Top 10 Diabetes Educator Certifications

Certifications are important for diabetes educators in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and a high level of expertise. Certifications also provide assurance to potential employers that the educator has been trained and is knowledgeable in current best practices related to diabetes education. Certification can also increase the confidence of patients and their families, knowing that their educator is qualified and experienced. Finally, certification may be required by certain healthcare organizations or insurance providers for reimbursement purposes.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Diabetes Educators and explain how they can enhance a diabetes educator's career.

What are Diabetes Educator Certifications?

Diabetes educator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in diabetes education. The certification is awarded by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) and requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination. By becoming certified, diabetes educators are able to provide high-quality care and services to people with diabetes.

Certified diabetes educators are experts in the field of diabetes care who can provide education and support to help people with diabetes better manage their condition. They can help patients understand the diagnosis, learn how to monitor blood sugar levels, develop healthy lifestyle habits, recognize warning signs of complications, work with healthcare providers, and find ways to stay motivated. Certified diabetes educators also provide resources for patients to access additional information about their condition and support systems.

In addition to helping individuals with diabetes better manage their condition, having a certified diabetes educator on staff can also benefit healthcare organizations by improving patient outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction scores, reducing costs associated with diabetic complications, and expanding access to quality care.

Pro Tip: Consider becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) if you're looking to specialize in diabetes education. A CDE is a healthcare professional who has achieved the highest level of certification for diabetes educators. By completing the necessary training and passing the certification exam, you'll be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in diabetes care, as well as gain recognition from peers and employers.

Related: What does a Diabetes Educator do?

Top 10 Diabetes Educator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Diabetes Educators today.

1. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing education and support to people with diabetes. They are knowledgeable about diabetes, its management, and the impact it can have on an individual’s life. CDEs provide a variety of services including helping patients develop self-management skills, understanding the importance of healthy eating, physical activity, and medication adherence. They also work with healthcare providers to determine the best treatment plans for each patient.

In order to become a Certified Diabetes Educator, one must complete an accredited program that includes at least 600 hours of supervised practice in diabetes education and pass a certification exam administered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). The program typically takes two years to complete and can be done through universities or medical schools.

The cost of becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $2,000 to $10,000 USD depending on the type of program chosen.

2. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional credential awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists, as outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. CHES are qualified to provide health education and promotion services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community organizations, and government agencies.

To become a CHES, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in health education or related field with coursework covering the Seven Areas of Responsibility. After meeting the educational requirements, applicants must pass an exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CHES exam is $275 for members of NCHEC and $325 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $125 to maintain active certification status.

3. American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credential is a professional certification for healthcare professionals who specialize in diabetes education and management. The CDCES credential is designed to recognize the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience that diabetes educators possess.

To become certified as a CDCES, an individual must have at least two years of experience in diabetes care and education and meet the AADE’s eligibility requirements. The process includes completing an application, passing an exam, and demonstrating adherence to the AADE Code of Professional Conduct.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the certification process. To get started, individuals must first submit an application to AADE along with proof of their eligibility requirements. Once approved, they can then register for the exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as nutrition therapy, self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, pharmacology, psychosocial issues related to diabetes care, and more.

The cost for the certification process varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AADE. For non-members it costs $425 for the application fee plus $385 for the exam fee ($810 total). For members it costs $325 for the application fee plus $285 for the exam fee ($610 total).

4. National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

The National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have met the national standards for diabetes education. The CDE credential is evidence of the knowledge and experience required to provide comprehensive diabetes self-management education and support services.

To become a CDE, an individual must complete the following steps:

1. Meet eligibility requirements including having a minimum of two years of experience in providing diabetes care or education, or completing an accredited academic program in health sciences related to diabetes management;

2. Pass the NCBDE examination;

3. Agree to abide by the NCBDE Code of Professional Conduct; and

4. Maintain continuing education credits every five years.

The exam fee is $295 USD and can be paid online when registering for the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, psychosocial aspects, self-management training/education, preventive care/screening, clinical management and communication skills related to diabetes management.

5. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Advanced Diabetes Management Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Advanced Diabetes Management Certification is a voluntary certification program for nurses who specialize in the care and management of individuals with diabetes. This certification is designed to recognize the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience of nurses who provide comprehensive care for individuals with diabetes.

In order to be eligible for this certification, a nurse must have an active RN license and at least two years of clinical practice in diabetes management within the last five years. The nurse must also complete 30 hours of continuing education in diabetes management within the last three years.

The application process includes submitting an application form along with a fee, providing evidence of eligibility requirements, and passing an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and patient education related to diabetes management.

The cost for the ANCC Advanced Diabetes Management Certification is $295 USD plus applicable taxes. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results from the exam. Once certified, nurses are required to renew their credential every five years by completing 45 hours of continuing education related to diabetes management and paying a renewal fee.

6. International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Certified Lactation Counselor

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who provide breastfeeding support to families. The CLC credential is designed for healthcare professionals, educators, and other allied health professionals who work in the field of lactation.

To become an IBLCE-certified CLC, applicants must meet eligibility criteria, complete a qualifying education program, pass the IBLCE examination, and adhere to the IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct.

The process to become an IBLCE-certified CLC typically takes several months. Applicants must first meet eligibility requirements which include completing at least 90 hours of qualifying lactation education and having at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in lactation counseling within five years prior to application submission. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their applications to take the IBLCE exam.

