This blog highlights important changes in required practice hours experience, celebrates 35 years of the CDCES Credential, and provides helpful study resources.

Taking the CDCES Exam in 2021 or 2022? The Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) has announced some important adjustments to the Professional Practice Experience Requirements due to the COVID pandemic.

To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of health professionals pursuing the CDCES credential to accrue practice experience in diabetes care and education (DCE), the CBDCE Board of Directors has approved temporary changes to the professional practice requirement relating to DCE for initial certification.

CBCDE View Full statement here

Practice Experience Changes take effect April 1, 2021.

1) For applications submitted through 2022, minimum Diabetes Care and Education (DCE) experience needed in prior 12 months reduced from 400 hours to 200 hours;

2) For applications submitted through 2023, minimum of 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 the application date

Resources to Help

Coach Beverly remembers taking her first CDCES Exam in1992 (29 years ago). Back then, applicants needed 2000 hours of practice experience to qualify and a #2 pencil to bubble in the right answers on the exam scantron. She remembers how nervous she felt as she opened her test booklet and the lack of study tools to prepare for the exam. Because of this experience, Coach Beverly wants to make sure you have the tools you need to realize your professional dream of achieving certification.

Our passion is supporting health care professionals on their journey to gain mastery and become certified diabetes specialists.

Answer 4 Questions to see what Study Tools are Right for You.

CDCES FREE Webinar and Resource Page – Join Coach Beverly on April 1 (no joking)

Practice Hours Spreadsheet Tracker. Download this sheet to easily track your practice hours.

CDCES Coach App – We send you a Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week for FREE!

10 Steps to Success – Coach Beverly has custom-designed your road map to CDCES success!

CDCES First Time Pass Rate

If you are taking the exam for the first time, you may be interested in a historical look back on passing rates.

As you can see, over the past ten years, about two-thirds pass the exam on their first go-round. This informs us that the test is challenging and requires a clear study plan to achieve success with special attention to those content areas that aren’t in our usual daily practice (for example, pediatrics, in-hospital, pregnancy, technology, type 1, etc.).

We offer a myriad of resources to help you on your journey (see list above).

---

CBDCE Celebrates 35 Years

This year, the CDCES (formerly CDE) celebrates its 35th Anniversary. There are currently over 19,500 health professionals in the diabetes care and education community that hold the CDCES credential.

And just in case you are wondering, the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) is an independent specialty board responsible for the development and administration of the certification program for diabetes care and education programs. They are separate and independent from any other organization or association.

CBDCE’s mission is to promote comprehensive and ongoing quality diabetes clinical management, education, prevention, and support by defining, developing, maintaining, and protecting the certification and credentialing processes.

Interested in joining the CBDCE Board Of Directors?

If you already have your CDCES and are looking to get more involved with the CBDCE, they are actively seeking applicants for their Board of Directors. Find our more here!

---

It’s not too late to reserve your spot for our
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference | April 15-17, 2021

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 interested in taking the CDCES or BC-ADM exam or are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you.

DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Flyer 2021

Diabetes Ed Virtual 3-Day Schedule 2021

---

Entire Program Fee: $399
Dates: April 15-17, 2021
3 Expert Speakers
CEs: 30+ CE hours
Live Webinar Schedule: All webinars start and end times are in Pacific Standard Time

---

Come join our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program.

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

In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today! 

Prepare for CDCES or BC-ADM certification or earn hours for renewal.

Your registrations include access to all the Online Sessions plus Bonus Courses through December 31^st, 2021.

This virtual program includes:

3 day live webinar courses from April 15th-17th (20 CEs) + enrollment in our Bonus Bundle (14.0+ CEs) from now through December 2021.

• Live Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
• Presentations by our team of experts
• Handouts and Resources for each session
• Post-test questions
• A sense of community
• If you can’t attend the live webinars, a recorded version will be posted later the same day for viewing.

View full Conference Schedule and Faculty.

