral directing advisory board?Answer: The commissioner of health. Source: PHL 3402(1)
Within how many days of receipt must the advisory board report on proposed regulations?Answer: 45 days. Source: PHL 3402(5)
Funeral firms, establishments and managers 25
A corporation owns a funeral firm. Who must be a duly licensed funeral director or undertaker?Answer: The manager registered with the department. Source: PHL 3441(1)
A funeral firm conducts its business from more than one funeral establishment. What does PHL 3428 require?Answer: The firm is registered from each such establishment. Source: PHL 3428(2)
A manager cannot exercise adequate supervision, and a temporary manager is named. After how long must a new manager be designated and registered?Answer: If the inability exceeds 90 days. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.8(f)
An individual owns a funeral firm. What must the owner be?Answer: A duly licensed funeral director or undertaker. Source: PHL 3441(1)
For fee purposes under PHL 3428, how is a change in ownership of a funeral firm treated?Answer: As a first registration. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(g)
For how long may the estate of a deceased funeral director operate the funeral firm, with a licensed manager registered?Answer: Not more than 30 months from the date of death. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(d)
How much floor space must the chapel or reposing room of a funeral establishment registering after February 28, 1974 contain?Answer: At least 300 square feet. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.5(d)
How much floor space must the preparation room of a funeral establishment registering after February 28, 1974 contain?Answer: At least 120 square feet. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.5(d)
May a funeral firm be operated or located on real property owned, leased or controlled by a cemetery corporation?Answer: No; PHL 3441(3) forbids it. Source: PHL 3441(3)
May a funeral firm engage in the sale or cross-marketing of goods or services with a cemetery corporation?Answer: No; PHL 3441(4) prohibits it. Source: PHL 3441(4)
May a license or registration certificate issued by the department be assigned or transferred?Answer: No; it is not assignable or transferable. Source: PHL 3441(2)
May alcoholic beverages be consumed at a gathering held under PHL 3444 in a funeral establishment?Answer: No; no activity under the section may include it. Source: PHL 3444(b)
Of how many funeral firms may a funeral director be registered as manager?Answer: 1. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.8(b)
The personnel of a funeral firm violate Article 34. What is the manager's position under 10 NYCRR 77.8?Answer: It is a violation by the manager unless adequate supervision was exercised to prevent it. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.8(e)
Two buildings of a funeral firm are connected by a private walk. How does 10 NYCRR 77.5 treat them?Answer: As a single funeral establishment. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.5(b)
Two funeral firms conduct business from the same funeral establishment. What does PHL 3428 require?Answer: Each firm is registered from it and has its own manager there. Source: PHL 3428(2)
What does PHL 3428 set as the initial registration fee for each required registration of a funeral firm?Answer: $400. Source: PHL 3428(2)
What does PHL 3444 require of a caterer whose services are used in a funeral establishment?Answer: It is not owned by or affiliated with the funeral establishment. Source: PHL 3444(b)
What food service does PHL 3444 allow in a funeral establishment?Answer: Incidental refreshments and nonalcoholic beverages, or food required by religious practice. Source: PHL 3444(a)
What is the minimum height of the lettering of the firm name on a funeral firm's sign?Answer: 1-1/2 inches. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.5(c)
What must cover the floor, walls and ceiling of an embalming and preparation room?Answer: Tile or other hard, smooth, impervious washable material. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.5(c)
Where does 10 NYCRR 77.5 prohibit the preparation and serving of food and beverages?Answer: In the preparation area, and in the chapel or reposing room when a deceased person is present. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.5(c)
Where must a funeral firm's certificate of registration be displayed?Answer: Conspicuously at the funeral establishment for which it was issued. Source: PHL 3441(1)
Whose name may not be shown on a funeral establishment or used in the name of a firm, under PHL 3443?Answer: A living person who is not licensed and registered under Article 34. Source: PHL 3443(1)
Within how long must the owner of a funeral firm notify the department in writing of a change in name, address, ownership or other legal status?Answer: 10 days. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.6(g)
Removal, embalming and transportation 21
