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Learn the Steps to Become a CDCES!

Preparing for the CDCES Exam FREE Webinar & Resource Page

Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES? We recommend watching our FREE Preparing for CDCES Exam Webinar!

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

Preparing for the CDCES Exam Webinar Topics

  • Exam requirement updates for 2023.
  • 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!
May 23rd – FREE CDCES Prep Webinar | Register Today!
2023 PowerPoint Note-Taking Handouts
2023 PowerPoint Full-Page Handouts
Watch FREE 2023 CDCES Prep Recording Now!
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

“Becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is one of the best professional and personal decisions I have ever made.” – Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM


Why become a CDCES?
Three Reasons from Coach Beverly

Read More: 3 Reasons to Become a CDCES

“The best part of becoming a CDCES is working with my colleagues and people living with diabetes. As diabetes educators, we hear compelling and beautiful life stories. I am astounded by the barriers they face and inspired by their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience.”

– Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Reason 1: CDCES is a widely recognized certification by employers and health care professionals throughout the U.S.  This credential demonstrates a specialized and in-depth knowledge in the prevention and treatment of individuals living with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Reason 2: Currently, 13% of people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 36% have pre-diabetes which means 49% of Americans are running around with elevated blood glucose levels.  Given this epidemic, there will be plenty of future job opportunities.

Reason 3: Having my CDCES along with my nursing degree, has opened many doors of opportunity; from working as an inpatient Diabetes Nurse Specialist in a hospital to working as a Manager of Diabetes Education in the outpatient setting to starting my own consulting company.


Studying for the CDCES?
Try one of our online bundles!

Interested in diabetes certification, but not sure where to start? Find your Study Path and Tools that are right for you based on this quick 4 question survey.
Which Study Tools are Right for Me?

Read More: CDCES Basic Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses | 47 CEs

CDCES Basic Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses | 47 CEs

Beverly has custom designed this course bundle to prepare you for your CDCES (formerly known as CDE) or BC-ADM Exam. This bundle includes Levels 1 through 3 (AKA Boot Camp) plus our Technology and Test Taking Toolkits

Included in this bundle is:

  • Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
  • Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care, 
  • Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
  • Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
  • Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. 
Enroll Now!


Read More: CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 47 CEs

CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 47 CEs

Beverly has custom-designed this course bundle to prepare you for your CDCES Exam. This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES (formerly AADE) Review Guide – 5th Edition – Revised. This bundle includes Levels 1 through 3 (AKA Boot Camp), toolkits, plus the ADCES Review Guide.

Included in this bundle is:

  • Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
  • Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care, 
  • Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
  • Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
  • Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. 
  • ADCES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition – Revised – The ADCES Review Guide is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam. This book includes 480 + multiple-choice questions and strategies for preparing for and taking the exam with an answer key with rationales for all questions! 
  • Medication PocketCard – Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation.
  • Tote Bag
Enroll Now!


Read More: Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference - Airs April 26th - 28th

Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Airs April 26-28th | Earn 30+ CEs

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.

Register Now for the DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Deluxe! | April 26 – 28 | $499
Register Now for the DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Basic! | April 26 – 28 | $399


Read More: Art & Science of Diabetes Desk Reference plus Diabetes Review Guide Book Bundle

ADCES Desk Reference +Review Guide = Savings

These 2 Books are the perfect study combination. The Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education, 5th 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. The Review Guide offer 480 sample test questions with the rationale for the best answer. If you are working toward the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist® (CDCES) exam, these tools will help you across the finish line.

Purchase Now


Read More: ADA 2023 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Book

ADA 2023 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.

Click here to purchase a copy of the ADA Standards of Care booklet.


Read More: Medication & Insulin Pocketcard

Medication and Insulin PocketCards

Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation. One of our best sellers, the Diabetes Medication PocketCard is perfect for all Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Purchase Now
Download for Free


What are the steps to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists?

Step 1. Sign up for our FREE Webinar – Preparing for the CDCES exam

  • This webinar reviews CDCES exam eligibility requirements (register at the top of this page), the exam format, and study strategies. Beverly also provides test-taking tips, sample test questions, and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.

