Top 10 Nutrition Manager Certifications

Certifications for a nutrition manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field that employers value. They also help to give applicants an advantage over other candidates by showing that they have taken the time to further their education and gain additional skills. Certifications provide evidence of competency and show employers that a nutrition manager is up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and regulations in the field. Having certifications can also open up more opportunities for career advancement, as many employers prefer to hire certified professionals who have proven their qualifications with an accredited organization.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Nutrition Managers and explains how they can help advance a nutrition manager's career.

What are Nutrition Manager Certifications?

Nutrition Manager Certification is a professional credential that is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work as nutrition managers. This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of principles, theories, and practices related to foodservice administration, nutrition management, and food safety. It also equips individuals with the necessary knowledge required to effectively manage nutrition services in healthcare facilities and other settings.

Nutrition Manager Certification can be beneficial for those who want to advance their career in the healthcare field. It helps them gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become an effective leader in the field of nutrition services. With this certification, individuals will have an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions as it demonstrates their commitment and expertise in the field. Individuals who hold this certification are also more likely to be seen as qualified candidates by potential employers due to its rigorous standards.

Furthermore, Nutrition Manager Certification can help professionals stay up-to-date on current trends in nutrition services and keep abreast of relevant regulations and guidelines related to food safety. Additionally, they will learn how to create efficient systems for managing inventory, budgeting, menu planning, staff training, sanitation protocols, and much more. Ultimately, those who receive this certification can expect higher levels of job satisfaction as well as increased opportunities for career growth due to their enhanced qualifications.

Pro Tip: When looking for a nutrition manager certification, make sure to research the program and its accreditation. Ensure that the program is recognized by a professional organization such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Additionally, look for programs that offer continuing education credits to stay up-to-date on the latest nutrition topics.

Related: What does a Nutrition Manager do?

Top 10 Nutrition Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Nutrition Manager (CNM)

A Certified Nutrition Manager (CNM) is a professional certification for nutrition professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage food service operations, develop and implement nutrition programs, and provide nutrition counseling. The CNM certification is issued by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS).

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the requirements for the CNM certification. The requirements include completing an accredited program in dietetics or nutrition science, passing a written exam administered by CBNS, and completing 500 hours of supervised practice in a food service setting.

To become certified as a CNM, you must first submit an application to CBNS along with your educational transcripts and proof of supervised practice hours. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to register for and pass the written exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded your CNM credential.

The cost of becoming a Certified Nutrition Manager varies depending on which educational program you choose and how many supervised practice hours are required. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 to become certified as a CNM.

2. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a health professional who has completed specialized education and training in nutrition and dietetics. RDNs are experts in food and nutrition and provide evidence-based advice to individuals, families, and communities to promote healthy eating habits.

In order to become an RDN, you must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with coursework accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). After completing the required academic coursework, individuals must then complete a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience. This experience can be obtained through an ACEND-accredited internship or coordinated program.

Finally, after completing the academic requirements and supervised practice experience, individuals must pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. Once they have passed this exam, they will receive their RDN credential from CDR.

The cost of becoming an RDN varies depending on the educational institution you attend as well as the type of supervised practice experience you pursue. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 4-7 years to become an RDN depending on your individual circumstances.

3. Certified Clinical Nutrition Manager (CCNM)

Certified Clinical Nutrition Manager (CCNM) is a certification program designed to demonstrate competency in the field of clinical nutrition management. It is offered by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC). The CCNM credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of nutrition assessment, nutrition intervention, and nutrition monitoring.

The CCNM certification requires successful completion of a written exam and an oral examination. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical nutrition therapy, food safety, nutrition support systems, and professional ethics.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete the certification process from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete all required coursework, pass both examinations, and submit an application for certification.

The cost for taking the CCNM exam varies depending on where you live and which organization administers it. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$700 USD for both exams combined.

4. Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP)

The Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to recognize and reward excellence in foodservice management. The CFMP program is based on the NRAEF’s Professional Certification Program, which includes a comprehensive body of knowledge and skills required for successful foodservice management.

The CFMP program requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field of foodservice management, as well as completion of an approved course or workshop. To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as menu planning, financial management, personnel management, and customer service.

The cost of the CFMP program varies depending on the type of course or workshop taken to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$1000. The exam itself costs $200 and must be taken at an approved testing center.

Once certified, CFMPs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

5. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional who specializes in managing food service operations and nutrition care systems in health care and residential facilities. This includes planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating the food service operations. They also coordinate nutrition care services with other departments to ensure that residents receive safe, nutritious meals.

To become a CDM, you must complete an accredited dietary manager program or complete a combination of education and experience requirements. These programs typically take between one to two years to complete and include courses in nutrition, food science, menu planning, sanitation and safety regulations.

The cost of obtaining a CDM certification varies depending on the program you choose. The National Association of Nutrition Professionals offers an online certification program for $495 USD. Other programs may require additional fees for textbooks or other materials.

Once you have completed your program or met the education and experience requirements, you can apply for CDM certification through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). The fee for this exam is $350 USD plus applicable taxes. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded your CDM certification which is valid for five years before it must be renewed.

6. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of food service professionals. The CPFM program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is based on the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Program, which has been developed in cooperation with the Conference for Food Protection.