A body has been duly released to a transporter for the sole purpose of transportation. Must the transporter be licensed under Article 34?Answer: No; a mere transporter need not be. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(f)
A burial is not in the charge of a licensed funeral director, undertaker or registered resident. What must the person in charge of the cemetery do?Answer: Immediately give the Department of Health the names and addresses of those involved. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(d)
A funeral director has information that a death resulted from accident, homicide or suicide. When may the body be embalmed?Answer: Once the proper authority has duly released it for embalming or other preparation. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.10(e)
An unlicensed employee takes preliminary information over the telephone. How does 10 NYCRR 77.7 treat that?Answer: It is not the making of funeral arrangements. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(a)
Embalming fluid that contains which of these is prohibited by 10 NYCRR 77.10?Answer: Arsenic. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.10(b)
How must a dead body be encased for transportation by common carrier?Answer: In a rigid container built to withstand the hazards of the transportation, and leakproof. Source: 10 NYCRR 13.1(b)
How must receptacles holding embalming fluid or other poisonous or dangerous substances be kept?Answer: Plainly marked to indicate their contents. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.10(d)
In transportation other than by common carrier, however the body is encased or enclosed, it must be what?Answer: Obscured from public view. Source: 10 NYCRR 13.2
Is a disinterment permit needed to move a body within the same cemetery?Answer: No; none is necessary. Source: 10 NYCRR 13.3(a)
To whom may a hospital release a dead human body?Answer: Only to a licensed and registered funeral director or undertaker, or a registered resident. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(b)
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, how soon must a funeral firm give the customer the documents it procured for the customer?Answer: Within 1 week after the funeral. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.11
What is needed to disinter a body for removal to another cemetery or a crematory?Answer: A permit from the registrar of vital statistics at the place of disinterment. Source: 10 NYCRR 13.3(a)
What must a funeral director do before removing a body from the place of death or preparing it for burial?Answer: Apply the tests the commissioner prescribes for determining whether life is extinct. Source: PHL 3440
What must accompany each dead body transported by a common carrier?Answer: A burial-transit permit issued by the local registrar of vital statistics. Source: 10 NYCRR 13.1(a)
What must be affixed to a dead body transported by common carrier?Answer: A name tag giving the name of the deceased as it appears on the death certificate. Source: 10 NYCRR 13.1(b)
What must the person in charge of a hospital ask of someone seeking the release of a body for a funeral firm?Answer: To produce a current certificate of registration. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(b)
When may a funeral director trainee perform part of an embalming procedure?Answer: Under the personal supervision and instruction of a New York licensed and registered funeral director or embalmer. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.10(f)
Which of these may be present in the preparation room while a body is being embalmed, under 10 NYCRR 77.10?Answer: Members of the immediate family of the deceased and their designated representatives. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.10(a)
Which signs must be ascertained under 10 NYCRR 77.9 before a body is embalmed, removed, cremated or buried?Answer: Pulsation has ceased in the radial or other arteries, and heart and respiratory sounds are not heard. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.9
Who may make funeral arrangements with a customer on behalf of a funeral firm?Answer: Only a duly licensed and registered funeral director or undertaker. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(a)
Who must be present and personally supervise the removal of a dead human body from the place of death?Answer: A licensed and registered funeral director or undertaker, or a registered resident. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.7(a)
Itemized statement and price lists 24
A caller asks a funeral firm by telephone about its prices. What must the firm do?Answer: Say that price information is available by telephone and give accurate information from its lists. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.1
A deceased veteran is eligible for a burial flag. On request of the person paying for the arrangements, what must the funeral director furnish?Answer: A United States flag to cover the casket at the funeral, free of charge. Source: PHL 3441-a
At least how many package prices for direct cremation must a general price list show?Answer: 2. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(e)
