CDCES
About the Exam
Exam applications are taken on a year-round basis but don't apply until you’re ready to take the test. You’ll have to take the exam no later than 90 days from the date your application is approved. Are you ready to test? Click the "Apply for the Examination" button below.
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Apply for Your Exam
Once all the eligibility requirements are met and you are ready to test, it’s time to apply for the exam. You will apply for the CDCES Exam through CBDCE, but will first need to create an account on the CBDCE portal.
To apply under the STANDARD Pathway: Create your CBDCE account > click on Get Certified (CDCES) > Create New Application > continue through each page of the application and into the shopping cart to application submittal and payment.
To apply under the Unique Qualifications Pathway (UQP): Create your CBDCE account > top navigation bar, select Initial Application - Unique Pathway Application > Create New Application > review instructions and upload your UQP application documents.
If you apply online, notification of approval to take the exam or that you have been selected for an audit is provided to you via email after submittal of the application and payment.
If approved, you will be emailed a confirmation notice with your 90-day eligibility window. You will need to schedule and take your exam within your eligibility window. Make note of your eligibility end date and keep the notice handy. Once you’ve received the confirmation notice, you can schedule your exam through your account on the CBDCE portal. Appointments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so schedule your exam appointment as quickly as possible after approval in order to have the most flexibility.
Reminder that the name on the identification (ID) you will be using on exam day MUST match the name in your exam registration (first and last name). If you need to update your name, contact CBDCE via email at info@cbdce.org with your updated information and CBDCE staff will make the update for you. Note that any name changes must be request no later than 3 days prior to your scheduled appoint.
Important Testing Site Information
You can check your exam information in your test taker portal. To access, log into your CBDCE account > Get Certified > Details in the exam application > Schedule Your Exam > where you will be redirected to the test taker portal for your exam details.
For those individuals currently scheduled, we encourage candidates to check their emails and voice mails often in order to review communications regarding last-minute updates regarding their scheduled test date. If you have questions on the day of your test or site, please contact PSI at 833-333-4754. PSI customer service is available Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday (all times Central Time).
Looking for information on how to launch your LRP exam?
You will launch your LRP exam from your CBDCE account. Login to your CBDCE dashboard > click on get certified > schedule exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal to launch your exam.
Be sure to review the Guide to LRP for detailed information on testing this modality including computer/internet requirements.
Be sure to review the Guide to LRP for detailed information on testing this modality including computer/internet requirements.
Looking for the test center locations?
Visit the CBDCE test center webpage for test center locations. (You will be redirected to PSI's test center search for CDCES exams > click on available dates > click on Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist > continue > enter your city, state to get available locations.)
Ready to apply for the CDCES Examination?
You will first need to create an account with CBDCE. Click the "Apply for the Examination" button to create your CDCES account.
If you're pursuing the Unique Qualifications Pathway:
Just a reminder: You’ll need to be pre-approved and follow the UQ process. You'll apply online through your CBDCE account and upload all your supporting documentation for pre-approval.
UQ Requirements Update: Effective January 1, 2025 the recommendation requirement has changed. Individuals applying under the UQ Pathway, in addition to the other requirements (Master's degree, experience, CE), applicants will only need to provide either (1) CDCES OR two (2) healthcare professional recommendations/references with their application. Read more in the information sheet in the UQ application.
Paper Applications
Our applications have gone online. For questions contact us at info@cbdce.org.
Schedule Your Exam
You can schedule your CDCES exam, easily, in the CBDCE portal. Sign in to your account on the CBDCE portal, click on "Get Certified (CDCES)" > click on "details" in the application > click on Schedule Exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal to schedule your exam. Please be mindful of your eligibility period to schedule/take the exam.
Need to transfer your eligibility to a new 90-day window? Candidates may transfer to a new 90-day window (one-time only) by requesting a transfer and paying a $100 transfer fee. Transfers must be requested at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date or your eligibility end date, whichever is earliest.
How to transfer to a new eligibility window:
- Sign in to your account on the CBDCE portal.
- If you are currently scheduled to take the CDCES exam, you MUST unschedule your exam in the PSI test taker portal. Failure to do so will affect the updating of your eligibility end date.
- To unschedule your exam, click on Get Certified > click on Details in the application > click on Schedule > you'll be redirected to the PSI test taker portal to unschedule your exam.
- To purchase the transfer > in your CBDCE dashboard > click on Get Certified > click on Details in the application > select Request Exam Extension (left navigation pane) > Yes > Extension Checkout to make your payment.
- No transfer will be completed until payment is made in full and must be made by the dates above.
Requests for Special Accommodations
Individuals with documented disabilities or qualifying medical conditions needing special accommodations for the exam are required to upload the Request for Special Accommodations and the Documentation of Disability-Related Needs forms at the time of application. This would include the need to bring in any medications or medical devices you may need during your exam time.
Applying for Special Accommodations:
You will submit your documents when you apply for the exam, so you will want to make sure you have all the appropriate forms completed and ready to upload in your application. Additionally, requests must be made during the registration process and prior to scheduling your exam appointment.
Refer to the Exam Handbook for information about the process and to access the forms. (Exception: Comfort items that appear on the Pre-Approved Comfort Aids list--refer to Comfort Items and Accommodations below.)
You will be notified via email once your accommodation has been approved but you'll need to wait to schedule your exam. Once approved, PSI is notified and from there, you will be contacted by PSI Specials Team member to assist with scheduling. To assist PSI with scheduling, you'll need to complete an online form through the PSI website to provide PSI with your preferred dates of exam and location. This form will identify the type of request as well as desired dates, times, and modality or test center locations. This online form is set up to streamline the process to create fewer back and forth emails. Need assistance with your special accommodation? Contact the PSI special accommodations team at 1-800-367-1565 Ext. 6750.
