RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION

by Continuing Education

Handbook

2024

Application Window Application Dates Application Fee

Standard Window - Early Bird July 15 - Sept 15 $250

Extended Window Sept 16 - Oct 15 $300

Final Window Oct 16 - Dec 31 $400

Grace Period Option Jan 1 - Mar 31, 2025 $500

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Notice of Changes Coming in 2025

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 in CE activities twice during their renewal cycle regarding the

annual release of American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care for 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;

• 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 Medical Care for 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 (diabetes.org) or Association of

Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (adces.org).

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

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2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

iii

GENERAL

Table of Contents

General

Important General Information...................iv

Important News .............................. v

Dates and Fees Overview ......................1

Introduction .................................2

Mission ....................................2

Denition of Certied Diabetes Care and Education

Specialist .................................2

Purpose ....................................2

Objectives ..................................2

Responsibility for Certication ..................2

Canons of Ethical Conduct .....................2

Denition of Diabetes Care and Education .......2-3

Statement of Nondiscrimination Policy ............3

Disciplinary Policy ............................3

Condentiality Policy ..........................3

Renewal

Renewal of Certication .......................4

Eligibility Requirements .......................4

Renewal by Continuing Education ...............4

Renewal Practice Requirement .................5

Denition of Professional Practice .............5

What is Included in the Denition .............5

What is NOT Included in the Denition .........5

For Those Unable to Meet the Practice

Requirement .............................5

Application Process

General ....................................6

Application Process ..........................6

Online Application ........................6

Fees .......................................7

Adherence to Published Policies ................7

Changes after the Application is Submitted ........7

Audit Policy .................................7

Rejected Applications .........................8

Appeals ....................................8

Withdrawals and Refunds ......................8

Application Status ............................8

Online Application ........................8

Application Process Grace Period Option

Grace Period Option ..........................9

Post Renewal Process

Certicates and Wallet Cards ..................10

Use of Certication Marks .....................10

Appendices

Appendix I: Guidelines for Reporting

Continuing Education Activities .............11-14

Appendix IIa: Examination Content

Outline1/1/2024-6/30/2024 ................15-16

Appendix IIb: Examination Content

Outline effective 7/1/2024 ..................17-18

Appendix III: Canons of Ethical Conduct .........19

v1_03/2024

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Important General Information

The Certication Program for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists is owned by the Certication Board for

Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CBDCE). CBDCE is an autonomous specialty board responsible for the

development and administration of the certication program for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. CBDCE is

independent and separate from any other organization or association. The Certied Diabetes Care and Education

Specialist

(CDCES

) credential is conferred only by CBDCE, a national, nongovernmental, not-for-prot certication

organization. Certication is valid for a period of ve (5) years. A registry of CDCESs is maintained by CBDCE.

This Renewal of Certication by Continuing Education Handbook (Handbook) contains information about CBDCE’s renewal

of certication by continuing education option for CDCESs. Individuals who elect to participate in the certication program

are responsible for utilizing the most current Handbook and knowing its contents. This publication and application replace

all previous editions of the Handbook.

CBDCE updates the information, fees and requirements in this Handbook on a regular basis and makes every effort to

present all policies and directions clearly. Questions regarding policies or clarication of information should be directed to

the CBDCE national ofce. CBDCE is not responsible for information that is not understood by the reader or obtained from

any source other than CBDCE.

National Ofce

Certication Board for Diabetes Care and Education

1340 Remington Road, Suite J

Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone: (847) 228-9795

Fax: (847) 228-8469

Web: www.cbdce.org

E-mail: [email protected]

CBDCE endeavors to process all applications promptly and professionally. Nevertheless, in

the event an application is improperly accepted or rejected, or action on it is delayed due to an

inadvertent processing error, CBDCE liability to the applicant is limited to a complete refund of the

application fee.

GENERAL

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

GENERAL

IMPORTANT NEWS!

Your application to renew your CDCES credential using the renewal by continuing education option can be completed and

submitted online through your CDCES portal.

When Can I Renew?

You will renew in your expiration year.

• If you are renewing by Continuing Education (CE), the standard - Early Bird window for renewal by CE application

opens July 15. Visit page 7 for the renewal window dates, deadlines, and fees. You can nd the online renewal by

CE application in your CDCES portal in the dropdown under section “Certication.”

• If you are renewing by exam, you can apply and test at any time within your renewal year. If you will be renewing

by exam you will need to make sure you take and pass the exam by your expiration date to renew certication with

no interruption.

When does my accrual cycle start?

• Visit page 4, “Renewal by Continuing Education Accrual Dates” section for information. You can also nd

additional information in your CDCES portal.

Apply online through your CDCES Portal!

• Fast & Efcient – 24/7 access and provides you with almost instant notication of application status.

• Good for the environment – no paper application is necessary. Only CDCESs who are chosen for audit need to

provide documentation of renewal requirements.

• After placing your renewal application, you will be sent an email notication that either (1) your renewal application

has been approved and you have been successfully renewed OR (2) you have been chosen for audit (random

basis) and will need to submit proof of meeting the requirements. If audited, you will need to upload your

supporting audit documents in the renewal application in your CDCES dashboard. You can check the status of

your applicaation in your CDCES dashboard.

How can I access my CDCES portal?

We’ve recently transitioned to a new platform with a new look and new features that allow you to self-service many of your

needs including updating your contact information, printing invoices/receipts, and tracking your certication status.

We’ve set up your account but it you haven’t logged in since March 1, 2024 to access your portal, you’ll need to nish the

process with resetting your password. Follow the instructions below to access your CDCES portal:

• Go to www.cbdce.org > click on Sign In

• Enter your email (this is the email address that CBDCE has on le for you)

• Select CONTINUE

• Click on Forgot Password > then enter your email again

• You will verify your email and then select to have a password reset email sent to you.

Once you’ve nished setting up your CDCES account portal, take a look around to see what it now offers.

Questions on logging in? Reach out to CBDCE staff via email at [email protected] or via phone at 847-228-9795.

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

GENERAL

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2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

GENERAL

Continuing Education

Activities and Practice

Requirement Accrual Window

†

* Application Fee Application Window** Receipt Notication

Standard Window - Early Bird Fee

$250

July 15, 2024

September 15, 2024

Online

applications:

Immediate

conrmation

is part of the

online application

process.

First renewal January 1, 2020

through Date of Application

Renewed Previously

by Continuing

Education

Day after last application

deadline used through Date

of Application (See Renewal

of Continuing Education,

page 4)

Extended Window

$300

September 16, 2024

October 15, 2024

First renewal

See above

Renewed Previously

by Continuing

Education

Final Window

$400

October 16, 2024

December 31, 2024

First renewal

See above

Renewed Previously

by Continuing

Education

Grace Period Option

$500

January 1, 2025

March 31, 2025

First renewal January 1, 2020 through

December 31, 2024

Renewed Previously

by Continuing

Education

Day after last application

deadline used through

December 31, 2024

(See Grace Period Option,

page 9).

† CDCESs who allowed their credentials to expire in 2019 or earlier and had their credentials reinstated by passing the

Examination in 2019 must use the January 1, 2020 accrual start date.

*Activities must be completed prior to the date of application, regardless of the closing date of the window.

**Applications will be accepted beginning July 15, 2024 and will be accepted through the last date of each appropriate

window. The closing date of each window is 11:59 pm CT of the last day of the window for online applications.

Renewal of Certication by Continuing Education – 2024

Renewal Window Date, Deadlines and Fees Overview

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

GENERAL

Introduction

The purpose of this Renewal of Certication by Continuing

Education Handbook (Handbook) is to provide information

and guidance to individuals who are interested in renewing

their Certied Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

(CDCES) credential through continuing education. This

renewal option is available to current CDCESs (exception:

See Grace Period Option section, page 9). Any individual

who has let their credential expire and does not make

use of the Grace Period Option, will need to apply and

pass the Certication Examination for Diabetes Care and

Education Specialists (Examination) in order to reinstate

their certication. The Handbook for the 2024 Certication

Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

includes information on the Examination and the required

Application to pursue this process. Visit the CBDCE web

site for information on obtaining this document.

Mission

The mission of the Certication Board for Diabetes Care

and Education (CBDCE) is to promote ongoing quality

diabetes care, education, prevention and support by

providing certication and credentialing programs that

incorporate and reect best practices.

Denition of a Certied Diabetes

Care and Education Specialist

A Certied Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

is a health professional who possesses comprehensive

knowledge of and experience in diabetes prevention,

prediabetes, and diabetes management. The CDCES

educates, supports, and advocates for people affected by

diabetes addressing the stages of diabetes throughout the

lifespan. The CDCES promotes self-management to achieve

individualized behavioral and treatment goals that reduce

risks and optimize health outcomes.

Purpose

The purpose of the CBDCE certication program is

to conduct certication activities in a manner that

upholds standards for competent practice in diabetes

self-management education. The CDCES credential

demonstrates that the certied health professional

possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby

promoting quality care for persons with diabetes.

Certication is a voluntary process used to assess and

validate qualied health care professionals’ knowledge in

diabetes care and education. It is an evaluative process

that demonstrates that rigorous eligibility requirements

have been met. Certication is not required by law for

employment in the eld, although some agencies may

use board certication as a basis for employment, job

promotions, salary increases, or other considerations.

Objectives

Objectives of the certication program are to

n provide a mechanism to demonstrate professional

accomplishment and growth

n provide formal recognition of specialty practice and

knowledge at a mastery level

provide validation of demonstrated dedication to diabetes

care and education to consumers and employers

n promote continuing commitment to best practices,

current standards and knowledge

Responsibility for Certication

This certication program is owned by CBDCE and all

decisions made by CBDCE with respect to the certication

program are nal.

Canons of Ethical Conduct

CBDCE has adopted Canons of Ethical Conduct and Rules

and Procedures (see Appendix III, page 15). All CDCESs

must attest to and agree to abide by the Canons and Rules

and Procedures.

Denition of Diabetes Care and

Education (DCE)

Diabetes self-management education and support or

DSMES, historically also referred to as diabetes self-

management training or diabetes education, is performed by

health professionals who have appropriate credentials and

experience consistent with the particular profession’s scope

of practice. For purposes of this Handbook, diabetes care

and education (DCE) is used.

DCE involves the person with prediabetes or diabetes and/

or the caregivers and the specialist(s) and is dened as the

ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability

necessary for prediabetes and diabetes self-care, as well as

activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining

the health practices needed to manage the condition on an

ongoing basis, beyond or outside of formal self-management

training. It is a component of a comprehensive plan of

diabetes care. The process incorporates the needs, goals

and life experiences of the person with prediabetes or

diabetes and is guided by evidence-based standards. DCE

should include practical problem-solving approaches and

collaborative care, address psychosocial issues, lifestyle

change, and strategies to sustain self-management.

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

GENERAL

For purposes of certication eligibility, some or all of

the following components of the DCE process may

be performed and counted towards meeting the DCE

practice experience requirement:

n Assessment: The participant’s DCE needs are identied.

This process is led by the participant with assessment

and support of the educator.

n Education and Care Plan: The participant’s individualized

education and care plan is developed. The plan reects

the participant’s self-management goals and current

evidence and practice guidelines and includes criteria

for evaluating outcomes.

