CDCES
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Introduction to Renewal
Certification is valid for a five-year time frame with an expiration date that ends on December 31 of the last year of the certification cycle. The expiration date is found on your wallet card and certificate, as well as provided in the verification documentation and on your dashboard in the portal.
The following information is provided as an overview of the renewal process. Visit Ways To Renew section and the Renewal Handbook for specific details. Renewal requirements are published yearly in the Renewal by CE Handbook and the Renewal by CE Handbook is the final document regarding the policies and procedures that apply to the renewal process.
We know five years seems far away right now if you just became certified or if you are still a few years away from renewal, but now is the time to:
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Learn about the various renewal pathways so you can start thinking about what activities you need for renewal.
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Add an appointment to your calendar mid-year through your cycle and for January 1 of the year your certification expires to assess where you are and to remind you to check in with CBDCE to ensure you understand what is needed for renewal.
Renewal Cycle
For newly certified CDCESs, you will renew in your expiration year and the accrual cycle begins January 1 following your certification year. Renewal by exam opens in January of your expiration year; renewal by continuing education opens in July of your expiration year - refer to the Renewal by CE Handbook for renewal window dates, fees, and deadlines.
Examples:
- Jasmine became certified on February 6, 2021, her certification expires on December 31, 2026, her accrual cycle began January 1, 2022.
- Steve became certified on December 15, 2021, his certification also expires on December 31, 2026, his accrual cycle began January 1, 2022.
- Marie became certified on July 22, 2024, her certification expires on December 31, 2027, her accrual cycle began January 1, 2023.
Historical Cycle Information:
The five-year time frame has a history in the high pass rate of those who recertified by exam versus initial candidates when renewal was required to be by examination; even with changes to examination content outlines since initial certification. The decision to offer renewal by continuing education starting in 2005 as an option versus solely by examination was based on the renewal exam pass rate of 95% and higher for the ten years prior to offering the renewal by continuing education option. In addition, the changes to the exam content outline based on various practice analysis over the years have been minimal regarding the tasks and knowledge in the field.
Why I Renew My Certification
"I wanted to keep my CDCES certification streak going! There were some years that I had to step out of a formal CDCES role; however, I was always glad that I renewed my CDCES credential because I kept returning to roles that used my training and benefited from my credential. I would have missed out if I had not renewed by CDCES."
Dana E. Brackney
PhD, RN, CNS, CDCES, BC-ADM
Ways to Renew
You will need to renew your certification in the last year of your cycle. However, there are different deadlines depending on when and how you renew. There are 3 ways to renew the CDCES certification with each pathway having its own requirements.
Pathways to Renewal
Pathway 1: Renewal with professional practice and CE activities
Requirements:
- Continue to hold the license or registration for the same discipline held at the time of initial certification. This license or registration must be current, active, and unrestricted at the time of renewal.
- Obtain a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice experience under the renewal practice definition during the accrual cycle.
- Accrue a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education (CE) activities in content areas applicable to diabetes. Review the guidelines for acceptable CE activities.
Pathway 2: Renewal with professional practice and exam
Requirements:
- Continue to hold the license or registration for the same discipline held at the time of initial certification. This license or registration must be current, active, and unrestricted at the time of renewal.
- Obtain a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice experience under the renewal practice definition during the accrual cycle.
- Take and pass the Certification Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
Pathway 3: Renewal with CE activities and exam
Requirements:
- Continue to hold the license or registration for the same discipline held at the time of initial certification. This license or registration must be current, active, and unrestricted at the time of renewal.
- Accrue a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education (CE) activities in content areas applicable to diabetes. Review all of the guidelines for acceptable CE activities.
- Take and pass the Certification Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
Renewal Requirements
You will log into the dashboard to complete and submit your renewal application.
Review the Renewal by Continuing Education (CE) Handbook to learn more about the requirements, including what experience is included in the renewal professional practice requirement, a definition that is expanded and inclusive of many different experiences than those that qualified for initial certification.
- If you’re renewing using the renewal practice requirement and continuing education activities pathway, the standard window is typically open mid-July through mid-September and requires completion of an online application. Other windows are available later in the year, but require additional fees and may require additional documentation. See the Renewal by CE Handbook for specific dates.
- If you were selected for an audit of your renewal by CE application, you will need to provide CBDCE with documentation showing you met the renewal requirements. You can preview preview audit instructions/information here.
