(a) (1) The Board shall determine the qualifications necessary for an individual to lawfully engage in the practice of mortuary science or funeral direction and to operate a funeral establishment within this State.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, to qualify for a mortician or funeral director license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.

(b) The Board shall examine all applications for licensure for the practice of mortuary science or funeral direction and shall issue the mortician or funeral director license to an individual who:

(1) Is judged to be of good moral character;

(2) Has completed not less than 1 year and not more than 4 years of licensed apprenticeship, unless the Board allowed extensions for additional 1-year terms;

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, has graduated with an associate of arts degree in mortuary science or its equivalent from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or approved by the Board, or has acquired at least an associate of arts degree and completed a course in mortuary science that is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or approved by the Board;

(4) For an individual applying for a license to practice as a mortician, passed the national board examination administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States;

(5) For an individual applying for a license to practice as a funeral director, passed the arts and sciences State board examinations, administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States;

(6) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, has passed a written examination on Maryland law and regulations governing the practice of mortuary science and a practical examination demonstrating competency in the preparation of dead human bodies for final disposition and sanitary science; and

(7) Has submitted an application to the Board on the required form and has paid a fee set by the Board.

(c) For an individual applying for a license to practice funeral direction, the practical examination qualification under subsection (b)(6) of this section may not include demonstrating competency in embalming.

(d) The Board shall advise each applicant that a license issued under subsection (b) of this section does not guarantee that the applicant will be allowed to practice in any other state.