Interventions: The specialist delivers intervention options to

assist the participant in meeting self-management goals.

n Ongoing Support: The specialist provides options for

ongoing support and resources. The support option(s)

is selected by the participant to best meet their self-

management goals.

n Participant Progress: The specialist will monitor and

communicate whether the participant is achieving their

self-management goals and other outcome(s) to evaluate

effectiveness of interventions. Additional assessments

are based on the participant’s needs across the lifespan.

n Documentation: The specialist documents the

assessment, education plan, intervention, and outcomes

in the participant’s health record.

n Services Development/Administration: Development and

administrative activities performed as part of DSMES

services.

Note: Regardless of discipline, knowledge (and the ability to

apply that knowledge) is necessary across all areas of the

examination content outline.

±Adapted from 2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-

Management Education and Support, American Diabetes

Association (NSDSMES). Diabetes Care 2022; 45:484-494.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Policy

CBDCE does not discriminate among applicants on the basis

of age, gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin,

disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, sexual

orientation, military discharge status, source of income, or

any other status protected by law. All applications submitted

for certication are individually reviewed on the basis of

information submitted.

Disciplinary Policy

CBDCE may deny, revoke, or otherwise act on any

application for certication or on any CDCES credential when

an individual is not in compliance with CBDCE requirements.

CBDCE has the right to suspend, withhold, revoke, censure,

or take other appropriate action with regard to certication

status for validated cause and to make such actions

public. Certication may be withheld, denied or revoked, or

applications rejected for reasons including, but not limited to,

the following:

1. Falsication of application information

2. Noncompliance with review and audit procedures

Loss of current, active, unrestricted licensure or registration

4. Revocation or suspension of current license or other

credential, or other disciplinary action by a licensing or

regulatory board or registration commission/agency

5. Validated unethical practice of diabetes care and

education

6. Violation of the Canons of Ethical Conduct

7. Giving or receiving assistance during the Examination

8. Removing or attempting to remove Examination

information or materials from the test center

9. Representing oneself falsely as a Certied Diabetes

Educator or Certied Diabetes Care and Education

Specialist

10. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certication, whether

initial or renewal, by fraud or deception

11. Unauthorized possession and/or distribution of any

ofcial CBDCE testing or Examination materials

12. Ineligibility for certication, as determined by CBDCE

13. Misrepresentation or fraud in any statement on the

certication Application made to assist individual to

apply for, obtain, or renew certication.

Condentiality Policy

All information provided to CBDCE may be used for a variety

of analyses to study diabetes educators, Certied Diabetes

Care and Education Specialists, and the practice of diabetes

care and education. However, information sharing will be

limited to data reports in aggregate form or documents that

do not contain personally identiable information.

Published studies and reports concerning applicants

(exam and renewal by continuing education) will contain no

information identiable with any individual, unless authorized

by the applicant.

Information on the status of an individual’s certication is

considered public information, though verication requests

may require specic information from the individual or

requesting body to ensure correct identication of the

individual in question.

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Renewal of Certication

Renewal of certication must be completed during the calendar

year in which an individual’s CDCES credential expires. Renewal

by CE opens in July of each year. If a CDCES can

document meeting the renewal practice requirement,

renewal may be done either by continuing education or by

taking the Examination.

Health professionals specializing in diabetes care and education

will demonstrate through renewal of certication: knowledge

and skills are up-to-date; ability to practice prociently, safely,

and in a manner consistent with current National Standards

of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

(NSDSMES) and ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes.

Renewing Your Certication

There are three windows – Standard (Early Bird), Extended, and

Final – in which to renew by CE (refer to page one for specic

dates). Note that the renewal fee increases with each window.

For those that miss the open renewal windows there is a Grace

Period Option available. All practice hours and CE must be

earned by the renewal application date or by December 31 if

using the Grace Period Option.

Ways to Renew:

Renewal with Practice Hours and Continuing Education (CE)–

requires 1000 practice hours and 75 continuing education hours.

Renewal can be done online through the CDCES portal. Renewal

by CE online application available July 15 - December 31.

Renewal by Exam* with Practice Hours– requires 1000 practice

hours and passage of the exam. Refer to section “For Those

Unable to Meet the Continuing Education Requirement” on

page 5. To renew through this option, one can place their exam

registration online through their CBDCE account. Select Renewal

by Exam and practice hours to start the process. Review the

Examination Handbook for information.

Renewal by Exam* with Continuing Education (CE) Hours–

requires 75 continuing education hours and passage of the

exam. Refer to page 5, section “For Those Unable to meet the

Practice Requirement.” To renew through this option requires

placing your application online through your CBDCE account.

Select Renewal by Exam and CE to start the process. Review

the Examination Handbook for information.

Grace Period Option – visit page 9 for details and requirements

on this option.

*Individuals renewing by examination will need to take/pass the

Examination by 12/31/2024 in order to renew their CDCES with

no interruption. Please make a note of this when scheduling your

examination.

CBDCE requires all CDCESs to recertify every ve (5) years

to maintain certication status. It is the responsibility of each

CDCES to stay abreast of changes in certication and/or

renewal requirements and to recertify in a timely manner.

Valid dates of the credential should be monitored and

application for renewal submitted by published deadlines.

Extensions of certications are not granted.

Eligibility Requirements for

Renewal of Certication by

Continuing Education

For CDCESs whose credential will expire 12/31/2024:

1. Individuals must continue to hold the license or

registration for the same discipline held at the time of

initial certication. This license or registration must be

current, active, and unrestricted at the time of renewal.

2. A minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice

experience during the ve-year certication cycle.

NOTE: Refer to the Renewal Practice Requirement

section, page 5, for additional information on the

practice requirement.

3. Renewal of certication by continuing education

requires that CDCESs complete 75 clock hours of

continuing education in content areas applicable

to diabetes during the certication cycle.

4. Application Fee(s) Payment

Renewal by Continuing

Education Accrual Dates

For those renewing for the rst time, the start date for

accruing professional practice and continuing education

(CE) hours is January 1 following the year of initial

certication.

For those who have previously renewed by the continuing

education option, the start date for accruing practice and

CE hours is the day after the application deadline date of

the continuing education window of their last renewal. For

those who previously renewed by Examination, the start

date for accruing CE hours is September 16, 2019. Refer to

the Renewal Handbook or call the CBDCE national ofce for

your accrual dates.

All hours must be obtained prior to the date of application for

renewal.

* CDCESs who allowed their credentials to expire in 2018 or earlier

and had their credentials reinstated by passing the Examination

in 2019 must use the January 1, 2020 accrual start date.

RENEWAL

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Renewal Practice Requirement

For CDCESs renewing in 2024, it will be necessary to

attest (and document upon audit) that a minimum of 1,000

hours of professional practice experience was accrued.

The professional practice requirement for renewal of

certication, however, is NOT the same as that required for

initial certication. CBDCE recognizes that diabetes care

and education is an evolving specialty and that experienced

CDCESs often assume roles other than the practice of

diabetes education required for initial certication.

Renewal Practice Requirement

Denition

For purposes of renewal of certication, practice means

providing a direct or indirect professional contribution to the

care and self-management education of people with diabetes.

Practice hours must have taken place in the United States or its

territories.

This denition is intended to be as inclusive as possible of

positions currently held by CDCESs. In addition to providing

DCE to persons with diabetes, it also includes

• service development

• service management

• public health/community surveillance

• volunteer activities

• diabetes-related research

• clinical roles in diabetes industry

• case management

• professional education

• consultant roles to industry or other providers, or others.

What is NOT Included in the Denition

Employment in the manufacture, direct sales, or distribution

of diabetes-related products or services in pharmaceutical or

other diabetes-related industries, or jobs or volunteer activities

unrelated to diabetes will not meet the practice requirement.

Your Renewal Accrual Cycle

For those renewing in 2024, the 1000 hours of professional

practice experience requirement must have:

• Been completed during the appropriate ve year

certication cycle.

• For those renewing for the rst time, the start date for

accruing practice hours is January 1 following the year of

initial certication.

• For those who have previously renewed by the continuing

education option, the start date for accruing practice and

CE hours is the day after the application deadline date of

the continuing education window of their last renewal (e.g.

for those renewing in 2024, those who renewed by CE in

the standard window which ended 9/15/2019, accrual starts

September 16, 2019.); for a CDCES who last renewed by

examination, the accrual date starts on September 16, 2019.

• All hours must be obtained prior to the date of application

for renewal.

NOTE: There is no requirement about how or when this must be

accomplished, e.g., to complete 200 hours per year each of the

ve years, or to be practicing at the time of application.

Unable to Meet the CE Requirement?

For CDCESs whose credentials will expire 12/31/2024,

that wish to maintain certication status who do NOT meet

the continuing education requirement but meet the

practice requirement and continue to hold the license or

registration of the same discipline held at the time of initial

certication, renewal by examination is the only option to

renew. Refer to the 2024 Certication Examination for

Diabetes Education Handbook for information on how to

apply for renewal by examination under this situation.

Unable to Meet the

Practice Requirement?

For CDCESs who wish to maintain certication status but do not

or cannot meet the practice requirement, there is only one

renewal option. That method requires successful completion

of both the Examination and the accrual of 75 clock hours of

acceptable continuing education. During the accrual period

that certication is valid, if a CDCES has practiced less than

the required 1,000 hours, has taken employment unrelated to

diabetes care and education, is on leave from employment

or has retired, but still wishes to maintain certication as a

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, the requirements to

hold a current, active unrestricted license or registration for

the same discipline held at the time of initial certication and to

demonstrate knowledge of current standards and practices by

passing the Examination and documenting relevant continuing

education activities are required. No exceptions will be available.

Refer to the

2024 Certication Examination for Diabetes

Care and Education Specialists Handbook

for information on

how to apply for renewal by examination under this situation.

Individuals renewing by examination will need to take/

pass the Examination by 12/31/2024 in order to renew

their CDCES with no interruption. Please make a

note of this when scheduling your examination.

Individuals can now choose to take the exam via

Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) or at a testing center.

Learn more about LRP in the Exam Handbook.

RENEWAL

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Renewal by Continuing Education (CE)

Renewal by CE in 2024 is available only to CDCESs whose

credential expires 12/31/2024 who can document meeting the

renewal practice requirement and have accrued 75 hours of

continuing education. Applicants must apply by the published

deadline date and submit applicable fee(s).

Application Process-

Standard (Early Bird), Extended,

or Final Renewal Windows

There are three renewal windows—Standard - Early Bird,

Extended, and Final. Refer to page 1 for the deadline dates and

fees for each of these windows.

Before applying, individuals will want to read through the renewal

handbook and closely review Appendix I - Guidelines for

Reporting Continuing Education Activities, page 11, for important

details on the continuing education activity requirements. All

practice and CE hours need to be earned by the renewal

application date or December 31 if using the Grace Period

Option.

Applicants renewing by continuing education will do so via the

online renewal process in the CDCES portal. Applicants are

encouraged to apply for renewal once they have met the renewal

requirements. All applications submitted become the property of

CBDCE and under no circumstances are applications, including

copies of hard copy applications, returned to applicants.

For those individuals that miss the deadline windows, CBDCE

does offer a Grace Period Option. Refer to page 9 for details and

requirements under this Option. The Grace Period Option does

NOT give you extended time beyond 12/31/2024 to earn any

needed CEs.

