General Information
The Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators is designed and intended solely for health care professionals who have job responsibilities that include the direct provision of diabetes self-management education (DSME), as defined by NCBDE. It is not for those who may perform some diabetes related functions as part of or in the course of other usual and customary occupational duties (See definition of diabetes education below).
Definition of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) - 2013
Diabetes education, also referred to as diabetes self-management education or diabetes self-management training is performed by health care professionals who have appropriate credentials and experience consistent with the particular profession’s scope of practice. For purposes of this web site, diabetes self-management education (DSME) is used.
DSME± involves the person with pre-diabetes or diabetes and/or the caregivers and the educator(s) and is defined as the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for self-care. It is a component of a comprehensive plan of diabetes care. The process incorporates the needs, goals and life experiences of the person with pre-diabetes or diabetes and is guided by evidence-based standards. The overall objectives of DSME are to support informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, problem-solving and active collaboration with the health care team and to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life. The process includes:
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An individual assessment and education plan developed collaboratively by the individual and educator(s) to direct the selection of appropriate educational interventions and self-management support strategies.
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Educational interventions directed toward helping the individual achieve self-management goals
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Periodic evaluations to determine attainment of educational objectives or need for additional interventions and future reassessments.
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A personalized follow-up plan developed collaboratively by the individual and educator(s) for ongoing self-management support.
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Documentation in the education record of the assessment and education plan and the intervention and outcomes.
In addition, program development and administration provided in support of the diabetes patient education program are considered part of the DSME process.
±Adapted from National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education, American Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Recommendations. Diabetes Care, Vol. 35, Supplement 1, January, 2012.
Click here to download‡ the informational brochure for the 2013 Examinations.
Eligibility Requirements for Initial Certification 2013
For a diabetes educator who has not previously taken or passed the Examination or whose CDE® credentials lapsed prior to 12/31/2012, it will be necessary to complete a number of requirements prior to sitting for the Examination. An overview of requirements is shown below:
1) Meet the discipline/licensure requirement; then
2) obtain minimum professional practice experience providing DSME; as well as
3) obtain minimum continuing education hours; and lastly
4) apply and pay the application fee.
Click here for the details on the discipline requirement.
Click here for the details on the professional practice experience requirement.
Click here for the details on the continuing education hour requirement.
Click here to review the fee information.
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