At what amount must services and merchandise provided as cash advance items be billed?Answer: The same amount the funeral firm paid. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(f)
For a cremation, the customer's designation of intentions discloses what will be done with cremains left unclaimed after how long?Answer: 120 days from the date of cremation. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.3(a)
For how long after the funeral must itemized statements, funeral bills and casket invoices be retained at the funeral home?Answer: Not less than 4 years. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(d)
For how long must copies of price lists be kept on file at the funeral firm?Answer: At least four years from the date of their last distribution to customers. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.7
How must each price for transfer of remains or other livery be stated on the general price list?Answer: As a flat fee for a stated number of miles or a geographical zone. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(g)
How must true copies of itemized statements be kept?Answer: Consecutively numbered, in numerical order, at the funeral establishment. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(d)
May a separate charge for the use of the preparation room be listed on the itemized statement?Answer: No; its use is incidental to the preparation of remains. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(b)
May an itemized statement charge the cost of doing business under a title such as "overhead" or "administrative costs"?Answer: No; 10 NYCRR 78.1 prohibits it. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(b)
On which days may custodial care not be charged, according to the statement on the general price list?Answer: Days when embalming or other preparation occurs, visitation is held or a funeral service is conducted. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(e)
The price of a cash advance item is not known when the itemized statement is completed. What is listed?Answer: A good faith estimate, with the actual charge given in writing before the final bill is paid. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(b)
What does the general price list say about embalming, in immediate conjunction with its price?Answer: In New York State, embalming is not required by law. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(e)
What must a funeral firm that arranges direct cremations make available?Answer: An unfinished wooden box or alternative container. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.6
What must an outer interment receptacle price list say, in immediate conjunction with the prices?Answer: That no New York State or local law requires buying a receptacle to surround the casket in the grave. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.3
What must the price for embalming on the general price list include?Answer: Use of the preparation room. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(e)
When does 10 NYCRR 79.5 permit an alternative pricing method?Answer: Only for package prices agreed with a governmental agency or a not-for-profit corporation. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.5
When may a charge for topical disinfection be listed on the itemized statement?Answer: Only when the remains are not to be embalmed and the service is selected. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(b)
When must a funeral director furnish the written itemized statement of the price of the funeral?Answer: At the time funeral arrangements are made. Source: PHL 3440-a
When must the casket price list be offered to a customer who inquires in person?Answer: Before caskets or alternative containers are discussed or shown. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.2
Where may the word "estimate" appear on an itemized statement?Answer: Only in reference to cash advance items. Source: 10 NYCRR 78.1(b)
Which price list must be presented to the customer for retention?Answer: The general price list. Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4
Which statement must appear with the direct cremation prices on the general price list?Answer: "The direct cremation prices do not include the crematory charge.". Source: 10 NYCRR 79.4(e)
Misconduct, discipline and penalties 23
A customer asks where a body is and asks for its release. What does 10 NYCRR 77.12 make of a failure to respond promptly?Answer: Misconduct: the body must be promptly released and information given. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(q)
A funeral director tells a customer that the firm's least expensive casket looks shoddy. How does 10 NYCRR 77.12 treat that?Answer: As misconduct: disparaging merchandise the firm offers for sale. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(m)
A licensed funeral director is convicted of a felony. What follows under PHL 3450(4)?Answer: The license is forfeited and revoked, and the registration is cancelled. Source: PHL 3450(4)
