ICCM Learning Hub

Why this course?

The CTTS isn’t just a qualification, it’s a mark of trust and technical excellence in the cremation profession. As a nationally recognised course cited in the Secretary of State’s Process Guidance Note for Crematoria, it also has the credibility of performing to a nationally recognised standard, setting a benchmark for crematorium technician training across the UK.

Accredited by Pearson to BTEC standard, CTTS offers a comprehensive learning journey that’s flexible, rigorous, and leaves students ready to ‘hit the ground running’ once they’ve completed their training. With self-paced study supported by an experienced mentor, students are guided through practical and written assessments that build confidence and competence in all aspects of cremator operation.

From safe charging procedures to ensuring identity integrity throughout the cremation cycle, this training covers everything needed for a technician to perform to the highest standards. The combination of supervised cremations, multiple-choice knowledge testing, and hands-on practical assessment ensures that students are not just certified, they are capable, conscientious professionals ready to serve with care and precision.

CTTS is also a perfect stepping stone to advanced qualifications, such as the Crematorium Management unit of the ICCM Diploma.

Who is this for?

For those just beginning as a technician through to those building a long-term career, CTTS lays the strongest possible foundation.

Duration: Self-paced study

Delivery: Course pack and practical elements to work through, alongside a mentor. Assessed by an on-site or online video practical assessment and 20 multiple choice questions to pass the qualification.

 

What’s covered?

The CTTS can be completed on its own to conform with the requirements of the Secretary of State’s Guidance Note PG5/2 for Crematoria (latest version) or as a prelude to the Crematorium Management unit which is part of the ICCM Diploma course. Edexcel has accredited the CTTS courses to BTEC standard and validates its contents on an annual basis thus ensuring consistency and quality.

The course pack is worked through at the student’s own pace under the guidance of a mentor. The course pack also contains detailed information and notes designed to help the student through the course.

Each student will have an on-site mentor, normally their lead technician, crematorium supervisor or manager, who will provide the lead and support during the training period. The role of the mentor is to help guide the student through the process of studying and training. This will include the initial scrutiny of the student’s assignments as the mentor needs to give feedback on assignment work. Mentors need to satisfy themselves that the student is capable of working unsupervised and can gain an opinion of progress by questioning the student regularly.

 

Supervised Cremations

The student needs to complete supervised cremations as part of the course. The number of cremations required to attain a suitable level of competence and understanding will vary between students therefore the mentor must decide when the student has reached a level of competence where they are ready for the on-site assessment. There is no set number of cremations that have to be completed.

 

Written Responses

The student works through a workbook and provides written responses to the assignments below with the support of his/her mentor. Once complete, the workbook is submitted either via the post* or email to an ICCM officer who will assess the responses given.

 

On-site Assessment

Multi-choice question paper. At the on-site assessment students are given a question paper and are required to answer 20 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of the cremation process.

 

Practical Assessment

For the practical assessment, students are required to demonstrate their competence in cremator operation, by completing a full cremation. Questions will be asked of the student in respect of both adult and baby and infant cremations and the technique adopted that is designed to maximise the recovery of ashes.

The practical assessment requires the assessor to observe the student completing all the technical procedures relating to a single cremation cycle, including:

• Starting the cremator

• Receiving a coffin and checking identity

• Charging a coffin

• Cremation process

• Removing the cremated remains

• Reducing the cremated remains

• Maintaining identity at all stages

• Closing down the cremator

Please note in Scotland in order to comply with recommendations made by the Infant Cremation Commission, technicians are required to visit a site that has consistently produced ashes from Baby and Infant cremations. The ICCM can refer cremation authorities to a suitable crematorium.

It is also a condition of assessment that technicians are observed carrying out at least two baby and infant cremations.