CDM Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
Preparing for your Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam? Our comprehensive free practice tests are designed to help you master the 115 multiple-choice questions covering nutrition care, food safety, foodservice management, and regulatory compliance. Whether you're working toward your certification through ANFP or preparing for a career in healthcare nutrition services, these practice questions will boost your confidence.
The CDM credential opens doors to rewarding careers in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities. With our expert-crafted study materials, flashcards, and detailed explanations, you'll be fully prepared to pass your exam on the first attempt and begin your journey as a certified foodservice professional.
The CDM certification is administered by the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM) through the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). This nationally recognized credential validates your competency in foodservice management and nutrition care across all 50 states.
Free CDM Practice Tests
Master your Certified Dietary Manager exam with our comprehensive practice tests covering all five content domains. Each quiz includes detailed explanations to help you understand key concepts in nutrition care, food safety, management, and foodservice operations.
CDM Exam Flashcards
Click each card to reveal the answer and test your knowledge
CDM Exam Study Guide
Master every aspect of the Certified Dietary Manager exam with our comprehensive study guide covering all five content domains tested on the certification examination.
| What Is a Certified Dietary Manager? | A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a foodservice professional who manages nutrition services in healthcare, long-term care, and institutional settings, ensuring safe meal preparation and proper nutrition. |
| What Does a Certified Dietary Manager Do? | CDMs oversee daily operations of dietary departments including menu planning, staff management, food safety compliance, and ensuring residents receive nutritionally adequate meals. |
| What Is CDM Certification? | CDM certification is a professional credential from the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) that validates competency in foodservice management and nutrition care. |
| What Is the Difference Between a CDM and a Registered Dietitian? | CDMs focus on foodservice operations and dietary department management, while Registered Dietitians provide clinical nutrition therapy and specialized medical nutrition counseling. |
| How Do You Become a Certified Dietary Manager? | Complete an approved CDM program (online or in-person), accumulate required foodservice hours, and pass the national certification exam administered by the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers. |
| What Are the Education Requirements for CDM Certification? | You need a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an ANFP-approved 90-hour CDM course, and 150 hours of supervised practice experience. |
| Can You Take CDM Certification Online? | Yes, many accredited institutions offer online CDM courses through universities like University of North Dakota and University of Florida, providing flexible study options. |
| How Long Does It Take to Become a CDM? | Most students complete the CDM course and supervised practice in 4-6 months, though self-paced online programs may allow faster or slower completion based on individual schedules. |
| What Is on the CDM Certification Exam? | The exam covers nutrition care, food safety and sanitation, management and leadership, procurement and production, and service and distribution across 115 multiple-choice questions. |
| How Much Does the CDM Exam Cost? | The CDM certification exam fee is approximately $250-$300, with additional costs for study materials and the required CDM course ranging from $1,000-$2,500 depending on the institution. |
| Is the CDM Exam Difficult? | The exam is challenging but passable with proper preparation, covering comprehensive foodservice management topics with a pass rate typically around 75-80% for well-prepared candidates. |
| How Many Questions Are on the CDM Test? | The CDM certification exam contains 115 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a 2.5-hour time limit at an authorized testing center. |
| What Is the Average CDM Salary? | Certified Dietary Managers earn an average salary of $48,000-$58,000 annually, with variations based on location, facility type, experience level, and additional management responsibilities. |
| Where Can Certified Dietary Managers Work? | CDMs work in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, senior living communities, and any institutional setting requiring professional foodservice management. |
| What Are CDM Job Responsibilities? | Responsibilities include staff supervision, budget management, menu planning, ensuring food safety compliance, managing inventory, and coordinating with healthcare teams for resident nutrition needs. |
| Is There High Demand for Certified Dietary Managers? | Yes, CDMs are in strong demand due to an aging population requiring long-term care services and regulations mandating qualified foodservice professionals in healthcare facilities. |
| What Are the Best CDM Online Courses? | Top-rated online CDM programs include University of North Dakota, University of Florida, and other ANFP-approved institutions offering comprehensive curriculum and supervised practice coordination. |
| Are There Free CDM Study Resources Available? | While the full CDM course requires payment, free resources include ANFP webinars, practice test samples, and continuing education materials available through professional associations. |
| How Do You Maintain CDM Certification? | Maintain certification by completing 45 continuing education hours every three years and paying the renewal fee to keep your credential current with industry standards. |
| What Study Materials Help Pass the CDM Exam? | Recommended materials include the official ANFP study guide, CDM exam secrets guide, practice tests, and course materials from your approved training program. |
CDM Exam Test Format
The CDM certification exam tests your knowledge across five content domains essential for successful dietary management in healthcare settings.
Assess nutritional needs, implement diet modifications, and support therapeutic nutrition interventions for residents and patients.
- Topics: Medical nutrition therapy, diet orders, nutrient calculations
- Questions: ~29 items
Implement HACCP principles, maintain sanitation standards, and ensure regulatory compliance for safe food handling.
