What is the best response?

1. Good for you, giving up tortillas is really hard.
2. Your children sound like they are worried about your health?
3. Yes, we don’t recommend tortillas since they are high in starch.
4. How are you feeling about giving up tortillas?

Click here to test your knowledge!

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course
Earn 30+ CEs | April 15-17, 2021

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program

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.

DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Flyer 2021

Diabetes Ed Virtual 3-Day Schedule 2021

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

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 has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need.

Can’t join live? No worries, your registration guarantees access to the recorded content through Dec 31, 2021!

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! 

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

Bonus Courses worth 14 + CEs FREE – When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!

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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!

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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.

Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES

We are thrilled that Diana Isaacs will be joining our Virtual Course on October 6-8, 2021!

Dr. Isaacs was named 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of technology, pumps, and CGM therapy for people with diabetes plus other innovations.  Dr. Isaacs was awarded the Ohio Pharmacists Association Under 40 Award in 2019. Dr. Isaacs has served in leadership roles for several pharmacies and diabetes organizations. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects with a focus on medications, CGM and diabetes technology.

As the CGM Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research experience to this program.

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diana Isaacs

Question: What do you love about being a Diabetes Specialist?
Dr. Isaacs: I have the opportunity to help people manage their diabetes through my expertise and support. I start many people with diabetes on CGM and I see first hand how life changing the technology is for them. People are very grateful for my help and it is so rewarding.

Question: Over the past year, what has been most challenging about providing diabetes care during the pandemic?
Dr. Isaacs: I miss doing the group classes and shared medical appointments but we’ve had to majorly scale back taking into consideration room size and safety. Also, many people are struggling with mental health during the pandemic and many are afraid to come to clinic. However, we have made great strides by increasing access through virtual care.

Question: What role do you see technology playing in people with diabetes lives over the next few years?
Dr. Isaacs: Technology is exploding. Virtual care is allowing us to reach way more people with diabetes and making it more convenient for everyone. Mobile apps and blue tooth technology are making it so the healthcare team can access a person’s diabetes data from anywhere (With their permission of course). There also continue to be huge improvements in insulin pump, continuous glucose meter, and smart insulin pen technology.

Question: What actions can Diabetes Specialists take to increase access to diabetes technologies including insulin pumps, CGMs and Smart Pens.
Dr. Isaacs: We need to stay up to date on all of the technology because it’s evolving so quickly. Some strategies to do this include attending professional meetings, meet with your sales reps, check out websites like diabeteswise.org and DANAtech (offered through ADCES). There are many continuing education opportunities offered through various organizations, including your website (www.diabetesed.net).

Also, if you get a chance to try a demo (Such as obtaining a sample of a smart pen, or CGM) and wearing it. That’s the best way to learn!. There are also various demo mobile apps that give the user experience. (Ex. T:Simulator for Tandem insulin pumps).

Question: Would you share your hobby (ies) and how you maintain work life balance?
Dr. Isaacs: I have 5 kids ages 2-9, so they keep me pretty busy. One day a week I completely disconnect from all electronics and just spend time with the family. I also enjoy running and run almost every morning before starting my day. With the pandemic I stopped going to the gym. I live in Cleveland and am proud to say I ran outside even when it was 3 degrees with lots of snow and ice on the ground.

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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.

March | Steroids, Sugar Spikes and Nutrition Month Celebration

March is National Nutrition Month

This gives us a whole month to celebrate the amazing expertise and abundant knowledge of our nutrition colleagues.

We will be focusing on nutrition dilemmas for our Question of the Week and featuring spring recipes along with plant-based resources.

Plus, we are excited to highlight Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, our new dietitian team member and Virtual Conference speaker. Welcome to the team Ashley!

For our feature article, we recognize that many people with diabetes and COVID started on steroids are experiencing hyperglycemic crisis. Coach Beverly summarizes strategies to get glucose to target during steroid therapy.

We are also excited to feature an interview with Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES.

