Mission

The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB or "The Conference") is a not-for-profit voluntary association providing examination services, information and regulatory support to funeral service licensing boards and educators, legislators and other regulatory agencies, and the public at large in various states, districts, provinces, jurisdictions and internationally.

Vision

The Conference is the premier source for examination services, information and regulatory support to the death care profession.

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Goals

The following related goals provide a foundation for the strategic planning process of the ICFSEB:

1. The Conference is known as the premier source within its areas of expertise.

2. The Conference is the examination services provider for the death care profession.

3. The Conference is the recognized information resource clearinghouse for the death care profession and the public.

4. The Conference is the regulatory support leader for the death care profession.

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History

The Conference had its beginning in 1903, when a group of state licensing boards came together in Denver to discuss their common problems in transporting bodies across state lines. In 1904 delegates convened for the second meeting of this organization at St. Louis and adopted the name "The Joint Conference of Embalmers' Examining Boards and State Boards of Health" and formally organized.

In 1928 the organization began to consider the question of accrediting schools of Mortuary Science and Education, and a system of grading schools was established.

By 1934, 27 states had adopted rules and regulations that applicants for licensure had to be graduates of Conference-approved schools. In 1930 The Conference established the first National Board Examination, which was sent directly to State Boards for administration and grading.

By 1932 an Exam Committee was established to grade the exams and report the results back to the respective state boards. In 1940 the organization's name was changed to "The Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States, Inc." In 1997 "International" was added to the name to reflect the Canadian membership.

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Strategic Plan

2010 Goals

Goal 1: The Conference is known as the premier source within its areas of expertise.

1. Continual implementation of cutting edge technology, innovations and best practices within the ICFSEB office.
2. A growing staff with in-depth experience and training to accomplish Conference's vision.
3. Utilize Board member expertise to promote The Conference.
4. Assess The Conference's long-term facility needs.
5. Sustained high ethical standards and solid fiscal level.

Goal 2: The Conference is the examination services provider for the death care profession.

1. Increase market share of exams by type.
2. Increase awareness to jurisdictions on the importance of the NBE as the definitive exam for funeral service licensure.
3. Increase awareness of state board exam program.
4. Increase speed, accessibility and flexibility with examination reporting.
5. Utilize survey feedback from exam candidates.
6. Promote and support excellence in examination standards.
7. Provide examination statistics to schools.

Goal 3: The Conference is the recognized information resource clearinghouse for the death care profession and the public.

1. Increased visibility.
2. National registry database for qualifications, disciplinary, CEU's, speakers' bureau, consumer information, etc.

Goal 4: The Conference is the regulatory support leader for the death care profession.

1. Consistent model state and jurisdictions standards/resources for regulations, enforcement and legislation.
2. Voice for regulation and enforcement standards.
3. Support and service to state regulatory boards.
4. Increase memberships.

Goal 5: The Conference supports death care education.

1. Provide scholarships through a competitive scholarship program.
2. Provide grants that promote death care education.
3. Develop, promote and provide ongoing workshops for educators.
4. Continue to promote and honor outstanding academic achievement. 

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