CBDCE-Recognized Preparation Pathways
CBDCE Recognized Preparation Pathways
CBDCE has developed the CBDCE-Recognized Preparation Pathway (CRPP) Program to provide resources to potential CDCES or BC-ADM certificants preparing for the initial certification exam. CRPPs have been reviewed by CBDCE and determined to meet specific criteria in content and design that may be helpful in preparing for the CBDCE certification examination.
CRPPs must be designed specifically to prepare participants for the certification exam, including content on at least 80% of the education content outline. They are reviewed by CBDCE to ensure they include rigorous instructional design, a core of CBDCE-certified faculty, and are accredited or approved to provide appropriate continuing education credits for the audience.
Participation in a CRPP is one of several way candidates may prepare for the examination. Participation in these programs is not required to apply for or sit for the certification exam, and participation does not guarantee a passing score. Candidates remain responsible for determining whether a program best meets their individual learning needs.
Recognition indicates that a program has met CBDCE’S established preparation criteria. CBDCE does not have any involvement in the development or delivery of any education or training programs related to certification content.
Recognized CDCES Preparation Pathways:
Diabetes Care Competencies & CDCES Exam Prep
Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists
Course credits: 30 hours of CE/CME across 9-week online program
Course description: This course (formerly the CORE Concepts® Course) provides 30 hours of CE/CME through a comprehensive 9-week academic-style program for diabetes care and education specialists. Whether preparing for the CDCES exam or seeking a high-quality refresher on DSMES skills, participants gain the tools and competencies needed to stay at the top of the profession.
This course builds the ability to apply ADA Standards of Care in providing evidence-based education for people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, as well as diabetes prevention. Using the ADCES7 framework, participants learn to assess self-care behaviors and develop individualized care and education plans that adapt to a person's needs as they move through different life stages.
Beyond direct patient care content, the course also covers advocacy for people with diabetes, including how to support initiatives and resources that expand access to care and education for diverse populations. The course textbook is The Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education.
Diabetes Education Services with Coach Beverly
CDCES Online Boot Camp | Diabetes Certification Exam Preparation
Course credits: 50+ hours of continuing education (CE/CME/CPEU)
Course Format: Self-paced online program with 30+ expert-led video lectures, audio podcasts, and downloadable handouts, plus 400+ practice questions, and one full year of access.
Course description: The CDCES Online Boot Camp is a comprehensive, flexible learning program that provides healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge to prepare for the CDCES exam while strengthening their clinical mastery and confidence in diabetes care.
Developed and taught by Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, and a team of diabetes experts, this program guides participants through a progressive learning journey across three levels: Diabetes Fundamentals, Standards of Care Intensive, and Diabetes Mastery & Certification Readiness. Whether preparing for certification or seeking an in-depth refresher, participants gain practical tools to translate the latest evidence-based guidelines into everyday clinical practice.
The comprehensive curriculum explores diabetes pathophysiology, prevention, medication management, insulin therapy, diabetes technology, medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and psychosocial considerations. Participants learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support people living with diabetes across the lifespan—from infancy through older adulthood—including during pregnancy and in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Woven throughout the program are the principles of person-centered care, addressing social determinants of health, and applying the latest ADA and AACE Standards of Care to develop individualized, compassionate, and effective diabetes management plans.
To strengthen critical-thinking skills and build confidence for exam day, participants can challenge themselves with more than 400 practice questions, engaging case studies, and expert test-taking strategies. With a full year of on-demand access, learners can study at their own pace, and revisit challenging topics. This flexible approach makes it easy to create a personalized study plan that fits busy schedules, supports different learning styles, and helps participants feel prepared and confident on exam day.
Recognized BC-ADM Preparation Pathways:
BC-ADM Certification Exam Prep Course & Practice Exam Bundle
Diabetes Care Academy
Course credits: 35+ hours of CE/CME across 13 self-paced modules
Course description: This course provides 35+ hours of CE/CME across 13 self-paced modules of comprehensive diabetes education for clinicians and diabetes care professionals — spanning everything from foundational pathophysiology to advanced pharmacotherapy, diabetes technology, complications management, inpatient care, and special populations.
More than a BC-ADM certification exam preparation pathway, this training program is built to prepare you for real-world practice: case-based simulations and clinical scenarios tie the content directly to the complex, multifactorial situations you’ll encounter in everyday diabetes care.
Aligned with national diabetes fellowship standards, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care in Diabetes, and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) guidelines, the course streamlines exam preparation for those pursuing BC-ADM certification.
Beyond direct patient-care content, the course also covers the business and systems side of diabetes care — including clinic operations, population health, quality improvement frameworks, and regulatory and accreditation requirements — plus a dedicated module of additional topics tested on the BC-ADM exam.
