CANA's Crematory Operations Certification Program

Crematory Operations Course Catalog

CANA offers several crematory operator programs to meet the needs of a variety of businesses and regulations. Click the titles below to learn more about your options for getting CANA Certified.
Use the links above to register online.
​Or, click here to fill out a registration form to email/mail/fax back to CANA Headquarters with your payment.

THE CANA COCP: THE GOLD STANDARD IN CREMATORY OPERATIONS TRAINING

In this increasingly competitive and litigious environment, possessing qualifications that set you apart from the rest of the industry is critical. The CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program™ (COCP™) is the mark of distinction. It ensures that you and your employees have the most current crematory operations training available in the industry and provides proof to the public of your commitment to safe cremation practices that demonstrate the utmost respect and caring for their loved ones. The content of this course is designed to increase your understanding of crematory operations—both flame and alkaline hydrolysis—and will provide you with a solid overview of best practices.
The CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program™ (CANA COCP™) was the first course designed to provide best practices for crematory operators in the profession. Now, your go-to program for crematory operations includes the latest best practices in alkaline hydrolysis. Many states and provinces have now instituted training requirements for crematory operators and have selected CANA’s COCP as their official training program. Additionally, many states and provinces continue to approve alkaline hydrolysis, making training in best practices more important than ever.
This training complements on-the-job training and machine-specific training you might receive. While this training will not guarantee you will get a job, it looks great on a resume.
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why attend?

You will gain extensive knowledge—technical, scientific, and legal—all of which is proactive prevention for future business problems. The class addresses major topic areas such as an overview of the flame and water cremation process, equipment and operations, the cremation process in detail, chain of custody, reducing legal risk, and environmental issues related to cremation. A detailed manual is also provided for use during class and serves as an important reference tool. Taught by industry experts, this program provides death care professionals of all backgrounds and levels of experience a thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures that will help reduce the risk of litigation.
In 2022, the CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program™ (CANA COCP™) updated to feature best practices in in all forms of cremation, including alkaline hydrolysis. Popular activities such as the Plan Your Day exercise have been newly revised, there is an all–new animation to demonstrate the cremation process, and the COCP Manual has been updated, keeping CANA’s curriculum at the cutting edge of crematory operation best practices.
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COURSE FORMAT

The course is offered as either an in-person course or as an online course and is designed to meet crematory operations certification requirements and provide best practices for both flame cremation and alkaline hydrolysis facilities. Click the map below to see what your state requires. Click here to see if you can earn continuing education hours.
The in-person course consists of 6 hours of classroom instruction delivered in one day (check the event calendar for upcoming courses), 2 hours of online instruction, and a final exam. The online module and the final exam are completed within two weeks of attending the in-person session.
The online course consists of 8 hours of online instruction and a final exam. The course is self-paced; each time you log off, your last location will be bookmarked so you can resume where you left off the next time you log in. You have 90 days to complete the course once you begin.
Demo the Online COCP! Try some exercises, get a feel for the format, and get a taste of the curriculum.
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SOFTWARE/HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING THE ONLINE COURSE

1. Sound capabilities (for listening to videos and narration)
​2. Browser
     Desktop Browsers: the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari
     Mobile Browsers: the latest version of Safari (Apple) or Google Chrome (Apple, Android)
     Browser Settings: JavaScript must be enabled; font downloads must be enabled
     Screen Readers: latest version of JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack
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FEES (ONLINE AND IN-PERSON)

CANA Member Employees: $495
Nonmembers: $595
​​Students: $195 (US students must provide proof of enrollment in an ABFSE-accredited or Canadian-accredited funeral service or mortuary science program working toward licensure as a funeral director and/or embalmer; non-US students should inquire with CANA before registering)
Register by submitting a completed registration form with proof of enrollment (any school documentation that includes student's name, program, school, and current term) and payment. Please email the forms to [email protected], and allow at least one (1) business day for processing. Call 312-245-1077 for assistance.
Service Members: $195
Active and retired military service members can register by submitting a completed registration form with proof of service – copies of Military ID, DD214, Canadian Armed Forces certificate of service, or related documentation – and payment. Please email the forms to [email protected], and allow at least one (1) business day for processing. Call 312-245-1077 for assistance.

what's included

  • The complete CANA Crematory Operations Certification course.
  • COCP Manual, provided at check-in for in-person participants or as a download for online participants.
  • Digital Crematory Operator Certificate and Badge, emailed after successful completion of all course requirements. Certificates are valid for five (5) years. To renew certification, you will need to take the course again.
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WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BECOME CANA CERTIFIED?