---

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 do not guarantee 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.”**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.”

Studying for the CDCES exam?
Join Coach Bev for a FREE Webinar with updates on the CDCES Exam 2021

January 25, 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 a the CDCES Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.

Topics Covered Include:

• Changes in test philosophy for 2021
• Exam eligibility and test format
• Strategies to succeed
• Review of study tips and test-taking practice questions.

We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

See our Prep for CDCES Resource Page

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

---

ADCES Desk Reference 2020 + 5th Ed Review Guide Book Bundle

The 5th Edition ADCES Desk Reference & 5th Edition Review Guide Bundle –our most popular AADE Book Bundle for exam preparation!

What is included in the ADCES Book Bundle?

The Art & Science of Diabetes Self-Management Education Desk Reference – 5th Edition

Major Features:

• practical information educators can use with patients to avoid complications and comorbidities
• risks and benefits of CGM and the educator’s role in working with patients who use CGM
• updated info on incorporating the ADA, AADE, and AND joint position statement and algorithm of care into a DSME program

ADECES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition

Includes an answer key with rationales for all questions included in the guide! 

Major Features:

• 480 + multiple-choice questions
• Strategies for preparing for and taking the exam

3 self-assessment tests that cover three main content sections on the CDCES Exam:

• Assessment of Diabetes and Prediabetes 
• Interventions for Diabetes and Prediabetes
• Disease Management 

---

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.

Studying for the CDCES exam?
Join Coach Bev for a FREE Webinar with updates on the CDCES Exam 2021

January 11, 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 a the CDCES Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.

Topics Covered Include:

• Changes in test philosophy for 2021
• Exam eligibility and test format
• Strategies to succeed
• Review of study tips and test-taking practice questions.

We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

See our Prep for CDCES Resource Page

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

---

ADCES Desk Reference 2020 + 5th Ed Review Guide Book Bundle

The 5th Edition ADCES Desk Reference & 5th Edition Review Guide Bundle –our most popular AADE Book Bundle for exam preparation!

What is included in the ADCES Book Bundle?

The Art & Science of Diabetes Self-Management Education Desk Reference – 5th Edition

Major Features:

• practical information educators can use with patients to avoid complications and comorbidities
• risks and benefits of CGM and the educator’s role in working with patients who use CGM
• updated info on incorporating the ADA, AADE, and AND joint position statement and algorithm of care into a DSME program

ADECES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition

Includes an answer key with rationales for all questions included in the guide! 

Major Features:

• 480 + multiple-choice questions
• Strategies for preparing for and taking the exam

3 self-assessment tests that cover three main content sections on the CDCES Exam:

• Assessment of Diabetes and Prediabetes 
• Interventions for Diabetes and Prediabetes
• Disease Management 

---

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.

One of the most frequently asked questions about the CDCES Exam is the following:

Should I study this year’s ADA Standards of Care or last year’s ADA Standards of Care?

In this years exam handbook, the CBDCE provided clarification on this high anxiety topic.

CBDCE Exam Content Update Policy

Immediately – 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 including in the examination at any time.

One Year – New medical advances, guidelines, or pharmaceuticals will be included in CDCES Exam no sooner than one year after the information is released.

What does this mean for us?

I have already read and reviewed the 2020 ADA Standards of Care.

If you have already studied the ADA 2020 Standards of Care, you will be set for the 2021 CDCES Exam. Since there are no new diagnostic criteria or specific guidelines that are dramatically different from the 2020 Standards of Care.

The one exception is that there are updated diabetes management guidelines for the older population as outlined in our Older People Level 2 Course and you can review in the ADA Standards of Care, section 12.

Please see ADA Standards Summary of Revisions for more detailed information on updates for 2021.

I haven’t started reviewing the ADA Standards of Care.

Great. Please plan on studying the 2021 ADA Standards of Care, which includes all of the same content as the 2020 Standards with some additions and updates.

