CREMATORIUM TECHNICIANS TRAINING SCHEME (CTTS) BTEC Accredited

The Crematorium Technicians Training Scheme (CTTS) is provided as part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) portfolio of accredited educational courses; it can be completed on its own to conform with the requirements of the Process Guidance Notes for Crematoria or as a prelude to the Provision Layout and Management of Crematoria Unit which is part of the ICCM diploma course. Edexcel has accredited the course to BTEC standard and validates its contents on an annual basis. The course, which is supplied via email, is worked through at the candidate’s own pace. An on site or on-line video assessment forms part of the course.

CTTS is the only qualification mentioned in the Secretary of State’s Process Guidance Note that has the credibility of performing to a nationally recognised standard.

ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS FOR CREMATORIUM PROFESSIONALS

The course requires that you work through the course workbook under the supervision of an on-site mentor (usually a senior member of the Crematorium team who already holds the ICCM CTTS qualification). When the mentor is satisfied that competence in the operation of cremation equipment has been achieved, an application for an assessment is arranged. A qualified ICCM appointed assessor will visit the crematorium in person or virtually, and carry out an assessment of competence.

The course includes the cremation of babies and infants, and competence must be demonstrated in this sensitive part of the service. The care of bereaved parents is also considered.

NOTE TO MENTORS: after you have successfully mentored two candidates through the CTTS, you will be eligible to receive the Accredited Mentor’s certificate.

More information, including the fees, and an application form, can be found in the CTTS Handbook.

Baby and Infant Cremation Accreditation

In April 2017 the ICCM launched a baby and infant accreditation scheme designed to assist cremation authorities to comply with the Bonomy recommendations regarding observed cremations. The scheme verifies procedures at crematoria to ensure the maximisation of the recovery of ash, via an in-house accredited mentor. All mentors and technicians that pass the scheme are certificated. Please contact the ICCM National Office for further information.