Preparing for the CDCES Exam FREE Webinar & Resource Page

Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES?
We recommend watching our FREE Preparing for CDCES Exam Webinar!

This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.

Webinar Topics

  • Exam requirement updates for 2024.
  • Exam eligibility and new test format starting in July 2024
  • Strategies to succeed along with a review of study tips and test-taking tactics.
  • We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
  • Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test-taking tips!

2024 Webinars and Handouts!

Can’t join us live?

Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

Instructor

Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician, and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.

Becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is one of the best professional and personal decisions I have ever made.” – Coach Beverly Thomassian


Listen to the Podcast

 


 

Why become a CDCES?
Three Reasons from Coach Beverly

Read More: 3 Reasons to Become a CDCES

The best part of becoming a CDCES is working with my colleagues and people living with diabetes. As diabetes educators, we hear compelling and beautiful life stories. I am astounded by the barriers they face and inspired by their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

– Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Reason 1: CDCES is a widely recognized certification by employers and health care professionals throughout the U.S.  This credential demonstrates a specialized and in-depth knowledge in the prevention and treatment of individuals living with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Reason 2: Currently, 13% of people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 36% have pre-diabetes which means 49% of Americans are running around with elevated blood glucose levels.  Given this epidemic, there will be plenty of future job opportunities.

Reason 3: Having my CDCES along with my nursing degree, has opened many doors of opportunity; from working as an inpatient Diabetes Nurse Specialist in a hospital to working as a Manager of Diabetes Education in the outpatient setting to starting my own consulting company.


Studying for the CDCES?
Try one of our online bundles!

Interested in diabetes certification, but not sure where to start? Find your Study Path and Tools that are right for you based on this quick 4 question survey.

Read More: CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 40+ CEs

CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 40+ CEs

Beverly has custom-designed this course bundle to prepare you for your CDCES Exam. This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES (formerly AADE) Review Guide – 6th Edition. This bundle includes Levels 1 through 3 (AKA Boot Camp), toolkits, plus the ADCES Review Guide.

Included in this bundle is:

  • Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
  • Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care, 
  • Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
  • Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
  • Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. 
  • ADCES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 6th Edition – The ADCES Review Guide is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam. This book includes 475+ multiple-choice questions and strategies for preparing for and taking the exam with an answer key with rationales for all questions! 
  • Medication PocketCard – Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation.
  • Tote Bag


Read More: CDCES Basic Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses | 40+ CEs

 

CDCES Basic Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses | 40+ CEs

Beverly has custom designed this course bundle to prepare you for your CDCES (formerly known as CDE) or BC-ADM Exam. This bundle includes Levels 1 through 3 (AKA Boot Camp) plus our Technology and Test Taking Toolkits

Included in this bundle is:

  • Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
  • Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care, 
  • Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
  • Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
  • Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. 


Read More: CDCES Mini Bundle | 20+ Online Courses | 34+ CEs

CDCES Mini Bundle | 20+ Online Courses | 34+ CEs

This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam and feel ready to skip past the fundamentals.

Included in this bundle is:

  • Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care, 
  • Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
  • Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. 


Read More: ADCES Book Bundle: Desk Reference & Review Guide – 6th edition

 

ADCES Book Bundle: Desk Reference & Review Guide – 6th edition

Our most popular ADCES Book Bundle to prepare for the CDCES and BC-ADM. The ADCES (formerly AADE) Art & Science Desk Reference and Review Guide. Many Students find success pairing their online courses with an additional text reference.

For independent study time, these books provide the tools and comprehensive resources that help you focus your study time efficiently and effectively. Purchase the combo for an additional boost in knowledge & focus on those areas you have identified during your self assessment.


Read More: ADA 2024 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Book

ADA 2024 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes

This yearly publication by the American Diabetes Association outlines the goals of care for diabetes management. Since it is evidence-based, it includes a useful summary of the trials and research that the goals are based on. A must-read if you are entering the diabetes field or preparing to take the CDCES or BC-ADM Exam.


Read More: ADCES Art & Science Desk Reference – 6th edition

 

ADCES Art & Science Desk Reference 6th Edition

The ADCES (formerly AADE) Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education, 6th Edition is a specialist’s one-volume, go-to resource for the core knowledge and skills for providing person-centered care and education to persons with diabetes and related chronic conditions. This is a core resource for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.


Read More: ADCES Review Guide 6th Edition

ADCES Review Guide 6th Edition

This guide reflects the ADA Standards of Care, newer medications, and technologies.

