Funeral Service Test Cremation Services and Memorialization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the typical temperature range used inside a cremation retort during primary combustion?
- 500–700°F
- 1,400–1,800°F (Correct answer)
- 2,200–2,600°F
- 3,000–3,500°F
Correct answer: 1,400–1,800°F
Primary combustion in a cremation retort typically occurs at temperatures between 1,400°F and 1,800°F to fully reduce organic tissue.
Question 2: What document must a funeral home obtain before performing cremation in most US states?
- Embalming authorization
- Cremation authorization from the legally authorized person (Correct answer)
- Cemetery deed
- Burial transit permit only
Correct answer: Cremation authorization from the legally authorized person
Cremation authorization, signed by the legally authorized person (LAP), is required before cremation because cremation is irreversible.
Question 3: The cremated remains (cremains) of an average adult typically weigh approximately how many pounds?
- 1–2 pounds
- 3–9 pounds (Correct answer)
- 12–15 pounds
- 20–25 pounds
Correct answer: 3–9 pounds
The cremated remains of an average adult typically weigh between 3 and 9 pounds, depending on body size and bone density.
Question 4: What term describes the container specifically designed to hold cremated remains for permanent storage or display?
- Casket
- Urn (Correct answer)
- Pall
- Ossuary
Correct answer: Urn
An urn is the vessel specifically designed to permanently contain and display or store cremated remains.
Question 5: Which federal agency regulates the scattering of cremated remains at sea in the United States?
- EPA (Correct answer)
- FTC
- OSHA
- CDC
Correct answer: EPA
The EPA regulates burial at sea under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, requiring scattering at least 3 nautical miles from shore.
Question 6: What is the name of the identification system used to ensure cremated remains are matched to the correct decedent throughout the cremation process?
- Chain of custody tracking
- Cremation ID system
- Case management protocol
- Positive identification protocol (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Positive identification protocol
Positive identification protocol uses non-combustible ID tags or discs placed with the decedent throughout the cremation to ensure accurate identification of cremains.
