Top 10 Dairy Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a dairy manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to perform their duties. They also demonstrate that the individual is committed to their profession and willing to invest time and effort into it. Certifications can also provide recognition of an individual’s skills and abilities, giving them an edge over other applicants. Finally, certifications can help a dairy manager stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Dairy Managers and explains how they can contribute to a dairy manager's career growth and success.

What are Dairy Manager Certifications?

Dairy Manager Certification is a comprehensive certification program that provides dairy farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their farms. The program is designed to help farmers meet the challenges of operating a successful dairy farm by providing them with best practices in areas such as animal health and nutrition, financial management, herd management, labor management, environmental stewardship, and marketing. The certification also helps farmers stay up-to-date with new technologies and trends in the industry, allowing them to make informed decisions about their operation. By obtaining Dairy Manager Certification, farmers can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality products, protecting the environment, and adhering to high standards of animal care. This certification also provides an opportunity for increased marketability for those seeking employment or advancement in the dairy industry.

Pro Tip: When considering dairy manager certification, make sure to research the requirements of the certification and ensure that you have the necessary qualifications. Additionally, it can be beneficial to speak with a certified dairy manager or someone familiar with the process to gain insight into what is expected.

Related: What does a Dairy Manager do?

Top 10 Dairy Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Dairy Managers today.

1. Certified Dairy Farm Manager (CDFM)

Certified Dairy Farm Manager (CDFM) is a professional certification program designed to provide dairy farm owners and managers with the skills, knowledge, and credentials necessary to operate a successful dairy farm. The certification process includes an intensive training program that covers topics such as animal nutrition, herd health, milk production, financial management, and environmental stewardship.

The CDFM certification process takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete a series of courses including two core courses on dairy management and three electives on specific areas of expertise. Upon completion of the coursework, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a CDFM, applicants must submit an application form along with all required documentation and fees. The total cost for the CDFM certification program is approximately $2,000 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or attending workshops.

2. Certified Professional Dairy Manager (CPDM)

Certified Professional Dairy Manager (CPDM) is a certification offered by the National Dairy FARM Program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in dairy management and leadership. The program is designed to help dairy producers, managers, and other industry professionals improve their skills and knowledge in order to better manage their businesses.

It typically takes about two years to complete the CPDM program. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it along with supporting documents such as a resume, references, and transcripts from any relevant post-secondary education programs. Once approved, applicants must then complete a series of online courses that cover topics such as animal health and nutrition, herd management, milk quality assurance, food safety regulations, financial management, personnel management, and business planning. After completing the courses, applicants must pass a written exam to earn their certification.

The cost of the CPDM program varies depending on the applicant’s location but generally ranges from $400-$800 USD. This fee covers all course materials as well as the cost of taking the written exam.

3. Certified Dairy Production Manager (CDPM)

Certified Dairy Production Manager (CDPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the management of dairy production operations. This certification is offered by the American Dairy Science Association and is designed to provide recognition for those individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the areas of animal health, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, milk quality, and herd management.

The CDPM program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practicum. The online exam covers topics such as dairy herd health, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, milk quality, and herd management. The practicum requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to manage a dairy farm or other dairy operation through a series of activities including record keeping, financial analysis, personnel management, feed formulation and ration balancing.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the CDPM certification. Candidates must first submit an application with supporting documentation such as transcripts from any college courses taken related to dairy production management or equivalent experience. Once approved by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), candidates can then take the online exam and complete the practicum within six months after approval.

The cost for taking the CDPM exam is $350 USD ($450 USD for international applicants). Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking college courses or completing other training requirements necessary for certification.

4. Certified Milk Quality Assurance Professional (CMQAP)

Certified Milk Quality Assurance Professional (CMQAP) is a certification program offered by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). It is designed to provide dairy processors and producers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety and quality of their milk products. The program consists of two components: an online course and an in-person examination.

The online course covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, product quality assurance, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), regulatory compliance, and other related topics. Upon completion of the course, participants must take an in-person exam at an IDFA approved testing center. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering all aspects of milk quality assurance.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the online course and prepare for the in-person exam. To get certified, applicants must pass both components with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CMQAP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of IDFA. For members, it costs $495; for non-members it costs $795.

5. Certified Feedlot Manager (CFM)

Certified Feedlot Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program designed for individuals who manage and operate feedlots. The CFM program is offered by the American National CattleWomen, Inc. (ANCW), a national organization of cattlewomen dedicated to promoting and protecting the beef industry.

The CFM program consists of an online training course, an in-person workshop, and a final exam. The online training course covers topics such as feedlot management, nutrition, animal health and welfare, environmental regulations, and marketing strategies. The in-person workshop provides hands-on experience with feedlot operations and management. The final exam tests knowledge gained from both the online training course and the in-person workshop.

It typically takes six months to complete the CFM program. To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Feedlot Manager, applicants must first register for the program through ANCW’s website and pay a $300 fee. After completing the registration process, applicants will receive access to the online training course which they must complete within six months of registering for the program. Upon successful completion of the online training course, applicants will be invited to attend an in-person workshop at one of ANCW’s regional locations. After completing both components of the program, applicants will take a final exam which they must pass in order to become certified as a Feedlot Manager.

The cost of becoming a Certified Feedlot Manager is $300 plus any additional costs associated with attending an in-person workshop at one of ANCW’s regional locations (e.g., travel expenses).

6. Certified Calf Care Professional (CCCP)

Certified Calf Care Professional (CCCP) is a certification program developed by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in calf care. This certification is designed for those who work with calves, whether it be on a farm or in a research facility.

