Crematory Operator Certification & Crematory Operator Permit Refresher Course

To ensure that our members are acquiring the correct courses and CE, we urge you to review the Crematory Operator Permit Requirements Resource Guide Information. 

The State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors created a CE Tracking Document to assist you in tracking your CE requirements for the Crematory Operator Permit.

• It is important to note that although an individual may have acquired the training certification, this DOES NOT MEAN they have a Crematory Operator Permit in the state of Ohio. Only individuals who submit the appropriate application and subsequently qualify will be considered for Crematory Operator Permit approval though OBEFD.

The OFDA periodically offers the Crematory Operator Certification & Crematory Operator Permit Refresher Course.  The Refresher Course is  for renewals only.    

• The Refresher Course and the Ohio Crematory Laws and Rules are currently available online through December, 31, 2024.

The State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors (OBEFD) requires all AIC's of crematory facilities to obtain a state-issued Crematory Operator Permit (CROP). Proof of a valid national crematory certification and the completion of two hours in Ohio crematory law/rule is required prior to applying for a permit.

• For further clarification, the AICs referenced above would also hold the crematory facility license which has the abbreviation of CREM with the OBEFD. 

4717-15-01 Crematory Operator Permit. 

Pursuant to section 4717.051 of the Revised Code, an individual seeking an initial crematory operator permit on January 1, 2019 shall submit the following to the board:

(A) Evidence of a board approved crematory operation certification program completed on or after January 1, 2014 or evidence of expiration of a board approved crematory operation certification program within the last twenty-four months; and

(B) Within the last twenty-four months, evidence of a completed two hour course of laws and rules relevant to this state and specific to crematory operation.

4717-15-02 Renewal of Crematory Operator Permit.

A crematory operator permit issued by the board shall be renewed in accordance with division (A) of section 4717.08 of the Revised Code and division (D) of section 4717.09 of the Revised Code after demonstrating proof to the board the following requirements:

(A) An unexpired and active certification from a board approved crematory operation certification program or in the case of renewal, a board approved crematory operator permit refresher course completion certificate; and

(B) Within the last twenty-four months, successful completion of a two hour course consisting of laws and rules relevant to this state and specific to crematory operation.

4717-15-05 Crematory Operator Permit Education.  

(A) Pursuant to section 4717.051 of the Revised Code, each person authorized by permit to practice in this state as a crematory operator shall attend a two hour course on law and rules for the twenty-four month compliance period ending December 31, 2018 and every two years thereafter. The two hour course shall consist of laws and rules relevant to this state and specific to crematory operation.

(B) Completion of the two hour course satisfies the requirement set forth in paragraph (H)(3) of rule 4717-9-01 of the Administrative Code and may count toward renewal for an individual licensed under Chapter 4717. of the Revised Code.

4717-15-07 Crematory Operator Permit Refresher Course. 

(A) As used in this rule:

"Crematory Operator Permit Refresher Course" means a program approved by the board that includes all of the minimum requirements set by the board in paragraph (B) of rule 4717-15-04 of the Administrative Code and a two hour course on laws and rules relevant to this state and specific to crematory operation. The two hour course may be joined with a program that includes the minimum requirements set by the board.

"Board approval" means a program submitted to the board for review and approval that is approved by vote of the board.

(B) Completion of the crematory operator permit refresher course satisfies the active certification requirement as a condition for renewal set forth in division (D) of section 4717.09 of the Revised Code.

(C) The course shall be a minimum of four hours and expires five years from the date of completion.

(D) After review of the crematory operator permit refresher course program procedures and materials, the board may approve the program or return it to the provider for revision. If a certification program has been returned for revision, the board will indicate the reasons for the denial and the crematory operator permit refresher course may not be offered by the provider until approved by the board.