Which of the following positions within a funeral establishment require an individual to be licensed as a funeral director by the State of California?

• A. Office Manager
• B. Funeral Establishment Manager
• C. At-Need Arrangement Counselor
• D. Pre-Need Arrangement Counselor

Answer: (B)

In California, a funeral establishment must be operated under the supervision of a licensed funeral director. This person serves as the establishment’s manager and is legally responsible for overseeing all professional activities, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and supervising the preparation and handling of remains. Because of this, the role that requires holding a funeral director license is the Funeral Establishment Manager. Administrative roles like the office manager or the arrangement counselors handle non-licensable tasks such as scheduling, customer service, or family arrangements and do not themselves perform licensed professional duties. Pre-need or at-need counselors focus on arranging services or selling plans, but licensure as a funeral director is not required for those positions.