Want to Know the Requirements to Become a CDCES?
This Step 1 Webinar and Resource Page is for YOU!
Step 1: Becoming a Diabetes Specialist (CDCES)
Thinking about becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)?
This FREE, information-packed webinar will walk you through the exact steps required to earn your CDCES credential — and help you replace test anxiety with calm, confident readiness.
This webinar is perfect for healthcare professionals who:
- Are considering becoming a CDCES
- Want clear guidance on eligibility requirements
- Feel unsure about exam expectations
- Want proven strategies to prepare with confidence
- Are curious about the benefits of joining the Diabetes Education Community
Can’t Join Us Live?
Don’t worry, if you register, we will send you a link to the recorded version.
View Previously Recorded Webinars
Steps to Become a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
Step 1: Sign Up For Our Free Webinars
These webinars cover CDCES exam eligibility requirements, outline the exam format, and share proven study strategies. Coach Beverly also offers practical test-taking tips, walks through sample questions, and explains the reasoning behind selecting the correct answers.
Step 2: Review the Qualifications to Achieve Your CDCES
Download the 2026 Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators Handbook for detailed information on eligibility requirements and the certification process. Inside, you’ll also find application instructions, study resources, and everything you need to successfully apply.
Step 3: Review Our 10 Steps to Succeed Page
Coach Beverly has developed a comprehensive 10-Step Study Path and curated Material List designed to set you up for success. Built on 25 years of CDCES coaching experience and invaluable student feedback, these resources will help you prepare for the exam, earn continuing education credits, strengthen your expertise, and build confidence as a diabetes educator—and beyond.
Step 4: Increase Your Knowledge
Attend our Live & Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course to gain critical information and clinical pearls you can immediately apply in your practice. You can also expand your knowledge by enrolling in our Online University courses. If you're unable to attend a live seminar, explore our convenient course bundles—your registration includes guaranteed access to the recorded webinar so you can learn on your schedule.
We have a wealth of programs and study tools to help you succeed!
Articles to Read to Prepare for CDCES Exam
ADA Standards of Care 2026
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.
Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment in 2026
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, 2026.
Coach Beverly's Diabetes Cheat Sheets
Our Diabetes Cheat Sheet page delivers concise, practical tools to support your clinical practice and exam preparation. Updated annually in line with the latest ADA Standards of Care and current evidence, it includes clinical references, medication and exam study sheets, pocket cards, diabetes technology resources, nutrition guidance, person-centered coaching tools, patient teaching handouts, and curated diabetes apps—all organized for quick, easy use.
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.
Why Become a CDCES? 3 Reasons from Coach Beverly
“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.
Instructor
Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES
Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician, and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years and has successfully passed the CDCES exam six times. As president and founder of Diabetes Education Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.
“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
CE Course Accreditation
For more information on accreditation, visit each individual course page in our Online Store and click the “Accreditation” tab
Our course CE credits are through the following accrediting bodies:
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™,
- ACPE,
- ANCC, and
- CDR
Course credits will continue to count toward the CDCES and BC-ADM certification requirements, and many of our offerings (all of Standards of Care Intensive courses, plus our Virtual and Live DiabetesEd Training Conferences) fulfill the ADA Standards of Care component required for certification renewal.
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.