In order to receive a Crematory Operator Certificate from CANA, participants of this course are required to:
  1. complete all seven (7) course modules, and;
  2. receive a score of 80% or better on the final examination.
​Whether you take the in-person course or the online version, the certification test will be completed through CANA Education Online. You will have three (3) attempts to receive a passing score. A print copy of the test is provided at the back of the manual for study purposes; however, the questions and choices are randomized when delivered online.
​A certificate of completion will be available for printing immediately upon passing the final examination (for purposes of validating continuing education hours). Your Crematory Operator Certificate and digital badge are emailed at the end of the month in which you pass your examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is your next online class?
Unlike in-person courses, you can take the online class anytime. CANA's online program is completely self-paced and on-demand so you can earn your certification whenever you need it. From the date of registration, you have 90 days to complete the online coursework, but can easily pause and resume as your schedule demands.
Do I need to be a member to get CANA certified?
While CANA Members receive a discount on registration, you do not need to be a member to take the class. You can see the course fees above and see the difference CANA Membership makes, not just to certification costs, but your whole firm here.
What are the prerequisites for taking this class?
There are no knowledge requirements for taking this class; anyone may register. However, if you have never worked in this industry before, you may not be as successful. This class assumes a basic understanding of funeral service, especially cremation, and the content is taught as if all attendees are already working in the industry or have jobs in a crematory.
How long is the crematory operator certificate valid?
Certificates are valid for five (5) years from the date of the course. To renew a certificate, you will need to attend the course again.
What if I lost my certificate, change my name, change my job, or move?
During the five year validity of a certificate, you can request a change at any time and make any necessary updates or changes for free. Expired certificates will not be updated.
Generally, certification attained anywhere will easily transfer to another state.
Will I be able to operate a cremator or AH machine after taking this class?
We do not teach how to physically operate the equipment in this class. This training complements on-the-job training and machine-specific training you might receive. Each piece of equipment is different, and your employer and/or manufacturer will provide training on specific equipment.
Will I be able to get a job as a crematory operator/technician after taking this class?
There are many factors that contribute to your success in attaining a crematory operator job. It is routine for employers to conduct background checks, talk to references, and interview you. In addition, you will need to contact the regulatory board in your state to determine what their requirements are for crematory operators. Each state has their own regulations and requirements. Some states require Operator Certification such as this class, and some do not. Some require only that certification is taken once, while others require that it be renewed every five years. Employers have their own requirements and expectations as well and these vary widely based on business practices. It is your responsibility to talk to prospective or current employers, as well as regulators, to determine if you should take this course.
I want to open my own crematory/AH facility. Should I take this class?
You will need to contact the regulatory board in your state to determine what the requirements are for operating a cremation business. Some states require that crematories be owned or managed by a licensed funeral director. Some other things you will want to consider:
  • Has alkaline hydrolysis been legalized in your area?
  • Do you have a written business plan?
  • Do you have land or a building? Is it zoned for your business?
  • Will your community welcome you with open arms?
  • Have you talked to equipment manufacturers to understand the total up-front and annual costs involved?
  • Do you have relationships within the community and an established network of potential customers?
​While the content of this course is designed to increase your understanding of crematory and alkaline hydrolysis operations and will provide you with a solid overview of best practices related to cremation, you should consider answering some of the above questions before you invest in this course.
Do I need this certification?
Check the map above and contact your regulator to see if your state requires certification to operate a flame cremator. Even if your state doesn't require certification, your employer may prefer their employees be trained and knowledgeable in crematory operations to better serve cremation families and cross-train.
If you exclusively operate an alkaline hydrolysis unit, many states do not require AH specific certification, but a state may require Crematory Operations Certification. This course is designed to satisfy that requirement while providing best practices on the alkaline hydrolysis process.
If you exclusively operate a pet cremator, most states do not require certification but CANA offers a Pet Crematory Operations Certification Program to meet IAOPCC's Accreditation Standards and train on best practices in a pet business.
​What does it mean to have a Crematory Operations Certification?
Strictly speaking, earning a certification is proof of someone's skill or standard in a particular activity. Their ability is tested in an exam or application process, usually by a third-party.
In the funeral profession, there are various certifications offered by many different organizations. Most of these should really just provide a certificate of completion rather than a certification of mastery since they don't include third-party testing of skill mastery. However, the COCP has many traits of a certification program:
  • It is not a one-off process: There are maintenance requirements to preserve certified status.
  • It is specialized: designed for a specific group to develop or strengthen specific career skills.
  • It is real continuing education: it builds on your knowledge of a particular career or industry.
  • It prioritizes practicality and job ready skills.
What if you're not coming to my area soon?
In general, certification earned in one state is applicable in any other state, so you can earn certification in any in-person or online course and it will be accepted. Check the maps above and contact your regulators for details.
The biggest exception is New York State which requires specific training in New York laws and regulations from the New York State Division of Cemeteries. CANA offers this training annually in partnership with the New York State Association of Cemeteries. Certification attained in New York can carry into other states, but certification received in other states does not apply to New York.
What if I work for SCI/Dignity Memorial?
​Employees of any SCI or Dignity Memorial funeral home, crematory, cemetery, care center, etc. should register by contacting CANA at 312-245-1077 or [email protected]
What if I operate a pet crematory?
In most states, if you only operate a pet crematory, you do not need certification. However, some air permitting agencies require certification so you should confirm the regulations in your state to determine if you need certification.
How do I access my digital certificate?
Your certificate will be emailed directly to you at the email address you provided when you registered. From that link, you can download a pdf to print from your home or office.
In addition to your certificate, you'll receive a badge that you can showcase on your social media profile, website or resume.
Read on for more ideas on making your digital badge and certificate work for you!