- If you’re renewing using the renewal practice requirement and exam pathway, applications are accepted on a year-round basis, as long as you take and pass the exam no later than December 31 of the year your certification expires. See the Examination Handbook for more details.
Renewal by CE
Renewal Deadlines
Certification is valid for a five-year time frame with an expiration date that ends on December 31 of the last year of the certification cycle. The expiration date is found on your wallet card and certificate, as well as provided in the verification documentation and on your dashboard in the portal.
| 2026 | Dates | Deadlines | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird - Standard Window | July 15 - September 15 | September 15, 5pm Central Time | $250 |
| Extended Window | September 16 - October 15 | October 15, 5pm Central Time | $300 |
| Final Window | October 16 - December 31 | December 31, 5pm Central Time | $400 |
| Grace Period Option | January 1 - March 31, 2027 | March 31, 2027, 5pm Central Time | $500 |
Requirement Changes (Effective starting with 2025 Renewals)
Beginning with CDCESs renewing in 2025 or later, to further promote quality diabetes care and education and engage in on-going professional development, the Board has made the following changes to the requirements for renewal by continuing education (CE). These changes are to be inclusive of the renewal by CE minimum 75-hour requirement.
Required CE activities: CDCESs must participate (virtually or in-person) in CE activities twice during their renewal cycle regarding the annual release of American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care in Diabetes*.
CE that is encouraged but not required: To align with the recent change in the specialty, the Board is encouraging CDCESs to take CE activities in at least one of the following topics during their renewal cycle (individual or program level):
- education principals/teaching strategies;
- diabetes-related technology;
- leadership/strategy (e.g., CQI, change agent, program development);
- population health; or
- diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (e.g., social determinants of health, cultural competency).
Other topics/activities to meet the minimum total of 75 hours of CE activities is at the discretion of the CDCES provided that the activity meets the other current guidelines, e.g., is related to diabetes, formal activities are approved by a provider on our List of Recognized Providers, etc. Please visit the CBDCE portal and/or current Renewal Handbook for details on the requirements for renewal.
*The Standards of Care in Diabetes are updated on an annual basis. CBCDE encourages CDCESs to participate in CE activities every year that focus on the updates. The CE activities for the updates are widely available; some may be free or at a minimal charge, e.g., via the American Diabetes Association or Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
Renewal FAQs
Use the left-hand navigation panel for access to FAQs on renewal.
How to Access/Submit Your 2026 Renewal by CE Application: Renewal by CE Standard (Early Bird) Window opens July 15, 2026
- Sign in to the CBDCE portal
- Once in your dashboard > Click on Renew Certification Card
- Choose > Create New Application > read through the instructions > update your demographics > select your renewal pathway > go through each renewal page > into the shopping cart to submit the payment and application
Renewal Handbook
Review the renewal by continuing education handbook
Renewal by CE Changes FAQs
I’m scheduled to renew in 2026 or later. Do the 'Standards of Care Annual Updates' renewal requirement apply to me?
The changes in the renewal by CE requirements are required for CDCESs renewing in 2025 and later.
- If your CDCES renewal year is 2026, 2027, or 2028 (and on-going):
- For CDCESs renewing in 2026, you will need to meet the new requirements when you renew in 2026.
- For CDCESs renewing in 2027, you will need to meet the new requirements when you renew in 2027.
- For CDCESs renewing in 2028, you will need to meet the new requirements when you renew in 2028.
- For any CDCESs renewing in 2029 or later, you will need to meet the requirements when you renew.
What exactly is required?
You will need to take two (2) activities within your accrual cycle that pertain to the annual release of American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care for Diabetes (Annual Updates). You may take the two (2) activities at any time during your accrual cycle. These can be either in person or virtual.
How long does the activity need to be?
The requirement is that the CDCES take two (2) separate activities during the accrual cycle. There is no specific number of CEs that one has to earn or minimum length of the activity (30 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.) for the activity to be able to be used to meet the requirement.
Why was this change instituted?
The intent for this change is for the CDCES to keep abreast of changes, maintain current knowledge, and enhance the quality of care provided to people with diabetes. It also provides a means for CDCESs to engage in on-going professional development.
Do I need to take an activity on the Annual Updates specifically from the American Diabetes Association or Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists?
