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Crematory Retort Operator
License Description 1. Any person desiring to become licensed as a crematory retort operator in this state shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have received a high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development. 2. The applicant shall make written application to the Board on forms provided by the Board. The application shall be accompanied by the required fee. 3. The applicant shall also take and pass the appropriate examinations as determined by the Board, and provide any additional information required by the Board. 4. The license shall be granted to the applicant if he or she possesses a knowledge of the operation of a crematory retort and meets the qualifications for the licensing thereof. 5. At least thirty (30) days prior to the operation of a crematory, any person intending to own or operate a crematory shall apply for a crematory retort operator license by submitting an application accompanied by the required fee. 6. All persons who operate the retort in a crematory shall have received certification by one of the following: a. Cremation Association of North America (CANA); b. The International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA); c. National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA); or d. Any other certification approved by the Board. 7. Prior to operating a retort, the operator shall become licensed. Every crematory retort operator shall obtain training and a certificate of training by the retort manufacturer. A copy of the certificate of training shall be submitted to the Board upon completion of the training. A copy of the certificate shall also be maintained on site at the crematory, and it shall be subject to inspection by the Board. 8. The certification for a retort operator must be completed on site by the manufacturer or another licensed retort operator. 9. On or before December 31st of the fifth (5th) year following the most recent training, the retort operator shall obtain new training and obtain a certificate stating completion as such. The new certificate of training shall be submitted to the Board upon completion of the training. A copy of the new certificate shall be maintained on site at the crematory, and it shall be subject to inspection by the board. 10. Persons receiving training toward certification to operate a retort shall be allowed to work under the supervision of an operator who holds a certification and license. The length of time the person receiving training can work under the supervision of an operator shall not exceed six (6) months. 11. All persons applying for licensure must submit OSHA bloodborne pathogen training with their initial application. 12. Crematory operation certifications must be posted in the crematory and available for inspection at any time. 13. Any employees of a crematory required to be certified under this section and retained prior to the effective date of this Rule shall be certified within one year of such effective date. 17-29-314. Crematory retort operator -- Qualifications. [Effective July 1, 2018.] (a) A person who desires to have a license as a crematory retort operator in this state shall: (1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; (2) Have received a high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development; (3) Make written application to the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services and attach the fee prescribed by the board; (4) Take and pass the appropriate exams as determined by the board; and (5) Provide the information required by the board. (b) Application for a crematory retort operator license shall be made on forms furnished by the board. (c) Each crematory retort operator shall be required to submit initial United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogen training. (d) (1) The board shall grant the application if the board finds that the applicant: (A) Possesses a knowledge of the operation of a crematorium retort; and (B) Meets the qualifications under this section. (e) (1) The board may require an applicant for licensure as a crematory retort operator to successfully complete up to twenty (20) hours of classroom instruction in crematory operation practices and ethics, and laws and rules affecting cremations and operating a crematory retort. (2) The board shall approve all courses that satisfy this requirement. (f) Within a reasonable amount of time after the effective date of this subchapter, a crematory retort operator who is operating a crematory retort in this state shall be licensed as determined by rules of the board.  Section 6. G. Crematory Retort Operator. Any person that has received a certification from an approved provider will be grandfathered in for their Crematory Retort Operator license, but they must apply on or before January 1, 2023. They will not be required to complete any further certifications once license is granted unless it should lapse for a period of 13 months or more. To apply they must complete the following: 1. Crematory Retort Operator License Application. 2. ASP-122 Background request. 3. Submit bloodborne pathogen training. 4. Submit a copy of Crematory Retort Operator Certification certificate. 5. Submit appropriate fees. All persons applying after January 1, 2023, will be required to complete the following: 1. Application for Crematory Retort Operator Training. 2. Undergo a period of training not to exceed six months. The training shall be supervised by an Arkansas licensed crematory retort operator. 3. Obtain Crematory Retort Operator Certification from an approved provider. 4. Crematory Retort Operator License Application. 5. ASP-122 Background request. 6. Submit bloodborne pathogen training. 7. Submit a copy of Crematory Retort Operator Certification certificate. 8. Submit appropriate fees.
Licensing Agency
Arkansas Department of Commerce
State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemetaries, and Burial Serv
1 Commerce Way, Suite 502
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 682 0574
amy.goode@arkansas.gov
Active Status Active
Active Military/Veterans A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval
Certification Certification required
Continuing Education No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Criminal Record Specific type of conviction prohibited
Education Degree required
Exam No exam required
License Type Stand-alone license
License Updated 06/28/2023
Physical Requirements No physical requirements
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