CDM Passing Score 2026: About 70% + Free Test

November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write

CBDM says answering about 70% of the 140 scored items correctly has historically been required to pass the CDM, CFPP exam. Your score report states the exact number needed.

CBDM does not set one fixed pass number for the CDM, CFPP exam. It says that historically, answering about 70% of the scored items correctly has been required. The exam has 160 questions, 140 are scored, and your score report states the exact number you needed.

Is it really 70%?

"About 70%" is CBDM's own wording, and it comes with the word "historically". The board sets the standard with a modified Angoff procedure. In that process, certified dietary managers estimate how hard each question is for a minimally competent, entry-level dietary manager, and those estimates are used to find the passing score.

If you apply 70% to 140 scored items you get 98. That is simple arithmetic, not a CBDM figure. Treat 98 as a rough planning target rather than a rule, because CBDM only commits to the exact number that appears on your own score report, along with how many scored items you answered correctly.

What counts and what does not

160 multiple-choice questions, shown one per page, in 180 minutes.
140 items are scored. 20 are unscored pretest items used to evaluate questions for future exams.
Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect, and CBDM says there is no penalty for guessing, so answer everything.
You can bookmark questions and return to them if time permits.
Time spent on the practice test before the exam does not come out of your 180 minutes.

The exam is delivered by PSI at test centers. You get a hard copy score report from the test center administrator with a Pass or Fail result, but you have to complete the post-exam survey first.

Pass rates that CBDM publishes

CBDM reports first-time pass rates twice a year, and says that on average about 75% of candidates pass on the first attempt. The most recent periods:

Testing period	First-time candidates	Pass rate
7/1/24 to 12/31/24	699	69.1%
1/1/25 to 6/30/25	665	74.0%
7/1/25 to 12/31/25	653	75.0%
1/1/26 to 6/30/26	645	73.3%

These are group figures for first-time test takers. They say nothing about your own chances.

Where the 140 scored items come from

Domain	Weight
Nutrition	20%
Foodservice	22%
Personnel and Communications	20%
Sanitation and Safety	24%
Business Operations	14%

This is the outline CBDM lists with an effective date of March 1, 2025. Sanitation and Safety is the biggest slice, and Business Operations the smallest. If you do not pass, your report breaks down your score by content area, but CBDM stresses that your overall score decides pass or fail.

Cost and retakes

The exam fee is $425. If you do not pass, you wait at least 90 days, then submit a new application with fees. CBDM says there is no limit on the number of retakes as long as you stay eligible.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CDM passing score?

CBDM says historically about 70% of the 140 scored items has been required. Your score report shows the exact number you needed and the number you answered correctly.

How many questions are on the CDM exam?

160 multiple-choice questions, of which 140 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items.

Does a wrong answer cost points?

CBDM says there is no penalty for guessing. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect.

How long do I wait to retake?

At least 90 days, and you must submit a new application with fees each time.

Can I use a calculator?

You may bring a silent, non-programmable, battery-operated calculator with no printing capability. The test center administrator must approve it.

Official sources

Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.

CDM Passing Score 2026: About 70% of 140 Scored Items