Frequently Asked Questions
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. Successful communication with patients regarding the vital role that healthy eating and nutrition plays in good health is key to improved patient outcomes. However, many healthcare practitioners feel their nutritional education and ability to communicate practical, effective guidance in this area is lacking.
The Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist (CCMS) program provides clinicians with a unique combination of nutritional knowledge and culinary skills so that they can effectively incorporate healthy eating into patients’ diets and deliver optimal patient care.
What are the options for completing the required hands-on teaching kitchen modules?
Programming is offered virtually throughout the year with ample opportunity for attending classes every month. The schedule for classes can be accessed at this link: Virtual Hands-on Schedule
Teaching kitchen modules are offered at approved hands-on teaching kitchen events in the United States. The Board is currently working with teaching kitchens located throughout the U.S. to create regional hubs at which additional teaching kitchen modules can be offered, providing more convenient access for candidates throughout the country. CCMS candidates will be notified immediately as new teaching kitchen opportunities are confirmed.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Physicians — Currently registered as a practicing physician in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or South Africa. A copy of current license must accompany application.
Nurse Practitioners — Currently registered as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the United States or Canada. A copy of current license must accompany application.
Registered Nurse — Currently registered as a practicing nurse in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or South Africa. A copy of current license must accompany application.
Physician Assistants — Currently registered as a Physician Assistant (PA) in the United States or Canada. A copy of current license must accompany application.
Registered Dietitians — Currently registered as a practicing dietitian in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or South Africa. A copy of current license must accompany application.
Masters and Doctorate Level Nutritionists — Currently registered as a practicing nutritionist in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or South Africa or teaching nutrition in an academic setting. A copy of current license or C.V. must accompany application.
Pharmacists — Currently registered as a practicing pharmacist in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or South Africa. A copy of current license must accompany application.
Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) — Currently registered as CDE in the United States or Canada. A copy of current license must accompany application.
For questions please contact us at cecilia@culinarymedicine.org.
What is the tuition fee and what does it include?
There is a one-time $2,700 tuition payment required to enroll in the CCMS program. This fee includes access to online nutrition courses via the CCMS website, registration for 4 hands-on teaching kitchen modules, and registration for one Health meets Food: The Culinary Medicine Conference.
Is there a payment plan?
Payment plans may be available on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for details.
How do I complete the 60-credit program?
1. Twelve CME hours must be satisfied by attendance at 4 hands-on Culinary Medicine kitchen modules. Tuition includes up to 4 in-person hands-on modules or unlimited virtual modules.
2. Participants must complete all of the online programming (approximately 50 hours).
3. Candidates must also complete 2 approved culinary medicine readings and successfully pass online post-tests based upon those readings. These readings are not accredited for continuing medical education hours.
Is the CCMS training CME-accredited?
CCMS hands-on teaching kitchen modules, online education on the CCMS site, and conference sessions are accredited for CME, CNE, CPE, and CPE for Dietitians. Please note that the two required readings of culinary/nutrition texts are not accredited.
Can prior nutrition coursework be used to satisfy some of the credits?
No. Because the CCMS program is a unique blend of nutrition and culinary medicine content, prior coursework (with the exception of applicable courses at Health meets Food: The Culinary Medicine Conference or hands-on Health meets Food modules) cannot be applied toward CCMS coursework.
However, candidates who provide a copy of a previously obtained NBPNS, NBNSC, ACN, or BCNSP certification are required only to complete 12 credit hours of hands-on teaching kitchen modules and 12 additional nutrition credits before applying to take the CCMS examination. We do recommend completion of the programming to prepare candidates for the certification exam.
How long do I have to complete the program?
Candidates have 24 months from the time of enrollment to complete the 60-credit program.
What is covered on the final certification examination?
The examination is 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 available for a small fee.
A $450 fee will be required when registering for the examination, which is held during three testing periods per year at Prometric testing centers located in cities throughout the United States and Canada.
Download the PTC Examination Handbook.
How long is CCMS 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.