CURRICULUM

This course presents material in a series of modules. They are as follows:
Module 1: Overview of the Cremation Process
The classroom training will start with an overview of the cremation process by introducing basic terminology and process flow.
​Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, participants should be able to:
  1. Define cremation.
  2. Distinguish between commonly used terms.
  3. Summarize the overall process of cremation from the time a dead body is received until cremated remains are returned to the family.
Module 2: Equipment and Operations
The equipment and operations module will cover the science and control of combustion and alkaline hydrolysis, common equipment components and features, safety and PPE, and maintenance.
​Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this module, participants should be able to:
  1. Describe the process of combustion and alkaline hydrolysis.
  2. Name the common components of a cremator, and briefly explain their purpose.
  3. Describe the importance of temperature control.
  4. Identify the cremator components that require regular maintenance.
  5. List the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that should be worn when operating a cremator.
Module 3: The Cremation Process in Detail
A detailed discussion of the cremation process will address receiving remains, preparation for cremation, handling special cases, and the steps of the process itself.
​Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this module, participants should be able to:
  1. Explain the key processes and steps in the receiving, preparing, recovering and processing of remains.
Module 4: Chain of Custody
Documentation is key and this module will cover different types of forms and documents used, address the risk of liability and common errors, and then cover the documentation related to the receiving, tracking and return of remains.
Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this module, participants should be able to:
  1. Identify and use the proper forms for documenting chain of custody.
Module 5: Reducing Legal Risk
Aside from chain of custody, there are other important areas to focus on to reduce legal risk. This section addresses operations, staff training, compliance, handling regulatory investigations, and third party crematory considerations.
​Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this module, participants should be able to:
  1. Describe additional ways that a business can minimize legal risk.
Module 6: Tying It All Together
To wrap up the day, attendees will work in small groups to analyze several “what would you do?” scenarios, to identify the correct and incorrect actions, all based on the discussions of the day.
Module 7: Cremation and the Environment
Familiarize yourself with the fact and fiction of cremation’s effect on the environment.
​Learning Outcomes
​At the end of this module, participants should be able to:
  1. Explain the suggested guidelines for recycling, including compliance, disclosure, procedure and compensation.
  2. Describe your options in the recycling marketplace.
  3. Determine whether or not your business should recycle metals recovered from cremated remains.
  4. Describe the legal aspects regarding recycling.
  5. Describe the key findings of the 1999 US EPA Emission Study.
Final Exam
The final exam will consist of 50 questions covering all 7 modules. The test will be taken after completing Module 7, allows 3 attempts for a passing score, and is open book.
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Upcoming Programs

