Crematories & Crematory Operators

A crematory operator is an individual employed by a crematory to operate crematory equipment, including the crematory unit and mechanical processor.

You must obtain a crematory operator certificate prior to operating such equipment.

Qualifications: Applicants prior to July 1, 2003

 A person acting as a crematory operator prior to July 1, 2003, must apply for registration as a crematory operator on or before July 30, 2003.

  1. The applicant must attend a seminar sponsored and presented by the Board on state crematory regulation, prior to registering. 
  2. The applicant must submit verification of employment as a crematory operator within twenty-one (21) days of the date of application.
  3. If the applicant fails to complete steps 1-2 above, the Board will deny the application. If the applicant applies at a later date, he or she must apply under the requirements of Applicants after July 1, 2003.
  4. The applicant who applies after July 30, 2003, shall be considered a new applicant and must apply under the requirements of Applicants after July 1, 2003.

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Applicants after July 1, 2003

 All Crematory Operator applicants after July 1, 2003 are required to take an approved course on crematory operation approved by the Board. This course must include training on:

  • terminology used by the crematory industry;
  • principles of combustion;
  • environmental and air quality issues;
  • basic procedures for operating cremation equipment;
  • handling bodies and packaging cremated remains; and
  • exposure control.

Providers of such courses must be approved by the Board in order for the applicant to receive credit toward the course requirement.

Any Crematory operator, licensed prior to July 1, 2003, whose license expires, must take and pass an approved Certified Crematory Operator course prior to their license being renewed or reinstated.