We are thrilled that Diana is providing 8 hours of content for our Virtual Conference in April. She is a pharmacology and technology expert, with a special knack for translating the complex world of diabetes technologies into understandable terms. Read more about this ADCES Educator of the Year in our interview below.

Lastly, we have expanded our FREE Webinar offerings. Coach Beverly explores the different diabetes certification options and provides test-taking skill-building. We hope you can join us!

Happy Nutrition Month everyone.

We wish you all health and an abundance of fiber intake from a variety of whole grains and fresh foods!

With affection and wishes for health,

Coach Beverly, Bryanna,  and Jackson

Click here to read our full March 2021 newsletter.

Featured Blogs

• Steroids, Sugar Spikes, & Management Strategies
• Interview with Dr. Isaacs – Keynote for Virtual Conference
• Interview with Ashley LaBrier – Nutrition Expert for Virtual Conference
• Rationale of the Week

Featured Items

• FREE Webinars Ready for Viewing
• Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference – from April 15th – 17th
• ADCES Exam Prep Book Bundle
• Free Resources Catalog

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course
Earn 30+ CEs | April 15-17, 2021

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program

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.

DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Flyer 2021

Diabetes Ed Virtual 3-Day Schedule 2021

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

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 has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need.

Can’t join live? No worries, your registration guarantees access to the recorded content through Dec 31, 2021!

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! 

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

Bonus Courses worth 14 + CEs FREE – When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!

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ADCES Desk Reference + 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 

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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!

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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.

For our March 2nd Question of the Week, over 58% of respondents chose the best answer!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question

Question: JR is 53 yrs old with type 2 diabetes, BMI of 24.3 and is recovering from a COVID infection.  In addition to metformin, a SGLT-2i and a weekly GLP-1 RA, JR is on daily prednisone.  Morning blood glucose levels are in the low 100’s, lunch and dinner blood glucose levels are in the 250-300 range.

Which of the following is the best treatment intervention to get lunch and dinner blood glucose levels to goal?

Answer Choices:

1. Initiate a low carb meal plan
2. Add NPH or 70/30 insulin in morning
3. Start evening basal insulin and gradually increase
4. Ask provider to stop or reduce prednisone dose

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 4, and finally option 3.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, the content of this practice test question will set you up for success. The exam often presents vignettes that compel test takers to determine which option offers the BEST answer based on the action times of different insulins.

Answers & Rationale

Answer 1 is incorrect, 16.77% chose this answer. “Initiate a low carb meal plan “. JR has a BMI that is less than 25, which indicates a healthy weight. In addition, JR is recovering from COVID, so making sure they are eating adequate calories and healthy carbs during this recovery phase is very important. Lastly, the spike in blood glucose between lunch and dinner is an expected response since JR is taking morning prednisone.

AM steroids cause hyperglycemia through lunch and dinner.

Answer 2 is correct, 58.87% of you chose this answer. “Add NPH or 70/30 insulin in morning”. YES! Since morning steroids increase insulin resistance throughout the day, especially around lunch and dinner time, morning NPH insulin works remarkably well. This is because NPH action time peaks within 4-10 hours of injection. Another option is to use 70/30 insulin, which is a combination of 70% NPH (or basal) insulin plus 30% bolus. This insulin used before the first meal of the day, can help prevent lunch and dinner blood sugars from going above target later in the day.

Dosing for NPH or 70/30 depends on several factors, including steroid dose, diabetes type and history, body weight and health status. See our article on Steroids and Sugar Spikes – Management Strategies

Answer 3 is incorrect, 11.94% of you chose this answer “Start evening basal insulin and gradually increase”. When people are on morning steroids, their overnight blood sugars generally trend down. Basal insulin isn’t the best choice for addressing mid day to evening glucose elevations.

Answer 4 is incorrect, 12.42% of you chose this answer. “Ask provider to stop or reduce prednisone dose”. While it is true that stopping the prednisone will improve blood glucose levels, it could also contribute to a worsening health status. One of the most effective treatments for people with a serious COVID infection is steroid therapy to decrease inflammation, especially in the lungs. We approach this situation understanding that the steroid is essential and we can help with glucose management to promote recovery.

