Ambassador Orientation Part 3 - Preparing for the Exam - Initial CDCES Certification

Sep 27, 2026

Ambassador Orientation Part 3 focuses on preparing for the Initial CDCES certification exam. It explains that the practice-based certification requires relevant professional practice experience before applying and cannot be prepared by reading a book alone. The material outlines study strategy, including reviewing the Exam Handbook, Exam Content Outline (ECO), references, and identifying areas for review across ECO domains. It provides the CDCES Program (effective 7/2024) question distribution and general test preparation steps, plus guidance to use a practice examination and complete a quiz.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Preparing for the Exam

Preparation — What to Study?

Prep Tips

Exam Content Outline — CDCES Program (effective 7/2024)

General Test Preparation

Becomimg a CDCES: Exam Details & Preparation

® Ambassador Orientation Initial CDCES ® Certification Preparing for the Exam (last updated Sept 2024) Preparation – What to Study? • As the CDCES certification is a practice-based certification, it requires individuals to accrue professional practice experience prior to applying. This practice experience is necessary in order to master the knowledge and application of that knowledge associated with the specialty. • As such the ‘where to go” to study is not an easy and direct answer to provide as one cannot just study from a ‘book’ to prepare for the exam. The exam does assess not just knowledge related to diabetes care and education but the ability to apply knowledge and analyze situations a diabetes care and education specialist may see in their role. Prep Tips • Review the Exam Handbook • Review Exam Content Outline (ECO) • Identify potential areas for study • Review References/Resources page • Responsible for knowledge over all of ECO • Consider usual population – be sure to study aspects of the ECO outside of that profile • Reach out to peers and/or members of diabetes care team from different discipline Exam Content Outline – CDCES Program (effective 7/2024) | Category | Domain | No . of Questions/Percent | | --- | --- | --- | | I | Assessment | 37 (25% scored) | | II | Care and Education Intervention | 105 (70%) | | III | Standards and Practices | 8 (5%) | | Total Scored Items | | 150 (100%) | | Pre-test Unscored Items | | 25 (any above category) | Visit website for full Exam Content Outline General Test Preparation • Develop study plan • Know amount of content • Develop time line • Organize content • Prioritize content based on your strengths and weaknesses • Study in short bursts • Take breaks • Consider creating/joining a study group Prep Tips • Still nervous about exam day? Consider making use of a practice examination • CDCES Program-Learn more at: [https://www.cbdce.org/prepare](https://www.cbdce.org/prepare) Becoming a CDCES Exam Details & Preparation Learn more by visiting the CBDCE website at [cbdce.org](cbdce.org) and/or downloading the examination handbook Thank you for reviewing: Ambassador Orientation – Initial CDCES® Certification-Preparing for the Exam Please scan the QR code or use the link below to complete the quiz about this presentation: [https://form.jotform.com/242685004619155](https://form.jotform.com/242685004619155)

FAQs

Why does the Initial CDCES certification require practice experience before applying?

Because it is a practice-based certification, candidates must accrue professional practice experience to master the knowledge and the application of that knowledge in the diabetes care and education specialty.

What should candidates review to prepare for the exam?

Candidates should review the Exam Handbook, the Exam Content Outline (ECO), identify potential areas for study, and review the references/resources page, ensuring coverage across the full ECO.

How is the exam content distributed across the CDCES domains for the program effective 7/2024?

The exam includes 37 questions (25%) on Assessment, 105 questions (70%) on Care and Education Intervention, and 8 questions (5%) on Standards and Practices, with 150 scored items and 25 unscored pre-test items.

Sep 27, 2026

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