No. We have noted those organizations as a guide for you as they have in the past held CE activities on the subject matter. If you have found another provider listed on the List of CBDCE Recognized Providers or has been approved by a Provider on our List of Recognized Providers and the content of the activities pertains to an annual release of American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care for Diabetes, you may use that activity to meet the requirement.
How will CBDCE know if I have taken activities pertaining to the Annual Updates?
During renewal you will be asked to attest to earning the two (2) activities related to the Annual Updates. If you are selected for an audit, you will need to provide documentation (CE certificate) in support of these activities.
I attended a conference and a session I attended was on the Annual Updates. Would that count toward the requirement?
Yes, that would count but you must be able to provide verification that you attended that specific session. The verification may be as simple as providing CBDCE with a list of sessions you attended that is given to you along with your CE certificate of attendance or you may provide a copy of the conference agenda which shows the session along with your CE certificate of attendance.
Am I required to take CE activities in at least one of the ‘Topic Areas’ as listed in the CE requirements change?
No, the Board is only ENCOURAGING CDCESs to partake in CE activities which align with one of the ‘Topic Areas’. The topics identified are broad and aim is to support the specialty change and to encourage the CDCES to keep pace with changes in the role of the diabetes care and education specialist.
As the topics are broad, the CBDCE Board is hopeful that most CDCESs have already taken at least one activity in their cycle that is reflective of at least one of the ’Topic Areas’.
How will CBDCE know if I have taken CE in any of the ‘Topic Areas’?
During the renewal process, you will be asked if you have taken an activity in the ‘Topic Area’ and if so, to identify which area. This information will be gathered at the end of each renewal period and presented to the Board. It will give the Board perspective on the CE content areas CDCESs are pursuing in their roles. We will begin gathering this data beginning in 2025.
I would like to express my concerns about this CE requirement change? Where can I send my feedback?
Please send your feedback in writing via email to info@cbdce.org or send a letter with your concerns to the CBDCE National Office. Staff will gather feedback and share it with the Board.
General Renewal FAQs
Time Frame for Renewal
What is the timeframe for renewal?
For newly certified CDCESs, you will renew in your expiration year and the accrual cycle begins January 1 following your certification year. Renewal by exam opens in January of your expiration year; renewal by continuing education opens in July of your expiration year - refer to the Renewal Handbook for renewal window dates, fees, and deadlines.
What is the timeframe for accruing continuing education and/or practice hours?
Continuing education hours and practice hours may be completed any time during the accrual cycle. Note: All hours must be completed by the application deadline date. Two examples of accrual cycles are shown below:
- Example A - Newly Certified Individual - First Time Renewing: \
- Helen passed the examination for the first time on June 1, 2021. Her accrual cycle for continuing education and practice hours started on January 1, 2022.
- Joan passed the examination for the first time on November 2, 2022. Her accrual cycle for continuing education and practice hours started on January 1, 2023.
- Example B - Already Certified Individual - 2nd or More Time Renewing:
- John was initially certified in 2019 and renewed in 2024 using the continuing education option, with the renewal date of September 15, 2024. The accrual cycle for her next renewal (due in 2029) began on September 16, 2024.
Notifications/Reminders
Will CBDCE send me a notice that my credential is expiring?
Yes, CBDCE sends many renewal notifications. As a courtesy, CBDCE mails one reminder hard copy letter in the year prior to renewal and a renewal postcard in spring of the renewal year to your preferred mailing address. CBDCE also sends various emails throughout the renewal period to the email addresss of record in your CBDCE account. Renewal information is also included on a number of web pages as well as in CBDCE newsletters/communications to our certified individuals.
It is important to notify CBDCE of any address change or email change or update you contact information yourself in your CDCES dashboard. However, regardless of receipt of a notice, each CDCES is responsible for knowing their expiration date and the available deadline dates for their chosen method of renewal.
Email Note: CBDCE also uses a communication platform service as a means to notify CDCESs via email about the certification program, including transactional information, e.g. courtesy renewal reminders, etc. You may unsubscribe to the communication platform at any time but in choosing to unsubscribe will not receive news regarding your CDCES credential (including important renewal information) and will want to make arrangements to visit the CBDCE web site on a regular basis to review your certification status, renewal details, and to learn of any changes in the program.
Is it possible to have my credential extended if I do not renew it prior to expiration?
If your credential is not renewed prior to expiration, it will expire December 31. Extensions of certification are not granted. Any individual whose credential expires must pass the Certification Exam for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists to regain the credential (as well as document either meeting the renewal practice requirement or minimum acceptable continuing education hours).