Documentation of eligibility does not need to be submitted with

an application for renewal by continuing education. However,

CBDCE reserves the right to verify and/or audit information

supplied by the applicant. If selected for an audit, the applicant

will be asked to submit appropriate documentation supporting

eligibility. The necessary documentation must be received by the

deadline date; late fees will apply for documentation received

after the specied deadline date. Individuals selected for audits

will not be able to complete their renewal until the audit is

successfully completed.

How to Apply for Renewal by Continuing Education

You will renew by Continuing Education online through your

CDCES portal.

Online Application: Access the application online by visiting the

CBDCE web site at www.cbdce.org. Click on “Sign In” option

(top navigation bar) and complete the log in process using

your email address and password. Once logged in, click on

Renew Certication and select your renewal option. From there,

applicants will read and attest/agree to the information on each

renewal web page, moving from page to page. On the last page

of the renewal application applicants will enter their payment

details and select “Complete Renewal”. This will submit the

application.

After the application information and payment using a credit card

have been submitted, applicants will be sent an email notice of

acceptance or audit within 24 hours.

If you will be paying via check, you will need to complete the

online application > when in the shopping cart, you will select

pay by check > then click submit > to create an invoice. You will

then send in payment along with a copy of the invoice.

You can nd a copy of the invoice in your CDCES account >

click on invoices > pay my invoice > print. Payment needs to

be received within the same application window in which you

applied, otherwise additional fees will apply.

You can also see the status of your application in your CDCES

portal.

Note: An application must be submitted with payment prior to

the closing of any window to be considered under that window.

CBDCE cannot be held responsible for times when the web site

or renewal application option is not available online. Therefore, it

is not recommended that individuals wait until immediately before

a window is closing to submit an application, e.g., do not wait

until 10:30 pm CT or late on September 15, 2024 to apply under

the standard window in the event that there are issues with your

own computer or internet access or interruptions preventing you

from being able to access CBDCE’s web site or complete the

application process.

Access the renewal application online through your CDCES

portal.

Step Action

1 Login to your CDCES portal at www.cbdce.org. Need assistance logging

in? Email us at [email protected].

2 Review your contact information and make any necessary updates in

“Update My Prole”

3 To place your application > click Renew Certication

4 Select your renewal option:

a. Renewal Practice Hours and Continuing Education (CE)

b. Renewal by Exam and CE

c. Renewal by Exam and Practice Hours

5 Once in the application, read through the instructions

6 Review and make any updates to your demographics

7 Continue through the remaining pages and submit your payment

APPLICATION PROCESS

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Renewal of Certication by

Continuing Education Fees

Standard Window (deadline before 9/15) Early Bird . fee $250

(online application completed no later

than 11:59 pm CT 9/15/2024)

Extended Window (deadline before 10/15) .........fee $300

(online application completed no later

than 11:59 pm CT 10/15/2024)

Final Window (deadline before 12/31) .............fee $400

(online application completed no later

than 11:59 pm CT 12/31/2024)

Grace Period Option............................fee $500

(online application completed no later

than 11:59 pm CT 3/31/2025)

Fees for online applications may be paid by credit card

(VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).

If you are paying via check, you must still enter your

application online and when in the shopping cart,

you’ll select payment method and continue to submit

the application. Please allow up to three weeks after the

application deadline for the processing of checks. Declined

credit cards and/or insufcient fund checks returned to

CBDCE are subject to a penalty. Repayment of a declined

credit card or payment for an insufcient fund check and

the penalty must be made with a cashier’s or certied check

or money order. Unless and until all fees have been paid

in full, application processing will not be completed.

Processing of payment does not conrm renewal by continuing

education has been approved. In the event an application

for renewal of certication by continuing education is not

accepted by CBDCE, a $100 nonrefundable processing fee

and any applicable late and penalty fees will be retained

and the remainder of the application fee refunded.

You can download a receipt of payment in your

CBDCE account under invoices > payment history.

CBDCE will conrm the application fee paid in the emailed

notication provided after the application has been

approved. CBDCE highly recommends that you keep a

copy of the payment method for your own records.

Adherence to Published Policies

Eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and fee

payment policies are strictly enforced by CBDCE. Applications

must be submitted by the specied deadline dates. Online

applications will be processed in the next available window,

except after the deadline for the late window has passed.

Absolutely no exceptions will be made. If requested, applicants

must respond with additional information to verify eligibility.

For those paying via check, be sure to send to CBDCE

using certied mail or traceable courier and include a copy

of your application invoice with your payment. CBDCE is

not responsible for lost, misdirected, late or undelivered mail.

A certied mail, certicate of mailing, or other courier receipt

can serve as proof that the check was mailed by the deadline.

Private metered postmarks and mail receipts not dated by the

U.S. Postal Service are not acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

Changes after the Application

is Submitted

CBDCE must be notied in writing of any change in name or

address that occurs after the application has been submitted.

Audit Policy

CBDCE conducts random audits on a regular basis and

also reserves the right to verify and/or audit at any time any

application submitted for certication.

CDCESs whose applications are selected for audit must submit:

1) proof of holding an active, current unrestricted license/

registration held at the time of initial certication;

2) proof of meeting the renewal practice requirement by

providing a verication statement from a supervisor or,

for self-employment, other qualied health care

professional; and

3) proof of meeting the continuing education requirements by

providing copies of certicates of completion, verications of

attendance issued by a recognized provider on CBDCE’s list,

or other relevant proof of completion or attendance issued

by the recognized provider for each continuing education

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. See Formal

Activities Table A, page 12. Some CE certicates include

a list of sessions attended. This list of sessions attended

needs to be included with the certicate when submitting

CE documentation. For Expanded Activities, documentation

must be provided as stated in Table B, page 13.

If selected for an audit, you will upload your supporting

documents in your CDCES account. Audit material must be

received at the CBDCE national ofce within 14 days from

audit notication or a $25 late fee will apply.

To see the current audit documentation, visit the CBDCE web

site.

APPLICATION PROCESS

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Rejected Applications

1. Applications may be rejected under the following

circumstances:

A. CBDCE determines that the applicant did not meet

eligibility requirements.

B. The application is incomplete or improperly

completed.

C. The application and/or fee are not submitted by the

published deadline date.

D. The applicant, if selected for audit, does not submit

required documentation by the deadline date.

When an application is rejected for any of these reasons,

the application fee, minus a $100 processing fee and any

applicable late and penalty fee(s), will be refunded.

2. Applications may be rejected if the payment for the

application fee(s) is not honored by the card issuer or

bank and is not resubmitted on a timely basis. In addition

to payment of application fee, applicant will owe a $100

processing fee and any applicable late and penalty fee(s).

Appeals

Appeals are available only to individuals whose applications

are rejected because of failure to meet eligibility requirements.

The procedure for ling an appeal is sent with the notice

of ineligibility. Appeal information is also available on the

CBDCE web site at https://www.cbdce.org/appeals-process.

If an individual elects to le an appeal, the expiration date

of the individual’s CDCES credential will be temporarily

extended until the appeal process has been completed.

Appeals are not available to individuals whose applications

are rejected for any other reason, including being incomplete

or improperly completed, or when for other reasons

evaluation of the application cannot be completed.

Withdrawals and Refunds

Once submitted, applications for renewal of certication by

continuing education may not be withdrawn and fees are not

refunded.

Application Status

Online Application

You can track the status of your application in your CDCES

portal. To access > log into your CDCES account > Click on

Renew Certication.

Completed applications submitted using the online option will be

sent an email notice of approval or audit instructions will follow

within 24 hours of your application submission.

*Important Note: For any online applications submitted

using the December deadline – any individuals chosen for

audit may not receive conrmation of successful renewal

until after December 31, 2024. Therefore, CDCESs using the

late application deadline should be aware that they may not

receive this notication until after that date. An individual should

NOT use the CDCES credential after December 31, 2024 until

notication that certication has been renewed is received.

Applicants can track the status of their application in their

CDCES portal. Approved applications are sent an approval

notice via email. The approval notice will include the new

cycle information and serves as the renewal fee receipt.

With completion of the review process, notices are sent

to individuals as soon as possible. Decisions regarding

renewal by continuing education are communicated in

writing. The CBDCE national ofce does not provide the

status of an application via telephone, fax or electronically.

Important Note: CDCESs using the late application

deadline, especially if chosen for audit, should be aware

that it is possible that they may not receive their letters of

notication until after that date. An individual should NOT

use the CDCES credential after December 31, 2024 until

notication that certication has been renewed is received.

APPLICATION PROCESS

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Grace Period Option

Individuals with an expired credential of 12/31/24, who

meet the professional practice experience requirement

(1000 hours) and the renewal by continuing education

requirement, can reinstate their credential by documenting

75 hours of acceptable continuing education activities

(same guidelines, accrual cycle as original date). Making

use of this option reinstates the credential with no change

to the renewal cycle or certication number.

Details:

1. Practice requirement hours and continuing

education activities accrued no later than

December 31, 2024.

2. Place your “Grace Period” application online in your

CDCES portal. You’ll also need to upload your CE

documentation in the application.

• Documentation (e.g. certicates of

completion, etc.) of all continuing education

activities (see Appendix l, Guidelines,

Tables A and B, pages 12-13)

• Fee: $500 (total fee includes late fee of $250)

• Must be received no later than March 31, 2025

(see Adherence to Published Policies, page 7)

Reminder that the Grace Period Option does NOT

give you added time beyond 12/31/2024 to earn

any needed CEs.

3. After December 31, individuals cannot use the

credential until renewal approval notice is received.

4. Certicates and wallet cards will be mailed

approximately 3 months after approval notice is

received.

5. All policies regarding applications as noted on

pages 7 and 8 are applicable for this reinstatement

option.

GRACE PERIOD OPTION

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Certicates and Wallet Cards

For those CDCESs who receive notices of successful

completion of renewal of certication by continuing education,

complimentary certicates and wallet cards will be mailed

by CBDCE approximately 3 months after approval notice is

received*.

* For those using the Grace Period Option, see Grace Period

Option, page 9.

Use of Certication Marks

Certication is a process by which recognition is granted

to an individual who has satisfactorily met all requirements.

Only after receiving ofcial written notice of either passing

the Examination or renewing certication may an individual

use the mark “CDCES

” following his/her name. The

marks CDCES

, Certied Diabetes Care and Education

Specialist

, and CDCES

in the design form(s) approved

by CBDCE, are also used on certicates, lapel pins, cards,

and promotional materials in accordance with CBDCE

policies. Certied Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

(CDCES

) and Certied Diabetes Educator

CDE

(and

Design)

are federally registered certication marks.

The CDCES

designation is not punctuated with periods. An

example of proper use of the CDCES

credential is as follows:

Joan M. Smith, RN, CDCES

Online Verication of a CDCES

Verication information for an active Certied Diabetes Care

and Education Specialist (CDCES) is available online 24/7

on CBDCEs website (www.cbdce.org) at the verication

page. (https://www.cbdce.org/verify) Individuals can search

via CDCES certication number or rst/last name and yield

an instant online result as well as providing the capability to

download/email a verication letter. CDCESs can also print out a

verication letter and wallet card from their CDCES portal.

