For 2021:
Who can apply online?
1) Any initial applicant who is applying under a qualifying license, certification or registration;
2) Any individual whose CDCES credential expired prior to 12/31/2016 who is applying under a qualifying license, certification or registration;
3) Any current CDCES who can document meeting the renewal practice requirement; and
4) Any individual whose CDCES credential expired between 12/31/2016 and 12/31/2020 who can document meeting the renewal practice requirement.

Who cannot apply online, but is welcome to apply using the paper application?
1) Any initial applicant who is applying under an advanced degree in social work or pre-approved through the Unique Qualifications Pathway;
2) Any individual whose CDCES credential expired prior to 12/31/2016 who is applying under a qualifying advanced degree in social work;
3) Any current CDCES who CANNOT document meeting the renewal practice requirement; and
4) Any individual whose CDCES credential expired between 12/31/2016 and 12/31/2020 who CANNOT document meeting the renewal practice requirement.

NOTE: CDCESs and any individuals with expired CDCES credentials who wish to apply for the Examination online will want to have their certificate/CDCES number available prior to starting the application process. This eight digit number can be found on the CBDCE certificate or wallet card. Individuals may also contact the CBDCE national office, 847-228-9795 or info@ncbde.org (include name, last 4 digits of social security number, and mailing address information) to obtain their CDCES numbers.

---------------------------------------------


COVID-19 Pandemic Adjustments Established for Initial Certification Requirements for the CDCES Program.

To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to accrue practice hours for health professionals pursuing the CDCES credential, the CBDCE Board of Directors has temporarily approved the changes for the professional practice requirement relating to diabetes care and education (DCD) for initial certification:
DCE Professional Practice Experience Requirement Changes
1) For applications submitted through 2022, minimum DCE experience needed in prior 12 months reduced from 400 hours to 200 hours; and
2) For applications submitted through 2023, minimum 1000 hours (or 2000 hours for unique qualifications pathway) of DCE expereince can be accrued over an increased length of time of 5 years, rather than 4 years, from application date.

---------------------------------------------