A prohibited practice continues for five days. How does PHL 3456 count the violations?Answer: Each day, or part of a day, is a separate violation. Source: PHL 3456(2)
After a license is revoked, when is the earliest that an application for its reissuance may be made?Answer: 1 year after revocation. Source: PHL 3453(2)
The felony conviction is later reversed on appeal and the accused acquitted. What becomes of the license?Answer: It becomes operative again from the date of the acquittal or discharge. Source: PHL 3450(4)
How is the commissioner's revocation or suspension of a license reviewed?Answer: By the supreme court, under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. Source: PHL 3450(3)
How large must the actual retail price printed on a casket or outer interment receptacle be to be considered legible?Answer: Half-inch numbers or larger. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(u)
In what form must charges against a licensee be preferred?Answer: In writing and verified under oath, submitted to the department. Source: PHL 3451(1)
Practicing as a funeral director without a license or registration is what class of offense under PHL 3455?Answer: A misdemeanor. Source: PHL 3455(1)
What fine does PHL 3455 set for each offense, such as practicing without a license or registration?Answer: $100 to $500. Source: PHL 3455(1)
What is the maximum civil penalty under PHL 3456 for each violation?Answer: $1,000. Source: PHL 3456(1)
What may a funeral director accept from the financial institution that holds preneed deposits, under PHL 3450(1)(l)?Answer: Up to twenty-five hundredths of one percent of the authorized fee, for administrative services. Source: PHL 3450(1)
What must a funeral director have before obtaining custody of a deceased human body?Answer: Explicit written or oral authorization from a customer. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(p)
What must be proved to establish a violation in a prosecution or hearing under PHL 3455?Answer: Only a single prohibited act or a single holding out. Source: PHL 3455(4)
What term of imprisonment does PHL 3455 allow for each offense?Answer: 30 days to 1 year. Source: PHL 3455(1)
When is door-to-door or telephone solicitation of funeral patronage not misconduct?Answer: When a potential customer has specifically requested it. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(x)
When may a funeral firm indicate interest or finance charges on an unpaid balance?Answer: When written disclosure, with the due date and annual percentage rate, is in the statement of itemization. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(t)
Which of these is a cash advance item under 10 NYCRR 77.12(k)?Answer: Clergy honoraria. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(k)
Which of these is a ground for discipline under PHL 3450(1)(l)?Answer: Paying a commission for the solicitation or procurement of funeral patronage. Source: PHL 3450(1)
Which of these is misconduct under 10 NYCRR 77.12?Answer: Telling a customer that state law requires a deceased person to be embalmed. Source: 10 NYCRR 77.12(o)
Who has the power to prosecute a violation of Article 34 in any county of the state?Answer: The attorney general. Source: PHL 3455(3)
Who may revoke or suspend the license of a funeral director under PHL 3450?Answer: The commissioner of health. Source: PHL 3450(1)
Preneed moneys 22
A buyer takes over a funeral firm without receiving its preneed moneys or knowing of the agreements. Is the buyer liable for them?Answer: Yes; liability attaches whether or not the moneys were received or the agreements known. Source: GBL 453(5)
A funeral firm holding preneed moneys ceases operation. What must it do within thirty days?Answer: Repay all the moneys and accrued interest as if a demand had been made. Source: GBL 453(5)
A funeral firm that holds preneed moneys is sold. Within how long must the new and former owners notify each person who paid, in writing?Answer: Within 30 days of the sale. Source: GBL 453(5)
A preneed agreement has the person who pays waive a provision of GBL 453. What is the effect?Answer: The waiver provision is void. Source: GBL 453(4)
After the deposit, how soon must the person who paid be told in writing which institution holds the money?Answer: Within 30 business days. Source: GBL 453(1)
An applicant for medical assistance whose preneed moneys are in an irrevocable trust asks to change to another funeral firm. Within how long must the change be carried out?Answer: 10 business days after receipt of the request. Source: GBL 453(1)
Does GBL 453 apply to the sale of lots or graves by a cemetery?Answer: No; the section does not apply to it. Source: GBL 453(9)
For how long must records and true copies of preneed agreements be kept after the merchandise and services are provided?Answer: 4 years. Source: GBL 453(8)
How often must the person who paid receive a statement of the location of the account and the interest it earned?Answer: Annually. Source: GBL 453(1)