We are all rooting for your success! For More info:

• Download CDCES Coach App FREE for iOS or androids
• Join our Prep for CDCES Webinar FREE

Join our Prep for CDCES Webinar FREE for lots of great info and to get ready!

---

Join our Diabetes Ed Specialist Conference

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.

Entire Program Fee: $399
Program Flyer: Download
Dates: April 15-17
Live Webinar Schedule: All webinars start and end times are in Pacific Standard Time
Program Schedule & Expert Bios

If you are interested in taking the CDCES or BC-ADM exam or are seeking a state of the art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today! 

In this course, the same speakers will cover the same content as outlined in the Live Seminar.  For more details see our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Schedule and Faculty.

Prepare for CDCES or BC-ADM certification or earn hours for renewal.

Come join our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program.

Your registrations include access to all the Online Sessions plus Bonus Courses through December 31^st, 2021.

This virtual program includes:

3 day live webinar courses from April 15th-17th (20 CEs) + enrollment in our Bonus Bundle (14.0+ CEs) from now through December 2021.

• Live Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
• Presentations by our team of experts
• Handouts and Resources for each session
• Post-test questions
• A sense of community
• If you can’t attend the live webinars, a recorded version will be posted later the same day for viewing.

View full Conference Schedule and Faculty.

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.

Studying for the CDCES exam?
Join us for our FREE webinar
Preparing for the CDCES Exam 2020

November 5, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  (PST)

Unsure about updates for the 2020 exam?

Coach Beverly offers this FREE webinar to help get you to prepare for the CDCES Exam. All her tips and tricks are meant to ease your mind and reflect the updates to the CDCES content outline.

Topics Covered Include:

• Implications of new certification name, CDCES for our specialty
• Exam requirement updates for 2020
• 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.
• Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test-taking tips!

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

See our Preparing for CDCES 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!

[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.

We know that a great resource page full of accurate and helpful cheat sheets can save busy diabetes specialists time and energy.

That’s why we have put together our entire list of cheat sheets so you can access them with ease.

These sheets and cards include information to study for certification exams and to use in your clinical setting. Plus, we have included teaching sheets for people with diabetes.

---

Our Summer 2020 Boot Camp begins September 16th!

In each webinar, either Coach Beverly, Dr. Isaacs, or Ms. Armstrong, highlight the critical content of each topic area, so you can focus your study time most efficiently. They also launch multiple poll questions to help participants focus on key concepts and assess their knowledge while learning the best test-taking strategies. 

2020 Boot Camp Live Stream Webinar Schedule with Coach Beverly

All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

1. Diabetes – Not Just Hyperglycemia | Sept 16
2. ADA Standards of Care | Sept 23
3. Insulin Therapy – From Basal/Bolus to Pattern Management | Sept 30
4. Insulin Intensive – Monitoring, Sick Days, Lower Extremities | Oct 7
5. Meds for Type 2 | Oct 14
6. Exercise and Preventing Microvascular Complications | Oct 21
7. Coping & Behavior Change | Oct 28
8. “The Big Finish” Test Taking Boot Camp | Nov 4

Can’t make it live?
No worries! All video presentations and podcasts will be available now on-demand.

---

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.

[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]

FREE webinar, September 3, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  (PST)

Unsure about updates for the 2020 exam?

Coach Beverly offers this FREE webinar to help get you to prepare for the CDCES Exam. All her tips and tricks are meant to ease your mind and reflect the updates to the CDCES content outline.

Topics Covered Include:

• Implications of new certification name, CDCES for our specialty
• Exam requirement updates for 2020
• 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.
• Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test-taking tips!

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

See our Preparing for CDCES Resource Page >>

---

Test Taking Toolkit (220+ practice questions) 

Whether you are preparing for the updated CDCES or BC-ADM exam, this test-taking toolkit is designed to prepare you for success.

This toolkit includes two courses with over 220 practice questions to help you prepare and simulate the exam.

• ADA Standards Test Taking Tips
• Preparing for CDCES Practice 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.