Applications and Audits
Does CBDCE automatically send the renewal application to all CDCESs when they are up for renewal?
No. The renewal application is an online process. Renewal reminders are sent our via hard copy letter the year prior to expiration and via email throughout the renewal process.
How do I apply for renewal?
If you are renewing with practice hours and continuing education, you can find the online renewal by CE application in your CDCES portal (when online renewals are open). You can also find information in the Renewal of Certification by Continuing Education Handbook.
If you are renewing by exam, you can find out how to apply using the Exam Handbook.
What are the deadline dates for renewal of certification by continuing education and are they different from the deadlines for the Certification Examinations?
There are several deadline dates for the renewal of certification by continuing education process; the dates available include a standard (early bird), extended or late deadline option, as well as a grace period option (see current Handbook for full details). All continuing education hours must be completed and submitted with the application by the chosen deadline date. If you will be renewing by exam appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. See the current Handbook for full details.
I was selected for an audit. What do I need to provide and where can I find the instructions for submitting my audit documentation?
Information on your audit, including a link to the audit packet with instructions, was provided in your audit notice. Instructions are also included here. Questions on your audit should be directed to CBDCE via email at info@cbdce.org.
What are the fees for renewal of certification?
Renewal by CE Handbook
Review the fees for the various renewal options
- Review the fees for the various renewal options
- Renewal professional practice requirement and continuing education activities
- Renewal professional practice requirement and exam
- Renewal by Continuing education activities and exam
Is there a late application deadline for the renewal of certification?
Not for the examination, but there are several deadlines available for renewal by continuing education. Review the deadlines in the Handbook for Renewal by Continuing Education.
What is acceptable documentation for CEs under the Formal Activities Category?
You must provide documentation that confirms your attendance in/at the event; such as, certificates of completion, verifications of attendance or other relevant proof of attendance issued by the recognized provider for each activity submitted. Each document must include the name of the attendee, title of the activity, date(s) the program was attended or completed, the recognized provider(s), and the total number of credits or contact hours awarded.
What would qualify as documentation for a presentation if I was selected for an audit?
Supporting documents such as a copy of the program, abstract, objectives, course content which includes program information and your name as presenter would qualify as documentation. For example, this could be a:
- Print out from the website on the program/presentation
- Copy of the program promoting the presentation/CE for the attendees
- Letter from sponsoring organization confirming you as presenter/speaker and the presentation details (date, duration, topic)
What can I use as documentation for authoring a publication if I am audited?
If audited for your publication claimed, you would need to provide documentation such as a cover page with your name as author, abstract or actual copy of the entire article.
I was selected for an audit of my renewal by continuing education application and cannot locate my documentation. What do I do?
You cannot use/claim CE hours for the CE activities for which you cannot locate or provide supporting documentation. However, if this activity falls under the Formal Activities Category, you may want to contact the organization that sponsored the activity to request a copy of your certificate of attendance. If you are unable to provide the required documentation to reach the minimum requirement of 75 CE hours for renewal, you will not be able to renew by CE. Refer to the Exam Handbook for renewal by professional practice requirements and exam.
Continuing Education Hours
How many Continuing Education (CE) Hours do I need to renew?
When renewing by continuing education and practice hours, you will need to earn a minimum of 75 CE hours during your accrual cycle. You can do this by only accruing 75 CE hours under the Formal Activities or you can mix and match with Formal and Expanded Activities.
Activities in the Formal Category must meet identified requirements. If you are using Expanded Activities, there are limits on each Expanded Activity, and the maximum hours you can claim during your accrual cycle is 30 CE hours from the Expanded Activities Category. Using 30 hours under the Expanded Activities Category, you would need the minimum requirement of 45 CE hours under the Formal Activities Category.
Which continuing education providers are recognized by CBDCE?
View the list of CBDCE recognized continuing education providers.
Is it necessary to find out if each continuing education activity is offered by a CBDCE recognized provider?
Yes. All continuing education descriptions must contain a statement regarding the provider. Check the CBDCE list of recognized providers to determine if the continuing education activity is being offered or approved by a provider on the list.
Does CBDCE approve continuing education activities?
CBDCE does not approve continuing education activities. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education, the continuing education activity must be applicable to diabetes and be approved by one of the recognized providers on the CBDCE list.
Do continuing education activities need to be discipline specific?
