Coach Beverly and Team have custom-designed this detailed road map to CDCES and BC-ADM certification exam success! By following these 10 Steps, you have easy access to the tools and resources you need to succeed at either or both certification exams!
Not sure where to start? We offer complimentary webinars that help you learn more about both the CDCES and BC-ADM exam pathways.
Join us live or listen to our On-Demand version by registering today! Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the certification Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test-taking tips!
To apply for the CDCES or BC-ADM Exam, you must meet the eligibility requirements.
Download our free CDCES Coach App. Our app provides you with easy access to our Medication PocketCards, Online University login, Free Webinars, Question of the Week, Knowledge Bytes, and much more!
When you download the CDCES Coach App you have immediate access to the most up-to-date information:
You can download it from the App Store or Google Play!
To determine how to best spend your study time, we encourage you to first assess your Diabetes Knowledge. By using the tools below, you can determine what your best course of action is for certification exam success. We are here to help you create the perfect study plan!
We suggest rating your knowledge for the exam outlines below in each of the key areas on a scale of 1-5.
One means you are not very familiar with the content and five means you are a pro. Areas with 1-3 ratings deserve the majority of your study time. Areas rated 4-5 warrant less review and study time.
Next, map out a timeline that includes the best times to study, and topic areas to review, and start gathering your study resources.
To prepare for success, get in your best shape by exercising your test taking muscles. Take as many tests as possible to increase your comfort, confidence and exam readiness.
Whether you are preparing for the CDCES or BC-ADM exam, this test taking toolkit is designed to prepare you for success.
This course facilitated by Coach Beverly will help you transform your nervousness into focused energy that will help you succeed. She will provide test taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. She will explain how to dissect the question, eliminate wrong answers, and avoid getting lured in by juicy answers.
Plus, the Test Taking Toolkit provides you over 220+ sample practice online practice questions, simulating the exam experience. A perfect way to assess your knowledge and create a focused study plan, while increasing your test taking confidence.
This Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit is designed to prepare you for exam success. This Webinar includes:
The review guide provides test-taking strategies and the rationale for the correct answers; 450+ self-assessment questions to gauge areas that may require additional study, and 400 questions (2 practice exams/200 questions each) to simulate exam day.
We highly recommend the purchase of this important study tool that provides abundant test-taking practice which is critical for success.
Once you have identified areas where you want to focus your study time, it’s time to determine how to best fill in the knowledge gaps you identified when you did your self-assessment using the exam outlines. Depending on your learning style there are three different options to fill in identified knowledge gaps and increase your depth of diabetes knowledge.
Both certification exams include content on the Standards of Care, pharmacology, behavior change, Medical Nutrition Therapy, psychosocial issues, CVD and CKD risk mitigation, technologies, and diabetes care through the lifespan.
From Diabetes Technology to Behavioral Change Theory, this interactive intensive will help demystify even the most complex of topics in diabetes care.
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.
With a total of over 50+ CEs offered, our online university presents a multitude of relevant courses and test taking tools for your Diabetes Education. Most courses include an On Demand webinar led by Coach Beverly, a podcast, additional resources, and a post-presentation test.
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.
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.
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.
The review guide provides test-taking strategies and the rationale for the correct answers; 450+ self-assessment questions to gauge areas that may require additional study; and 400 questions (2 practice exams/200 questions each) to simulate exam day.
We highly recommend the purchase of this important study tool that provides abundant test taking practice which is critical for success.
In preparation for exam success, it is important to be familiar with the National Standards of Care and Position Statements published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES).
These Standards and National Guidelines are important not only for the exam but for your own clinical practice. As diabetes specialists, providing evidence-based care that is up-to-date and accurate translates into the best care.
Coach Beverly Study Tip: Know the National Goals for the exam. Keep in mind that your particular clinic goals may not match the national goals. So, leave your clinic goals behind when you are taking the exam.
Based on student feedback and the exam outline, here are the top six articles to start reviewing:
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.
One page cheat sheet that summarizes screening, risk status and diagnostic criteria for diabetes.
Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. This article provides recommendations for language used by healthcare 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.
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.
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 take the certification exam.
This paper highlights critical content about insulin pump therapy. You will find this useful for teaching patients and families and in preparation for your exam.
An important part of being a successful Diabetes Educator is gaining a thorough understanding of diabetes medications and insulin therapy.
Coach Beverly Study tip: on the exam, they list the generic and trade names for the medications. Make sure you know what class the medication belongs to, precautions, side effects, and important patient teaching points.
A helpful strategy is to be very familiar with the content outlined in our Medication and Insulin PocketCards.
You can now purchase all four of our medication PocketCards in a new laminated accordion-style format or download for free now. The perfect study partner!
We also offer many online courses that review the critical content for medications that will help increase your confidence and knowledge for the exam and your clinical setting.
Our diabetes cheat sheet page is brimming full of useful information for your clinical practice and exam success. Updated annually by Coach Beverly to reflect the latest ADA Standards, we invite you to take a look around and enjoy these helpful resources.
The exam also includes questions about common medications to treat hypertension and lipids. Make sure to have a general knowledge of the main classes, side effects precautions, and patient education content. Here are the best resources to build your medication knowledge:
Print these “cheat sheets” as part of your studies, plus they are great resources to have available in your practice setting.
This paper highlights critical content about insulin pump therapy. You will find this useful for teaching patients and families and in preparation for your exam.
When entering the field of Diabetes Education, it is important to be familiar with the philosophy behind how-to approach diabetes self-management education. Read the following to gain insights into the philosophical underpinnings included in the certification exams.
Empowerment vs. Compliance Model Chart
This chart provides a quick and direct summary and contrast of these competing philosophies. The exam philosophy is patient-centered with a focus on empowerment. Review this chart to become familiar with the empowerment approach.
The Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education
As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes every day. Watch our free webinar Lifting People Up With Our Words | FREE Webinar to learn more.
ADCES 7™ Self-Care Behaviors
A 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.
After meeting the discipline requirement, applicants must meet the experience requirement for the certification exam.
What counts as “Diabetes Care & Education” hours?
From page 3 of the 2024 Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators Handbook , here is an explanation of what counts towards the 1000 hours requirement:
BC-ADM Exam Hours Requirement
What counts as “Advanced Clinical Practice” hours?
From page 11 & 12 of the BC-ADM Handbook, here is an explanation of what counts towards the 500 advanced clinical hours requirement:
Managing complex patient needs
Assisting patients with therapeutic problem?solving
Adjusting medications if within their discipline’s scope of practice
Treating and monitoring acute and chronic complications and other comorbidities
Addressing psychosocial issues
Participating in research
Mentoring other clinicians in diabetes care
Set yourself up for success. Arrive early and get a good night’s sleep. Eat a healthy breakfast. Visualize yourself feeling confident and prepared. Join Coach Beverly’s Test-Taking Coach Session for extra tips and recommendations.
Eliminate false answers and choose the BEST answer. Don’t get lured in by overly complex answers, look at each answer as either true or false.
Focus on NATIONAL standards– leave your clinical goals behind.
Don’t read into the question or answers – sift through vignettes to find relevant information. Choose the best answer based on the information provided in the vignette.
Stay centered– move, stand and breathe during the exam.
Please share your success stories with us! You can email info@diabetesed.net to share your story today!
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 continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.”