- Topics: Foodborne illness prevention, cleaning procedures, pest control
- Questions: ~29 items
Supervise staff, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Topics: Leadership, training, scheduling, performance evaluation
- Questions: ~23 items
Manage inventory, select vendors, plan menus, and oversee food production systems efficiently.
- Topics: FIFO rotation, vendor relations, recipe standardization
- Questions: ~17 items
Coordinate meal service, maintain quality standards, and ensure timely delivery of appropriate meals to residents.
- Topics: Tray assembly, portion control, service systems
- Questions: ~17 items
Computer-based testing at PSI testing centers nationwide with immediate preliminary results upon completion.
- Format: Multiple-choice, single best answer
- Passing: Scaled score of ~70%
Focus your study time on Nutrition Care and Food Safety domains, which together comprise 50% of the exam. Use practice tests to identify weak areas, review HACCP principles thoroughly, and understand therapeutic diet modifications commonly used in long-term care settings.
CDM Exam Score Calculator
Calculate your potential CDM exam score based on the number of questions answered correctly out of 115 scored questions.
CDM Salary Information
Certified Dietary Managers enjoy competitive salaries with strong growth potential based on experience, location, and facility type.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level CDM | $38,000 - $42,000 | $3,167 - $3,500 | 0-1 Years |
| Early Career CDM | $43,000 - $48,000 | $3,583 - $4,000 | 1-3 Years |
| Mid-Level CDM | $49,000 - $55,000 | $4,083 - $4,583 | 3-5 Years |
| Senior CDM | $56,000 - $65,000 | $4,667 - $5,417 | 5-10 Years |
| Director of Dietary | $66,000 - $80,000+ | $5,500 - $6,667+ | 10+ Years |
Increase your earning potential by pursuing additional certifications like ServSafe Manager or Food Protection Manager, gaining experience in multiple facility types, or advancing to regional management positions overseeing multiple dietary departments.
How to Become a Certified Dietary Manager
Follow this comprehensive roadmap to earn your CDM credential and begin your career in healthcare nutrition services.
- Meet Prerequisites - Ensure you have a high school diploma or GED and are at least 18 years old with basic computer skills.
- Select an ANFP-Approved Program - Choose from accredited online or in-person CDM training programs at institutions like University of North Dakota or University of Florida.
- Complete 90-Hour Coursework - Study nutrition care, food safety, management principles, procurement, and service distribution through your approved program.
- Accumulate Supervised Practice Hours - Complete 150 hours of supervised practice in a foodservice operation under a qualified preceptor.
- Submit Exam Application - Apply to the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM) with required documentation and exam fee of approximately $250-$300.
- Schedule Your Exam - Book your computer-based test at a PSI testing center convenient to your location.
- Pass the CDM Exam - Complete 115 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours and achieve a passing scaled score to earn your credential.
CDM Certification Costs
Understanding the total investment required for your Certified Dietary Manager certification helps you plan your path to a rewarding healthcare career.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for CDM certification. Check with current or prospective employers about financial assistance, and consider that your certification investment typically pays for itself within the first 2-3 months of working as a certified professional.
CDM Career Opportunities
Discover the diverse career paths available to Certified Dietary Managers across healthcare and institutional settings.
CDM Testing Contacts & Resources
Connect with official organizations for CDM certification, exam registration, and professional development resources.
Website: CDC Health Directory
Services: State licensing info, facility regulations
Contact: Varies by state
Search for CDM positions on ANFP's Career Center, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Network with other dietary managers through ANFP state affiliates, attend industry conferences, and consider starting in skilled nursing facilities where demand is highest.
CDM Test Day Checklist
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Start practicing now with our comprehensive CDM practice tests featuring detailed explanations, flashcards, and expert study materials designed to help you succeed on your first attempt.
Start Free CDM Practice Test →CDM Renewal Requirements
Maintain your Certified Dietary Manager credential by meeting continuing education requirements and renewing your certification every three years.
Complete your continuing education through ANFP-approved providers, conferences, webinars, and self-study programs. Track your CE hours through the ANFP online portal and submit renewal documentation before your certification expires to maintain active status.
CDM Exam Questions and Answers
CDM course tuition ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the institution, with online programs typically offering competitive pricing and some schools providing payment plans.
No, you must complete an ANFP-approved CDM course and supervised practice hours before being eligible to take the certification exam—there is no challenge option.
You can retake the exam after a waiting period, typically 30-45 days, and will need to pay the exam fee again for each attempt.
You need a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, and the ability to complete foodservice work—no college degree is required.
Training covers nutrition and menu planning, food safety and sanitation, foodservice management, budgeting and procurement, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance for healthcare facilities.
Yes, CDMs must complete 45 continuing education hours every three years to maintain active certification status with ANFP.
Yes, hospitals hire CDMs to manage dietary departments, though some acute care facilities may prefer or require Registered Dietitians for clinical nutrition roles.
CDM certification is valid for three years, after which you must renew by completing required continuing education and paying the renewal fee.
Essential skills include leadership and staff management, nutrition knowledge, food safety expertise, budgeting abilities, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Yes, the CDM credential from ANFP is nationally recognized across all U.S. states and accepted by healthcare facilities, long-term care communities, and institutions nationwide.