The cost for taking the exam varies by country but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Additionally, applicants may need to pay additional fees for their qualifying education program or any other related costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or study materials.

Once an applicant passes the exam and meets all eligibility requirements they will be awarded the IBLCE-certified CLC credential which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

7. American Dietetic Association’s Nutrition Support Certification

The American Dietetic Association’s Nutrition Support Certification is a credential that recognizes Registered Dietitians who have demonstrated expertise in nutrition support. This certification is designed to identify those professionals who have the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive nutrition support services.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including being a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). They must also complete an approved education program in nutrition support and pass an exam. The program can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete, depending on the individual's experience and educational background.

To get the Nutrition Support Certification, individuals must first apply for eligibility with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Once they are approved, they must then enroll in an accredited nutrition support program and complete all required coursework. After completing the program, they must pass an exam administered by CDR.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the individual's chosen program and other associated fees. However, it typically costs between $500-$2,000 USD for tuition alone. Additional fees may include application fees, exam fees, and other miscellaneous costs such as books or study materials.

8. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Advanced Diabetes Management

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Advanced Diabetes Management (ADM) certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes physician assistants who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in diabetes management. This certification is designed to demonstrate the competency of PAs in the care of patients with diabetes, including those with complex comorbidities.

To obtain the ADM certification, applicants must complete an online application and submit documentation verifying their current NCCPA certification and completion of a minimum of 45 hours of continuing medical education (CME) related to diabetes management within the past five years. The CME must include topics such as pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment, patient education, and prevention/management of complications.

The cost for the ADM certification is $125 for NCCPA-certified PAs or $175 for non-certified PAs. The process typically takes up to four weeks from submission of the application to receive notification of eligibility status.

9. National Council on Strength and Fitness Personal Trainer Certification

The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Personal Trainer Certification is a nationally recognized certification program designed to prepare individuals for careers in personal training. The NCSF Certification Program is based on the most current scientific research, evidence-based practice, and industry standards. It provides an in-depth understanding of exercise science, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise program design.

The NCSF Personal Trainer Certification consists of a comprehensive online course that takes approximately 8 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as basic nutrition principles, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, exercise programming fundamentals and safety considerations. Upon completion of the course, individuals must pass a written examination in order to become certified.

In order to obtain the NCSF Personal Trainer Certification an individual must first register for the online course by visiting the NCSF website. The cost of the online course is $199 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered for the online course an individual will have access to all materials necessary to complete the certification process including study guides and practice exams. After successfully completing the online course and passing the written exam individuals will receive their official NCSF Personal Trainer Certification which is valid for two years from date of issue.

10. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)/American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Certified Clinical Endocrinologist

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) have developed a certification program to recognize excellence in clinical endocrinology. The Certified Clinical Endocrinologist (CCE) designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in clinical endocrinology.

In order to become certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

• Have an unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada
• Have completed an accredited fellowship in endocrinology
• Pass a written examination administered by AACE/ACE
• Have at least three years of full-time practice as a clinical endocrinologist
• Submit two letters of reference from colleagues attesting to their expertise in clinical endocrinology
• Complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing medical education related to endocrinology within the past five years.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all the requirements for CCE certification. The cost for the application fee and examination fee is $1,250 plus any applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Diabetes Educator Certificate?

Yes, a diabetes educator certificate is an important credential for anyone who wants to pursue a career in helping people manage their diabetes. A diabetes educator certificate provides evidence of the knowledge and skills necessary to work with people with diabetes and provide them with appropriate education and self-management support.

Having a diabetes educator certificate demonstrates that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to work with people with diabetes. It will also show potential employers that you are up-to-date on current trends and best practices in diabetes management. Additionally, having a certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or gaining recognition from professional organizations.

A certified diabetes educator is expected to have knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, medication adherence and self-care practices. They must be able to provide individualized patient care plans, assess the needs of patients, set goals for patients and evaluate their progress over time. They must also be able to interpret medical information related to diabetes and teach patients how to manage their disease safely and effectively.

In conclusion, having a diabetes educator certificate is an essential credential if you want to pursue a career in helping people manage their diabetes effectively. It shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do so and it will give you an advantage when applying for jobs or gaining recognition from professional organizations.

Related: Diabetes Educator Resume Examples

FAQs About Diabetes Educator Certifications

1. What is a Diabetes Educator Certification?

Answer: A Diabetes Educator Certification is a professional designation that signals to employers, clients, and colleagues that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to provide diabetes education services.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Diabetes Educator Certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining a Diabetes Educator Certification vary depending on the certifying body, but typically include completing an accredited program in diabetes education, passing an exam, and meeting continuing education requirements.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Diabetes Educator?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Diabetes Educator depends on the certifying body and the individual's prior experience with diabetes education. Typically, it can take anywhere from several months to two years or more.

4. Is there an age limit for becoming certified as a Diabetes Educator?

Answer: Most certifying bodies do not have an age limit for becoming certified as a Diabetes Educator; however, some may require applicants to be at least 18 years of age.

5. How often must I renew my certification as a Diabetes Educator?

Answer: The frequency with which one must renew their certification as a Diabetes Educator varies depending on the certifying body; however, most require renewal every three to five years.