California Crematory Manager Practice Exam 2026 – Your Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A columbarium is specifically designed to contain niches for the placement of cremated remains. These niches are individual compartments or recesses that hold urns containing the ashes of the deceased. This structure serves as a respectful and permanent location for families to memorialize their loved ones, making it a dedicated space for those who have chosen cremation as their final disposition method.

In contrast, a columbarium does not include graves for traditional burials, which are designated for caskets in the ground, nor does it provide space for living memorials, which are typically designated areas for planting or natural tributes. Additionally, a columbarium is not intended for the storage of cremation equipment; this type of equipment is usually housed in a separate facility dedicated to the crematory process. Thus, the primary function of a columbarium is clearly to facilitate the commemoration and storage of cremated remains.