In what size of type must the DISCLOSURE in an irrevocable trust agreement be printed?Answer: At least 12 point. Source: GBL 453(3)
Knowingly and willfully failing to deposit preneed moneys, or to keep them on deposit, is what?Answer: A misdemeanor. Source: GBL 453(6)
May preneed moneys be commingled with the funeral firm's other moneys?Answer: No; they may not be commingled. Source: GBL 453(1)
Preneed moneys are paid for an applicant for or recipient of supplemental security income or medical assistance. Into what are they placed?Answer: An irrevocable trust. Source: GBL 453(1)
Under PHL 3442, who may receive and hold in trust the moneys paid under a preneed agreement for funeral services?Answer: Only a funeral firm with a valid registration, or its duly authorized agent. Source: PHL 3442(2)
What fee may be assessed against the person making a preneed payment in connection with or planning for the agreement?Answer: None; no administrative, consultation or other fee. Source: GBL 453(2)
What is the ceiling on fees a third party pays to the person administering a preneed trust fund?Answer: 0.75 percent of the trust fund. Source: GBL 453(3)
What must a licensee furnish to the person making a preneed payment, under PHL 3442?Answer: A preneed statement, on a form the commissioner prescribes, describing the services and merchandise. Source: PHL 3442(1)
When must preneed moneys, with accrued interest, be repaid to the person who paid them under a revocable agreement?Answer: On demand, at any time before the merchandise is delivered or the services rendered. Source: GBL 453(2)
Where must preneed moneys be deposited or placed?Answer: In an interest bearing account in a bank or credit union in the state, or with a trust company in a United States backed investment. Source: GBL 453(1)
Who performs the yearly audit of a preneed administrator's accounts?Answer: A certified public accountant licensed to practice in New York State. Source: GBL 453(12)
Whose money is a payment made under a preneed agreement, until the merchandise is delivered or the services rendered?Answer: It remains the money of the person who made the payment. Source: GBL 453(1)
Within how long of receipt must preneed moneys be deposited?Answer: 10 business days. Source: GBL 453(1)
Death certificates, permits and disposition 21
A body is brought into New York from another state for burial, with a transit permit issued where the death occurred. What effect does that permit have?Answer: The same force and effect as a New York burial permit. Source: PHL 4144(4)
A body is buried in a cemetery that has no person in charge. Within how long must the funeral director file the signed permit with the registrar of that district?Answer: Within 3 days. Source: PHL 4145(4)
A cemetery has nobody to receive the burial permit, so the funeral director signs and files it. What does PHL 4145 have the funeral director write across its face?Answer: "No person in charge". Source: PHL 4145(4)
A death occurs without medical attendance. What is the duty of the funeral director to whose knowledge it comes?Answer: To give notice of the death to the coroner or medical examiner. Source: PHL 4143(1)
A decedent leaves four adult children who disagree about disposition. How is it decided under PHL 4201?Answer: By a majority of the children who are reasonably available. Source: PHL 4201(2)
A funeral director removes a body before a permit is issued. When must the body be returned to the registration district where death occurred?Answer: Whenever the coroner, medical examiner or district attorney requests it for investigation. Source: PHL 4144(2)
From whom does the funeral director obtain the personal and statistical particulars for the death certificate?Answer: A competent person acquainted with the facts, whose name and address are entered. Source: PHL 4142(a)
How does PHL 4201 define "natural organic reduction"?Answer: The contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. Source: PHL 4201(1)
May the information on a death certificate or burial permit be sold for commercial or promotional purposes?Answer: Not without the written consent of the next of kin or legal representative. Source: PHL 4147
To whom does the funeral director deliver the burial permit?Answer: The person in charge of the place of burial, before the body is interred. Source: PHL 4145(2)
What does PHL 4200 require for every body of a deceased person within the state?Answer: Decent burial, natural organic reduction or incineration within a reasonable time after death. Source: PHL 4200(1)
What must have been issued before a body is buried, cremated, removed from the state or held more than 72 hours after death?Answer: A permit for burial, removal or other disposition from the registrar of vital statistics. Source: PHL 4144(1)
What must the person who receives a body at a cemetery or crematory give the funeral director who delivers it?Answer: A receipt for the body, endorsed by both. Source: PHL 4145(2)
When must the funeral director file the certificate of death with the registrar?Answer: Prior to the disposition of the remains. Source: PHL 4142(d)
