Top 10 Dietary Assistant Certifications

Certifications for dietary assistants are important for a few reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field that employers value. This can be especially important in competitive job markets where candidates need to stand out from their peers. Secondly, certifications show potential employers that the candidate is dedicated to learning and staying up-to-date on best practices in the industry. Lastly, many employers require employees to have certain certifications before they can hire them, so having relevant certifications is essential for getting a job as a dietary assistant.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Dietary Assistants and explain how they can enhance a dietary assistant's career.

What are Dietary Assistant Certifications?

Dietary Assistant Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective nutritional care in a variety of healthcare settings. The program focuses on teaching dietary assistants about nutrition, dietetics, meal planning, food safety, and health promotion. It also covers topics such as cultural sensitivity and communication techniques for working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

The certification can help dietary assistants work more effectively in their job by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide optimal nutritional care. It can also give dietary assistants an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. With the certification, they will have a better understanding of nutrition-related topics and be able to make well-informed decisions regarding patient nutrition plans. Additionally, having the certification may increase their earning potential since employers often look favorably upon candidates who have taken steps to demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the dietary assistant certification requirements for your state. Each state has its own set of requirements, so it's important to make sure that you meet these before beginning the certification process.

Related: What does a Dietary Assistant do?

Top 10 Dietary Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Dietary Assistants today.

1. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional who has achieved certification in the field of foodservice management. The CDM credential is awarded by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) and requires successful completion of an approved program and passing a comprehensive exam.

The CDM program typically takes one to two years to complete, depending on the institution offering the coursework. It consists of classroom instruction, clinical experience, and a supervised internship. Course topics include nutrition, food service operations, menu planning, sanitation and safety, personnel management, and financial management.

To become certified as a CDM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having an associate degree or higher in foodservice management or related field; at least three years of full-time work experience in foodservice management; and successful completion of an approved program. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit their application materials along with the required fees to ANFP for review.

The cost for becoming certified as a CDM varies depending on the institution offering the coursework and any additional fees associated with submitting an application to ANFP. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000+ depending on the individual's circumstances.

2. Certified Dietary Technician (CDT)

A Certified Dietary Technician (CDT) is a professional who has completed a specialized program in food and nutrition, and has passed an examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The CDT credential is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competence in the field of dietetics.

It typically takes two years to complete the educational requirements for certification as a CDT. These include completing an accredited associate’s degree program in dietetics or nutrition, or completing a bachelor’s degree program in dietetics or nutrition with at least one year of supervised practice experience. In addition, applicants must pass the CDR exam.

To become certified as a CDT, you must first meet the educational requirements outlined above and then apply for certification through the CDR website. The application process includes providing documentation of your education and supervised practice experience, paying an application fee, and passing the CDR exam.

The cost for certification as a CDT varies depending on whether you are already registered with the CDR or not. If you are already registered with the CDR, then you will pay $200 for your initial application fee plus $100 for each additional year that you renew your registration. If you are not registered with the CDR, then you will pay $300 for your initial application fee plus $150 for each additional year that you renew your registration.

3. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)

A Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) is a healthcare professional who has completed specialized training and passed an exam to demonstrate their knowledge in nutrition support. The CNSC credential is administered by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC).

The CNSC certification process involves completing an approved educational program, gaining clinical experience, and passing the CNSC examination. The educational program must include didactic coursework in nutrition support and supervised clinical practice.

The CNSC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate's knowledge in areas such as nutrient metabolism, nutrition assessment, enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy, medical nutrition therapy, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The exam takes three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CNSC, candidates must pay a fee of $375 for the initial application and $250 for each subsequent recertification application. Recertification is required every five years to maintain the credential.

4. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a health professional who has completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, as well as an accredited supervised practice program and has passed a national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. RDNs are experts in food and nutrition, providing evidence-based information to individuals, families, and communities to promote optimal health.

In order to become an RDN, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete an Accredited Program in Nutrition & Dietetics: This includes completing at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

2. Complete an Accredited Supervised Practice Program: This is typically referred to as a dietetic internship and requires at least 1200 hours of supervised practice experience.

3. Pass the National Registration Examination: This is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and tests your knowledge of nutrition science, foodservice systems management, communication strategies, medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, etc.

4. Obtain State Licensure (if applicable): Some states may require additional licensure or certification to practice as an RDN within that state.

The cost of becoming an RDN will vary depending on your educational institution and any other fees associated with obtaining licensure or certification in your state. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 4-7 years to become an RDN depending on whether you attend school full-time or part-time.

5. Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP)

Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP) is a professional certification program that recognizes foodservice professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the foodservice industry. The CFP designation is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

To become a Certified Foodservice Professional, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of food safety, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CFP exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the foodservice industry or have completed an accredited culinary arts program. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of their work experience or education to the NRAEF before taking the exam.

The cost for taking the CFP exam is $150 USD. This fee covers all materials needed to take the exam as well as access to online study resources and practice exams.

Once an individual has passed the CFP exam, they will receive their official certificate from the NRAEF along with a digital badge that can be used on resumes and social media profiles. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses or retaking the CFP exam.

6. Certified Culinary Nutritionist (CCN)

A Certified Culinary Nutritionist (CCN) is a professional who has been trained to provide nutrition advice and guidance in the kitchen. They are knowledgeable about food and nutrition, and specialize in creating delicious, nutritious meals.