The CPFM provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to food safety and sanitation. It requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of food safety principles through passing a comprehensive exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals are awarded the CPFM credential.

The CPFM exam typically takes about two hours to complete, depending on how quickly you answer questions and how much time you spend reviewing material before taking the test. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that individuals review study materials provided by NRAEF or purchase an online course from an approved provider.

In order to take the CPFM exam, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have proof of completion of a recognized food safety training program within five years prior to taking the exam. Individuals can register for the exam online or by mail by submitting an application form along with payment of $125 USD.

Once registered, individuals will receive instructions on how to schedule their examination at one of more than 200 testing centers located throughout North America. The cost for taking the exam is included in your registration fee; however, if you need to reschedule your appointment or retake the exam, additional fees may apply.

7. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in nutrition science. It is awarded by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in nutrition education and practice.

To become a CNS, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field, as well as 1,000 hours of supervised experience in nutrition counseling or consulting. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by CBNS. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as biochemistry, physiology, nutrition assessment and intervention, food science, and public health.

The process of becoming a CNS typically takes one to two years to complete. The cost of the application fee is $200 USD and the cost of the exam is $400 USD.

8. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) are professionals who have met the standards of excellence set by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). They are trained to design, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs in a variety of settings. These programs can include health screenings, community outreach initiatives, and educational campaigns.

It typically takes two to three years to become a CHES. During this time, individuals must complete at least seven college-level courses in health education or related fields such as public health or nutrition. Candidates must also obtain at least 25 hours of continuing education credits every five years to maintain their certification.

To become a CHES, individuals must first apply for the exam through NCHEC’s website. Once approved, they can register for and take the exam online or at a testing center. The cost of the exam is $225 and includes an application fee of $50.

Once candidates pass the exam, they will receive their official certification from NCHEC. This certification is valid for five years and requires renewal after that period if individuals wish to continue practicing as a CHES.

9. Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) is a graduate degree program that prepares students to become registered dietitians. The MSND provides education and training in the science of nutrition, food service management, public health nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy. It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete the MSND program.

To get an MSND, you must first complete an accredited undergraduate degree in nutrition or a related field such as biology or chemistry. You will then need to complete a supervised practice program (also known as a dietetic internship) that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This program will provide hands-on experience in areas such as clinical nutrition, foodservice management, community nutrition, and research. Once you have completed your internship, you will be eligible to take the national registration examination for dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Upon successful completion of this exam, you will be able to use the title Registered Dietitian (RD).

The cost of an MSND varies depending on factors such as location and type of institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $10,000 - $30,000 per year for two years of study. Additional costs may include textbooks and supplies, fees for internships and exams, travel expenses for internships or conferences, living expenses while attending school or completing internships away from home, etc.

10. National Board Certification in Dietetics/Nutrition

National Board Certification in Dietetics/Nutrition is a voluntary certification program for Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Nutritionists that is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The purpose of this certification is to demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and to provide evidence of an RD or Nutritionist’s expertise in nutrition and dietetics.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, have completed a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice experience in dietetics/nutrition, and pass an examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as nutrition science, food service systems management, medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, and foodservice systems management.

The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete all the necessary steps including submitting an application with required documentation, registering for and taking the exam, completing any additional requirements as needed (such as continuing education credits), and submitting all required fees.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 for the application fee plus additional fees for the examination itself.

Do You Really Need a Nutrition Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a Nutrition Manager Certificate to become a nutrition manager. In most cases, employers prefer that you have a degree or certification in nutrition or dietetics. However, depending on the type of job and employer, it may be possible to become a nutrition manager without an official certificate.

For example, some employers might accept experience and knowledge as proof of your qualifications for the job. If you can demonstrate that you have sufficient training and experience in the field of nutrition management, then it is possible to become a nutrition manager without having an official certificate. You may also be able to get hired with only relevant work experience if the employer does not require a formal qualification.

Although having an official certificate can give you an edge over other applicants, it is not always necessary for becoming a nutrition manager. Ultimately, whether or not you need a Nutrition Manager Certificate will depend on the specific requirements of the employer. Therefore, it is important to research what qualifications are required before applying for any position in this field.

Related: Nutrition Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Nutrition Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Nutrition Manager Certification?

A1. A Nutrition Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in the principles and practices of nutrition management, including food safety, menu planning, nutrition assessment, and nutrition education.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Nutrition Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Nutrition Manager, you must complete an accredited program and pass an industry-recognized certification exam. Programs typically include coursework on nutrition science, food safety regulations, menu planning, and other topics related to nutrition management.

Q3. Who is eligible for a Nutrition Manager Certification?

A3. Most individuals who have completed an accredited program in nutrition management are eligible for certification as a Nutrition Manager. Specific eligibility requirements may vary by certifying organization or program provider; please contact your certifying organization for more information.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Nutrition Manager?

A4. The amount of time required to get certified as a Nutrition Manager depends on the program you choose and how quickly you are able to complete the required coursework and exams; most programs can be completed within 1-2 years with full-time study or part-time study over 3-4 years.

Q5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Nutrition Manager?

A5: Becoming certified as a Nutrition Manager can help you advance your career by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in the field of nutrition management to prospective employers or clients. It can also provide access to professional development opportunities such as conferences and workshops, networking opportunities, and job postings from employers seeking certified professionals in the field of nutrition management