If you have the background and experience, earning the CDCES credential may be the right choice for you.

Become Certified

IMPORTANT NEWS

The 2024 CDCES Scholarship Program application window will open mid-March 2024. For those who applied to the 2023 program, decisions were made in July and notifications sent at that time. CBDCE established the scholarship program to support the journey for health professionals in the specialty and to encourage diversity in the pool of health professionals holding the CDCES credential. Learn more.

May 2022 Update: To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of health professionals pursuing the CDCES credential to accrue practice experience in diabetes care and education (DCE), the CBDCE Board of Directors has approved an extension of the temporary changes to the professional practice requirement relating to DCE for initial certification.  Learn more about what changed in our Pandemic Impact Certification Statement.

Pharmacist standing in front of shelves of medicine boxes and bottles

Join the ranks of thousands who have validated their expertise and professionalism by earning the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) designation.


CDCESs educate and support people affected by diabetes. They help people and their families​​​​​​
  • Understand and manage the condition
  • Achieve behavioral and treatment goals
  • Optimize health outcomes

​​​​The CDCES designation is for health professionals who possess comprehensive knowledge and experience in
  • Diabetes management
  • Prediabetes
  • Diabetes prevention 
Employers, health care providers, and people with diabetes look for the CDCES credential when choosing to work with a diabetes care and education specialist. The certification ensures you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high quality diabetes care and education. 
 

For an overview of the eligibility requirements, download the CDCES brochure and check out the videos and ADCES podcast below to learn more about the value of CDCES certification.

Listen to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists' podcast "The Huddle" with CBDCE's CEO, Sheryl Traficano, on how to become a CDCES.  A special thank you to ADCES for this opportunity!

There are two pathways to certification. The vast majority of people qualify to follow the standard pathway.

Standard pathway

If you have one of the licenses, registrations or certifications included in the discipline requirements or a master’s degree in social work, you will follow the standard pathway.

Unique qualifications (UQ) pathway

The UQ pathway is for health professionals who are not eligible to follow the standard pathway. Most people do not take the UQ pathway.

Learn More

Am I qualified to earn the CDCES?

What do I need to do to get ready for the exam?

I have questions.