The CCN certification is offered by the Academy of Culinary Nutrition (ACN). It is a two-year program that includes online courses, hands-on cooking classes, and an internship. To become certified, you must complete all course requirements and pass the ACN’s final exam.

The cost of becoming a CCN varies depending on the program you choose. The ACN offers several payment options, including full payment upfront or monthly payments over 24 months. The total cost for the program ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 USD.

In addition to the course fees, you will need to purchase books and other materials related to culinary nutrition. You may also need to pay for travel expenses if you choose to attend any of the hands-on classes in person.

7. Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM)

A Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) is a person who has been certified by an accredited program to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of food safety principles, practices, and procedures. The certification is designed to ensure that food service personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to protect customers from foodborne illness.

In order to become a CFSM, individuals must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and obtain a certificate of completion. Training programs vary in length but typically take between 8-12 hours to complete. Some states may require additional training or certifications depending on the type of food service establishment being operated.

To get certified as a CFSM, individuals must first locate an accredited training program in their area. Accredited programs are offered through organizations such as the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Program or the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP). Once enrolled in a program, individuals must complete all coursework and pass the exam with a score of at least 75%. Upon successful completion of the exam, participants will receive their CFSM certificate.

The cost for certification varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $100-$200 USD for both the coursework and exam fees combined. Additional fees may be required for materials such as textbooks or study guides.

8. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) are individuals who have met the criteria for professional practice in health education. This certification is granted by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

In order to become a CHES, an individual must meet certain educational and experiential criteria, including completing a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in health education, health promotion, or related field; completing at least 25 semester hours of course work related to seven areas of responsibility for health educators; and having at least two years of full-time experience in a health education setting.

The process to become certified as a CHES includes submitting an application and fee to NCHEC, providing transcripts and proof of experience, passing the CHES exam, and paying an annual maintenance fee. The cost of the application is $225 and the cost of the exam is $285. It usually takes four to six weeks after submitting all materials for NCHEC to review your application before you can take the exam. After passing the exam, you will then be eligible to receive your CHES certification.

9. Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

A Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is a fitness professional who has completed an accredited certification program and has been certified by a nationally recognized organization. A CPT is qualified to design exercise programs, provide instruction on proper technique, and help clients reach their fitness goals.

The length of time it takes to become a CPT varies depending on the certification program chosen. Some certifications can be obtained in as little as 8 weeks, while others may take up to 6 months or longer.

To become a CPT, you must first complete an accredited certification program. There are many organizations that offer certification programs, such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Once you have completed your certification program, you must pass the exam associated with it in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming a CPT also varies depending on the organization chosen for certification. Generally speaking, most certification programs range from $500 - $1,000 USD. This cost typically includes course materials, access to online resources, and the exam fee.

10. Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional certification awarded by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). It is the highest level of certification available for chefs in the United States. The CEC designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency and expertise in culinary operations, management, and leadership.

It typically takes two to three years to become a Certified Executive Chef. To get the CEC designation, candidates must have at least five years of work experience as an executive chef or foodservice director, complete an ACF-approved apprenticeship program, pass an oral and written exam administered by ACF, and maintain their membership with ACF.

The cost of becoming a Certified Executive Chef varies depending on the candidate’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for application fees, exam fees, and other related expenses.

Do You Really Need a Dietary Assistant Certificate?

No, you do not need a dietary assistant certificate in order to work in the field of nutrition. However, having one can help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge when competing for jobs. A dietary assistant certificate demonstrates that you have received specialized training and knowledge in the field of nutrition and dietary assistance. It also shows employers that you have taken the time to further your education in this area.

Having a dietary assistant certificate can also open up job opportunities that may not be available to individuals who lack such credentials. For example, if you are looking for a job as a dietitian’s assistant or nutritionist’s assistant, employers may prefer someone who has obtained a certificate in dietary assistance over someone without such credentials. In addition, many employers seek employees with specialized knowledge and skills related to food preparation and menu planning, which are often covered in courses required for certification.

Overall, obtaining a dietary assistant certificate can be beneficial if you are looking for employment in the field of nutrition. It shows employers that you are qualified and knowledgeable about nutrition-related topics and sets you apart from other applicants. However, it is important to keep in mind that having a certificate alone does not guarantee success; hard work and dedication are still required to find success in this career path.

Related: Dietary Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Dietary Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Dietary Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Dietary Assistant Certification is a professional credential that verifies the knowledge and skills of an individual to assist in providing dietary services. This certification typically involves completing an approved training program and passing an exam.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Dietary Assistant?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a Dietary Assistant will depend on the training program chosen. Many programs can be completed in 6 months or less, but some may require up to a year or more depending on the individual's experience level and learning needs.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Dietary Assistant?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Dietary Assistant provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher wages, and greater job satisfaction. It also demonstrates that you have the qualifications necessary for working in this field and shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable and capable of providing quality care to patients with dietary needs.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Dietary Assistant?

Answer: Most training programs will require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in the program. Some may also require additional certifications such as food safety or nutrition certifications prior to beginning the coursework required for certification.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a Dietary Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Dietary Assistant Certification can open up many job opportunities related to dietary services such as food service worker, dietitian assistant, nutritionist assistant, cafeteria manager, patient advocate, etc. Depending on your experience level and specific credentials you may also be able to work in more specialized roles such as clinical dietitian or public health nutritionist.