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ANZSCO 451311

Funeral Director

Skill level 2Assessed by VETASSESSNo Shortage

General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.

About this occupation

ANZSCO 2022

Plans and coordinates arrangements for funerals according to the wishes of the deceased or their relatives. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level 2

Also called

  • Mortician
  • Undertaker

Unit group 4513

Funeral Workers

Funeral Workers prepare bodies for viewing and burial, arrange and conduct funerals, and perform other specialist funereal services.

Indicative skill level

The occupation Funeral Director has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia

  • AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand

  • NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

The occupation Funeral Workers nec has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks include

  • Interviewing families and associates of the deceased to assist with funeral arrangements such as the selection of coffin, type of service and publication of death notices
  • Advising on funeral costs and welfare provisions
  • Collecting bodies from mortuaries
  • Ensuring death certificates have been issued, burial and cremation certificates processed and that other legal requirements are met
  • Preparing bodies for viewing and burial by washing, draining body fluids, applying padding and cosmetics, dressing bodies and placing them in coffins
  • Liaising with clergy and cemetery and crematorium staff
Show all 10 tasks
  • Coordinating the movement of coffins and funeral cars, arranging floral displays and collecting attendance and tribute cards
  • Arranging the placement of coffins at funeral sites, and placing and adjusting floral displays and lighting
  • Keeping records and accounts of transactions and services performed
  • May arrange the construction of memorials and the disposal of ashes

Occupations in this unit group

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022. CC BY 4.0.

ANZSCO 2022 (the edition the CSOL uses for the 482 and 186 visas)

Title in this edition: Funeral Director, skill level 2

Major group
4 Community and Personal Service Workers
Sub-major group
45 Sports and Personal Service Workers
Minor group
451 Personal Service and Travel Workers
Unit group
4513 Funeral Workers

The title and groups are the same in ANZSCO 2013 v1.2 and ANZSCO 2022.

Occupation Shortage List (2026)

National rating
No Shortage
Confidence
On-balance
Rated on
ANZSCO 2022

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List - 6 digit ANZSCO and OSCA, released 21 October 2026. CC BY 4.0.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO (CC BY 4.0). Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list (CC BY 4.0). Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Search another occupation