Common New Year Questions for CDCES Prep
“What Year ADA Standards Should I Study?”
Given my seven-time experience taking the CDCES exam, I can say with complete conviction that being familiar with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care is one of the most important and essential strategies to prepare for exam success. More importantly, this evidence-based guidebook is crucial for providing the best clinical and person-centered care, with close attention to the Social Determinants of Health.
Taking CDCES in January or February 2025?
If you are taking the exam in January or February 2025 and you have already read the 2024 ADA Standards cover-to-cover, you are all set. It takes at least a year for the exam writers to include new questions culled from the ADA Standards. Having said that, if there are any critical new guidelines that impact clinical care, education, or treatment of diabetes, that content can be included in the exam that same year. From my review of the 2025 Standards, there are no critical new clinical guidelines that need immediate adoption into practice. One important caveat to consider: if you are relying on last year’s standards, make sure to read through the Summary of Revisions section included in the Standard of Care, so that you that latest information under your belt.
Taking the Exam in 2025 Sometime?
On the other hand, if you are taking the exam in 2025 and haven’t reviewed the ADA Standards in the past, I recommend a thorough review of the most recent ADA Standards. You can access the ADA Standards on our CDCES Coach App and the ADA Website at www.diabetes.org.
Short on Time?
In case of emergency, there is a shorter version of the ADA Standards called the Abridged version for Primary Care Providers that highlights critical clinical content. The abridged version is usually released in February by the ADA. It can also be used as a quick review after you have read the document in full. Again, after successfully passing the exam seven times, my advice is to be familiar with the ADA Standards of Care in its entirety.
Study Strategies from Coach Beverly
- Plan on reading one Standard a week, highlighting key content areas – you CAN do it!
- Review the most challenging Standards several times to allow the content to sink in.
- Provide a short in-service on an aspect of a Standard you found particularly difficult.
- Join our Level 2 – ADA Standards 2025 Update and Online Series, where Coach Beverly breaks down the critical content to help you focus your limited study time.
- Create old-fashioned flashcards and quiz yourself while walking.
- Join our FREE Prep for CDCES Certification Webinars.
“What Counts Toward My 1000 Hours and How Can I Accumulate Hours?”
If you are trying to accumulate practice hours, you may be wondering what counts toward the 1000 hours of Diabetes Self Management (DSME) Experience.
Below is an excerpt from the CBDCE Exam Handbook regarding what hours count towards this 1000-hour DSME requirement:
- Assessment: The participant’s DCE needs are identified. This process is led by the participant with the assessment and support of the educator.
- Education and Care Plan: The participant’s individualized education and care plan is developed. The plan reflects the participant’s self-management goals and current evidence and practice guidelines and includes criteria for evaluating outcomes.
- Interventions: The specialist delivers intervention options to assist the participant in meeting self-management goals.
- Ongoing Support: The specialist provides options for ongoing support and resources. The support option(s) is selected by the participant to best meet their self-management goals.
- Participant Progress: The specialist will monitor and communicate whether the participant is achieving their self-management goals and other outcome(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Additional assessments are based on the participant’s needs across the lifespan.
- Documentation: The specialist documents the assessment, education plan, intervention, and outcomes in the participant’s health record.
- Services Development/Administration: Development and administrative activities performed as part of DSMES services.
Is There a Tracker to Document My Hours?
To help you keep track of your hours, we created the Diabetes Management Hours Tracker. The column “Remaining Hours Needed” is a formula that is tied to “Hours Completed” so be sure to only put numbers in the hour’s column so the formula automatically deducts those hours to get the remaining hours you need. Make sure you let your supervisor know you are tracking your hours, since they will need to attest and verify DSME hours completed.
Tracking your activities and hours consistently is key and this Hours Tracker excel sheet can help you tally your hours, while working toward your goal of becoming a CDCES.
Work Experience Hours: How To Gain Hands-On Experience
Meeting the 1,000-hour requirement for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam is achievable with a variety of approaches. The hours needed can include volunteer or paid hours. Below are some practical ways to accumulate hours if you are not able to accrue enough hours in your current work environment.
- Volunteer in Community Health Programs or Diabetes Camps
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- Offer your expertise to local diabetes prevention or management programs, such as YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, Diabetes Camps, or similar initiatives.
- Shadow a Diabetes Education Specialist in your Community
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- Search for already existing diabetes programs in your community and volunteer to help with their diabetes program. This might even evolve into a paid position in the future.
- Join ADCES Local Networking Diabetes Groups
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- Networking with diabetes educators in your area can lead to opportunities to gain hours and possible future employment.
- Join Diabetes Support Groups
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- Facilitate or assist with support groups in person or online to provide guidance and share educational resources.
- Offer Educational Workshops or Webinars
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- Create and present workshops for people with diabetes or even train other healthcare professionals about aspects of diabetes management.
- Collaborate with Pharmacies
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- Partner with local pharmacies to provide diabetes education to people picking up diabetes-related medications or supplies.
- Participate in Health Screenings or Free Health Clinics
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- Assist with diabetes screenings, provide educational coaching at health fairs, or sign up to provide diabetes coaching at your local free clinic.