POST RENEWAL PROCESS

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

1. Expectations

n Health professionals specializing in diabetes care and

education will demonstrate through renewal of certication:

• knowledge and skills are up-to-date

• ability to practice prociently, safely, and in a manner

consistent with current National Standards of Diabetes

Self-Management Education and Support (NSDSMES)

and ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes

n All CDCESs who select renewal of certication by continuing

education will engage in a personal assessment to identify

professional needs and participate in appropriate activities

that are inclusive of the Examination Content Outline in the

current Handbook.

2. Renewal by Continuing

Education (CE) Cycles

For those renewing for the rst time, the start date for accruing

professional practice and continuing education (CE) hours is

January 1 following the year of initial certication.

For those who have previously renewed by the continuing

education option the start date for accruing practice and

CE hours is the day after the deadline date of the continuing

education window of their last renewal. For those who previously

renewed by Examination, the start date for accruing CE hours is

September 16, 2019. Refer to the Renewal Handbook or call the

CBDCE national ofce for your accrual dates.

All hours must be obtained prior to the date of application for

renewal.

3. CE Activities:

n A total of 75 CE hours are needed to renew by CE. You may

earn all the hours in the formal category or a combination

of formal and expanded categories. Be mindful of the

expanded CE hour limits. Additionally, use of the expanded

hours is not required.

n formal CE Activities must be provided by or approved by a

provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers

n must be applicable to diabetes. All subject matter on the

Certication Examination Content Outline published in the

current Handbook is considered applicable to diabetes.

(See Appendix II, pages 15-16)

n must be completed as dened by the renewal of continuing

education cycles policy. (All activities must be completed

prior to the application date or by December 31 if using the

Grace Period Option.

n must be at a professional level that enhances the quality

and effectiveness of diabetes care and education practice.

n do not have to be discipline specic nor do the activities

have to be in any specic area of concentration, e.g., social

workers may attend a diabetes related nursing program and

use those clock hours for renewal of certication.

Formal CE activity formats acceptable for renewal of

certication by continuing education - minimum of 45 clock

hours of the following:

n Continuing education courses

n Independent study

n Seminars

n Online programs

n Workshops

n Telephonic or video conference programs

n Conferences

Expanded CE activities acceptable for renewal of

certication by continuing education - maximum

of 30 clock hours of the following:

n Academic courses (certicant taking an academic course)

n Presentations or lectures by the certicant

n Publications - Articles or books written by the certicant

n Service as a Mentor in CBDCE’s Mentorship Program

4. Activities - Additional

Information/Requirements

See Tables A and B on pages 12-13

n The use of Expanded Activities is optional

n Only 30 CEs are allowed from the Expanded Activity Group

n A total of 75 CEs are required in order to renew by CE

APPENDICES

Appendix I

Renewal of Certication:

Guidelines for Reporting Continuing Education (CE) Activities

Minimum Total of 75 Hours of Acceptable Activities Required

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Category Hours Required/Allowed Requirements

Documentation for Audit and

Grace Period Application

Formal Continuing

Education Activities

n Minimum of 45 clock

hours

n Must be approved by a provider on the

CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (See

Formal Activities – Recognized Continuing

Education Providers on page 14).

n All continuing education activities must be

reported in clock hours, i.e, the actual time

spent on the continuing education activity,

not contact hours, credits, or units awarded

by the recognized provider. One clock hour

equals 60 minutes.

n Presentations – Participants may include

in the time to be counted as clock hours

the course overview, introductions, the

educational presentation, and questions

and answers. Time may not be counted

for general announcements, breaks, lunch,

exhibits, or poster sessions.

n Self-study programs (online or written

booklets) – Participants may count the

actual time spent on completing the activity.

Clock hours submitted cannot be more than

the number of contact hours/credits/units

awarded by the recognized provider.

Activities NOT acceptable.

n Other certication/credentials awarded

n Elected ofce or serving on Boards and/or

Committees

n Journal clubs or professional reading

n Posters or poster sessions and exhibits

n Preceptorships or mentor hours (Exception

– See Expanded Activities – Table B)

n Research

n Volunteer activities

n Proof of meeting the continuing

education requirements by providing

copies of certicates of completion,

verications of attendance issued by a

recognized provider on CBDCE’s list, or

other relevant proof of attendance issued

by the recognized provider for each

continuing education activity submitted.

n 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.

Table A. Formal Continuing Education Activities – Additional Information/Requirements

APPENDICES

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Category Hours Required/Allowed Requirements

Documentation for Audit and

Grace Period Application

Formal Continuing

Education Activities

n Minimum of 45 clock

hours

n Must be approved by a provider on the

CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (See

Formal Activities – Recognized Continuing

Education Providers on page 14).

n All continuing education activities must be

reported in clock hours, i.e, the actual time

spent on the continuing education activity,

not contact hours, credits, or units awarded

by the recognized provider. One clock hour

equals 60 minutes.

n Presentations – Participants may include

in the time to be counted as clock hours

the course overview, introductions, the

educational presentation, and questions

and answers. Time may not be counted

for general announcements, breaks, lunch,

exhibits, or poster sessions.

n Self-study programs (online or written

booklets) – Participants may count the

actual time spent on completing the activity.

Clock hours submitted cannot be more than

the number of contact hours/credits/units

awarded by the recognized provider.

Activities NOT acceptable.

n Other certication/credentials awarded

n Elected ofce or serving on Boards and/or

Committees

n Journal clubs or professional reading

n Posters or poster sessions and exhibits

n Preceptorships or mentor hours (Exception

– See Expanded Activities – Table B)

n Research

n Volunteer activities

n Proof of meeting the continuing

education requirements by providing

copies of certicates of completion,

verications of attendance issued by a

recognized provider on CBDCE’s list, or

other relevant proof of attendance issued

by the recognized provider for each

continuing education activity submitted.

n 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.

Category Category Hour Denition Hours Required/Allowed Requirements

Documentation for

Audit and Grace Period

Application

Academic

Coursework

One semester credit = 15

hours of formal continuing

education activity

n No minimum required

n Can mix and match with other

non-formal categories

n Maximum if only use this non-

formal category: 2 semester credit

hours (30 CE hours)

n Offered through an accredited

college or university

n Content must be applicable to

diabetes

n Repeat courses are not

accepted for certication

renewal. CDCESs may claim

credit for a specic course only

once, even if they took that

course multiple times during

their accrual cycle

n Supporting documents,

such as a transcript(s)

showing the number

of academic credits,

sponsoring organization etc.

n Title must clarify content

applicable to diabetes or

additional information to

verify content applicable to

diabetes must be provided.

Presentations One presentation = 10 hours

of formal continuing education

activity hours

n No minimum required

n Can mix and match with other

non-formal categories

n Maximum if only utilizing this non-

formal category: 3 presentations

(30 CE hours)

n Presents for a minimum of 45

minutes

n Content must be applicable to

diabetes

n Delivered in a structured

teaching/learning framework as

part of conference, seminar, or

teleconference where continuing

education credits are awarded

to attendees

n Original presentation; repeat

or modied presentations of

previous presentations cannot

be counted

n Excludes poster presentations

n Supporting documents such

as a copy of the program,

abstract, objectives, course

content, as well as evidence

that the individual actually

presented the topic.

n Proof that continuing

education credits were

awarded to attendees.

Publications One publication = 10 hours of

formal continuing education

activity hours

n No minimum required

n Can mix and match with other

non-formal categories

n Maximum if only utilizing this non-

formal category: 3 publications

(30 CE hours)

n Author of one peer-reviewed

article or book chapter related to

diabetes

n Supporting documents, such

as cover page with author’s

name, abstract or actual

copy of the entire article

or chapter, indicating peer

review.

Service as

Mentor in

CBDCE

Mentorship

Program

One completed partnership

experience = 10 hours of

formal continuing education

activity hours

n No minimum required

n Can mix and match with other

non-formal categories

n Maximum if only utilizing this non-

formal category: 3 mentees (30

CE hours)

n Verication of completion of

mentor/mentee partnership

during their accrual cycle

n Diabetes Education

Mentorship Program

Experience Verication

Document

Table B. Expanded Activities - Additional Information/Requirements

APPENDICES

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

5. Formal Activities - Recognized Continuing Education Providers*

Continuing education activities must be provided by or approved by one of the following:

Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) https://www.adces.org/

American Diabetes Association (ADA) https://professional.diabetes.org/continuing-education/

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACADEMY) https://www.eatrightstore.org/cpe-opportunities

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Accredited or Approved Providers

http://www.acpe-accredit.org/

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME-AMA) Accredited or Approved Providers

http://www.accme.org/

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Accredited or Approved Providers

https://www.nursingworld.org/Organizational-Programs/Accreditation/Find-an-Accredited-Organization

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) http://www.aafp.org/cme.html

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

http://www.aanp.org/education/continuing-education-ce/ce-opportunities

American Academy of Optometry (AAO) http://www.aaopt.org/

American Academy of PAs (AAPA) https://www.aapa.org/learning-central/

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) https://www.aace.com/

American College of Endocrinology (ACE) https://www.aace.com/college/

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) https://www.acsm.org/learn-develop-professionally/ceonline2/

American Medical Association (AMA) https://www.ama-assn.org/education-center

American Nurses Association (ANA) https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Continuing-Education.aspx

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) http://www.apta.org/CareersEducation/

American Psychological Association (APA) http://www.apa.org/ed/ce/index.aspx

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Accredited or Approved Providers https://www.cdrnet.org/cpeu-offerings-and-resources

Council on Continuing Medical Education (CCME-AOA) Approved Sponsors https://www.osteopathic.org/cme/

Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME-APMA) Approved Sponsors

http://www.cpme.org/education/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2422&navItemNumber=2237

International Diabetes Federation (IDF) http://www.idf.org/

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) https://nacns.org/professional-resources/education/

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) https://www.socialworkers.org/careers/continuing-education

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Designated Providers

https://www.nchec.org/continuing-education

Continuing education hours from accredited academic institutions within the United States or its territories granting

degrees related to professional practice are also accepted. Contact the CBDCE national ofce for information.

* NOTE: The links to the various organizations on the list are provided as a courtesy, and though all attempts are made to ensure

the links are viable, CBDCE is not responsible for links that may be incorrect or become inactive. In addition, though CBDCE

may have a professional relationship with any number of these organizations, CBDCE is separate and autonomous from all of the

organizations included on the list.

APPENDICES

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Examination Content Outline

EFFECTIVE STARTING JULY 1, 2019

I. Assessment of the Diabetes Continuum (59)

A. Learning (19)

1. Goals and needs of learner

2. Learning readiness (attitudes, developmental level, perceived

learning needs, etc.)

3. Preferred learning styles (audio, visual, observational,

psychomotor, etc.)

4. Technology literacy and use (devices, software, apps, virtual

coaching, patient portals, etc.)

5. Challenges to learning (concrete vs. abstract thinking, literacy

and numeracy, language, cultural values, religious beliefs, health

beliefs, psychosocial and economic issues, family dynamics,

learning disabilities, etc.)

6. Physical capabilities/limitations (visual acuity, hearing, functional

ability, etc.)

7. Readiness to change behavior (self-efficacy, value of change,

etc.)

B. Health and Psychosocial Status (19)

1. Diabetes-relevant health history (diagnosis/presentation,

duration, symptoms, complications, treatment, etc.)

2. General health history (family history, allergies, medical history,

etc.)

