NBE Study Plan: 10-Week Schedule
Week-by-week preparation for the NBE exam
Use this flexible 10-week plan to cover the major NBE content areas, practice retrieval, and reserve time for targeted remediation. Adjust the pace to your experience and official testing date.
Weeks 1–2: Funeral directing, merchandising, and service
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 3–4: Funeral law, business, and professional practice
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 5–6: Embalming principles and procedures
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 7–8: Restorative art, pathology, and anatomy and Microbiology, chemistry, and applied funeral service sciences
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 9–10: Comprehensive review and timed practice
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Tips
- Use the current official exam content outline as your master checklist
- Schedule short, consistent study blocks
- Practice application and clinical judgment, not memorization alone
- Complete at least one timed mixed-domain practice session
- Confirm current exam policies with the certifying organization
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the NBE certification?
The NBE credential is administered by International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference). Candidates should always confirm current eligibility, fees, testing windows, and policies with the certifying organization.
Who is this study guide for?
This guide is written for funeral service graduates preparing for the NBE Arts and Sciences examinations.
How should I use the practice questions?
Use them diagnostically: identify weak domains, review the underlying concept, and revisit missed questions until you can explain why each answer choice is correct or incorrect.