- Support Long-Term Care Facilities
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- Offer diabetes-related education to staff and residents in long-term care or assisted living facilities.
- Write or Develop Educational Content
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- If you’re skilled in writing, contribute to diabetes educational materials for local papers and websites. You can count the time spent on research and content development towards your hours.
- Join our Facebook Certification Exam Study Group
- This group is great for networking, connecting with colleagues and sharing study tips.
Resources to help Prepare for CDCES Exam
- Join our annual ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs Update on January 30, 2025!
- CDCES Coach App – Which includes the ADA Standards of Care, quizzes and lot so of FREE info.
- Level 2 | Standards of Care Intensive | 20+ CEs –
- Prep for CDCES Exam Resource Page
Are you Interested in Starting a Mentorship Program?
As part of our Bridge Program, Coach Beverly wants to support YOUR efforts to mentor a new generation of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. If you are a mentor, we are offering significant discounts off of our Diabetes Boot Camp or Virtual 3 Day Program for groups of mentees who are practicing in underserved regions of our country. Please email us for more information at [email protected]
The 2025 ADA Standards of Care are here!!
This webinar provides a comprehensive breakdown of the ADA Standards of Care, focusing on essential content for clinical practice and exam success.
This webinar is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of the ADA Standards for improved practice or preparing for the BC-ADM or CDCES certification exams.
“What Year ADA Standards Should I Study?”
“What Year ADA Standards Should I Study?”
This popular question warrants careful consideration. Coach Beverly’s first response is from her exam experience, and then we will provide the official statement from CBDCE regarding this question.
Coach Beverly’s suggested approach and insights.
Being familiar with the ADA Standards of Care is an essential strategy for exam success. More importantly, this evidence-based guidebook is crucial for providing the best clinical and person-centered care.
Taking CDCES in January or February 2024?
If you are taking the exam in January or February 2024 and you have already read the 2023 ADA Standards cover-to-cover, you should be fine. It takes at least a year for the exam writers to include new questions culled from the ADA Standards. Having said that, if there are any critical new guidelines that impact clinical care, education, or treatment of diabetes, that content can be included in the exam that same year. One important caveat: if you are relying on last year’s standards, make sure to read through the Summary of Revisions section included in the Standard of Care.
Taking the Exam in 2024 Sometime?
On the other hand, if you are taking the exam in 2024 and haven’t reviewed the ADA Standards in the past, I recommend a thorough review of this clinical guidebook.
Short on Time?
In case of emergency, there is a shorter version of the ADA Standards called the Abridged version for Primary Care Providers that highlights critical clinical content. The abridged version can also be used as a quick review after you have read the entire document. Again, after successfully passing the exam seven times, my advice is to be familiar with the ADA Standards of Care in its entirety.
Study Strategies from Coach Beverly
- Plan on reading one Standard a week, highlighting key content areas – you CAN do it!
- Review the most challenging Standards several times to allow the content to sink in.
- Provide a short in-service on an aspect of a Standard you found particularly difficult.
- Consider registering for the Level 2 – ADA Standards Online Series, where Coach Beverly breaks down the critical content to help you focus your limited study time.
- Create old-fashioned flashcards and quiz yourself while walking.
Here is official statement on “Testing of Advancements” from the CBDCE
CBDCE recognizes that advances in the treatment of diabetes continue to be made. It is also recognized that the dissemination of this information may not occur at the same rate in different areas of the United States. In consideration, CBDCE has developed the following policies:
- New medical advances, guidelines, or pharmaceuticals impacting diabetes care and education and/or treatment of diabetes will be included in the Certification Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists no sooner than one year after the information is released.
- New diagnostic criteria or specific guidelines impacting diabetes care and education and/or treatment of diabetes which are released nationally and identified as effective immediately may be included in the examination at any time.
Resources to help Prepare for CDCES Exam
- Join our annual ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs Update on February 1, 2024!
- CDCES Coach App – Which includes the ADA Standards of Care, quizzes and lot so of FREE info.
- Level 2 | Standards of Care Intensive | 20+ CEs –
- Prep for CDCES Exam Resource Page
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
You’re invited – FREE Prep for BC-ADM Exam Webinar on April 6th
Starting your journey to becoming a BC-ADM? Our FREE Webinar
Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam
Airs live on Thursday, April 6th at 11:30 am PST for our
This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.
Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam Webinar Topics
- exam eligibility and test format,
- strategies to succeed
- study tips and test-taking tactics
She will also review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers. We hope you can join us.
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Preparing for BC-ADM Exam? Learn about Exam updates at Free Webinar | April 7th
Are you Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam?
We have some exciting exam updates to share.
Join Coach Beverly, Thursday, April 7th at 11:30 am PST for everything you need to know to prepare!
Becoming Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) provides an opportunity for diabetes specialists with an advanced degree in their field (plus a professional license as an advanced practice nurse, registered dietitian, registered pharmacist, or provider) to increase the breadth and depth of their diabetes knowledge. The scope of advanced diabetes practice includes management skills such as medication adjustment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise planning, counseling for behavior management, and psychosocial issues.