3. Diabetes-specific physical assessment (biometrics, site

inspection, extremities, etc.)

4. Data trends (laboratory and self-collected)

5. Current use of technology (meters, pumps, sensors, apps,

software, etc.)

6. Treatment fears and myths (hypo/hyperglycemia, causes,

complications, needles, weight gain, etc.)

7. Family/caregiver dynamics and social supports

8. Substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, caffeine, etc.)

9. Life transitions (living situation, insurance coverage, age related

changes, etc.)

10. Mental health status (adjustment to diagnosis, coping ability,

etc.)

11. Challenges to diabetes self-care practices (cognitive, language,

cultural, spiritual, physical, economic, etc.)

C. Knowledge and Self-Management Practices (21)

1. Disease process

2. Eating habits and preferences

3. Activity habits and preferences

4. Monitoring (blood glucose, ketones, weight, etc.)

5. Record keeping (blood glucose, food, activity, etc.)

6. Medication taking habits (prescription, nonprescription,

complementary and alternative medicine, etc.)

7. Use of health care resources (health care team, community

resources, etc.)

8. Risk reduction (cardiovascular, etc.)

9. Problem solving

II. Interventions for Diabetes Continuum (88)

A. Collaborate with Individual/Family/Caregiver/Health Care Team to

Develop: (18)

1. Individualized education plan based on assessment (selection

of content, learning objectives, sequence of information,

communication, etc.)

2. Instructional methods (discussion, demonstration, role playing,

simulation, technology-based platforms, etc.)

3. Goals for lifestyle changes (S.M.A.R.T. goals, AADE-7, etc.)

B. Educate Based on Individualized Care Strategies (35)

1. General topics

a) Classification and diagnosis

b) Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors

c) Pathophysiology (auto-immunity, monogenic, insulin

resistance, secondary diabetes, cardiometabolic risks, etc.)

d) Effects and interactions of activity, food, medication, and

stress

e) Drug and non-drug treatment options (access, risk/benefit,

etc.)

f) Immunizations

g) Therapeutic goals (A1C, blood pressure, lipids, quality of life,

etc.)

h) Laboratory test interpretation (A1C, lipids, renal and hepatic

function tests, etc.)

i) Evidence-based findings for decision support (Diabetes

Prevention Program, Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs

study, clinical trials, etc.)

2. Living with diabetes and prediabetes

a) Healthy coping (problem solving, complications, life

transitions, etc.)

b) Psychosocial problems (depression, eating disorders,

distress, etc.)

c) Role/Responsibilities of care (individual, family, team, etc.)

d) Social/Financial issues (employment, insurance, disability,

discrimination, school issues, etc.)

e) Lifestyle management

f) Record keeping (blood glucose logs, food records, etc.)

g) Safety (sharps disposal, medical ID, driving, etc.)

h) Hygiene (dental, skin, feet, etc.)

3. Monitoring

a) Glucose (meter selection, continuous glucose sensing, sites,

etc.)

b) Ketones

c) A1C

d) Blood pressure and weight

e) Lipids and cardiovascular risk

f) Renal and hepatic (function studies, microalbuminuria,

serum creatinine, etc.)

4. Nutrition principles and guidelines

a) American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Academy of

Nutrition and Dietetics nutrition recommendations (meal

planning, macro/micronutrients, etc.)

b) Carbohydrates (food source, sugar substitutes, fiber,

carbohydrate counting, etc.)

c) Fats (food source, total, saturated, monounsaturated, etc.)

d) Protein (food source, renal disease, wound care, etc.)

e) Food and medication integration (medication timing, meal

timing, etc.)

f) Food label interpretation (nutrition facts, ingredients, health

claims, sodium, etc.)

g) Alcohol (amount, precautions)

h) Weight management (adult and childhood obesity, failure to

thrive, fad diets, etc.)

APPENDICES

Appendix II

Examination Content Outline

January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

i) Special considerations (food allergies, food aversion,

gastroparesis, celiac disease, metabolic surgery, etc.)

j) Dietary and herbal supplements

5. Activity

a) ADA and American College of Sports Medicine

recommendations

b) Benefits, challenges, and precautions (comorbid conditions,

post exercise delayed onset hypoglycemia, etc.)

c) Activity plan (aerobic, resistance training, etc.)

d) Adjustment of monitoring, food, and/or medication

6. Medication management

a) ADA, European Association for the Study of Diabetes

(EASD), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

(AACE) guidelines

b) Medications (insulin, oral and injectable medications,

administration, side effects, etc.)

c) Delivery systems (pump therapy, devices, etc.)

d) Medication adjustment

e) Interactions (drug-drug, drug-food, etc.)

f) Non-prescription preparations

7. Acute complications: causes, prevention and treatment

a) Hypoglycemia

b) Hyperglycemia

c) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

d) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)

8. Chronic complications and comorbidities: causes, prevention

and treatment

a) ADA Clinical Practice screening recommendations

b) Eye disease (retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.)

c) Sexual dysfunction

d) Neuropathy (autonomic, peripheral, etc.)

e) Nephropathy

f) Vascular disease (cerebral, cardiovascular, peripheral, etc.)

g) Lower extremity problems (ulcers, Charcot foot, etc.)

h) Dermatological (wounds, yeast infection, ulcers, etc.)

i) Infection (genitourinary tract, pulmonary, skin and soft tissue,

etc.)

j) Dental and gum disease

k) Comorbidities (hypertension, heart disease, depression,

cognitive dysfunction, thyroid disease, celiac disease,

obesity, sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc.)

9. Problem Solving and Other Management Issues

a) Honeymoon period, dawn phenomenon

b) Hypoglycemia unawareness

c) Pump, device, and sensor

d) Sick days

e) Surgery and special procedures

f) Changes in usual schedules (shift, religious, cultural, etc.)

g) Travel

h) Emergency preparedness

i) Physical capabilities and limitations (visual acuity, hearing,

functional ability, etc.)

j) Assistive and adaptive devices (talking meter, magnifier, etc.)

k) Pre-conception planning, pregnancy, post-partum, and

gestational diabetes

l) Special populations (pediatric, adolescence, geriatric, etc.)

m) Transitions of care (pediatric, young adult, care settings, etc.)

n) Substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, caffeine, etc.)

o) Disparities (economic, access, sex, ethnicity, geographic,

mental capabilities, etc.)

C. Evaluate, Revise and Document (26)

1. Weight, blood glucose patterns, eating habits, medication

management, activity

2. Self-reports and/or device downloaded reports

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in:

a) achievement and progress toward goals

b) self-management skills

c) psychosocial adjustment

d) unexpected challenges (loss of insurance, job change, etc.)

4. Individual’s plan for the continuum of care with health care team

and follow-up education and support

D. Referral, Support, and Follow-Up (9)

1. Issues requiring referral

a) Education (diabetes, diabetes prevention program, peer,

group vs. individual, behavioral, etc.)

b) Medical Nutrition Therapy

c) Exercise

d) Lifestyle coaching

e) Behavioral health

f) Learning disabilities

g) Medical care (foot care, dilated eye exam, pre-conception

counseling, family planning, sexual dysfunction, etc.)

h) Risk reduction (smoking cessation, obesity, preventative

services, etc.)

i) Medication management

j) Sleep assessment

k) Financial and social services

l) Discharge planning, home care, community resources

(visual, hearing, language, etc.)

2. Support (community resources, care managers, peer,

prescription assistance programs, etc.)

3. Communication between diabetes educator and health care team

III. Disease Management (28)

A. Education Services Standards (8)

1. Apply National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management

Education and Support (NSDSMES)

a) Perform needs assessment (target population, etc.)

b) Develop curriculum (identify program goals, content outline,

lesson plan, teaching materials, etc.)

c) Choose teaching methods and materials for target populations

d) Evaluate program outcomes (number of people served,

provider satisfaction, patient satisfaction, effectiveness of

diabetes education materials, etc.)

e) Assess patient outcomes (behavior changes, A1C, lipids,

weight, quality of life, emergency department visits,

hospitalizations, work absences, etc.)

f) Perform continuous quality improvement activities

g) Maintain patient information and demographic database

B. Clinical Practice (18)

1. Apply practice standards (AACE, ADA, Endocrine Society, etc.)

2. Implement and support population management strategies

3. Identify medical errors and employ risk mitigation strategies

4. Mentor staff (clinical and non-clinical) and/or lay leaders in need

of education

5. Advocate formulary management of diabetes medications and

supplies

C. Diabetes Advocacy (2)

1. Promote primary and secondary diabetes prevention strategies in

at risk individuals and populations

2. Participate in community awareness, health fairs, media

Examination Content Outline January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024

APPENDICES

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

I. Assessment (37)

A. Physical and Psychosocial (12)

1. Diabetes-relevant health history (diagnosis, duration, symptoms,

complications, treatment, comorbidities, healthcare utilization)

2. Diabetes-specific physical assessment (biometrics, site inspection,

extremities, etc.)

3. Social determinants of health (economic, living situation, healthcare

access, social supports, and food/housing insecurity)

4. General health history (family, medical, mental health, substance

use, surgical, allergies and medication)

5. Diabetes measures and other laboratory data

6. Mental health wellbeing (adjustment to diagnosis, coping ability,

etc.)

7. Considerations related to diabetes self-care practices (cognitive,

physical, language, cultural, spiritual, family/caregiver dynamics,

fears and myths, life transitions, etc.)

B. Self-Management Behaviors and Knowledge (15)

1. Disease process

2. Eating habits and preferences

3. Activity habits and preferences

4. Medication practices and preferences (prescription, nonprescription,

complementary and alternative medicine)

5. Monitoring and data collection (glucose, ketones, weight, dietary

intake, activity, etc.)

6. Use of resources

7. Use of technology (monitors, smart delivery systems, apps, online

education, patient portals, etc.)

8. Risk reduction of acute and chronic complications

9. Problem solving

C. Learning (10)

1. Goals and needs of learner

2. Readiness to learn and change behavior

3. Preferred learning styles (audio, visual, observational, psychomotor,

individual vs. group, virtual, etc.)

4. Literacy, numeracy, health literacy, and digital literacy

5. Considerations related to learning (developmental stage, physical

abilities, language preferences, cultural, spiritual, psychosocial,

economic, family/caregiver dynamics, learning disabilities, etc.)

II. Care and Education Interventions (105)

A. Disease Process and Approach to Treatment (22)

1. Diagnosis and classifications

2. Pathophysiology including honeymoon period, dawn phenomenon

3. Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors

4. Lifestyle management (activity, food, sleep, and stress)

5. Pharmacological approaches and options

6. Treatment goals (glycemic metrics, blood pressure, lipids, risk

reduction, quality of life)

B. Individualized Education Plan (17)

1. Develop plan based on assessment, in collaboration with person

with diabetes/pre-diabetes and care team

2. Identify instructional methods

3. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

C. Person-Centered Education on Self-Care Behaviors (58)

1. Nutrition Principles and Guidelines

a) American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Academy of Nutrition

and Dietetics nutrition recommendations (meal planning,

macro/micronutrients, dietary approaches, etc.)

b) Carbohydrates (types, food source, sugar alcohol and

substitutes, carbohydrate counting)

c) Fats (types, food source)

d) Protein (food source, renal disease, wound care)

e) Alcohol (amount, precautions)

f) Food and medication integration (medication timing, meal

timing, etc.)

g) Food label interpretation (nutrition facts, ingredients, health

claims, sodium, etc.)

h) Weight management

i) Dietary and herbal supplements

j) Special considerations (food allergies, food aversion,

gastroparesis, celiac disease, metabolic surgery, failure to thrive,

disordered eating, etc.)