Continuing education activities need not be discipline specific, however, all continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes. In fact, because your areas of weakness knowledge-wise may be in areas outside your discipline, you may want to look for continuing education opportunities that are outside your discipline.
How does CBDCE determine if the topic of a continuing education activity is applicable to diabetes?
To determine if the continuing education activity is applicable to diabetes, the subject matter must appear on the Certification Exam Content Outline. The Content Outline is published in the Certification Handbooks.
Where can I see the list of the types/formats of continuing education activities that are acceptable?
Renewal by CE Guidelines
Read about acceptable CE activities.
Where can I see the list of the types/formats of continuing education activities that are NOT acceptable?
Review the Renewal by CE Handbook for more information.
I read a publication (book/article) on Diabetes. Would this qualify for CE hours under the Expanded Activities? Under the Formal Activities?
Reading publications do not qualify for CE hours under either the Formal or Expanded Activities. Please refer to the Renewal by Continuing Education: Guidelines for Reporting Continuing Education Activities, Tables A and B for detailed information on what qualifies for CE.
I have attended several dinners and meetings featuring speakers on subjects applicable to diabetes that have not been approved for continuing education credit, may I count the time spent attending these presentations?
Just attending a dinner with a speaker talking about diabetes would not qualify at CE credit. Look to the professional organizations to identify continuing education opportunities, including opportunities to obtain continuing education included in professional journals. Try checking the web sites of industries applicable to diabetes which may offer accredited/approved continuing education. Conferences are not your only option.
May the total time spent at a seminar be counted toward renewal of certification by continuing education?
Only the time spent specifically on topics applicable to diabetes counts. For example, an eight hour medical seminar has several sessions, but only two, one-hour presentations are applicable to diabetes. Only the two hours spent on the subject matter applicable to diabetes count towards renewal of certification by continuing education.
What about time spent for announcements, at lunch or touring exhibits?
Time spent on general announcements, breaks, lunch, exhibits or poster sessions, etc. is not accepted. Only the time spent specifically on topics applicable to diabetes may be counted. Participants may count the educational presentation, time allotted for course overviews/introductions, and questions and answers.
Will members of all different disciplines always receive the same amount of hours for the same continuing education activity?
Yes.
Is there a requirement to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year of the certification cycle?
No. There is no set number of hours that must be completed in a specific year. It is up to the individual to decide how best to obtain the total number of hours needed for renewal of certification by continuing education.
Will it be possible to take the same course or complete the same activity more than one time and count the hours each time?
No. A specific course or activity may be counted only once per certification cycle.
Is it necessary to submit certificates of completion for each continuing education activity?
During the application process you will be attesting to meeting the requirements. If your application is chosen for audit, at that point you would need to provide copies of your CE certificates.
How many applications for renewal of certification by continuing education will be audited?
A minimum percent of applications will be audited. CDCESs whose applications are selected for audit must provide verification that they met all the requirements at the time of application. Verifications include licensure/registration, practice hours, as well as documentation of completion, e.g., a photocopy of the certificate of completion, verification of attendance, brochure, or other relevant material, for all continuing education activities submitted. Read about the audit process.
Is there an appeal process when renewal of certification by continuing education is denied?
Yes. However, an appeal is only available in the event that the denial is NOT based on submitting incomplete application documentation, the inability to provide complete audit documentation, or non-payment of fees.
Can I still do all of the 75 CE hours using the same type of continuing education activities I’ve used before?
Yes, you can still renew with the same type of continuing education (CE) activities. If you are using all Formal CE Activities for renewal, please be reminded that the activities must meet all of the requirements. For details, refer to Table A in the Renewal by Continuing Education: Guidelines for Reporting Continuing Education Activities. Read the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.
I saw that there is a minimum requirement of 45 hours of Formal Activities? Do I only have to earn 45 hours of CE if renewing by continuing education option?
When renewing by the continuing education option, you will need to earn a minimum of 75 CE hours during your accrual cycle. You can do this by only accruing 75 CE hours under the Formal Activities or you can mix and match with Formal and Expanded Activities.
Activities in the Formal Category must meet identified requirements. If you are using Expanded Activities, there are limits on each Expanded Activity, and the maximum hours you can claim during your accrual cycle is 30 CE hours from the Expanded Activities Category. Using 30 hours under the Expanded Activities Category, you would need the minimum requirement of 45 CE hours under the Formal Activities Category.
