Workers in the food service industry who want to become certified dietary managers (CDMs) have a few options. Before January 1, 2012, you must qualify for, take, and pass the CDM exam offered the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), also known as the Dietary Managers Association (DMA). A college diploma, graduation from a military dietary manager training program with the rank of E-5, completion of a dietary training program accredited the DMA, or graduation from a state-approved 90-hour service in foodservice management will all be required to take the exam. Candidates must complete an activation process after passing the exam in order to use the CDM credential.
Candidates with certain college degrees who want to become CDMs are eligible to take the exam. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in foodservice management or nutrition is required for such applicants. A two-year culinary degree or an associate’s degree in hotel-restaurant management are also acceptable qualifications. To take the exam to become a certified dietary manager, a candidate with one of the aforementioned degrees simply needs to submit transcripts along with the required application.
Military personnel with a rank of E-5 or higher who have completed a military dietary manager training program are also eligible to take the exam. To do so, you’ll need proof of military training and proof of pay grade, and in most cases, the exam fees will be covered the Montgomery GI Bill. After reviewing the provided documentation, ANFP will make the final determination regarding eligibility.
Individuals who have completed an ANFP-accredited dietary program are also eligible to take the CDM exam. All applicants in this category must be listed on the program’s graduate list, and proof of successful completion of the training program must be provided. Graduates of state-approved 90-hour or longer food-service programs are eligible to sit for the CDM exam and become a certified dietary manager. After graduation, however, two years of experience in institutional food service is required before being considered for the exam.
An applicant must activate their certification after sitting for and passing the exam to become a certified dietary manager. Activation is automatic for those who are already members of the ANFP. However, in order to use the credential professionally, a non-member or student member must sign up or upgrade. Examinees who pass the exam will receive a letter explaining the various membership levels and associated fees.