Online Certification Program
Unlike the in-person certification courses above, CANA's Online COCP is available on-demand.
Learn more and register.
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faculty

David M. Daniels
ElGuindy, Meyer & Koegel, APC
Roseville, California
David M. Daniels has over 20 years of trial and transactional experience in cases involving: professional and medical malpractice, complex insurance coverage, class action litigation, labor and employment law, catastrophic injuries, commercial litigation, and hospitality law. He has successfully litigated numerous cases in California's state and federal courts, in addition to handling a multitude of arbitrations and mediations.
Tom Krowl
Cremation Systems (Armil/CFS)
South Holland, IL
Tom has a B.S. degree in Construction Engineering from Syracuse University and the State University of New York. He has spent 38 years working in the Building Materials, Fire Testing, and High Temperature Insulating Materials Industries. The past 10 years have been focused on new cremation equipment technology and installation techniques. His depth of knowledge of construction, environmental impact, and zoning regulations benefit crematory operators at every level.
​John Mitchell
IR Environmental
Altamonte Springs, Florida
John Mitchell is currently serving as Vice President of IR Environmental Services LLC. A Florida native, John started his career in the death care industry with Matthews Cremation Division (Matthews Environmental Solutions) in 2001. John held several positions, traveling around the globe serving, repairing, installing. and training operators and owners about cremation equipment and operations. John joined US Cremation Equipment in 2013 becoming Director Service/Repair & Training. John has been involved in new product design and development throughout his years in the industry. Joining Cremation Association of North American (CANA) in 2014 as course instructor for their “Cremation Operations Certification Program” (COCP), John has been involved in training countless operators and owners alike throughout the world. John is also a published author in the American Cemetery & Cremation Magazine.
Larry Stuart, Jr., Past CANA Board Member
Cremation Strategies and Consulting
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Larry is a graduate of Kent State University and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) as Supplier Liaison. Through his experience Larry has seen first-hand the negative impact that poor crematory maintenance and improper operating procedures can bring about. Larry has spoken at numerous industry events and has conducted crematory operator training classes across North America with a mission to advance the safety of cremation facilities and their employees and to more positively impact our community and our environment.
Wendy Wiener
WRW Legal, PLLC
Tallahassee, Florida
Wendy Russell Wiener, Esq. is the Managing Member at WRW Legal, PLLC. She practices regulatory deathcare industry and regulatory insurance law, representing entities and individuals who interact with the administrative agencies that regulate all aspects of the deathcare and insurance industries. Ms. Wiener represents clients as counsel in Florida and as a regulatory consultant nationwide. She assists clients in all types of licensing (for individuals and entities) and disciplinary matters, practices before the administrative tribunals, state and federal courts in Florida and interacts with regulators nationwide. Ms. Wiener is a frequent contributor to several national and state deathcare-related publications.
​Barbara Kemmis, CANA Executive Director
Wheeling, Illinois
Barbara has over 15 years of experience developing and marketing member benefits, providing leadership in professional associations, fundraising and creating professional development opportunities. Most recently the Directors of Member Services at the American Theological Library Association, Chicago, Illinois, she previously served as Vice President of Library and Nonprofit Services at the Donors Forum, Chicago, Illinois. Barbara has a Master’s degree in Library Science from Dominican University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from North Park University and a B.A. from Earlham College.
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The COCP is offered several times throughout the year, with new offerings added to the website 2-3 months before they are to be held. Increase your level of professional services and marketability with the CANA crematory operators certification program. Please check our calendar of events frequently to see where the next offerings are to be held.
CANA is grateful to Implant Recycling for their generous support of the COCP programs
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