Master the Certified Dietary Manager Exam
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CDM test, including question categories, sample questions, an interactive quiz, study tips, and exam details to help you prepare effectively.
CDM Test Question Categories
The CDM exam covers a wide range of topics essential for dietary management. Here's an overview of the main domains and their approximate weighting on the test:
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Nutrition (Approx. 20%)
Focuses on gathering and applying nutrition data, diet planning, managing diet orders, and providing nutrition education.
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Foodservice Operations (Approx. 21-22%)
Covers menu development, standardized recipes, food preparation standards, production management, meal service monitoring, and continuous quality improvement.
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Personnel and Communications (Approx. 19-20%)
Includes defining personnel needs, recruitment, onboarding, ongoing education, scheduling, goal management, performance evaluations, and professional interactions.
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Sanitation and Safety (Approx. 24%)
Emphasizes compliance with regulations, safe purchasing, receiving, storage, HACCP guidelines for food protection, and managing physical facilities for safety.
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Business Operations (Approx. 14-16%)
Deals with operating and capital budgets, department design improvements, purchasing processes, revenue-generating services, and implementing cost-effective procedures.
Sample Questions
1. Which of the following is the most effective method for preventing cross-contamination in a foodservice operation?
- A) Using color-coded cutting boards for different food types.
- B) Storing raw meat above ready-to-eat foods.
- C) Washing hands only after handling raw poultry.
- D) Reusing disposable gloves for multiple tasks.
Practice Quiz
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Effective Study Tips
- Review the official CDM Candidate Handbook for detailed exam information.
- Focus on areas identified as weaknesses through practice quizzes and sample questions.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it consistently.
- Utilize flashcards for memorizing key terms, definitions, and regulations.
- Join a study group or discuss concepts with peers to reinforce learning.
- Practice time management during mock exams to prepare for the 3-hour test limit.
Additional Resources
CDM Exam Format
The CDM exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions, with 140 questions scored and 20 pretest (unscored) questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. It is administered via computer at approved testing centers. The unscored questions are indistinguishable from scored ones and are used to evaluate their suitability for future exams. You may take breaks during the exam, but the timer will not be paused.
Scoring Criteria
The CDM exam is scored using a scaled scoring method, which converts your raw score to a standardized score to ensure fairness across different test versions. A scaled score equivalent to approximately 70% or higher of the scored questions is generally required to pass. Scores are typically available immediately after completing the computer-based exam. If you do not pass, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before retaking the exam.