I took a graduate level academic course in diabetes management at a local university last year and earned 3 credit hours for the course. Will this count for CE credits? How many CE hours can I claim for this course?
Yes, you may claim CE hours for an academic course in diabetes management. You can claim the maximum of 30 hours of CE for this course (30 hours determined by using the allowed maximum of 2 semester credit hours at 15 CE per semester credit hour). Noting you may not use any additional Expanded Activities as 30 hours of CE is the maximum amount you can claim under the Expanded Activities Category during any accrual cycle. The remaining 45 CE hours must be from the Formal Activities Category.
I am currently getting my Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Would courses such as “healthcare leadership” and “healthcare management” qualify for CE under the Expanded Activities Category?
The content of academic courses needs to be applicable to diabetes and CBDCE uses the Exam Content Outline (ECO) to determine what is applicable to diabetes. You will want to review the ECO and if the content of your course is found on the ECO, the topic is acceptable. You would want to make sure you review all the other requirements for Expanded Activities to ensure the course meets those as well, and use the information on how academic hours convert to CE hours when claiming the activity.
Academic coursework would fall under the Expanded Activities Category and you can earn 15 CE hours for each semester credit hour; up to a maximum of 30 hours (or 2 semester credit hours). You also will want to review Table B in the Renewal by Continuing Education: Guidelines for Reporting Continuing Education Activities to see what documentation would be needed in the event you were chosen for audit.
I gave a one hour in-house presentation on diabetes management. Can I claim this for CE? How many CE hours can I claim? What documentation would I have to provide if I was selected for an audit? Can I claim this for CE?
You can claim your presentation for CE if you answer YES to the following questions:
- Did you present for a minimum of 45 minutes?
- Is the content applicable to diabetes?
- Was this a structured presentation and were CE hours issued to the attendees?
- Is this an original presentation?
- Is the presentation at least 45 minutes in length?
- The presentation was NOT a poster presentation, and
- You can provide sufficient supporting documentation confirming the presentation, if selected for an audit.
I took a graduate level academic course in diabetes management at a local university last year and earned 3 credit hours for the course. Will this count for CE credits? How many CE hours can I claim for this course?
Yes, you may claim CE hours for an academic course in diabetes management. You can claim the maximum of 30 hours of CE for this course (30 hours determined by using the allowed maximum of 2 semester credit hours at 15 CE per semester credit hour). Noting you may not use any additional Expanded Activities as 30 hours of CE is the maximum amount you can claim under the Expanded Activities Category during any accrual cycle. The remaining 45 CE hours must be from the Formal Activities Category.
How many CE hours can I claim per presentation?
You can claim 10 CE hours per presentation under the Expanded Activities Category for any qualified presentation of at least 45 minutes. If you present the same material again, you may not claim any further CE for the repeated presentation.
The maximum hours you can claim, if only utilizing presentations under the Expanded Activities Category, is 3 presentations or 30 CE hours. Note the maximum hours you can claim under the Expanded Activities Category is 30 hours.
I gave a poster presentation. Can I claim CE hours for this activity?
Poster presentations do not qualify under the Expanded Activities Category. You can find the requirements for claiming CE hours for presentations in Table B of the Renewal by Continuing Education: Guidelines for Reporting Continuing Education Activities.
I gave a 30 minute presentation on Diabetes Medications. Can I claim CE hours for this activity?
You are not able to claim CE for presentations that you give that are less than 45 minutes in length. In order to claim CE there is a minimum requirement of 45 minutes in length for presentations. Additional details on the requirements for claiming CE for giving presentations can be found in Table B of the Renewal by Continuing Education: Guidelines for Reporting Continuing Education Activities.
I wrote a journal article on Nutrition and Diabetes. It took me 20 hours to write/research/edit the article. Can I claim this article for CE hours? How many CE hours can I claim? What can I use as validation if audited? Can I claim this article for CE hours?
You can claim this article for CE hours, if you answer YES to the following questions:
- Are you the author?
- Was the article peer reviewed?
- How many CE hours can I claim?
If you answered YES to the above two questions, you can claim 10 hours of CE for each article you write. This type of activity would fall under the Expanded Activities Category and you can claim up to 3 (different) articles for a maximum of 30 CE hours under Expanded Activities Category during your accrual cycle.
Practice Requirements
Is there a practice requirement for CDCES recertification?
