# Frequently Asked Questions > Get answers to common questions about CSNM, continuing education for nutrition managers, student memberships/scholarship, and CNM certification. Frequently Asked Questions Your common questions, answered Have a questions but can't find the answer here? Feel free to contact us. General FAQ When was CSNM formed? + The Association started in 1965 to promote and represent the profession of Food and Nutrition Managers across Canada. Why should I become a CSNM member? + Our members work together to: Volunteer opportunities - leadership, development, committees and governance Oversee the Accredited programs in Nutrition Management across Canada. Provide our members with a national standard of competence in Nutrition Management through our Certification program. Provide our members with Continuing Education (CE) through conferences, quarterly magazines, webinars, website and monthly e-News. Sharing best practices, career development, mentorship, social networks, in affiliation with industry partners through a variety of networking opportunities. Professional designation - Active members use the NM (Nutrition Manager) designation.  Certified members use the CNM (Certified Nutrition Manager) designation  How does CSNM practice its values? + Our CSNM members volunteer on a variety of committees that work to achieve strategies outlined in our Strategic Plan : Marketing - Create a strong brand that will increase our recognition and presence in the marketplace.  Membership - To retain, attract and support CSNM members to ensure the continued growth and success of the profession. Lobbying/Advocacy - Influence the federal, provincial governments and educational institutions to recognize the expertise of Nutrition Managers in the areas of risk management, safety, food service management, healthy eating and nutrition. Technology - Ensure our technology infrastructure supports nutrition management information that is easily accessible to our members. Education - To establish and maintain high standards of knowledge and competence to encourage the personal and professional growth of our members. How long does it take to process my membership application? + Membership applications are processed within 7-14 days.  If you do not hear from us after that time, please e-mail csnm@csnm.ca  to inquire about your application. How can I earn Continuing Education points? + Read CSNM’s magazine and complete quizzes in the member's area. Sign in or fill out evaluations at conferences and any of CSNM’s over 175 approved seminars, workshops, webinars, webcasts, exhibits and food shows. Event organizers will notify CSNM of your attendance. (link to events calendar) For Certified Nutrition Managers – in addition to the methods stated above: Completing Non approved external education courses; once completed, fill out the Continuing Education Tracking Form attach the verifying documents then submit them to the Certification Portfolio Manager by December 31 for approval. Volunteering on a CSNM committee: Contact your Portfolio Manager and request them to submit a request to the CSNM office to award you one CE point for volunteering to your CSNM CE transcript. The deadline for the request would be December 31, annually How many Continuing Education (CE) points do I need in order to renew my 'active' membership? + Active members - NMs need to earn 8 CE points each year, at least 1 point from each of our 8 Core Competencies. Certified members, CNMs must earn 16 CE Points annually; the first 8 from each competency area, and the remaining 8 CE points over at least 4 competencies. How do I verify my CE points when it is time to renew my membership? + Login to the membership area of the CSNM website, click on Continuing Education Transcripts and then choose the year you want to view (i.e. 2025 transcripts). Then scroll to the bottom and click on Print PDF to print the CE point page. Attach it to your application or renewal form and submit it to CCPC Why do CE points/quizzes have to be done by December 31, when the membership renewal isn't due until March 31? + The CSNM membership year runs from April 1 to March 31, and our invoices for membership renewals are distributed in January. In order to determine if our members are eligible to renew. In order to determine if you’re eligible to renew, our CE period has to end in December to ensure our members attain the appropriate CE points to renew.  For NM’s - 8 CE points (at least 1 CE point for each competency  For CNMs - 16 CE points (at least 1 CE point for each competency, and the other 8 spread across at least 4 competencies) Is it true that the Board members are volunteers? + Yes, all of the CSNM board members are volunteers that have a keen interest in the business of the Society. I'm interested in volunteering with the CSNM. What opportunities are available, and who do I contact? + The CSNM has a variety of committees and opportunities available.   Membership  - reviewing and approving new applicants to the Society Continuing Education -  reviewing and approving continuing education opportunities for our members Examination Committee - reviewing and marking entrance exams  Marketing  - working together to create a strong brand in the marketplace Lobbying/Advocacy - working towards influencing federal and provincial governments to promote the expertise of Nutrition Managers Certification - presentations on certification to membership, schools and employers Member Communications  - reviewing/writing articles for our magazine, updates to the website, e-News and more By-laws, Policies and Procedures - reviewing and updating by-laws, policies and procedures If you have a keen interest or are able to assist with any of these areas, please complete a volunteer form submission.  Our Society would not exist without the countless efforts of our outstanding volunteers! Student FAQ How do I become a student member? + Student Membership is only available to students enrolled in a CSNM Accredited Program. Apply online - membership is guaranteed for students from accredited programs. Information on student membership will be shared with you in your first year of study as well. What does a student membership cost? The Student Membership is free of charge and is valid for the duration of your program.   When applying, you will need to provide the College Code from the Program Director in order to apply at no charge.   