Frequently Asked questions about the ccmp program
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION?
A number of health issues prevalent in the United States today are associated with poor eating habits and nutrition. With 69% of adults identified as overweight or obese and the typical American diet exceeding the recommended intake levels for fat, sugar, refined grains, and sodium, the need for healthcare practitioners to actively engage patients on issues related to diet is greater than ever. Understanding the vital role that healthy eating and nutrition plays in good health is key to improving health.
Chefs and foodservice professionals are perfectly positioned to play a central role in changing the way Americans eat. However, many chefs and foodservice professionals feel their nutrition education and ability to communicate practical, effective guidance to consumers as well as their skill to produce food that is healthy and delicious is lacking.
The Certified Culinary Medicine Professional (CCMP) program provides foodservice professional at any level with a unique combination of nutritional knowledge and improved healthy culinary skills so that they can effectively incorporate healthy options into menus to help consumers.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE REQUIRED HANDS-ON TEACHING KITCHEN MODULES?
Programming is offered virtually in cohorts throughout the year. Contact ChefKampRDN@culinarymedicine.org for information on upcoming cohort dates.
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
ACF Designation — Current American Culinary Federation designation and member in good standing.
Culinary School Graduate — Graduation from an accredited culinary program. A copy of certificate/diploma must accompany application.
Current employment at a Healthcare Facility — Currently employed at a healthcare facility; assisted living, independent living, long-term acute care hospital, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, or hospital.
Industry experience (3 years minimum) — Currently employed in any food service establishment with three (3) years of experience. Proof of employment and a copy of your resume must accompany application.
CDM certification — Currently credentialed as a certified dietary manager by the CBDM. A copy of current certification must accompany application.
USDA extension agent — Currently employed by USDA extension. Proof of current job position and description must accompany application.
For questions please contact us at ChefKampRDN@culinarymedicine.org.
WHAT IS THE TUITION FEE AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
There is a one-time $2,400 tuition payment required to enroll in the CCMP program. This fee includes access to online nutrition courses via the CCMP website, registration for 10 synchronous virtual kitchen modules, and registration for one Health meets Food: The Culinary Medicine Conference.
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
We are unable to offer candidates the option to pay in installments because we provide unrestricted access to the library of online courses upon enrollment. However, interested individuals can elect to register and attend the Health meets Food conference and/or hands-on teaching kitchen modules in order to begin earning credits toward certification. The price the individual paid would be deducted from the CCMP tuition upon enrollment.
HOW DO I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
There are three components to the curriculum designed to prepare participants for the certification exam.
1. 10 hands-on modules
Complete 10 hands-on modules. These can be completed in the synchronous virtual environment. Modules 1 – 7 are completed sequentially before continuing to other modules. The certification exam is largely based on Modules 1 through 14.
2. 20 online modules
All 20 online modules must be completed. Topics listed below under Online and Hands-on Modules Available.
3. Culminating Project
An individualized capstone project must be presented. This capstone project is a culmination and application of all the skills and knowledge acquired from all modules. It cannot be started until all modules have been successfully completed.
IS THE CCMP TRAINING ACF ACCREDITED?
CCMP hands-on teaching kitchen modules, online education on the CCMP site, and conference sessions are accredited for CEH for ACF members.
CAN PRIOR NUTRITION COURSEWORK BE USED TO SATISFY SOME OF THE CREDITS?
No. Because the CCMP program is a unique blend of nutrition and culinary medicine content, prior coursework cannot be applied toward CCMP coursework.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
Candidates have 24 months from the time of enrollment to complete the program. Most candidates complete in 8 months.
WHAT IS COVERED ON THE FINAL CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION?
The examination will be a comprehensive 100 question multiple-choice test. Candidates will have access to a downloadable handbook in order to prepare, and an online practice test is also available.
A $25 fee will be required when registering for the examination, which is held virtually using a third party proctoring service. A computer with a working camera and microphone is required.
HOW LONG IS CCMP CERTIFICATION ACTIVE?
The certification is valid for 5 years after successfully passing the examination, at which time additional coursework will be required to maintain certification.
Curriculum
View the program’s hybrid curriculum.

