About NCBDE
Introduction
It is critically important to understand at the outset that the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators is designed and intended only for health care professionals who have defined roles as diabetes educators, not for those who may perform some diabetes related functions as part of or in the course of other usual and customary occupational duties.
Mission Statement
Through the development, maintenance and protection of the certification process and the Certified Diabetes Educator® ("CDE" ®) credential, the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators ("NCBDE") recognizes and advances the specialty practice of diabetes education.
Purpose and Objectives of Certification
The purpose of the NCBDE certification program is to conduct certification activities in a manner that upholds standards for competent practice in diabetes self-management education. The Certified Diabetes Educator ("CDE" ®) credential demonstrates that the certified health care professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality care for persons with diabetes.
Certification is a voluntary process used to assess and validate qualified health care professionals' knowledge in diabetes education. It is an evaluative process that demonstrates that rigorous eligibility requirements have been met. Certification is not required by law for employment in the field, although some agencies may use board certification as a basis for employment, job promotions, salary increases and other considerations.
- Objectives of the certification program are to
- provide a mechanism to demonstrate professional accomplishment and growth
- provide formal recognition of specialty practice and knowledge at a mastery level
- provide validation of demonstrated dedication to diabetes education to consumers and employers
- promote continuing commitment to best practices, current standards and knowledge
History of NCBDE
NCBDE was established in 1986 as an independent organization to promote the interests of diabetes educators and the public at large by granting certification to qualified health professionals involved in teaching persons with diabetes, through establishment of eligibility requirements and development of a written examination. Since it was first awarded in 1986, the CDE credential has become a standard of excellence for the delivery of quality diabetes education.
2009 Board of Directors
- Karen Bolderman, RD, LDN, CDE - Chair
- Samuel L. Abbate, MD, CDE
- Peggy Adams, MSN, RN, CDE
- Joni Beck, PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM
- Rosemary Briars, RN, ND, CDE, CPNP
- Bonnie Brost, RD, LD, CDE
- Cindy Halstenson, RD, LD, CDE
- Paul Madden, MEd
- David Randal, PsyD, LP, CDE
- Phyllis Secraw, RN-BC, CDE
- Lance Hoxie — NCBDE Chief Executive Officer (ex-officio)
Contact NCBDE
National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators
330 East Algonquin Road, Suite 4
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Telephone 847 228-9795
Facsimile 847 228-8469
Email info@ncbde.org