Who is first in priority to control the disposition of a decedent's remains under PHL 4201?Answer: The person designated in a written instrument executed under the section. Source: PHL 4201(2)
Who makes, dates and signs the medical certificate of death?Answer: The physician or nurse practitioner last in attendance on the deceased. Source: PHL 4141(4)
Who signs the statement of facts on the death certificate relating to the disposition of the body?Answer: The funeral director or undertaker in charge. Source: PHL 4141(3)
With no written designation, the surviving spouse controls disposition. Who is next in priority under PHL 4201?Answer: The decedent's surviving domestic partner. Source: PHL 4201(2)
With whom is the certificate of death filed?Answer: The registrar of the district in which the death occurred or the body was found. Source: PHL 4140(1)
Within how long must the death of a person who has died in New York be registered?Answer: Not later than 72 hours after death or the finding of the body. Source: PHL 4140(1)
Within how long must the person in charge of the place of burial return the endorsed permit to the registrar?Answer: Within 7 days after the disposition. Source: PHL 4145(3)
How this list was compiled: New York Public Health Law, Article 34, Funeral Directing (sections 3400 to 3457), sections 4140 to 4147, 4200 and 4201, and General Business Law section 453, each section read on October 15, 2026 in the Legislature's Laws of New York (http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO:, the service the Bureau's guide sends candidates to) and linked here at the State Senate's copy (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/A34); and the Department of Health's regulations, 10 NYCRR Part 77 (Practice of Funeral Directing), Part 78 (itemized statement), Part 79 (Price Information) and Part 13 (Transportation of Dead Bodies), read the same day at https://regs.health.ny.gov/content/part-77-practice-funeral-directing. The scope follows the Law Access Guidelines of the New York State Department of Health's Bureau of Funeral Directing (https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/funeral_director/law_access_guidelines.htm), and the exam facts (50 multiple choice questions, passing score 75%) are from the Bureau's frequently asked questions (https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/funeral_director/faq.htm). Each question names its section. Licence: Own work. Every question, every wrong choice and every explanation was written for this site from the text of the section it cites. Short quoted phrases are from the Consolidated Laws and the Codes, Rules and Regulations, which are public. Nothing is taken from the Department's examination or from any study guide or other practice test.
How it works
This unofficial NYS funeral directing law practice test asks 190 questions on the statutes and regulations behind the State's law exam for registered residents. Not affiliated with the New York State Department of Health or its Bureau of Funeral Directing.
Read the full guide
What the NYS law exam is
Public Health Law 3421(4)(d) makes it the second examination for a funeral director license, prepared or approved by the Department of Health. The Bureau of Funeral Directing's FAQ calls it the NYS Funeral Director Law Examination, or the Law Exam.
What is here, and what is not
Eight topics drawn from the Bureau's Law Access Guidelines: Public Health Law Article 34, 10 NYCRR Parts 77, 78, 79 and 13, General Business Law 453, and Public Health Law 4140 to 4147, 4200 and 4201. The Funeral Rule and the other statutes on the Bureau's list are not asked.
Itemized statements, price lists and preneed records are each kept four years (10 NYCRR 78.1 and 79.7, GBL 453).
Preneed money stays the purchaser's: deposited within 10 business days, repaid on demand (GBL 453).
A death is registered within 72 hours, and the certificate is filed before disposition (PHL 4140, 4142).
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the NYS funeral director law exam?
The Bureau of Funeral Directing's FAQ says there are 50 multiple choice questions on the exam. It gives no time limit, so the practice exam here draws 50 questions and runs no clock.
What is the passing score on the NYS law exam?
75%, by the Bureau's FAQ, and 10 NYCRR 77.2(f) sets a grade of not less than 75 for funeral director examinations. The FAQ adds that a candidate who fails may sit the next scheduled exam at no fee.
When can a registered resident take the NYS law exam?
The Bureau's FAQ says a resident becomes eligible for the next scheduled exam eight months into the 12-month residency and is mailed a packet about a month before it. Public Health Law 3421 allows the exam during or after the residency.
What laws does the NYS funeral directing law exam cover?
The statute says New York's laws, rules and regulations relating to funeral directing (PHL 3421). The Bureau's Law Access Guidelines include Article 34, parts of Articles 41 to 43, General Business Law 453, sections of eight other laws and 10 NYCRR Parts 77 to 79.