How to Become a CDE®

Interested in becoming a CDE®? Learn about the certification and examination process, access our official documentation and find answers to frequently asked questions.

How to Become a Certified Diabetes Educator

The Examination Handbook contains the necessary information you may require and should answer your questions regarding eligibility and process. Please refer to the Examination Handbook and the General FAQ’s and the 800 Hour FAQ’s online prior to submitting questions to the CDECB office.

To review the Examination Handbook please click here
To review the FAQ's please click here

Registration Process

The registration process to write the CDECB exam is on-line.  We do not accept paper applications.  Registration for the next exam will begin in the previous fall.  During the process you will be required to provide and upload the following files:

  1. Government Issued ID.  Please make sure that the picture is clear.
  2. CURRENT proof of practice.  This could be a copy of your receipt when you renewed your license.  Do not send a copy of your degree.
  3. A copy of your signature.

You will also be required to provide us with your work experience outlining what and where you provided your 800 hours of diabetes education.  You will also need to provide a supervisor’s name and contact number.  If you keep a log of this information, you may upload it during the registration process, but it is not a requirement.

Self-employed applicants for initial certification must submit two completed CDECB Letters of Reference: one from a Certified Diabetes Educator, and one from a health professional who refers patients to the applicant for diabetes education.   A copy of this form is available online under the Exam Page.

If you have further questions after reviewing the Examination Handbook, please send us a message.

Exam Handbook and Documentation

Access the latest handbooks and documentation for the upcoming certification exam.

Credit Portfolio Option

Beginning in 2006, Certified Diabetes Educators have had Certification Maintenance by Credit Portfolio available as an alternative to the Certification Examination every five years in order to maintain their CDE® status.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions.

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