2. Physical Activity

a) ADA and American College of Sports Medicine

recommendations

b) Benefits, challenges, and safety (comorbidities, post exercise

delayed onset hypoglycemia, etc.)

c) Activity plan (frequency, intensity, time, and types)

d) Adjustment of monitoring, food, and/or medication for planned

and unplanned activities

3. Medication Management

a) ADA/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

guidelines

b) Medications (class, action, administration, side effects,

contraindications, etc.)

c) Medication selection (cardiorenal protection, glycemic efficacy,

impact on weight, types and duration of diabetes, cost,

hypoglycemia risk)

d) Medication adjustment

e) Insulin delivery systems

f) Immunizations

4. Monitoring and Interpretation

a) Glucose (device selection, use, testing techniques, metrics)

b) Ketones

c) A1C

d) Blood pressure

e) Weight

f) Lipids

g) Kidney health

h) Hepatic function

Examination Content Outline

Effective July 1, 2024

EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINE

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

5. Acute Complications: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

a) Hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia unawareness

b) Hyperglycemia

c) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

d) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)

6. Chronic Complications and Comorbidities: Causes, Prevention, and

Treatment

a) ADA Clinical Practice screening recommendations

b) Eye disease (retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.)

c) Sexual dysfunction

d) Neuropathies

e) Nephropathy

f) Vascular disease (cerebral, cardiovascular, peripheral, etc.)

g) Lower extremity problems (ulcers, Charcot foot, etc.)

h) Dermatological (wounds, ulcers, site reactions)

i) Infection (genitourinary tract, pulmonary, skin and soft tissue)

j) Dental and gum disease

k) Other comorbidities (depression, cognitive dysfunction, thyroid

disease, celiac disease, obesity, sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian

syndrome, etc.)

7. Problem Solving

a) Sick days

b) Surgery and other procedures

c) Changes in schedules (shift, religious, cultural, etc.)

d) Travel

e) Emergency preparedness

f) Assistive and adaptive devices (talking meter, magnifier, etc.)

g) Substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, caffeine, etc.)

8. Living with Diabetes and Prediabetes

a) Life changes

b) Transitions of care

c) Special populations (pediatric, adolescence, geriatric, transplant,

etc.)

d) Pre-conception planning, pregnancy, post-partum, and

gestational diabetes

e) Psychosocial wellbeing (depression, disordered eating, distress,

etc.)

f) Role/Responsibilities of care (individual, family, team)

g) Safety (sharps disposal, medical ID, driving, etc.)

h) Personal hygiene (dental, skin, feet, etc.)

i) Social/Financial considerations (employment, insurance,

disability, discrimination, school issues, etc.)

D. Evaluation, Documentation, and Follow-up (8)

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions related to:

a) achievement and progress toward goals

b) self-management skills

c) psychosocial wellbeing

d) weight, eating habits, medications, activity

e) glycemic metrics

2. Revise, document, and communicate individual’s plan for follow-up

care, education, support, and referral

III. Standards and Practices (8)

A. Describe the current National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management

Education and Support (NSDSMES)

B. Describe the National Diabetes Prevention Program Standards (National

DPP)

C. Apply practice standards (AACE, ADA, Endocrine Society, etc.)

D. Describe population health strategies

E. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to advance team-based

care.

F. Advocate for people with diabetes (access to medications and supplies,

care in institutional settings, policies, etc.)

G. Promote primary and secondary diabetes prevention strategies in at risk

individuals and populations

H. Promote evidence-based care and education

I. Recognize the impact of disparities (economic, access, gender, ethnicity,

geographic, etc.)

J. Incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Examination Content Outline

Effective July 1, 2024

EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINE

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Appendix III

Canons of Ethical Conduct and Rules and Procedures

Canons of Ethical Conduct

I. PREAMBLE

C1.1 Introduction

The practice of diabetes self-management education

(“Profession”) is a recognized allied health profession.

The Certied Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

(“CDCES”) assumes specic responsibilities to physicians

or other licensed/registered health professionals, people

with diabetes or prediabetes and their signicant other(s),

the public, associates, and to the Profession itself. These

responsibilities must be discharged with honor and

integrity to assure the maintenance of public condence

in the Profession and to protect the person with diabetes

or prediabetes and his/her signicant other[s]. For the

purposes of these Canons of Ethical Conduct (“Canons”),

the term “CDCES” shall mean any person who has earned

the certication offered by the Certication Board for

Diabetes Care and Education (the “Board”). As used herein,

“Committee” refers to the Professional Discipline Committee

of the Board.

The Profession exists for the primary purpose of recognizing

and advancing the specialty practice of diabetes self-

management education and support (DSMES). CDCESs are

responsible for maintaining and promoting ethical practice,

including, without limitation, reporting unethical practices in

accordance with these Canons. These Canons, adopted by

the Board, shall be binding upon all CDCESs and candidates

approved to take the CDCES certication examination.

C1.2 Ethics, Custom and the Law

Unethical conduct may involve violations of customs and

usages of the Profession as well as actions that violate the

law and regulations. Failure to conform to these Canons,

including conduct that violates moral principles, customs

and practices of the Profession, the law or regulations, may

be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the

“Rules and Procedures Regarding the Canons of Ethical

Conduct” (“Rules”). Disciplinary action depends on the

particular circumstances involved and, without limitation,

how the conduct in question reects upon the dignity and

integrity of the Profession.

The Committee will take appropriate action, if any, consistent

with the Rules. Each CDCES has a civic and professional

obligation to report to the appropriate governmental body

any and all evidence that may come to his/her attention

involving the alleged criminal conduct of any CDCES relating

to the practice of DSMES.

C1.3 Disclosure of Other Agency Actions

Each CDCES must promptly, fully and accurately disclose

to the Board any and all investigations, ndings, and actions

by any government agency, quasi-government agency,

licensing board, registration body, or other similar health

related agency or body responsible for national, state or

local licensing and/or oversight of diabetes education-

related licenses, certications, or the like (“Agencies”). The

CDCES’s disclosure requirement includes investigations

by federal, state and/or private payors regarding existing

or potential known or unknown billing malfeasance. Each

CDCES must make such disclosure to the Board within thirty

(30) days from the date of the commencement of action by

any Agency. Each CDCES must promptly and fully cooperate

with the Board and with the Agencies.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PHYSICIAN AND/

OR APPROPRIATELY LICENSED/REGISTERED HEALTH

CARE PROVIDER

C2.1 Provision of Services

The CDCES shall recognize the person’s freedom of choice

in selection of diabetes treatment and education and his/

her health care provider. Professional afliations, including

employment and referral relationships, may not adversely

limit access to services and shall not adversely affect the

decision-making process of the CDCES. The CDCES must

adhere to the ethical principles of the Board which shall take

preference over business relationships.

C2.2 Scope of Practice

The Certication Examination for Diabetes Care and Education

Specialists (Examination) is sensitive to areas of general

practice and contemporary diabetes knowledge across

multiple professional disciplines. Passing the Examination

veries core knowledge in the eld of diabetes. Holding the

CDCES credential does not confer any permission to manage

diabetes beyond the scope of the individual’s professional

practice. The boundaries of professional practice are

determined by state practice acts. Job descriptions and job

functions are determined by employing agencies, not the

CDCES credential.

C2.3 Services Not Components of DSMES

The CDCES shall only provide DSMES as dened by the

Certication Board for Diabetes Care and Education. While

other services may be provided in the management and

treatment of a person with diabetes/prediabetes, they may

not be promoted or provided as components of DSMES.

APPENDICES

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

III. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PERSON WITH DIABETES/

PREDIABETES

C3.1 Evaluation and Recommendation

It is the responsibility of the CDCES to recommend

diabetes self-management plans specic to the needs of

the individual and to provide appropriate educational and

learning information to the person with diabetes/prediabetes,

other healthcare professionals, the public, etc. The CDCES

shall recognize that each individual person is unique and

deserves specic and responsive guidance from the CDCES.

The CDCES shall be guided at all times by concern for the

physical, emotional, social and economic welfare of the

person. The needs, goals and life experiences of the person

shall be taken into account. All decisions by the CDCES

must be made with the understanding and intent that the

individual person’s best interests are the primary concern.

C3.2 Condential Information

All information related to a person’s identity, background,

condition, treatment, management plan or education plan

or any other information related to the CDCES/person or

people with diabetes/prediabetes is and shall always remain

condential and may not be communicated to any person or

entity who is not providing direct medical care to the patient

without the prior written consent of the patient or patient’s

legal guardian.

Information that may be derived from any CDCESs peer

review process shall be held and always remain condential

by all participants unless written permission to release the

information is obtained from the person under the care of the

CDCES or that person’s legal guardian. All information derived

in a work place from a working relationship related to the

care of a person with diabetes/prediabetes shall be held and

always remain condential by all parties. The condentiality

requirements set forth in this Canons C3.2 shall be strictly

adhered to by all CDCESs unless required otherwise by law

or valid court order or subpoena, or if it becomes necessary

to disclose such information to protect the welfare of the

person with diabetes/pre-diabetes and/or the community.

In such an event, any disclosure of condential information

shall be in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

C3.3 Trust and Honesty

The CDCES shall be truthful and honest.

C3.4 Fees and Compensation

The CDCES shall provide services based on the needs of the

individual receiving the services and not solely for personal

nancial gain. The CDCES shall not engage in false,

misleading or deceptive actions in relation to the ultimate

cost of the services undertaken or furnished. The CDCES

shall not over utilize or unnecessarily continue services

beyond the point of benet or by providing services more

frequently than necessary.

The CDCES shall not submit false or misleading information

in requesting payment or reimbursement.

C3.5 Practice Arrangements

The CDCES shall not: (i) directly or indirectly request, receive

or participate in dividing, transferring, assigning or rebating

any funds derived from a referral of a patient to any other

individual or entity, whether afliated with the CDCES or

otherwise; or (ii) prot by means of a credit or other valuable

consideration, such as an unearned commission, discount

or gratuity for providing services, except for the fees earned

for services performed for the patient.

The CDCES shall refer all persons with diabetes/prediabetes

to the most appropriate service provider, taking into

consideration the nature and extent of the problem, treatment

resources and availability of healthcare benet coverage, and

the likelihood of receiving appropriate and benecial care. If

the CDCES is involved in an arrangement with a referring

source in which the referring source derives income from

the CDCESs services, the CDCES must disclose all pertinent

information to the patient, including without limitation that the

referring practitioner derives income from the provision of

the services. The CDCES shall advise his/her employer of

any employer or employee practice which is in contradiction

with this Canons C3.5.

C3.6 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

The CDCES shall provide DSMES and other services in

accordance with Federal law and the laws and regulations of

the jurisdiction(s) in which they practice.

C3.7 Reporting

The CDCES shall report to the Board any conduct that

reasonably appears to violate these Canons. This reporting

requirement includes, without limitation, self-reporting, and

the reporting about other CDCESs, in connection with a third

party investigation and nding, regardless of whether the

investigation has been completed.

