Use of the CDM, CFPP Credential
As the holder of the Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional credential (CDM®, CFPP®), you have demonstrated competence in the areas of foodservice management, personnel and communication, nutrition, sanitation and safety, and business operations. You are recognized as experts at managing foodservice operations and ensuring food safety.
The Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) is the organization that is responsible for the CBDM Certification Program, which includes the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam, and all the policies involving certification. Among those policies, is one that defines the use of the CDM®, CFPP® registered marks.
CBDM has registered both the titles, Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional, the acronyms, CDM, CFPP, and the logo, with the United States Patent Office. This is important because it gives notice that these marks are protected and provides the right to legal action against anyone that infringes upon it.
The CBDM policy outlines the authorized use of the CDM®, CFPP® marks as follows:
- Once an individual has passed the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam and activated their credential, it may be used only as long as certification is active and in good standing. Credential holders must comply with all recertification requirements and other CBDM policies to maintain use of the credential.
- The credential should be used without periods, after the credential holder’s name, following any academic degree if applicable (e.g., Jane Doe, B.S., CDM, CFPP).
- The certification marks may only be used as long as certification is valid.
- Some examples include but are not limited to:
e-mail address, signature, social media or resume.
Individuals who are no longer certified are no longer authorized to use the CDM, CFPP credential or represent themselves as being a CDM, CFPP credential holder. It is important for CBDM to protect against misuse of the credential, so when we are made aware of anyone misusing the CDM, CFPP credential or misrepresenting themselves as such, they will be notified in writing with a cease-and-desist email and hard copy letter. Additional action will be taken if misuse continues. Protecting against misuse of the credential protects all CDM, CFPPs who are actively certified in good standing.
Now that you know the proper way to display the credential you have worked hard for; we encourage you to use it proudly after your name in all your professional communications!
