Crematory operator certification is not only for the person running the cremator. Rather, the knowledge obtained from the training is beneficial – necessary even – for all in the death care profession who deal with cremation directly or indirectly.

  The information gained from the certification applies to performing death care industry positions and communicating with consumers. For example, when making arrangements at-need or pre-need the consumer may have many questions regarding the cremation process. A majority of death care providers (non-crematory operators) would be unable to answer much beyond the basic questions.

  Further, the information provides an edge to performing crematory inspections more accurately and thoroughly! Any firms using a third-party crematory must still make sure it is operated properly. In fact, one area of due diligence is to perform unannounced inspections at least once a year, in addition to visual inspections every time human remains are transferred to the crematory’s care.

  The cremation average in the United States is nearing 50 percent, and many regions have surpassed that percentage. Everyone in the death care profession, at least those dealing with consumers, should be a cremation specialist. One aspect of being a cremation specialist is knowing how the cremation process takes place and what variables affect the cremation process. And obtaining a cremator operator certification is one step to becoming a true cremation specialist.

  Some of the information taught during the certification includes:

•     Three elements are required for the cremation process: heat, fuel and oxygen. The heat is generally supplied by the gas burner from the cremator. Fuel comes from the human remains and the container they come in. And oxygen comes from the atmosphere and is introduced into the cremation chamber by the burners and air jets in most cremators.

•     Human remains are made up of 85 percent moisture, ten percent combustible solids and five percent non-combustible solids. The moisture is liberated from the tissues during the cremation and changes state from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor is exhausted out the stack as a by-product of the cremation process. Combustion solids are a vital part in the combustion process and consist mainly of body tissues and fat. Non-combustible solids remain after the cremation process is complete: They include bone fragments and ash materials.

•     Cremation containers are made up of the same three kinds of materials as human remains, but in different proportions. Generally, containers are made of ten percent moisture, 85 percent combustible solids and five percent non-combustible solids. This varies according to the type of container or casket used.

•     The type of body makeup makes a difference in the time cremation takes: If the human remains are emaciated or have a high level of fat tissue, the cremation process will take more or less time than average.

  These are only a few areas that are covered in a cremation certification class. Other topics include history of cremation, terminology, basics of combustion, operating equipment, forms and recordkeeping. For all death care professionals who desire to be cremation specialists, crematory operator certification is essential for professional development.