For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on JR studying to take their CDCES exam, and they have questions studying for the 2025 or 2026 ADA Standards of Care. 55.56% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
JR has been diligently studying to take their CDCES exam at the end of January 2026. They are wondering if they should study the 2025 or 2026 ADA Standards of Care.
As a mentor to healthcare professionals entering the field of diabetes, what do you recommend?
- Know the 2025 Standards, since it takes about a year for the new standards to be incorporated unless there is a significant clinical guideline update.
- Thoroughly review the 2026 Standards since the most recent ADC Standards content will be included in the exam.
- Be familiar with the goals of care from both years, so you can compare and contrast to get to the best answers.
- In addition to knowing the 2026 ADA Standards, you will need to be familiar with the latest American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Standards.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer A is correct: 55.56% chose this answer, “Know the 2025 Standards, since it takes about a year for the new standards to be incorporated unless there is a significant clinical guideline update.” Answer A is the BEST answer. It takes at least a year for the CBDCE to update the exam based on the ADA Standards. Knowing the 2025 Standards along with any urgent clinical updates announced in 2026 will help prepare JR for success.
Answer B is incorrect: 11.45% chose this answer, “Thoroughly review the 2026 Standards since the most recent ADC Standards content will be included in the exam.” Answer B is not the best answer. Since it takes at least a year for the CBDCE to update the exam based on the ADA Standards, JR can feel comfortable knowing the 2025 Standards along with any urgent clinical updates announced in 2026.
Answer C is incorrect: 19.53% chose this answer, “Be familiar with the goals of care from both years, so you can compare and contrast to get to the best answers.” Answer C is not the best answer. Thinking about comparing and contrasting two consecutive years standards and lead to testing confusion. JR can feel comfortable knowing the 2025 Standards along with any urgent clinical updates announced in 2026.
Answer D is incorrect: 13.47% chose this answer, “In addition to knowing the 2026 ADA Standards, you will need to be familiar with the latest American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Standards.” Answer D is not the best answer. Since it takes at least a year for the CBDCE to update the exam based on the ADA Standards, JR can feel comfortable knowing the 2025 Standards along with any urgent clinical updates announced in 2026.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