The CCCP program consists of an online course and an assessment that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The online course covers topics such as calf nutrition, housing, health and welfare, and management. It takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete the course, depending on how quickly you are able to work through it.

To get certified as a CCCP, you must first register for the online course at NACA's website. Once registered, you can access the course material and take the assessment once you feel ready. After passing the assessment with a score of 80% or higher, you will then receive your official CCCP certificate from NACA.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCCP is $150 USD plus applicable taxes.

7. Certified Animal Health Technician (CAHT)

A Certified Animal Health Technician (CAHT) is a professional who has completed an approved program of study and passed a national certification exam. The CAHT designation is offered through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

The program consists of two parts: a minimum of 20 hours of online instruction, followed by an in-person practical exam. The online course covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical pathology, nutrition, parasitology, and animal behavior. Upon successful completion of the online course and passing the practical exam, the student will be awarded their CAHT certification.

The cost for the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200 to $400 USD. It usually takes about three months to complete the program and pass the exam.

In order to become certified as a CAHT, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least two years of college-level coursework in veterinary technology or related fields. You must also have at least one year of experience working with animals in a veterinary setting or related field.

8. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a professional who has completed an accredited veterinary technology program and passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The CVT is certified by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and is responsible for providing medical care to animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

It typically takes two to three years to become a CVT. To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the VTNE. The VTNE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing care, laboratory procedures, surgical assisting, anesthesia monitoring, radiology and more.

The cost of becoming a CVT varies depending on the individual’s educational institution and state requirements. Generally speaking, tuition costs are around $10,000-$15,000 for an associate degree in veterinary technology. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the VTNE which ranges from $150-$300 depending on when you take it.

Once certified as a CVT, individuals must maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years. This includes attending seminars or workshops related to veterinary technology and passing exams or other assessments to demonstrate proficiency in various areas of veterinary medicine.

9. National Dairy Herd Improvement Association Certification (NDHIA)

The National Dairy Herd Improvement Association (NDHIA) is an organization that provides certification for dairy herds in the United States. This certification is designed to ensure that dairy farmers are providing quality care and management of their animals, as well as producing safe and wholesome milk products.

To get NDHIA certification, a dairy farm must first meet certain requirements. These include: having a minimum number of cows, meeting health standards, providing adequate housing and nutrition, and following proper sanitation practices. Once these requirements have been met, the farm can then apply for certification from the NDHIA.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about two months from start to finish. During this time, the farm will be inspected by an NDHIA representative to make sure it meets all of the necessary criteria for certification. Once approved, the farm will receive its certificate and be allowed to use the NDHIA logo on its products.

The cost of getting NDHIA certified varies depending on the size of the herd and other factors. Generally speaking, however, it can range anywhere from $200 to $500 per year for farms with up to 50 cows. For larger herds, additional fees may apply.

Overall, obtaining NDHIA certification is a great way for dairy farmers to demonstrate their commitment to quality animal care and production standards while also helping them gain consumer trust in their products.

10. American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists Certification (ARPAS-Dairy Science)

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) is a professional organization that provides certification for those who have achieved expertise in the field of animal science. The ARPAS-Dairy Science Certification is a specialized designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in dairy science.

To obtain the ARPAS-Dairy Science Certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field, and at least two years of full-time work experience in dairy production or management. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ARPAS. The exam covers topics such as nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and herd health management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process of obtaining the ARPAS-Dairy Science Certification. During this time, applicants must submit their application materials and take the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from ARPAS.

The cost to apply for the ARPAS-Dairy Science Certification is $175 USD for members of ARPAS and $225 USD for non-members. This fee includes the cost of taking the exam as well as any additional fees associated with submitting application materials.

Do You Really Need a Dairy Manager Certificate?

Yes, a Dairy Manager Certificate is an important certification for anyone who works in the dairy industry. It provides evidence of your knowledge and proficiency in the areas of animal health, nutrition, reproduction, and management. With this certification, you will be able to demonstrate to employers that you are knowledgeable and capable of managing a successful dairy operation. This certificate also provides credibility within the industry as it shows that you have taken the time to learn and master the necessary skills required to be a successful dairy manager.

Having a Dairy Manager Certificate can open up many opportunities for advancement within the dairy industry as it indicates that you are knowledgeable about the most current methods and techniques for running a successful business. Many employers prefer to hire individuals with this type of certification because it gives them reassurance that the person they’re hiring is well-versed in all aspects of managing a dairy farm. Additionally, having this certificate can increase your chances of being hired by larger companies or organizations since they know that you have taken the extra step to become certified.

Overall, having a Dairy Manager Certificate is very beneficial for anyone looking to work in the dairy industry as it demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in managing a successful operation. It also gives employers peace of mind when hiring someone who has taken the time to become certified in their field.

Related: Dairy Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Dairy Manager Certifications

1. What is a Dairy Manager Certification?

Answer: A Dairy Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing dairy operations. It is designed to provide dairy producers with the skills needed to effectively manage their herds, including nutrition, reproduction, health, and marketing.

2. How do I become certified as a Dairy Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Dairy Manager, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying organization. Programs vary in length and may include classroom instruction, hands-on experience, or both.

3. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require applicants to have some prior experience in the field of dairy management or related fields such as animal science or agriculture. Additionally, some programs require applicants to have certain educational qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree.

4. How long is the certification valid for?

Answer: Most certifications are valid for three years before they must be renewed. Renewal usually involves completing additional training courses or passing an updated exam administered by the certifying organization.

5. Are there any online courses available for Dairy Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes! Many certifying organizations offer online courses that can be taken at your own pace to help prepare you for the certification exam. Be sure to research each organization carefully before enrolling in any course so that you know what will be required of you upon completion of the program.