Comfort Items and Accommodations
Effective May 2023, test takers no longer need to formally request testing accommodations for items that fall on the "Pre-Approved Comfort Aids" list (List). This List includes specific medicine and medical devices including those attached to a person's body, communication aids, mobility devices, and service animals. Test Center Administrators and online proctors will perform an inspection of the aids prior to testing. Also note if an approved medical device makes alert noises, it must be able to be silenced. If the medical device is not able to be silence, a formal special accommodation request must be provided. Take a moment to review the List to see if your accommodation falls within the listing.
Live Remote Proctoring (LRP)
Testing via LRP
Candidates have the option of taking the CDCES exam by either testing at a PSI Test Center or testing by Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).
Testing via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) allows a candidate to test using their own computer from their home. The candidate must have a computer that meets the requirements for the LRP. Visit CBDCE’s Guide to Live Remote Proctoring for complete details on the requirements for testing LRP.
Watch PSI online proctored tutorial to assist and prepare you by simulating the essential checks, offering crucial artifacts and acquainting you with the examination environment prior to your actual test and visit PSI's video on what to expect in a LRP environment.
Screenshot of the LRP tutorial
Launching Your LRP Exam
Once you have login to your CBDCE account, you can access (launch) the exam either through your CBDCE account or go directly to the PSI test taker portal:
- To launch through your CBDCE account > log into your CBDCE account > click on Get Certified > click on ‘details’ in the application > click on Schedule Exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal where you will launch your exam.
- To launch through the PSI test taker portal > Go to the PSI test taker portal -- here is a direct link to the test taker portal: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbdce/auth/login. Once at that link, you will see a login screen for CBDCE > Enter your CBDCE account user name and password > will redirect to the PSI test taker portal to launch your exam.
LRP Notes and Tips
- Don't wait until the last minute to figure out your computer situation or to locate your account login information.
- Reminder – if you use a work computer and are unable to download the program, you will be marked as absent/missed exam and will NOT be eligible to reschedule or receive a refund of your fees. This also includes if you are testing at your work place and using your work internet.
- Run your compatibility test to make sure that the computer you are testing on is compatible with the PSI testing environment. If you will be using a work computer, you must have administrative rights to download the exam platform. The compatibility test does NOT test for administrative rights.
- Thoroughly review the following before making your decision to test LRP:
PSI webpage for detailed system requirements
Audits
A percentage of applications are selected for audit. You will know upon submission of your application if you were selected for an audit. If selected, you will need to submit appropriate documentation supporting eligibility. The necessary documentation must be received/uploaded within two (2) weeks of audit notification.
Individuals selected for audit will need to gather the documents and upload in their CBDCE account. Documents required are:
- Proof of active, unrestricted license, registration, or advanced degree in social work to verify your discipline eligibility
- Verification of Professional Practice and DCE Experience Form(s) - Completed and signed (by supervisor)
- Proof of continuing Education (CE) activities (certificates of completion)
Review the audit documents for more information and instructions on uploading in your CBDCE account.
Applications and Audit FAQs
When will I hear about the status of my application for the exam?
For individuals applying online, notification of either approval to sit for the exam or that an applicant has been selected for an audit is provided upon submittal of the application. If approved to sit for the exam, the candidates will be given a 90-day eligibility window in which to schedule and take the CDCES exam. Candidates can schedule their exam through their CDCES account.
I was selected for an audit. What do I need to provide and where can I find the instructions for submitting my audit documentation?
For individuals selected for audit during the application process, the audit documentation must be received by CBDCE within 14 days of application submission. Applicants will upload the required documentation in their CDCES application. Refer to the audit document for specific instructions and forms required to verify eligibility. Applicants can also check the status of their audit in their CDCES application in their CBDCE account.
Notification of decisions on eligibility after the audit process is completed are provided to the applicants as quickly as possible. CBDCE is not able to provide the status of an application via telephone or fax. Occasionally determinations of eligibility require additional documentation and/or time. Applicants will be notified via email when the application is approved and can schedule the exam after approval. Upon approval, you will be given a 90-day eligibility period in which to schedule and take the exam. Applicants must be aware of this and plan accordingly.
Final To-Do List
- Put the test date, time, and location on your calendar.
- Testing at a Center? Check the location of the testing center and take a drive by before your appointment. Watch the video provided by PSI, CBDCE’s testing agency. It offers useful information and details about the exam appointment day and test center procedures.
- Testing by LRP? (1) Review CBDCE’s Guide to LRP. (2) Watch the video provided by PSI, CBDCE's testing agency for what to expect when taking an exam via LRP. (3) Do one last computer compatibility check on the computer you will be testing on. (4) Launch the exam.
How to launch your exam:- To launch through your CBDCE account > log into your account on the CBDCE portal > click on Get Certified > click on ‘details’ in the application > click on Schedule Exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal where you will launch your exam.
- To launch through the PSI test taker portal > Go to the PSI test taker portal -- here is a direct link to the test taker portal: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbdce/auth/login. Once at that link, you will see a login screen for CBDCE > Enter your CBDCE account user name and password > will redirect to the PSI test taker portal to launch your exam.
- To launch through your CBDCE account > log into your account on the CBDCE portal > click on Get Certified > click on ‘details’ in the application > click on Schedule Exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal where you will launch your exam.
- And last but not least, get a good night’s sleep before your exam appointment!