C3.8 Delegation of Responsibility

The CDCES shall not delegate any task requiring unique

skills, knowledge or judgment to an unqualied person. The

primary responsibility for services provided by supporting

personnel rests with the delegating CDCES.

C3.9 Illegal Discrimination

The CDCES shall not decline to accept a patient on the

basis of race, gender, color, religion or national origin or on

any basis that would constitute illegal discrimination under

federal law.

APPENDICES

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

APPENDICES

C3.10 Sexual Relations with Patient Prohibited

The CDCES shall not have consensual or nonconsensual

sexual relations with a current or former person under the care

of CDCES unless a consensual sexual relationship existed

between the CDCES and the person prior to the provision

of any diabetes educational services or the CDCES has not

provided any diabetes educational services to the person

for a one year period preceding the beginning of the sexual

relationship or for a one year period after the termination

of the sexual relationship. The CDCES shall not engage in,

require, or demand sexual relations with a person incident to

or as a condition of any diabetes education services.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES TO COLLEAGUES AND THE

PROFESSION

C4.1 Dignity

The CDCES has the personal responsibility to conduct him/

herself in a manner that will assure the dignity and status

of the Profession. Examples of unacceptable behavior

include, but are not limited to, falsifying documents,

misusing the certication credential, slandering or libeling

another, disparaging former employers, disparaging former

employees, and misrepresenting one’s capacity as a

provider of services.

C4.2 Solicitation

The CDCES shall not, either directly or indirectly, solicit

the patronage of individual patients or students by way of

intimidation, threats, harassing conduct, undue inuence,

coercion, duress, or unwarranted promises of benets. The

CDCES shall not solicit a person who is in a mental condition

that impairs his/her personal judgment to make decisions

concerning the services being offered. The CDCES shall not

solicit a person in a manner that is inconsistent with his/her

obligation to act in a dignied manner as set forth in Canon

C4.1 above.

C4.3 Examination

The CDCES shall maintain the security and prevent the

disclosure of credentialing examinations and their content.

V. PATIENT CARE BY OTHER HEALTHCARE

C5.1 Concern about Care by Other Health Professionals

The CDCES should exercise appropriate respect for other

health professionals. Concerns regarding patient care

provided by other such professionals should be addressed

directly to those professionals rather than to the patient. In the

event that such concerns rise to the possible level of criminal

violation, incompetence or malpractice, then the CDCES

must immediately notify the appropriate credentialing,

licensure, or registration authority and, if necessary, the

patient or legal guardian.

VI. CREDENTIAL

C6.1 Use of Credential

The CDCES shall use the fact that he/she is credentialed only

as evidence of meeting the requisite standard of knowledge

and competency in the discipline in which the CDCES is

credentialed, as dened by the Board. The CDCES shall not

use the credential to promote any services that are outside

the scope of practice of a diabetes care and education

specialist (formerly known as diabetes educator).

C6.2 Endorsement of Products, Medication, Devices or

Supplies

While a CDCES may recommend the use of specic

products, medications, devices or supplies, the CDCES

credential may not be used to label, suggest or otherwise

infer that such products, medications, devices or supplies

have been endorsed by the Certication Board for Diabetes

Care and Education.

C6.3 Employment by Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical

Companies or Suppliers

It is permissible to be employed by a manufacturer,

pharmaceutical company or supplier as a CDCES. However,

the CDCES credential may not be used in a manner prohibited

by Canon C6.2.

VII. APPLICATION OF CANONS

C7.1 Adherence to Canons

These Canons shall apply to all CDCESs, including

certication examination candidates.

2024 Renewal by Continuing Education

Rules and Procedures

I. RESPONSIBILITY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE

PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE

R1.1 Objectives. The fundamental objectives of the

Professional Discipline Committee (“Committee”) are to

enforce the Canons of Ethical Conduct (“Canons”) to ensure

that any person who has applied for, or has been awarded

the Certied Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

(“CDCES”) credential by the Certication Board for Diabetes

Care and Education (“CBDCE”) is practicing in accordance

with professional standards and to protect the public against

unprofessional and unethical conduct by CDCESs or

certication candidates.

R1.2 Rules. The Committee shall review and analyze the

Canons and shall propose recommendations regarding the

Canons for adoption by the Board of Directors (“Board”) of

CBDCE.

R1.3 Conduct. The Committee is responsible for receiving,

reviewing and, if appropriate, adjudicating complaints of

unprofessional conduct and/or alleged violations of the

Canons.

R1.4 Resolution of Complaints. The Committee shall

resolve all complaints of unprofessional and unethical

conduct and/or alleged violations of the Canons, including,

without limitation, ndings, conclusions and sanctions, if

warranted.

R1.5 Reports. Upon the Board’s request, the Committee

shall deliver a summary report to the Board identifying the

Committee’s activities.

R1.6 Procedures. Subject to the review of the Board,

the Committee shall adopt procedures and safeguards

governing the functions of the Committee to ensure that all

CDCESs and certication applicants and the Committee

are in full compliance with the Canons and these Rules

and Procedures Regarding the Canons of Ethical Conduct

(“Rules”).

R1.7 Time. The time periods set forth in these Rules are

intended to provide guidance to the Committee, the Board

and all relevant parties, and may be extended at the

Committee’s discretion depending on the circumstances

of each proceeding. Failure of the Committee, the Board or

any party to comply with the time periods shall in no event

prevent the continuation or conclusion of a proceeding by

the Committee or the Board.

II. NATURE OF AUTHORITY

R2.1 Power to Investigate. The Committee shall have

the power to, but shall not be obligated to, adjudicate all

allegations of unprofessional and unethical conduct that may

be harmful to colleagues, or to the public or that may be

otherwise contrary to the objectives of the Canons or CBDCE,

provided that such allegations are made in writing. The

Committee’s powers do not extend to addressing economic

issues as they relate to legitimate marketplace competition.

R2.2 Disposition of Complaints. The Committee has the

sole authority to decide whether to act on a complaint and to

make nal determinations regarding each complaint, subject

to the Board’s authority to conduct an appeal as set forth in

these Rules.

R2.3 Committee Actions. The Committee may take the

following actions:

a. notify all parties in writing that no action is warranted

against the CDCES or certication candidate;

b. request that the CDCES or certication candidate

cease the improper conduct, accept supervision, or

seek appropriate assistance;

c. place on probation or reprimand the CDCES;

d. suspend the CDCESs credential for an appropriate

amount of time;

e. permanently revoke the CDCESs credential or

tempo-rarily or permanently revoke a certication

candidate’s eligibility to take the certication

examination;

f. refer the matter to the proper authorities for criminal

prosecution, if appropriate; and/or

g. propose other action that is warranted under the

circumstances.

R2.4 Monetary Award. The Committee will not determine or

impose monetary awards or penalties.

R2.5 Committee Meetings. The Committee shall meet

as needed. A quorum at such meetings shall consist of a

majority of the members of the Committee. The Committee

may meet by telephone conference call. All Committee

members must be given at least ten (10) days advance

written notice of any meeting, provided that such notice

may be waived by any member of the Committee or by the

attendance of any member of the Committee at the meeting.

Notices may be communicated by mail, hand delivery,

electronic transmission or by facsimile.

R2.6 Condentiality. All information disclosed to the

Committee and/or the Board, shall be maintained on a

condential basis, except that the Committee and/or the

Board shall be permitted to disclose such information

when compelled by a validly issued subpoena, when

otherwise required by law, to law enforcement ofcers and/

or government agencies if warranted and as determined

by CBDCE or the Committee in its sole discretion, or to

parties essential to the review and investigation of the

alleged unethical or unprofessional conduct, including their

legal counsel. Public information shall not be considered

condential information for purposes of this Rule R2.6.

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APPENDICES

R2.7 Determination. When an investigation has been

completed and the Committee has made its decision, it shall

inform both the complainant (“Complainant”) and the CDCES

or certication candidate of its conclusions and the actions

to be taken, if any, along with the bases for such actions.

Such disclosures shall include a citation to any particular

Canons section violated.

R2.8 Record Keeping. The Committee shall establish

reasonable procedures to ensure that condentiality

is maintained with respect to the handling, storage,

maintenance and destruction of records.

III. CDCES OR CERTIFICATION CANDIDATES CONVICTED

OF OR CHARGED WITH FELONIES OR DISCIPLINED BY

OTHER ENTITIES, ORGANIZATIONS OR AGENCIES

R3.1 Conviction/Charge. If the CDCES or certication

candidate has been convicted of, pled guilty to, and/or

pled nolo contendere to a felony, and/or it the Committee

nds that a federal, state or other recognized appropriate

enforcement agency (“Agency”) has determined that the

CDCES or certication candidate is in violation of pertinent

rules and regulations, the Committee shall review the record

leading to the conviction, plea and/or Agency nding and

will thereafter send the CDCES or certication candidate a

notice requesting the CDCES or certication candidate show

good cause why he/she is not in violation of the Canons. This

action will be conducted without the right to have a hearing,

as described in Rule R5.6. Following receipt of the CDCES

or certication candidate’s response, the Committee may

proceed with a nal determination in accordance with Rules

R2.3 and R6.1. If the CDCES or certication candidate has

been charged with a felony and/or possible violation of a

pertinent rule or regulation, such charge will neither require

nor preclude further action by the Committee.

R3.2 Afliations. If the CDCES or certication candidate has

been expelled or suspended for unethical or unprofessional

conduct from a national, regional or state professional

association, or had his/her license/registration or credential

revoked or sanctioned in any way on ethical grounds by a

federal or state licensing, registration, or certifying authority,

the Committee shall review the records leading to the

sanction(s), if available, and may, if appropriate, send the

CDCES or certication candidate a notice that his/her/its

credentialed status will be suspended, denied or revoked

without further proceedings.

R3.3 Malpractice. If the CDCES or certication candidate

has acknowledged committing or has been found to have

committed malpractice, the Committee shall review the

record leading to the ndings, if available, and may thereafter

send the CDCES or certication candidate a notice that his

or her credentialed status will be suspended or revoked

without further proceedings.

R3.4 Committee Hearing. Except in those instances

set forth in Rule R3.1 above, if the CDCES or certication

candidate’s credentialed status is revoked or suspended

pursuant to Rule R3.2 or R3.3, within thirty (30) days from the

date of notice of such decision, the CDCES or certication

candidate shall be permitted to petition the Committee, in

writing, to request an appeal hearing. The hearing shall be

conducted orally by telephone conference call. The hearing

may be conducted in person if the Committee determines

that exceptional circumstances exist warranting an in-person

hearing. The hearing shall be scheduled by the Committee

within thirty (30) days of receipt of the CDCES or certication

candidate’s notication, and shall take place within sixty

(60) days thereafter at a date and time established by the

Committee. The CDCES or certication candidate shall be

responsible for all of his/her costs.

IV. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: INITIAL

CONSIDERATION

R4.1 Complaint. A complaint (“Complaint”) against any

CDCES or certication candidate may be submitted by: (i)

any party claiming to have been harmed by the unethical

or unprofessional conduct of the CDCES or certication

candidate; (ii) any national, regional or state professional

association of which the CDCES or certication candidate

is a member; (iii) any licensing or credentialing authority; (iv)

CBDCE; or (iv) the Committee. The Complaint must be in

writing and must contain complete and accurate information

as required by the Complaint form.

