(a) Every person who desires to practice the science of embalming in this state shall:

(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) Be a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent thereof;

(3) Be a graduate of a school of embalming which is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or accredited by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors;

(4) Make a written application to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors attaching the fee as prescribed in § 17-29-208;

(5) Have served as a registered apprentice embalmer for not less than twelve (12) months in the State of Arkansas under the direct personal supervision of an Arkansas-licensed embalmer and submit at least fifty (50) case reports to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors; and

(6)

(A) Take and pass both parts of the National Board Examination and the Arkansas laws, rules, and regulations exam.

(B) To be eligible to take the Arkansas laws, rules, and regulations exam, an applicant shall be an active apprentice who is currently registered with the board.

(b)

(1) Any person desiring to engage in the science of embalming in this state, in addition to graduating from an approved college of mortuary science recognized by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, shall serve an apprenticeship of one (1) year in the State of Arkansas under an embalmer licensed by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors and shall assist in the preparation of at least fifty (50) bodies.

(2)

(A) This apprenticeship shall be registered with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors on applications provided by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

(B) Individual case reports shall be signed by both the apprentice and the licensed embalmer under whose supervision the work was done and filed with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors by the tenth day of the following month.

(3)

(A) An apprenticeship under this subsection may begin not more than twelve (12) months before enrollment in an accredited college of mortuary science or by submitting proof of graduation from an accredited college of mortuary science.

(B) If an apprentice fails to enroll in an accredited college of mortuary science as required under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section, the apprenticeship shall be terminated for a period to be determined by rule of the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.