Review this page for a summary of different aspects of each certification program or access the pdf version.
Overview
CDCES
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
BC-ADM
BC-ADM holders manage complex patient needs*:
- Assist people at risk for and with diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions with therapeutic problemsolving
- Adjust/prescribe medications
- Treat and monitor acute and chronic complications and other comorbidities
- Counsel on lifestyle modifications
- Address psychosocial issues
- Participate in research and mentoring
Qualifying Disciplines
CDCES
- Registered & Advanced Practice
- Registered Nurse
- Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)
- Pharmacist
- PA
- Physician (MD/DO)
- And others (see website or handbook)
BC-ADM
- Registered & Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
- Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)
- Pharmacist
- PA
- Physician (MD/DO)
Education
CDCES
N/A
BC-ADM
Master’s or higher degree in a clinically relevant area
Experience
CDCES
- 2 years of general work experience
- 1000 hours of diabetes care and education in up to 5 years, with 200 hours in last 12 months
BC-ADM
500 hours of clinical practice in advanced clinical diabetes management in up to 48 months
Continuing Education
CDCES
15 hours applicable to diabetes within 2 years before applying
BC-ADM
N/A
Major Exam Content Areas (# of Questions)
CDCES
- Assessment (37)
- Care and Education Intervention (105)
- Standards and Practices (8)
BC-ADM
- Assessment and Diagnosis (45)
- Planning and Intervention (50)
- Evaluation and Follow-Up (34)
- Population Health, Advocacy, and Professional Development (21)
Testing Modalities
CDCES
In Person Test Center or Live Remote Proctoring
BC-ADM
In Person Test Center or Live Remote Proctoring
Initial Certification Fees
CDCES
$350
BC-ADM
$600
Application/Testing Window
CDCES
Apply and Test Year-Round
BC-ADM
- June testing window (application due May 1; final deadline May 15 with additional $50 late fee)
- December testing window (application due November 1; final deadline Nov 15 with additional $50 late fee)
Practice Exam
CDCES
50 multiple-choice items - $55 fee
BC-ADM
72 multiple-choice items - $60 fee
Renewal Requirements
CDCES
- Every 5 years
- Renewal fee
- 1,000 renewal practice hours
- Exam or Continuing Education Pathway
BC-ADM
- Every 5 years
- Renewal fee
- 1,000 practice hours
- Professional Development Pathway only