BC-ADM
Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam
The number one resource for the BC-ADM exam is your practice level. Candidates who qualify to sit for the BC-ADM examination are managing a person with diabetes. Some examples include medication adjustment, MNT, exercise planning, counseling for behavior management, psychosocial issues, treatment and monitoring of acute and chronic complications, complex decision-making which expands the traditional discipline specific practice, research and mentoring.
Review the exam content outline (ECO) and use it to assess your readiness. The ECO will help you identify any potential knowledge gaps.
When doing the self-assessment, focus on areas that fall outside your day-to-day experiences in your current practice setting.
The content of the examination is not based on any one text, reference book or journal. Regardless of discipline, knowledge (and the ability to apply that knowledge) is necessary across all areas of the examination content outline.
Suggested Study Tips
- Do a self-evaluation of current knowledge and skills in advanced diabetes management to identify any gaps.
- Determine how to best fill those gaps in knowledge. The BC-ADM® exam measures both foundational knowledge such as interviewing and teaching techniques, but the major focus is on clinical management: physical assessment, pharmacology, complications, and comorbidities.
- Plan review methods well in advance of the examination. Think about the study method that is best (e.g., individual review, study group, class) and the types of materials that are most helpful (e.g., textbooks, audio or video programs, outlines, memory aids). It may also be helpful to use materials obtained during training activities related to work.
- Ask peers for study tips or consider joining practice discussion group just for BC-ADMs.
Filling Gaps in Foundational Knowledge
Resources advertised for exam prep for the BC-ADM exam would typically provide foundational information, e.g. national standards, medication use and teaching skills. These are great topics if there are weaknesses in those content areas. While they are not the focus of the BC-ADM® exam, basic knowledge is helpful for meeting some of the content listed in the exam content outline.
Filling gaps in advanced management knowledge Knowing the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care in Diabetes and other guidelines for management of diabetes and other comorbidities is critical. Regional activities updating primary care providers in diabetes are also good sources for reviewing current practice standards. You can search online to see if any specific continuing education activities are available on topics of interest.
Organizations such as ADCES, ADA, and others may have pertinent educational activities available to meet your needs has some advanced management courses, webinars, and other resources available. Search the web for activities that fit your needs.
Visit the BC-ADM Handbook for more details on the exam preparation.
Practice Exam
The Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education offers an online practice examination with sample questions similar in type to those that will be found on the actual examination. The BC-ADM Practice Examination is composed of 72 multiple-choice questions and is intended to allow you to practice using the time allotted in relation to the full exam, understand how questions are structured and formatted, see how the exam will look on the screen and how to move through the exam questions.
The practice exam is NOT a requirement for certification. See disclaimer* below for additional information.
The practice exam allows you to:
- Practice using the time allotted in relation to the full exam
- Understand how questions are structured and formatted
- See how the exam will look on the screen and how to move through the exam questions
Note: Clicking the button below will redirect you to the Meazure Learning website to purchase the practice exam.
*Disclaimer
CBDCE does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products. The BC-ADM practice exam is developed independently from the certification exam and is not a requirement for certification. CBDCE and its subject matter experts do not have involvement in the creation, accreditation, approval, endorsement or delivery of examination review courses, preparatory materials, educational programs, or training programs/products that prepare candidates for the certification examination. Neither CBDCE Board of Directors nor subject matter experts may counsel or provide assistance to organizations developing the content for review courses or materials. Continuing education credits are not awarded by the CBDCE.
Purchase Practice Exam
Exam Preparation FAQs
What resources are available from CBDCE to prepare for the exam?
CBDCE does not create or provide educational review materials specific to the BC-ADM® exam as this constitutes a conflict of interest and could potentially imply guarantee of passing the exam. CBDCE does provide:
- An examination content outline (or exam blueprint) and study sheets available online here. Refer to the top of this page.
- BC-ADM practice exam – Refer to earlier on this page.
- Test-taking tips found in the handbook
How can I learn more about the testing platform?
CBDCE and Meazure Learning encourages all candidates to take a sample run of the testing environment prior to purchasing a practice test or even before visiting a proctored test center. This can serve as a test drive of the user experience of the Meazure Learning testing environment, including how the exam will look on the monitor. Doing this sample run is free. Any questions you may have about the testing software should be answered during the sample test experience and through reading the testing instructions.
Are you ready to apply for the BC-ADM Exam?
- Review the BC-ADM Exam Handbook for the available testing windows and deadlines.
- When ready, you will apply for the BC-ADM examination through the Meazure Learning portal.
- Create an account and complete the on-line application form on the Meazure learning portal, including demographic information, information associated with the required 500 advanced diabetes management practice hours, and attestation regarding the veracity of the information submitted
- Upload documents to verify current licensure as a RN, RPh, MD/DO, or PA license (or a letter from the State Board of Licensing) or copy of registration as a RD/RDN from the CDR and the transcript or school diploma for eligible advanced degree (Master’s or higher)
- Pay the appropriate fee.