Practice Requirement
Revised 8/2007
The NCBDE Board of Directors has approved a practice requirement for renewal of certification. Beginning with CDEs whose credentials will expire 12/31/2010 (formerly 12/31/2009), individuals will need to document a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice experience during the five-year certification cycle, in addition to either taking the Certification Examination or renewing by continuing education. The professional practice requirement for renewal of certification, however, is not the same as that required for initial certification. NCBDE recognizes that diabetes education is an evolving specialty and that experienced CDEs often assume roles other than the practice of diabetes self-management education required for initial certification.
Definition of Professional Practice
For purposes of recertification, practice means actively employed for compensation, providing a direct or indirect professional contribution to the care and self-management education of people with diabetes.
What is Included in this Definition
This definition is intended to be as inclusive as possible of positions currently held by CDEs, including program development, program management, public health/community surveillance, 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
Employment in the manufacture, direct sales, or distribution of diabetes-related products or services in pharmaceutical or other diabetes-related industries, public health screenings, jobs unrelated to diabetes, and participation in diabetes camp will not meet the practice requirement, nor will preceptorship/mentor or other volunteer hours of any kind.
The 1000 hours of professional practice experience requirement must:
- Take place in the United States or its territories
- Be completed during the five year certification cycle, between January 1 following the year of initial certification and/or recertification, and the date of application for renewal, either by examination or continuing education
There is no requirement about how or when this must be accomplished, e.g., to complete 200 hours per year each of the five years, or to be practicing at the time of application.
For Those Unable to Meet the Practice Requirement
For CDEs who wish to maintain certification status but do not or cannot meet the practice requirement, there is only one renewal option. That method requires both successful completion of the Certification Examination and the 75 clock hours of continuing education requirement. During the five year period that certification is valid, if a CDE has practiced less than the required 1000 hours, has taken employment unrelated to diabetes care and education, is on leave from employment or has retired, but still wishes to maintain certification as a diabetes educator, the requirements to hold a current, active unrestricted license or registration for the same discipline held at the time of initial certification and to demonstrate knowledge of current standards and practices by passing the examination (Certification Examination) and documenting relevant continuing education activities (Continuing Education Details) are required. No exceptions will be available.