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Ready to take the next step in your career? Auburn University's Dietary Manager Training Program is here to help in your journey to becoming a Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Foodservice Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP)! This flexible, online program is packed with easy-to-follow and engaging lessons. Whether you’re looking to build new skills or advance in your current role, you’ll leave the program more confident and prepared for a leadership role as a dietary manager.
Program Overview
Program Structure
The Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM) provides many Pathways to qualify for the national CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam. Auburn University’s Dietary Manager Training Program helps students qualify for Pathways I and IIIb. The information below explains the qualification requirements for each pathway. Students who may qualify for Pathway II or V should contact cdmcfpp@auburn.edu to learn about available options that may support their program of study.
The Dietary Manager Training Program consists of three courses:
- Foodservice and Personnel Management
- Food Safety and Business Operations
- Nutrition Fundamentals
Courses are fully online. All courses have a virtual classroom component which includes instructional videos, interactive activities, assignments, quizzes and exams. Students on Pathway I also have required field experience hours and assignments for each course.
Precertification Pathways
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.
Students using work experience or a college degree for Pathway II, IIIb, or V must verify that they meet the minimum requirements before registering. They can do so by submitting the CBDM Employment Verification Form to CBDM; only CBDM can determine eligibility.
- College degree is not required
- Work experience is not required
- College degree is not required
- Must have 2 or more years of qualified non-commercial foodservice management experience
- ANFP Approved Program. Aligns with national standards and helps students qualify for the CDM, CFPP credentialing exam.
- Flexible Enrollment. Register any time of the year and start your coursework right away.
- Flexible Online Instruction. Set your own learning speed. Log in any time of day to complete your coursework. Finish courses quickly or spread your studies throughout the full four month course timeframe to fit around your family, job and life.
- Expert Faculty. Ask questions and connect with faculty during weekly virtual office hours or by email.
- Engaging Learning Experience. Build your skills through interactive coursework that goes beyond lectures and tests.
Additional Information
How to Register
Register for Auburn’s Dietary Manager Training Program any day, any time and receive access to the purchased course within 2 business days.
Getting started is simple:
- Determine which pathway is right for you. Visit the Precertification Pathways section above for eligibility requirements for each option.
- Click the registration link for your pathway.
- Complete the registration process. Provide information about yourself and payment details.
- Sign into the course and get started. Within 2 business days, you will receive instructions by email on how to sign into your online course.
- After you’ve successfully completed the first course, follow these same steps to sign up for the next course in your program.
When registering, you’ll be prompted to provide your name, email address and phone number. Students registering for Pathway I courses will also need to submit information regarding their field experience site and preceptor before completing the registration process.
Program Costs
The Dietary Manager Training Program consists of three courses
- Foodservice and Personnel Management
- Food Safety and Business Operations
- Nutrition Fundamentals
Students in Pathways I and IIIb must complete all three courses to graduate from the program. Students in Pathways II and V may qualify to have certain courses waived, depending on CBDM requirements and their college degree, prior coursework, and work experience.
|
Pathway: |
Cost per Course |
Total Cost |
|
Pathway I |
$350 |
$1,050 |
|
Pathway II |
$275 |
$275 – 825† |
|
Pathway IIIb |
$275 |
$825 |
|
Pathway V |
$275 |
$275 - 825† |
|
Additional: |
||
|
Online Preceptor* |
$125 |
$125 – 375† |
*The online preceptor option is available to Pathway I students who do not provide their own qualified preceptor.
†Total cost varies based on the number of courses each student needs.
Criteria for Program Completion
Students complete one course at a time with four months to finish each course. The due date to complete the course is based on the enrollment date.
All courses are graded on a pass/fail basis. When a student passes all three courses, they will receive the Dietary Manager Training Program Certificate which verifies eligibility for the CDM, CFPP credentialing exam.
Field Experience Requirements
Students enrolled in Pathway I courses are required to complete field experience hours as part of their training. Here are the details:
- Students must secure their own field experience sites before registering in 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 the Program Director before coursework begins.
- 150 hours of field experience required
- Divided among the three courses
- Supervised by a qualified preceptor
- A Registered Dietitian (RD) must oversee at least 25 of the nutrition-related hours and manage all field experience hours. A CDM or qualified manager may assist.
- Auburn can provide an online preceptor for an additional fee of $125 per course
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a degree required before starting the program? No, students may enroll with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Those who have completed a college degree may be eligible for a different pathway based on their degree, courses on their transcript, and work experience.
- Where can I complete my field experience? Students enrolled in Pathway I must have their own field experience sites determined prior to registering for the program. Appropriate field experience sites include non-commercial operations such as healthcare facilities, school foodservice operations, corrections foodservice or other approved sites.
- Do I need to arrange my own preceptor? Students are required to work with a qualified preceptor. You may provide your own qualified preceptor or request Auburn provides an online preceptor for a fee of $125 per course.
- What support is available for exam preparation? The Dietary Manager Training Program includes study resources, exam preparation tools, and guidance throughout the coursework. After completing the program, graduates receive additional resources to help them prepare for the certification exam.
