Top 11 Dietary Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a dietary supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a person’s knowledge and experience in the field. Certifications demonstrate that a person has taken the time to learn about and practice the necessary skills required for success as a dietary supervisor, such as food safety, nutrition, meal planning, and budgeting. Having certifications also shows employers that an applicant is committed to their career and has the dedication to learn new techniques and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Additionally, certifications provide employers with assurance that applicants have the necessary qualifications to do their job correctly and efficiently.

This article reviews the top certifications for Dietary Supervisors and explains how they can help further a career in the field.

What are Dietary Supervisor Certifications?

Dietary Supervisor Certification is a specialized certification program designed to provide nutrition and food service supervisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a food service department. The certification program focuses on areas such as food safety, customer service, menu planning, staff management, and financial management of a food service operation. By completing this certification program, dietary supervisors are able to demonstrate their commitment to quality management and professional development in the food service industry.

Dietary Supervisor Certification can help supervisors in a variety of ways. By becoming certified supervisors can demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary skills to effectively manage a food service department. The certification also serves as an excellent way for supervisors to stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations while also providing them with networking opportunities within the field. Finally, it provides supervisors with the opportunity to increase their earning potential by being able to show employers that they have taken steps to further their education in the field of nutrition and food services.

Pro Tip: When considering dietary supervisor certification, make sure to research the requirements of the program you are looking into. Many programs have specific educational and professional experience requirements that must be met in order to qualify for certification. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any additional continuing education credits that may be required to maintain your certification status.

Related: What does a Dietary Supervisor do?

Top 11 Dietary Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional who has completed a comprehensive program of study and training in foodservice management. This program includes topics such as nutrition, food safety, sanitation, menu planning, purchasing and inventory control, budgeting and cost control, personnel management, customer service, and marketing. The CDM credential is awarded by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP).

To become a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), individuals must complete an ANFP-approved dietary manager program. These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and supervised work experience in a healthcare foodservice setting. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass the CDM certification exam administered by the ANFP.

The cost of becoming a Certified Dietary Manager varies depending on the school or institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition for a two-year program ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. In addition to tuition costs there may be additional fees for books and supplies as well as testing fees for the certification exam.

2. Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP)

The Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) is a certification program developed by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to recognize food safety professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in food protection principles, practices, and procedures.

To become a CFPP, individuals must meet certain requirements including having a minimum of two years of experience in food safety or related field, completing an approved training program, passing an examination administered by NEHA, and maintaining their certification through continuing education. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as foodborne illness prevention, sanitation principles, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), and food defense.

It typically takes several months to complete the requirements for the CFPP certification. Individuals must first register with NEHA and then complete an approved training program before taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their experience in the food safety field to be eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining the CFPP certification varies depending on where you take your training course and how you choose to pay for it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $400-$800 USD depending on the provider.

3. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a health professional who has met the educational and professional requirements to become a registered dietitian. RDNs have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also complete an accredited supervised practice program, pass a national registration exam, and meet continuing education requirements.

It typically takes between 4-6 years to become an RDN. After completing a bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietetics, individuals must then complete an accredited supervised practice program that includes at least 1200 hours of experience in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, community centers, and schools.

To become an RDN you must apply for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. The CDR exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as medical nutrition therapy, food service management, public health nutrition, and more. After passing the exam you will receive your RDN credential.

The cost of becoming an RDN varies depending on the type of program you choose to pursue and how many courses you take each semester. Generally speaking, tuition costs can range anywhere from $10,000-$50,000 USD depending on the program. Additionally there are fees associated with taking the CDR exam which can range from $200-$300 USD depending on when you register for it.

4. Certified Dietary Services Manager (CDSM)

Certified Dietary Services Manager (CDSM) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). This certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing food service operations in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

The CDSM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in foodservice management or nutrition services management. Candidates must also complete an ANFP-approved course on food safety and sanitation and pass a competency-based exam.

Getting the CDSM certification typically takes about six months to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on the course you take, but it typically ranges from around $500-$600.

5. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)

Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). The CNSC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in nutrition support practice. It is intended to provide a standard of excellence in the field of nutrition support, which includes enteral and parenteral nutrition.

The CNSC certification requires completing an educational program, passing a written exam, and maintaining continuing education credits. The educational program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an online examination. The self-study course covers topics such as medical nutrition therapy, enteral and parenteral nutrition, pharmacology, nutritional assessment, pathophysiology, clinical management of patients receiving nutrition support therapy, and more.

The online examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70% correct answers.

The cost for the CNSC certification program varies depending on the type of membership you have with ASPEN. For nonmembers it costs $350 to register for the exam; for members it costs $250. Once you have passed the exam you will need to pay an additional fee of $50 per year to maintain your CNSC certification status.

In total it can take up to 6 months or longer to complete all requirements for the CNSC certification program depending on how quickly you are able to complete the self-study course and pass the online examination.

6. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is a program that provides food safety training and certification for food service managers. It is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Conference for Food Protection (CFP). The program covers topics such as food safety regulations, proper sanitation techniques, safe food handling practices, and more. It also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification typically takes about 8 hours to complete. This includes both the training course and the exam. The course can be taken online or in person at an approved facility. The cost of the program varies depending on the format chosen, but typically ranges from $75 - $200 USD.

In order to get certified, individuals must complete the training course, pass a written exam with a score of 75% or higher, and submit an application form with payment to ServSafe. Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will receive their certification card which is valid for 5 years from date of issue.

7. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ManageFirst Program

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ManageFirst Program is a certification program designed to help restaurant professionals learn the essential skills needed to succeed in the industry. The program provides comprehensive training and certification in key areas such as food safety, sanitation, human resources, financial management, marketing, and customer service. It also offers an online learning platform for self-study.

The ManageFirst Program consists of two parts: the Core Certification and the Professional Certification. The Core Certification covers basic knowledge and skills related to restaurant operations, while the Professional Certification focuses on more advanced topics such as financial management and marketing. The program is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

It typically takes about six months to complete the ManageFirst Program. During this time, participants must complete all of the required courses and pass all of the exams associated with those courses. Participants are also expected to participate in hands-on activities throughout their studies.

To get started with the ManageFirst Program, prospective participants must first register online through the NRAEF website. There is a one-time fee of $250 for registration which covers all course materials, exams, and other associated costs. After registering, participants will be given access to an online learning platform where they can access course materials and take practice tests before taking their final exams.

Once participants have successfully completed all of their courses and passed their exams, they will receive their official ManageFirst Certificate from NRAEF. This certificate demonstrates that they have mastered essential restaurant management skills and are ready for success in the industry.

8. American Culinary Federation's Certified Dietary Manager Program

The American Culinary Federation’s Certified Dietary Manager Program is a comprehensive program designed to prepare individuals for a career in nutrition and foodservice management. The program provides the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful dietary manager or dietitian. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The program consists of three components: an online course, a supervised practice experience, and a certification exam. The online course consists of seven modules that cover topics such as nutrition, food safety, menu planning, and customer service. The supervised practice experience requires students to complete at least 250 hours of work in a foodservice setting under the supervision of an experienced professional. The certification exam is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and tests knowledge in areas such as nutrition science, food service management, customer relations, and more.

It typically takes about one year to complete the Certified Dietary Manager Program. To get started, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must also submit transcripts from any college courses taken related to nutrition or foodservice management. Applicants should also have completed at least one year of work experience in a foodservice setting prior to applying for the program.

The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD including tuition fees, textbooks and materials, exam fees, etc.

9. American Society for Nutrition's Certified Nutrition Support Clinician Program

The American Society for Nutrition's Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNS) Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nutrition support clinicians. The CNS credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated advanced competency in the field of nutrition support, which includes clinical nutrition therapy, enteral and parenteral nutrition, and nutrition support technology.

To become certified as a CNS, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and successfully complete an examination. Eligibility criteria include having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field from an accredited institution, completion of at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice in nutrition support over the past five years, and current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

The CNS examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy; medical nutrition therapy; nutrient metabolism; fluid, electrolyte, acid-base balance; pharmacology; patient assessment; clinical management; research methods; ethics/legal issues; education/counseling strategies; and professional practice. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the exam is $450 for members of the American Society for Nutrition or $550 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain certification.

10. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Certificate in Adult Weight Management

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Certificate in Adult Weight Management is a professional certification program that provides nutrition professionals with the necessary tools to help adults make healthy lifestyle changes. The program focuses on evidence-based strategies for weight management, including nutrition education, behavior change, physical activity, and other lifestyle interventions.

The Certificate in Adult Weight Management consists of four online courses that are offered over a period of six months. Each course is self-paced and can be completed at any time within the six month window. The courses cover topics such as nutrition basics, energy balance, behavior change strategies, and physical activity guidelines for adults.

To get the Certificate in Adult Weight Management, individuals must complete all four courses within the six month period and pass an exam after each course. The cost of the program is $495 USD.

11. National Association of Healthcare Quality's Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality

The National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is the premier credential for healthcare quality professionals. It is a voluntary certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare quality.

To obtain the CPHQ credential, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and pass an examination administered by NAHQ. The eligibility requirements include having a minimum of two years of full-time experience in healthcare quality or performance improvement within the last five years, and having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as patient safety, risk management, data analysis, and quality improvement methods. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice a year at testing centers across the United States.

The cost for taking the CPHQ exam is $400 for NAHQ members and $500 for non-members. There are also additional fees associated with applying for certification ($50 for members/$100 for non-members) and renewing certification every two years ($50).

Do You Really Need a Dietary Supervisor Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Dietary Supervisor Certificate depends on your career goals and the requirements of the job you are applying for. If you want to work in the food service industry, it is likely that some employers may require you to have a Dietary Supervisor Certificate. This certificate is typically obtained through a program offered by a college or university and provides training in food safety, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, budgeting, and other related topics.

Having this certification will demonstrate to employers that you understand the importance of safe food handling and preparation practices and can provide valuable insight into how to run an efficient kitchen. Additionally, having a Dietary Supervisor Certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who do not have the same level of qualifications.

However, if your career goals do not involve working in the food service industry or if the job you are applying for does not require a Dietary Supervisor Certificate, then obtaining one may not be necessary. It is important to weigh the costs associated with obtaining this certification against its potential benefits before making any decisions about whether or not it is right for you.

Related: Dietary Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Dietary Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Dietary Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Dietary Supervisor Certification is a professional certification recognizing an individual's knowledge and experience in food service management and nutrition. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or industry association.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Dietary Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include completing an approved course of study, passing a written exam, and providing proof of relevant work experience.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Dietary Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain certification depends on the certifying organization and the individual’s prior experience and education level. Generally, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to complete all the necessary requirements for certification.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Dietary Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that individuals renew their certification every few years by completing additional coursework or other educational activities related to dietetics or food service management.

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

Answer: A Dietary Supervisor Certification is typically required for positions such as head cooks, nutritional counselors, dietary managers, food service directors, and other positions related to food service management or nutrition counseling.