CDM, CFPP Certification Process
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam, you must meet a current pathway of eligibility. Each pathway is a combination of formal education from an accredited post-secondary education institution and full-time work experience in non-commercial foodservice management. Eligible types of education include ANFP approved programs, degreed programs, 90+ hour certificate programs, and 90-hour foodservice management training program completed by current and former members of the military.
2. Prepare for the Certification Exam in a Manner of Your Choice
ANFP makes available study materials and reference textbooks to help you prepare for the exam. While we have had positive feedback about these study materials, you may prepare for the exam in a manner of your choice.
View the complete CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam Study Tools and Exam Content Outline brochure to help you identify tools that you may use to prepare for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam.
3. Apply for the Examination
To apply for the exam, you must submit a completed application online with fees and verifiable documentation. CBDM will send e-mail notification of your eligibility status and what further requirements must be met. If requirements are not met within 90 days of submitting the application, the application is voided.
Note: As part of the online exam application process, you will be required to submit/upload a signed Terms and Conditions statement attesting that you have the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam Candidate Handbook in its entirety and agree to abide by all stated policy.
4. If Eligible, Schedule Examination with PSI
About 7 to 14 days after CBDM sends e-mail notice of your eligibility to sit for the exam, the examination services provider, PSI, will send e-mail notice with information on how to schedule an exam date and PSI Test Center location.
The exam is available year-round at over 300 Test Centers. You must schedule and complete the exam within your 90-day test window. Failure to do so will void the application and fees. Learn where you can take the exam and provisions for rescheduling.
5. Complete Examination as Scheduled
On the day of your exam, you must report to the PSI Test Center no later than your scheduled appointment time and bring two forms of current required identification. For more information on requesting testing accommodations, rescheduling the exam and other CBDM testing policy, refer to the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam Candidate Handbook.
6. Achieve Passing Score on Examination and Activate Credential
If you pass the exam, you must activate your certification within one year of the date that you passed the exam. CE hours cannot be earned and reported until your certification is activated. Failure to activate your certification within one year of passing the exam will result in your certification being terminated.
If you did not pass the exam and want to retest for any reason, you must meet a required 90-day wait period before you can reapply for and retake the exam. You must submit a new exam application and fees in accordance with CBDM policy.
7. Meet Recertification Requirements
To remain actively certified, you must pay the certification fee annually. Every three years, you must also complete and report a minimum of 45 hours of eligible continuing education (CE) programs, including nine hours related to Sanitation and Safety and one hour related to Professional Ethics. Failure to meet the recertification requirements will result in being selected for the CE Audit and being required to meet all recertification and CE Audit requirements. Failure to do so will result in your certification being terminated.