The Dietary Manager Certification Program is an opportunity to become a certified dietary manager. The program is designed to guide you through the process of becoming a certified dietary manager by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your career as a dietary manager.
To begin, you must complete an application for the certification program and pay the $50 registration fee. You will then receive an email from [email protected] containing information about how to access the program’s online resources.
Once you have completed all of the required modules, you will be eligible for certification examination. If successful on your exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and be eligible for employment as a certified dietary manager.
How To Become Certified Dietary Manager
Safety and quality are two of the most important elements of the foodservice industry. CDMs, or certified dietary managers, oversee foodservice operations in facilities to ensure any products meet safety and quality standards. You might enjoy working as a CDM if you’re interested in nutrition and the foodservice industry. In this article, we define what a CDM is and explore the steps you can take to become one.
Related: 12 Popular Careers in Nutrition (With FAQ)
Let employers find you when you create an Indeed Resume
What is a CDM?
A CDM, or certified dietary manager, is a professional in the foodservice industry who manages a facility’s foodservice operations and procedures. Certified dietary managers typically work for public facilities like cafeterias, schools, hospitals or other clinical facilities that serve food to patients. Some certified dietary managers also work with dietitians and nutritionists to inform their practices. Certified dietary managers undergo specialized training before they enter the field to prepare themselves for the job by learning about food safety laws, common business practices in the foodservice industry and nutrition.
Related: How to Become a Nutritionist or Registered Dietician: Careers in Nutrition
What does a CDM do?
Certified dietary managers use their background in nutrition to ensure that foodservice protocol is safe and that food products maintain a high quality. A certified dietary manager might help an organization design and create their menus to confirm that all information on them is accurate. They can also make purchases for the organization they work for regarding food ingredients and inventory. Certified dietary managers primarily oversee a facility’s food preparation procedures and adjust protocol so it remains in line with local and federal food safety laws.
Another important aspect of a certified dietary manager’s job is documenting nutrition information about the foods they serve. This can help track the nutritional value of products and determine which products they can improve or elect to stop selling.
Related: Learn About Being a Nutritionist
How to become a CDM
Here’s how you can become a CDM:
1. Earn a degree
Pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Most aspiring certified dietary managers major in nutrition, foodservice management or culinary arts, but you can also choose a related major like food science. Another way to fulfill the education requirements to become a certified dietary manager is to complete a dietary manager training program approved by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). You can find several dietary manager training programs online that you can complete at home to earn this credential.
2. Register for the CDM certification exam
Apply to take the CDM certification exam. You can register to take the exam with the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers by visiting their website and submitting an application for approval. Once approved, the CBDM sends you information about how you can prepare for and sit the examination. You can find sittings for the CDM certification exam throughout the year, and the CBDM provides several locations for candidates to take the test at. The exam takes place digitally and includes multiple-choice questions about subjects like food safety, managing employees, nutrition and business operations.
3. Activate your certification if you do not belong to ANFP
Take the necessary actions to confirm your certification after passing the CDM certification exam. While members of ANFP receive certification immediately, non-members need to activate their certification by completing a few additional requirements. To activate your certification, complete the certification activation form provided by ANFP when you pass the CDM exam. Then, you can submit the form and your annual certification fee to the ANFP. ANFP also offers the option to join their organization at this time, which can provide great benefits for certified dietary managers in the field.
4. Maintain your certification
Ensure your certification remains active by meeting ANFP requirements. To maintain your certification, you can first pay your annual recertification fee to the ANFP. The ANFP also asks for proof of 45 continuing education hours for every three years, which you can fulfill by completing courses in nutrition or foodservice management. You can also earn continuing education hours by attending events like seminars and in-services that focus on practices you might use as a certified dietary manager. Once you complete a continuing education opportunity, you submit documentation of it and report the continuing education hours you earn to the ANFP.
5. Fulfill state requirements
Meet any requirements that your state asks for to practice as a certified dietary manager. Some states ask for additional licensure or certification, which you can receive from the ANFP. You might also need a certain number of hours of professional experience to practice in certain states or at specialized facilities. You can find most information about state-specific requirements regarding credentials for certified dietary managers online on the ANFP website or your state government’s website.
6. Build professional experience
Apply for jobs as a certified dietary manager. You can find job openings at healthcare facilities or with public facilities like schools or other buildings that contain cafeterias. Some states also require certain facilities, such as hospitals or senior care facilities, to have a CDM on staff, so it might be helpful to look for opportunities in those types of organizations. By building professional experience, you can earn a positive reputation in the industry and hone your skills as a certified dietary manager.
Top job searches near you
Skills for CDMs
Certified dietary managers need a set of specific skills to complete their job responsibilities. A certified dietary manager needs excellent verbal communication and leadership skills in order to manage teams of employees and communicate expectations and instructions effectively. Certified dietary managers also typically need strong writing abilities so they can write reports and menus and document the nutrition information of food products.
Certified dietary managers need industry-specific skills as well, including experience in foodservice and knowledge of food safety laws. Many certified dietary managers also hold a background in nutrition and have a thorough understanding of business operations. These skills can inform your work as a certified dietary manager by providing education about specific topics and ensure that you have the ability to complete every aspect of the job.
