IN THE NEWS
Summary of the 2006 Certification Examinations and Renewal of Certification by Continuing Education
06/2007
To inform the public, potential candidates, and those currently certified, the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators ("NCBDE") each year publishes a summary of the certification examinations administered the previous year and the results of the renewal by continuing education.
Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators — 2006
In 2006, a total of 1,546 candidates took the certification examination, 734 in May and 812 in October. Of the total, 66% took the examination for the first time, 17% had previously taken the examination, but had not passed, 10% were previously certified individuals whose credentials had lapsed, and 7% renewed certification status.
Pass/Fail Statistics
| May 2006 | Total | Pass | Fail |
| Candidates writing the examination for the first time | 473 | 80.34% | 19.66% |
| Candidates renewing credentials | 30 | 93.33% | 6.67% |
| Candidates with lapsed credentials | 104 | 88.46% | 11.54% |
| Candidates repeating due to unsuccessful attempt(s) | 127 | 44.09% | 55.91% |
| All Candidates May Administration | 734 | 75.75% | 24.25% |
| October 2006 | Total | Pass | Fail |
| Candidates writing the examination for the first time | 547 | 79.52% | 20.48% |
| Candidates renewing credentials | 84 | 98.81% | 1.19% |
| Candidates with lapsed credentials | 49 | 89.80% | 10.20% |
| Candidates repeating due to unsuccessful attempt(s) | 132 | 38.64% | 61.36% |
| All Candidates October Administration | 812 | 75.49% | 24.51% |
2006 Renewal of Certification by Continuing Education
Beginning in 2005, Certified Diabetes Educators had renewal of certification by continuing education available as an alternative to the requirement to take and pass the Certification Examination. Renewal by continuing education requires that CDEs meet eligibility requirements and earn 75 hours of continuing education in diabetes related content areas during the five year certification cycle. The renewal by continuing education option may be used each time recertification is due, provided the credential has not lapsed.
Implementation of the plan on a prorated basis required that CDEs whose credentials would expire on 12/31/2006 complete 30 hours of approved continuing education between January 1, 2004 and September 15, 2006. Approximately 2,200 CDEs submitted applications for renewal of certification by continuing education; more than 98% successfully completed the process.
NCBDE
NCBDE was established in 1986 to promote the interests of diabetes educators and the public at large by granting certification to qualified health care professionals involved in teaching persons with diabetes through the establishment of eligibility requirements and development of a written examination. When the first examination was offered in 1986, 1,248 health care providers successfully completed the certification process to become the inaugural group of CDEs. The NCBDE certification process is a voluntary testing program used to assess the qualified health care professional's knowledge in diabetes self-management education. There were 15,029 credentialed CDE health care providers as of January 1, 2007.
CDE® Credential
The credential demonstrates to people with diabetes, employers, and third party payers that the Certified Diabetes Educator possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for patients with diabetes. This certification has become the recognized standard for competence in diabetes self-management education. As the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase, it is important for them to have access to the services of Certified Diabetes Educators. NCBDE is committed to maintaining the quality and integrity of the CDE credential.