Ready to Take the CDCES Exam in the Next 6 Months?
This Step 2 Webinar and Resource Page is for YOU!
Step 2: Preparing For the CDCES Exam
Is your goal to take the CDCES exam in the next 6 months?
In this FREE, information-packed webinar, Coach Beverly will guide you through the examination process, review sample test questions, and explain the reasoning behind selecting the best answers. You’ll gain valuable insights into the exam content while building the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to succeed.
This webinar is perfect for healthcare professionals who:
- Want a clear understanding of the examination process
- Are preparing for the 2026 test content updates
- Would benefit from reviewing sample test questions and answer rationale
- Want to strengthen their study strategies and test-taking techniques
- Are looking to boost their exam confidence and overall performance
Steps to Become a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
Step 1: Sign Up For Our Free Webinars
In addition to our Step 2 Webinar: Preparing for the CDCES Exam, these webinar courses created and led by Coach Bev, explore important topics emphasized in the CDCES Exam & explore proven exam success strategies.
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!
Step 5: Review Articles to Prepare for CDCES Exam
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.
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.
Screening and Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus 2026
One-page cheat sheet that summarizes screening, risk status, and diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Great for your office and as a study tool.
Med Cheat Sheets | Cholesterol and Hypertension Medications 2026
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.
Landmark Studies
A short cheat sheets that highlights the major diabetes trials and the significant findings.
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.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Consensus Statement – 2023 Update
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.
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.
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.
Carb Counting Made Easy
We get a lot of questions from our community about how the Diabetes Exchange List and Carb Counting Resources. Yes, you still need to know that milk has 12gms of carb per serving using the exchange list for your certification exams! Now you can now access these Carb Cheat Sheets plus some plant based nutrition resources on one easy page.
Diabetes Exchange List
The Exchange Lists are the basis of a meal planning system designed by a committee of the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association.
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.“
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.”