This fee includes all of the benefits of a Student Membership  Plus covers the Active Member application fee ($60 value)_ should you apply for Active Membership within two years of graduating What are the benefits of becoming a student member? + Receive a subscription to the Food Service and Nutrition magazine (4 publications a year). Reduced student rates for conference registration fees. You will have an opportunity to apply for a $1500.00 CSNM National Scholarship (3 bursaries are awarded each year). You can stay on top of national industry news and trends Opportunities to network with other students and members at CSNM events. What information do I need to include with my application? + Your school name and location Your anticipated graduation date Mailing and e-mail address $40.00 non-refundable application fee Once I become a student member, what can I do to ensure I get the benefits of being a member of CSNM? + Routinely access the website for updates and valuable links that could be of use to you in your assignments. Access the e-newsletters and read the magazines on timely topics that could assist you with classroom assignments or as a resource for additional information. Discuss with your classmates and instructors articles and other information that you have accessed from the various sources. If you have a change in address, log in and click on “Edit Profile” to make any changes to your address or notify the Main Office. If you are in the last half of your program, be sure to apply for the CSNM National Scholarship for an opportunity to win $1500. Certification FAQ What is CCPC?  + The Canadian Council of Professional Certification is a non-profit, professional organization established for the purpose of recognizing the accomplishments of professionals working in their specific disciplines. Why does CSNM use CCPC for certification? + CSNM wanted an unbiased organization to oversee the certification process. CCPC offers accountability CCPC monitors renewals to ensure the annual CE point requirement is maintained. Why should I become a CNM? + Being a CNM provides the following: CNM designation is the highest level of certification available in the Nutrition Management field. CNM designation provides an avenue for CSNM members who have studied, worked, and developed skills in the nutrition management field to receive professional recognition. CNM designation provides the stakeholders, public and employers with confidence that professional managers have attained an advanced level of competency. CNM designation provides Certified Managers with encouragement and opportunity for continuing education and professional development. How do I apply to become a Certified Nutrition Manager? + Go to  http://www.ccpcglobal.com/certification/certified-nutrition-manager-cnm/ Review the manual and the forms Complete the online application.                                                                                    Submit completed online application and fees to CCPC When can I apply for certification? + Once you have "4000 hours paid work experience" as an active CSNM member and have earned 16 CE points in the year prior.                                                       When and how can I renew my certification? + March 31ST is the Annual renewal date for all CNM If you have earned your 16 CE points, CNM renewal will be included with your annual CSNM Membership invoice CSNM will collect the fees and forward them to CCPC How many CE points do I need to renew my certification? + Annually CNM’s must earn 16 CE points to maintain their certification At least one point must be earned in each of the 8 competency areas, with the remaining points being in any combination of at least 4 different competencies. Do I count my Continuing Education points for my annual renewal from the Current CE Point Year?   + Yes, If Renewing for 2026, you must have earned 16 CE points in 2025 ( with at least 1 CE point for each competency, and the other 8 spread across at least 4 competencies) .CE points for the year fall between January 1st and December 31st. As a volunteer on a CSNM committee, how do I receive the Continuing Education (CE) points as credit? + Volunteering on a CSNM committee: Contact your Portfolio Manager and request them to submit a request to the CSNM office to award you one CE point for volunteering to your CSNM CE transcript. The deadline for the request would be December 31, annually Will I receive pins and certificates as a Certified Nutrition Manager? + CCPC provides a certificate and a stamp. CSNM will send out CNM pins to new CNM’s  Is Certified Nutrition Manager (CNM ) trade-marked? + CSNM applied for a trademark of Certified Nutrition Manager, CNM and was approved in 2013 Who is permitted to use the professional designation Certified Nutrition Manager, CNM? + Only CSNM members that have met the qualifications of CNM and have been approved by CCPC and continue to maintain their Certification through CSNM and CCPC are entitled to use the trademarked Certified Nutrition Manager, CNM Student Scholarship FAQ What are the student requirements to apply for the scholarship? + You must be a CSNM student member, enrolled in the second year of your program. Refer to Student FAQ for additional information on our scholarship. What are my odds of winning the scholarship? + The CSNM awards 3 bursaries @ $1500 each. At the start of each term, it is estimated that the CSNM has approximately 180-200 students that are enrolled in the second year of their program. Depending on how many students apply, your odds of winning are quite good. Where do I get a copy of the application form? + The Scholarship Application Form is available online Click Here for a copy. What documents must I include? + Completed application form One page typed essay describing your career motivation, goals and objectives Your current resume The faculty recommendation form, completed by the Program Director or Academic Advisor returned to you in a sealed envelope The course outline and your most up to date school transcript Is there any cost involved? + Depending on the Facility, there might be a cost in obtaining your transcript and/or the cost of a postage stamp when you mail in your application form. What criteria will applicants be reviewed and graded on? + A point system based on the following: Career Objectives    25 Points Work Experience & Employer Recommendations   25 Points Facility Recommendations   25 Points Scholastic Ability   25 Points Applicants are scored on their work experience within the foodservice and nutrition management industry, financial need, scholastic ability and their demonstrated commitment to the industry. What is the deadline for submission? + The deadline for submitting your application is July 1st. Who makes the decision on choosing the winners? + The CSNM Honors and Awards Committee selects the winners of the bursary. The committee is made up of the following Board Members: One Provincial Representative President Past President ( Chairperson) President-Elect When is the winning submission announced? + The winners of the Bursaries will be announced in September of each year