Attaining optimal diabetes management includes using a person-centered approach coupled with assessment, screening, management, and monitoring of acute and chronic diabetes co conditions. This webinar will review changes in requirements for 2021, exam eligibility and test format, 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. We hope you can join us for this webinar.
Can’t join us live? No worries! Registrants get a priority notification and a link to the recorded version within 24 hours.
Join our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference
30+ CEs | April 13-15, 2022
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.
Download Course Schedule | Download Course Flyer
Join us LIVE for this Virtual Course and enjoy a sense of community!
Team of expert faculty includes:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
- LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
- State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session.
- Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.
Deluxe Version includes Syllabus, Standards and Swag*:
- Diabetes Educator Course 2022 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
- ADA 2022 Standards of Care Book -The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes is a key resource for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care, education, and support.
- DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard, Tote Bag and Pen
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
- LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
- State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session.
- Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me? Free Webinar | Dec 9th
Are you considering pursuing certification in diabetes care, but are not sure which certification is right for you and how to get started?
Coach Beverly is excited to share her insights on determining the best certification choice and the pathway to success. She will share her personal journey on achieving both her CDCES and BC-ADM over 20 years ago and how these credentials have impacted her opportunities as a diabetes specialist and president of her own company. We hope you can join us!
Webinar Topics
- Discuss the similarities and differences between the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials
- CDCES or certified diabetes care and education specialist
- BC-ADM or board certification in advanced diabetes management
- List the academic and experiential qualifications to take both exams
- Explore which certification best match your personal and professional goals
- Describe the steps to study and prepare for exam success for both certifications
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Preparing for BC-ADM Exam? Learn about Exam updates at Free Webinar | Nov. 17th
Are you Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam?
We have some exciting exam updates to share.
Join Coach Beverly, Wednesday November 17th at 11:30 am PST for everything you need to know to prepare!
Becoming Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) provides an opportunity for diabetes specialists with an advanced degree in their field (plus a professional license as an advanced practice nurse, registered dietitian, registered pharmacist, or provider) to increase the breadth and depth of their diabetes knowledge. The scope of advanced diabetes practice includes management skills such as medication adjustment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise planning, counseling for behavior management, and psychosocial issues.
Attaining optimal diabetes management includes using a person-centered approach coupled with assessment, screening, management, and monitoring of acute and chronic diabetes co conditions. This webinar will review changes in requirements for 2021, exam eligibility and test format, 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. We hope you can join us for this webinar.
Can’t join us live? No worries! Registrants get priority notification and link to recorded version within 24 hours.
Save the Date for our Cyber Monday Sale!
For one day only, save 25% off all of our Online Courses!
Use code “CYBER25” on the payment page during checkout on November 30th
WANT A REMINDER EMAIL BEFORE THE SALE?
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Prep for BC-ADM Exam 2021 Free Webinar | April 8th
Studying for the BC-ADM exam?
Join Coach Bev for a FREE Webinar to get the info you need for success.
April 8, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (PST)
Unsure about updates for this mastery level 2021 exam?
Join us to get ready to succeed at the BC-ADM Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test taking readiness.
Topics Covered Include:
This free webinar will review BC-ADM requirements for the current year.
- exam eligibility and test format,
- strategies to succeed
- study tips and test-taking tactics.
She will also review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers. We hope you can join us.
See our Prep for BC-ADM Resource Page
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times and first earned her BC-ADM credential 20 years ago. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.
Studying for the BC-ADM?
Try one of our bundles!
BC-ADM Prep Bundle | Levels 2, 3, & 4 | 39+ CES
Beverly has custom designed this course bundle to prepare you for your BC-ADM Exam. Including Level 2 (Standards of Care Intensive), Level 3 (Boot Camp), and Level 4, you can start studying now with 29 On-Demand webinars and practice tests to build your diabetes education foundation and prepare for the BC-ADM Exam.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Prep for BC-ADM Exam 2021 Free Webinar | February 10th
Studying for the BC-ADM exam?
Join Coach Bev for a FREE Webinar to get the info you need for success.
February 10th, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (PST)
Unsure about updates for this mastery level 2021 exam?
Join us to get ready to succeed at the BC-ADM Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test taking readiness.
Topics Covered Include:
This free webinar will review BC-ADM requirements for the current year.
- exam eligibility and test format,
- strategies to succeed
- study tips and test-taking tactics.
She will also review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers. We hope you can join us.
See our Prep for BC-ADM Resource Page
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times and first earned her BC-ADM credential 20 years ago. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.
Studying for the BC-ADM?
Try one of our bundles!
BC-ADM Prep Bundle | Levels 2, 3, & 4 | 39+ CES
Beverly has custom designed this course bundle to prepare you for your BC-ADM Exam. Including Level 2 (Standards of Care Intensive), Level 3 (Boot Camp), and Level 4, you can start studying now with 29 On-Demand webinars and practice tests to build your diabetes education foundation and prepare for the BC-ADM Exam.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
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