R4.2 Disclosure of Previous Actions. The Complainant

shall inform the Committee of previous steps, if any, that

have been taken with respect to the alleged unethical or

unprofessional conduct and the results of such steps taken.

R4.3 Committee Complaint. The Committee may proceed

on its own initiative when a CDCES or certication candidate

appears to have violated the Canons by initiating an

investigation and/or requesting information from the CDCES

or certication candidate and/or by submitting a formal

Complaint.

R4.4 Anonymous or Oral Complaint. The Committee may

not act solely on the basis of an anonymous or oral Complaint.

R4.5 Additional Information. The Committee may,

through correspondence or otherwise, seek supplementary

information from the Complainant or any other party, when

necessary, in order to completely evaluate the substance of

the allegations. In the event that the Committee determines

that additional information is necessary but the Complainant

refuses to provide such information, the Committee may

determine that the case should be closed.

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V. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: INITIAL ACTION

R5.1 Initial Determination. Within forty-ve (45) days of

receiving a Complaint from the Complainant, the Committee

shall determine whether sufcient information exists to

proceed with a formal investigation. The Committee shall not

proceed until such time as the Committee is satised that the

Complainant has complied with all procedural requirements.

If the Committee concludes that an investigation is not

warranted, it shall notify the Complainant of its determination

within thirty (30) days thereafter.

R5.2 Formal Investigation. If the Committee determines

that a formal investigation should ensue, it shall notify the

Complainant and CDCES or certication candidate of its

determination within thirty (30) days. The notication sent

by the Committee to the CDCES or certication candidate

shall include the Complaint and a description of the alleged

behaviors involved in the Complaint, including the specic

section of the Canons that the CDCES or certication

candidate is alleged to have violated. The notication

shall include a copy of the Canons and these Rules. The

notication shall further contain the name of the Complainant.

If the Complainant refuses to have his/her name known to the

CDCES or certication candidate, the case shall be closed.

The notication shall include a statement that the information

submitted by the CDCES or certication candidate shall

become part of the record and may be used in further

proceedings.

R5.3 Response to Complaint. The CDCES or certication

candidate is required to provide to the Committee, and

personally sign, his/her written response within fteen (15)

business days from the date of the notication sent by the

Committee. The CDCES or certication candidate’s response

must be complete, accurate and fully responsive to the

Complaint. Failure to respond or any other unwarranted

delay by the CDCES or certication candidate, or the lack

of the CDCES or certication candidate’s cooperation, shall

in no way prevent the continuation or conclusion of the

proceedings by the Committee as it deems t.

R5.4 Additional Information. If, after receipt of the CDCES

or certication candidate’s response, the Committee

determines that additional information is warranted from

either or both the Complainant or the CDCES or certication

candidate, or from any third party, it shall notify the

Complainant and the CDCES or certication candidate of the

request for additional information. The parties shall provide

the additional information no later than fteen (15) days from

the date of the request for additional information.

R5.5 No Further Action. Once all of the information has

been received pursuant to Rules R5.3 and R5.4 above, the

Committee may conclude that the Complaint has no basis in

fact, is insufcient or is likely to be corrected on its own merit

and, therefore, may determine to close the case without

further action. Such decision shall be made within forty ve

(45) days of the Committee’s receipt of all of the information.

If the Committee determines to close the case, it shall

inform both the Complainant and the CDCES or certication

candidate.

R5.6 Right to a Hearing. If the Committee, having received

all information pursuant to Rules R5.3 and R5.4 above,

determines that further action is warranted, it shall notify the

Complainant and the CDCES or certication candidate that

the Committee is prepared to consider all of the information

before it and render a decision on that basis. The CDCES

or certication candidate may request that, prior to such

analysis and decision, he/she be afforded the opportunity

to have a hearing before the Committee so that he/she

may present his/her interpretation of the facts before the

Committee. If the CDCES or certication candidate desires

to have a hearing before the Committee, he/she must so

notify the Committee, in writing, within fteen (15) days of

the Committee’s notication to the CDCES or certication

candidate and Complainant as set out in this Rule R5.6.

The CDCES or certication candidate’s failure to timely

request a hearing shall be deemed a waiver by the CDCES

or certication candidate of the right to a hearing. All

hearings shall be by telephone conference call unless, due

to exceptional circumstances, the Committee determines

in its sole discretion to conduct an in-person hearing. The

Complainant shall be invited to be present during the hearing.

If the Complainant is invited to be present during the hearing

but does not attend, the hearing and investigation shall not

be suspended or revoked. The Complainant’s failure to

attend may be considered as a factor in the Committee’s

determination relating to that particular matter.

R5.7 Peer Review. The hearing process shall be conducted

through peer review. The CDCES or certication candidate

may be accompanied by any third party, including legal

counsel. However, the CDCES or certication candidate,

personally, and not any other party including without limitation

the CDCES or certication candidate’s legal counsel, shall

make all presentations, responses and address all issues to

the Committee.

R5.8 Committee Panel. The Committee may, in its

discretion, establish a panel (“Panel”) consisting of at least

three (3) Committee members, to act on its behalf at any

hearing referred to in these Rules. The Panel shall conduct

any such hearing in accordance with these Rules and shall

report all ndings during the hearing to the Committee for the

Committee’s consideration and determination.

R5.9 Hearing Date/Time. If the CDCES or certication

candidate requests a hearing pursuant to Rule R5.6, the

Committee shall schedule a hearing date no later than

sixty (60) days after receipt of the CDCES or certication

candidate’s request. The Committee shall notify the CDCES

APPENDICES

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APPENDICES

or certication candidate and Complainant of the date and

time of the hearing. If the hearing is conducted by telephone

conference call, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall

determine the date and time of the hearing. If the hearing is

conducted in-person, the Committee, in its sole discretion,

shall determine the location, date, and time of the hearing.

The CDCES or certication candidate and Complainant shall

each pay all of his/her own costs, respectively.

VI. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: DISPOSITION OF

COMPLAINT

R6.1 Committee Action. If the Committee concludes that

some type of action is warranted, it shall adopt any one (1) or

more of the following sanctions or take any other appropriate

action:

a. require that the CDCES or certication candidate

cease and desist the alleged conduct;

b. require the supervision of the CDCES or certication

candidate as the Committee sees necessary;

c. reprimand the CDCES or certication candidate if

the Committee determines there has been a Canons

violation but no damage to another person, the

public or the profession has occurred;

d. censor the CDCES or certication candidate if the

Committee determines there has been a Canons

violation but the damage done is not sufcient to

warrant more serious action;

e. place the CDCES or certication candidate under

probation and actually and systematically monitor

the CDCES or certication candidate for a specic

length of time;

f. if appropriate, refer the matter to the national,

regional and state professional association and/ or

a state licensing, registration, or certifying authority;

g. suspend or revoke the CDCES or certication candi-

date’s credential;

h. require the CDCES or certication candidate to take

remedial personal rehabilitative and/or educational

actions; and/or

i. take any other action as set forth in Rule R2.3 above.

R6.2 Notication. The Committee shall notify the Complainant

and CDCES or certication candidate of its determination

and action to be taken within thirty (30) days of the date of

its decision.

R6.3 Appeal. The CDCES or certication candidate shall

have fteen (15) days from the date of the notication to

appeal the Committee’s ndings. The CDCES or certication

candidate must notify the Committee in writing within fteen

(15) days of the date of the Committee’s notication if he/she

intends to appeal. The appeal must be mailed by certied

mail, return receipt requested or by veriable overnight

express mail service, to CBDCE’s headquarters. The CDCES

or certication candidate’s notication must include all

reasons and bases for the appeal. If the CDCES or certication

candidate does not appeal the Committee’s decision within

the fteen (15) day time period, the Committee’s conclusions

and sanctions shall be deemed nal, effective immediately.

The Committee shall so notify the Complainant and the

CDCES or certication candidate.

R6.4 Panel. The Board may elect to establish a panel

consisting of three (3) of its members (“Appeal Panel”), who

are not simultaneously serving on the Committee, to act on

its behalf to review, consider and make a nal determination

about an appeal of a Committee decision.

R6.5 Board. If the CDCES or certication candidate appeals

a decision by the Committee regarding the imposition of

discipline and/or sanctions, he/she must do so by submitting

a written appeal statement. The Board or Appeal Panel

shall consider the written appeal statement and all available

evidence. The CDCES or certication candidate shall pay for

all of his/her own costs.

VII. BOARD’S DECISION

R7.1 Further Consideration. The Board or Appeal Panel

may, after reviewing the decision of the Committee, determine

that the Committee did not properly review the evidence

prior to making its nal decision in the matter. In such case,

the Board or Appeal Panel may remand the matter back to

the Committee for further consideration.

R7.2 Board or Appeal Panel’s Decision. The Board and

Appeal Panel shall only overrule the Committee’s decisions

in the event of the following:

a. the Canons were incorrectly applied;

b. the ndings of facts by the Committee were clearly

erroneous;

c. it would be unjust or unfair to implement the

Committee’s decision;

d. the procedures used by the Committee were in

serious and substantial violation of the Canons and

these Rules; and/or

e. the disciplinary sanctions determined by the

Committee were grossly disproportionate to the facts.

In no event shall the Board and Appeal Panel be bound by

the Committee’s determination regarding the sanction.

R7.3 Notication. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of the

written appeal statement, the Board or Appeal Panel shall

notify the Complainant and the CDCES or certication

candidate of its decision which shall be nal. The Board and

Appeal Panel’s decision may not be appealed. Once the

Board or Appeal Panel’s decision has been made, it shall

notify the Committee, which shall implement the Board or

Appeal Panel’s directives.

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R7.4 Publication of Sanction. CBDCE shall report, at least

annually, the names of all sanctioned CDCES or certication

candidates and the violations of the Canons involved. In

addition, CBDCE shall notify all interested national, regional

and state professional associations as well state licensing

and certifying authorities; and, on request, any interested

person or public agency deemed necessary to protect the

public and/or who recognizes the standards of CBDCE.

VIII. CLOSE OF CASE

R8.1 Close of Case. Once the nal decision has been made

by the Committee, the Board or Appeal Panel, the matter

shall be closed and the les shall be retained at CBDCE’s

headquarters.

IX. REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF CREDENTIAL

R9.1 Reinstatement Request. CBDCE will consider all

written reinstatement requests, which must include the

following information: (i) the date of the nal Committee or

Board or Appeal Panel disposition; (ii) a complete statement

of reasons that the CDCES or certication candidate

believes support the reinstatement request; and (iii) copies

of all relevant documents and materials supporting the

reinstatement request. CBDCE will provide its decision to the

CDCES or certication candidate within forty ve (45) days of

receipt of the reinstatement request.

X. GOVERNING LAW/VENUE

R10.1 Governing Law. The laws of the State of Illinois shall

govern these Rules.

R10.2 Venue. The CDCES or certication candidate and

CBDCE agree to le and pursue all claims and suits regarding

these Rules solely with the applicable court in the jurisdiction

in which CBDCE’s headquarters are located.

APPENDICES

Certication Board for

Diabetes Care and Education

1340 Remington Road, Suite J

Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone: 847.228.9795

Fax: 847.228.8469

Web: www.cbdce.org