The ADCES Review Guide is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam and the BC-ADM Exam.

The 6th Edition Updates provides:

  • 475+ multiple-choice questions
  • Strategies for preparing for and taking the exam
  • Updates based on the ADA Standards of Care for 2024


Read More: Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference

Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference | Earn 30+ CEs

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.


Read More: Medication & Insulin Pocketcard

Medication and Insulin PocketCards

Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation. One of our best sellers, the Diabetes Medication PocketCard is perfect for all Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.


What are the steps to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists?

Step 1. Sign up for our FREE Webinar – Preparing for the CDCES exam

  • This webinar reviews CDCES exam eligibility requirements (register at the top of this page), the exam format, and study strategies. Beverly also provides test-taking tips, sample test questions, and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.

Step 2. Review the qualifications to achieve your CDCES

Practice Hours Requirement Adjusted for Pandemic: The CBDCE has extended the adjusted hours required to “address the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of health professionals pursuing the CDCES credential:

  1. For applications submitted through 2024*, minimum DCE experience needed in prior 12 months reduced from 400 hours to 200 hours; and 2.
  2. For applications submitted through 2026**, minimum 1000 hours (or 2000 hours for unique qualifications pathway) of DCE experience needed can be accrued over a longer period of time. The time frame is increased from 4 years from application date to 5 years from application date.”

More questions? Visit CBDCE (formerly NCBDE) eligibility page or you can call 1-877-239-3233 or email info@ncbde.org with any questions.


Step 3 – Review our 10 Steps to Succeed and Pass the CDCES Exam page

  • Coach Beverly has created a 10-Step Study Path and Material List to help you succeed! These are based off 25 years of CDCES coaching experience and student feedback. Prepare for the exam, earn your CEs, gain confidence as an educator, and more!

Step 4 – Increase knowledge of diabetes and co-condition management

Interested in diabetes certification, but not sure where to start? Find your Study Path and Tools that are right for you based on this quick 4 question survey.
  • Attend our Live & Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course.  This course will provide you with critical information and clinical pearls for your practice.
  • Enroll in our Online University courses. If you can’t attend our live seminars, we invite you to enroll in our bundles such as:
  • Benefiting from our extensive library of on-demand diabetes presentations. And even if you do attend our live seminars, these online courses are an excellent review and reinforce key points.

Articles to Read to Prepare for CDCES Exam

Read More: Recommended Articles

ADA Standards of Care 2024 – This yearly publication by the American Diabetes Association outlines the national goals of care based on the latest research for diabetes management. This is one of the most important guidelines to read as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

2024 Abridged Standards of Care This collection provides an abridged version of the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024 designed especially for primary care professionals. 

Summary of Revisions: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024 – The 2024 Standards of Care includes revisions to incorporate person-first and inclusive language. Efforts were made to consistently apply terminology that empowers people with diabetes and recognizes the individual at the center of diabetes care.

Screening and Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus 2024 – One-page cheat sheet that summarizes screening, risk status, and diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Great for your office and as a study tool.

Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment in 2024.  This ADA/EASD hyperglycemia road map details strategies to improve glucose management for both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Section 9 of Standards of Care, 2024

Language & Diabetes. What we say matters | Resource page
Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. This mini webinar and article provide recommendations for the language used by health care professionals and others when discussing diabetes through spoken or written words whether directed to people with diabetes, colleagues, or the general public, as well as research questions related to language and diabetes.

Med Cheat Sheets | Cholesterol and Hypertension Medications 2024 – These summary sheets are helpful for your clinical practice and preparing for certification exams. For exam success, be familiar with the general concepts, (side effects and precautions) of these medications.

ADCES 7™ Self-Care BehaviorsA must-read for anyone entering the field of Diabetes or as a reference for those already in the field.  These 7 Self-Care Behaviors™ provide a framework for patient-centered diabetes self-management education and training (DSME/T) and care.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Consensus Statement: Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm – 2023 Update.  This link provides the complete executive and slide set summary by an American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology Consensus Panel on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. If you are taking the CDCES or BC-ADM exam, we encourage students to be familiar with the slide content that reviews diabetes management.

2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support – A joint position statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. An important document to review for those providing Diabetes Self-Management Education or those considering taking the certification exam.

Landmark Studies – a short cheat sheets that highlights the major diabetes trials and the significant findings.

We invite you to visit our comprehensive library of articles and resources – See more »


The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the diabetes certification exams. CBDCE & ADCES does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the certification exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.

**To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). CBDCE does not approve of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.