Becoming a funeral director in Australia is a rewarding career that requires compassion, professionalism, and strong organisational skills. If you’re interested in working in the funeral industry, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started.

Understand the Role of a Funeral Director

A funeral director is responsible for coordinating and managing funeral services while supporting grieving families. Their duties include:

  • Meeting with families to plan funerals
  • Organising burials, cremations, and memorial services
  • Handling legal documents (death certificates, permits)
  • Coordinating transportation of the deceased
  • Advising families on funeral costs and arrangements
  • Working with cemeteries, florists, and celebrants

Do you have what it takes? A good funeral director is compassionate, organised, and able to work under pressure.

Get the Right Qualifications & Training

Certificate III in Funeral Operations (SIF30113)

  • Covers funeral arranging, embalming basics, and customer service
  • Available through TAFE and private training providers

Certificate IV in Funeral Services (SIF40113)

  • Covers advanced funeral operations, mortuary care, and business management
  • Suitable for those wanting to become senior funeral directors or managers

Diploma of Funeral Services Management (for those pursuing leadership roles)

Where to Study? Check training providers like TAFE NSW, Melbourne Polytechnic, and independent funeral industry colleges.

Gain Practical Experience in the Funeral Industry

Most funeral directors start as funeral assistants before moving into a director role. To get hands-on experience:

  • Apply for an entry-level job as a funeral assistant
  • Volunteer or do an internship at a funeral home
  • Look for trainee funeral director positions

Pro Tip: Funeral homes prefer candidates with customer service, event planning, or healthcare backgrounds.

Apply for Funeral Director Jobs in Australia

Once you have training and experience, you can start applying for funeral director jobs.

Where to Find Funeral Director Jobs?

Job Search Websites:

Major Funeral Companies Hiring in Australia:

  • InvoCare (Owns White Lady Funerals, Simplicity Funerals, Guardian Funerals)
  • Tobin Brothers Funerals
  • Gregson & Weight Funerals
  • Le Pine Funerals

Independent & Family-Owned Funeral Homes:

Many small funeral homes prefer hiring locally, check their websites for career opportunities!

Get the Necessary Licenses & Compliance (If Required)

Some states may require specific registrations or licenses for funeral directors. You’ll also need to:

  • Understand state funeral regulations (varies across Australia)
  • Be physically fit (lifting & moving coffins is part of the job)
  • Hold a valid driver’s license (for funeral transport)

Pro Tip: Some funeral directors choose to get embalming training to expand their career opportunities.

Develop Essential Funeral Director Skills

To stand out in the industry, focus on developing key skills:

  • Compassion & Empathy: Supporting grieving families with sensitivity
  • Strong Communication: Explaining funeral arrangements clearly
  • Attention to Detail: Managing legal paperwork & service logistics
  • Event Planning: Organising ceremonies, memorials & receptions
  • Problem-Solving: Handling last-minute changes & client requests

The best funeral directors are highly organised, patient, and great at helping families navigate difficult times.

Consider Advancing Your Career

Once you gain experience, you can progress to senior roles like:

  • Senior Funeral Director: Overseeing large services & staff
  • Funeral Home Manager: Managing a funeral home business
  • Embalmer or Mortuary Specialist: Preparing bodies for funerals
  • Business Owner: Starting your own funeral home

Want to stand out? Specialise in areas like eco-friendly funerals, cultural & religious funeral planning, or grief counselling.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Career for You?

Being a funeral director is a rewarding yet demanding job. It requires dedication, compassion, and professionalism.

If you want a career that helps people during their most difficult moments, becoming a funeral director is a meaningful choice.

Ready to start your journey? Get trained, gain experience, and apply for jobs through Seek, Indeed, and local funeral homes.

Looking for funeral industry insights? Visit eziFunerals.com.au for more information.

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Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.