Step 2. Review the qualifications to achieve your CDCES

  • Download the 2023 Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators Handbook for complete information about eligibility and certification information. Instructions on how to apply, study resources, and the application are also included. Please note that the CBDCE has approved temporary changes to the professional practice requirement relating to DCE for the initial CDCES certification that begins on April 1st. Read page iii for more information.

Practice Hours Requirement Adjusted for Pandemic: The CBDCE has extended the adjusted hours required to “address the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of health professionals pursuing the CDCES credential:

  1. For applications submitted through 2024*, minimum DCE experience needed in prior 12 months reduced from 400 hours to 200 hours; and 2.
  2. For applications submitted through 2026**, minimum 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 application date.”
  • Practice Hours Spreadsheet Tracker. Download this sheet to easily track your practice hours.
Practice Hours Spreadsheet Tracker

More questions? Visit CBDCE (formerly NCBDE) eligibility page or you can call 1-877-239-3233 or email info@ncbde.org with any questions.


Step 3 – Review our 10 Steps to Succeed and Pass the CDCES Exam page

  • Coach Beverly has created a 10-Step Study Path and Material List to help you succeed! These are based off 25 years of CDCES coaching experience and student feedback. Prepare for the exam, earn your CEs, gain confidence as an educator, and more!

Step 4 – Increase knowledge of diabetes and co-condition management

Interested in diabetes certification, but not sure where to start? Find your Study Path and Tools that are right for you based on this quick 4 question survey.
  • Attend our Live & Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course.  This course will provide you with critical information and clinical pearls for your practice.
  • Enroll in our Online University courses. If you can’t attend our live seminars, we invite you to enroll in our bundles such as:
    • CDCES Basic Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses | 47 CEs
    • CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 47 CEs
  • Benefiting from our extensive library of on-demand diabetes presentations. And even if you do attend our live seminars, these online courses are an excellent review and reinforce key points.

Articles to Read to Prepare for CDCES Exam

Read More: Recommended Articles

ADA Standards of Care 2023 – 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

American Diabetes Association Abridged Standards of Care 2023 for Primary Care Providers – Short on time? This abridged version provides a summary of ADA Standards. 

Screening and Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus 2023 – One-page cheat sheet that summarizes screening, risk status, and diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Great for your office and as a study tool.

Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment in 2023.  This ADA/EASD hyperglycemia road map details strategies to improve glucose management for both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Section 9 of Standards of Care, 2023

Language & Diabetes. What we say matters | Resource page
Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. This mini webinar and article provide recommendations for the language used by health care 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.

Med Cheat Sheets | Cholesterol and Hypertension Medications/Neuropathy Treatment for Diabetes 2023 – These summary sheets are helpful for your clinical practice and preparing for certification exams. For exam success, be familiar with the general concepts, (side effects and precautions) of these medications.

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.

AACE Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm 2020.  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.

2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support – 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 taking the certification exam.

Landmark Studies – a short cheat sheets that highlights the major diabetes trials and the significant findings.

We invite you to visit our comprehensive library of articles and resources – See more »


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.”**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 of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.”

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  • August 4, 2023 – 3:20 pm

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  • April 11, 2023 – 11:30 am

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    Level 2 | Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Standards | 1.5 CEs

    Virtual Conferences

  • April 26, 2023 – 8:00 am

    Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference | April 26-28th | 30+ CEs

  • July 19, 2023 – 9:00 am

    ReVive 5 Step Diabetes Training Program | Sessions 1 & 2

  • July 26, 2023 – 9:00 am

    ReVive 5 Step Diabetes Training Program | Sessions 3 & 4

View Full Calendar

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Diabetes Education Services offers education and training to diabetes educators in the areas of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes for the novice to the established professional. Whether you are training to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), practicing at an advanced level and interested in board certification, or a health care professional and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who needs continuing education hours to renew your license or CDCES, we have diabetes education information, resources and training; learning and teaching tools; and diabetes online courses available for continuing education (CE). Read our disclaimer for full disclosure.

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    Diabetes Educational Services (DES) has established this website to provide information and education to health care professionals. Nothing in this website constitutes medical advice nor is it a substitute for medical advice. References in this website to any and all specific products, services or processes do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by Diabetes Educational Services.