Dietary Manager Training Program

Before applying, applicants must:

1. Review requirements for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam eligibility. Prospective students should verify they meet minimum work experience requirements before enrolling in Auburn University’s Dietary Manager Training Program. This can be done by submitting the CBDM Employment Verification Form. Only CBDM can make eligibility decisions.
2. Have reliable internet access and technical ability to complete the online coursework. All course content is only offered and completed online.

Enrollment Procedures:

• Navigate to the program listing on Auburn University’s Canvas Catalog
• Answer the questions regarding your related work experience and coursework previously done. This will make sure you enroll in the correct program pathway.
• Click Enroll and complete payment via credit card.
• Receive confirmation email and access to Canvas Learning Management System and begin your journey.

Additionally, a one-time technology fee of $20 will be charged to students enrolling in their first course. 

There are several approved Pathways to becoming eligible for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam. Prospective students should learn more about the approved Pathways by viewing the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers website for more information.

Prospective students without a college degree or non-commercial foodservice experience may be suited for Pathway I. Those with a related college degree but missing three required courses may fit Pathway II. Students who have at least two years of qualified full-time non-commercial foodservice experience and no college degree could qualify for Pathway IIIb. If you have an unrelated college degree along with five years of non-commercial foodservice experience, Pathway V may be right for you.

During the Dietary Training Program enrollment process, students answer questions to help determine their best Pathway. However, it’s crucial that each student confirms their Pathway with CBDM, as they make the final decision about exam eligibility.

The Dietary Manager Training Program starts August 3, 2026. You may apply to the program prior to this date and will receive access to your purchased course beginning August 3, 2026.

Following August 2026, prospective students can apply to the Dietary Manager Training Program at any time. Once enrollment is complete, students get access to their first course immediately. Students take one course at a time, and each course must be finished within four months. After completing the first course, students may choose to immediately enroll in the next or take a break before the next course begins.

All courses are assessed on a pass/fail basis.  When a student completes all three courses, including the required field experience components (for Pathway I), they will  receive the Dietary Manager Training Program Certificate. This certificate verifies eligibility for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam.

Students in Pathway I are required to log field experience hours as part of their training. Here are the details:

• Total field experience hours required: 150 hours
• Supervised by a qualified preceptor
  • A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) must oversee at least 25 of the nutrition-related hours and manage all field experience hours; a CDM may assist.
• Students must secure their own field experience sites prior to beginning the program
  • Must be a non-commercial site such as a long-term care facility, hospital, other healthcare facility, school foodservice or other institutional foodservice operation.
• Field experience site and preceptors must be approved by program prior to students being enrolled in the program.
• Students can request a qualified preceptor from the program for an extra fee.

• Is a degree required before starting the program? No, students may enroll upon completion of high school or its equivalent. Those who have completed some college coursework or have a degree may select a different pathway for eligibility depending on their work experience.
• Where can I complete my field experience? Students on Pathway I must have their own field experience sites determined prior to enrolling in the program. Appropriate field experience sites include non-commercial operations such as healthcare facilities, foodservice operations, and other approved sites.
• Do I need to arrange my own preceptor? Students are required to secure their own qualified preceptor prior to enrolling in the program.
• What support is available for exam preparation? Auburn University offers review sessions, study resources, and guidance from online faculty to help students prepare for the CDM, CFPP exam.