As part of the renewal application (either exam or continuing education option), all CDCESs must accrue a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice experience during the five year period that the CDCES credential is valid.
For purposes of renewal of certification, practice means providing a direct or indirect professional contribution to the care and self-management education of people with diabetes.
Is there a list of professional practice experiences accepted for recertification?
Not specifically as many experiences can count; refer to the FAQ above and/or Renewal by CE Handbook, Renewal Practice Requirement Definition.
Is there an option for re-certifying if a CDCES cannot meet the renewal practice requirement?
If certification has not lapsed, refer to Renewal Pathway 3.
Do I need a minimum of 200 practice hours each year?
No. There is no minimum number of hours for the renewal practice requirement needed every year, only the need to be able to attest to having obtained the minimum 1000 practice hours within the accrual cycle (and before applying for renewal).
What happens if I choose to take the last year of my accrual cycle off?
There is no minimum annual requirement for practice hours, so as long as you accrue the minimum 1000 hours of practice at any time within the accrual cycle and before application, you would meet the requirement.
What documentation do I need to provide to show I have accumulated at least 1000 hours of practice?
It is always prudent to keep detailed information for your personal records. In fact, you should check with your supervisor, who will be the individual who has to verify your practice hours (if you are audited), to see what would satisfy their need for detail.
The good news, however, is that we do not require you to document these hours in detail in the application for renewal. If an application is chosen for audit, you will be asked to sign a statement that attests to meeting all of the current eligibility requirements, including the 1000 hour practice requirement. You will need to have a supervisor (or for those in private practice, another health professional) sign a similar statement that confirms you have fulfilled the practice requirement. Of course, if you are renewing by the Renewal Pathway 1, you will need to maintain copies of your continuing education credits/certificates in the event they need to be submitted as part of an audit.
Must the minimum of 1000 practice hours relate only to specific patient diabetes care and education services?
No. We recognize that CDCESs may be working or volunteering in many settings, so the 1000 hours are not related only to specific patient diabetes education services. However, CBDCE does not recognize “employment in the manufacture, direct sales, or distribution of diabetes-related products or services in pharmaceutical or other diabetes-related industries, public health screenings, or jobs or volunteer activities unrelated to diabetes…”. Refer to the Renewal by CE Handbook, Renewal Practice Requirement Definition.
Other
Is there a retirement status for CDCESs?
Yes, CBDCE does have a Retired Status.
Is renewal of certification by the Certification Examination also available?
Yes. The Certification Exam is available as a recertification option. For those CDCESs who are unable to document meeting the practice requirement, the renewal must be done by passing the Exam. In addition, the application to sit for the Exam must include documentation of the minimum continuing education hours.
Is it possible to "switch" to the continuing education option if the Certification Exam is not successfully completed?
Yes, current CDCESs who choose to take the exam in the year that their credential expires and do not pass may apply for renewal of certification by continuing education by the appropriate deadline date. This answer is applicable for the CDCES who can document meeting the renewal practice requirement upon application and all other pertinent requirements. In the event a CDCES cannot document meeting the renewal practice requirement upon application, she will need to document 75 hours of approved continuing education activities as well as passing the Exam.
NOTE: The ability to "switch" does not apply to any individual who has let their CDCES credential expire.
Is it possible to apply for reinstatement of certification by continuing education if my credential has expired?
See the current Renewal by CE Handbook for information on the grace period option (available only through March 31 in the year AFTER you expire and with specific requirements) and Exam Handbook for information on reinstating the CDCES credential after it has expired.
Reinstatement of Expired Credentials
Reinstatement Details
- Reinstatement requires that an individual must meet appropriate eligibility requirements and pass the exam.
- Upon passage of the examination a new CDCES number is issued along with a new accrual cycle. Note that certification is not extended between the time of credential expiration and passing the examination.
- Refer to the Exam Handbook to identify the accrual cycle for the reinstatement of an expired credential.
Reinstatement requirements (for certification expired for no more than 5 years)
- Individuals must continue to hold a current, active, and unrestricted license, certification or registration for the same discipline held at the time of initial certification.
- Must apply for the examination with documentation of either 75 hours of acceptable continuing education hours OR 1000 renewal practice requirement at the time of applying for the examination and pay the appropriate application fee.
- Must pass the examination
Reinstatement requirements (for certification expired more than 5 years)
- Individuals whose CDCES credential expired longer than five years will need to review the initial eligibility requirements to determine the path to certification.