Want to learn more about this topic? Join Coach Beverly during the Virtual Conference, where she will be discussing treatment strategies for hyperglycemia secondary to steroids.

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!

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ADCES Desk Reference + 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 

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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!

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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.

How much weight would JR lose by only drinking 1 glass a day?

1. 0.85 pounds
2. It depends on the type of juice
3. 1.7 pounds
4. 3000 calories

Click here to test your knowledge!

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Preparing for the CDCES Exam |
FREE Webinar

Airs live on March 11, 2021 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (PST)

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

Topics Covered Include:

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

Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

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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.

This month we are celebrating our amazing sister organization, Just One Person.

Just One Person is a sustainable model program that prepares girls in rural Kenya for post-secondary opportunities, supporting their development towards economic independence. Diabetes Education Services donates the profit from the sale of the Pancreas Pillow to help fund school scholarships and seminars for other girls in rural Kenya.

A treadle sewing machine and cloth

Mwanaidi’s story:

Mwanaidi, of Just One Person, has hand-sewn hundreds of beautiful Pancreas Partners in her hometown in Kenya and shipped them to the Diabetes Education Services office in California, so we can share them with you.

While Mwanaidi was waiting for admission to college she began sewing the “pancreas pillows” that Diabetes Education Services sells in the US. She used a donated treadle sewing machine, a pattern designed by Just One Person (JOP) Executive Director, Emma Sisia, and traditional leso cloth.

Just One Person’s graduates are committed to sharing their knowledge and resources with their mothers, sisters, neighbors, and daughters for generations to come.

Mwanaidi joined the Just One Person (JOP) project in rural Kenya after her high school recognized her potential. Mwanaidi graduated from high school in 2010 and subsequently, became a certified chef. She uses the income from her job to help support her family of 7 siblings along with her mother and father.

All Pancreas Partner profits are donated to www.justoneperson.org.

After paying Mwanaidi for her beautiful work, Diabetes Education Services donates the profit from the sale of the Pancreas Pillow to help fund school scholarships and seminars for other girls in rural Kenya. Other alumnae of JOP have followed suit and are continuing to produce these wonderful pillows to help ensure the sustainability of our program.

Just One Person’s philosophy is that girls are members of our organization for life. They are committed to sharing their knowledge and resources with their mothers, sisters, neighbors, and daughters for generations to come.

At Diabetes Education Services we are dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of our future generations.

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Save 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

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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

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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.

DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Flyer 2021

Diabetes Ed Virtual 3-Day Schedule 2021

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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″]

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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.

Type 1 Diabetes Resources

Below is a list of helpful online resources for Type 1 Diabetes. They include sites for national organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA), sites for diabetes interest groups, and other participant organizations that provide helpful diabetes tips and opportunities to join online groups.

Click the links below to visit the website:

• Let’s fight Type 1 Together | American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• Mental Health Resources Directory | ADA
• Type 1 Diabetes Resources and Support | Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Explore our informational guides or make a personal connection with someone experienced with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The JDRF community has you covered.
• Empowering Youth with Type 1 Diabetes |The Chris Dudley Foundation
• The National Institutes of Health Diabetes Resources | CDC
• The College Diabetes Network: Focuses Specifically on Young Adults with Diabetes | College Diabetes Network
• The Diabulimia Helpline: for Individuals Having Eating Problems
• Beyond Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 1 Diabetes Online Community
  • Mental Health Resources website
• Connected in Motion: Peer-Based Sports & Outdoor Adventures for those with Type 1 (in U.S. and Canada) | Connected In Motion
• Diatribe: Library of Online Resources, Blog & Community Forums
• Diabetes Education: At times it might seem overwhelming, but you can thrive with diabetes, and a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can help. Includes a link to find a diabetes program near you.

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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.