ADCES Diabetes Care Competencies & CDCES Exam Prep Course

Gain a competitive edge when preparing for the CDCES exam.

Advance Your Diabetes Expertise and Prepare for the CDCES Exam

Do you have at least 6 months of DSMES experience, an interest in career advancement, or are preparing for or renewing your CDCES certification? Find the essential tools and strategies needed to advance your clinical skills to make a meaningful impact on people with or at risk for diabetes with our comprehensive, 9-week online program, the ADCES Diabetes Competencies & CDCES Exam Prep Course (formerly called CORE Concepts).

The next course starts in January 2027!

Note: This program is a CBDCE-Recognized Preparation Pathway (CRPP). It has been reviewed by the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) and determined to meet established preparation criteria for candidate pursuing CDCES certification. Participation is voluntary and does not guarantee certification or examination success.

Course Highlights

Designed to support you every step of your certification journey, this course offers flexible learning, expert guidance, and practical tools to reinforce key concepts. From live case study discussions to bonus practice questions and CE credits, you'll gain the preparation and confidence needed to approach the CDCES exam with confidence.

Free Exam Practice Questions

Learners get free access to exam practice questions and 6 months of access to course content.

Office Hours & Case Study Discussions

Tune in Monday evenings to connect directly with expert faculty to explore a case study live. Ask them your questions and get answers in real-time. Can't make it? No worries -- sessions are recorded for later viewing.

Self-Paced Learning & Interactive Activities

Different DSMES topics are featured each week through self-guided learning. Participate in discussion boards to dive deeper into the content and connect with peers. Take quizzes along the way to check your knowledge.

Signature ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors Framework

Learn strategies to achieve successful outcome with the ADCES7 framework and build a solid foundation in DSMES.

Continuing Education Credit

Earn 30 CE/CME credit hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of learning activities area included in the online course?

A: You will participate in interactive lessons, collaborative case discussions, quizzes and weekly webcasts and office hours led by experienced certified diabetes care and education specialists.

Q: Is prior experience required?

A: A minimum of 6 months in diabetes care and education is recommended to fully benefit from the course content and interactions.

Q: How is credit handled?

A: A certificate of credit is awarded upon successfully completing the course and passing the final exam.

Q: What do I need for this course?

A: You are required to purchase or currently have access to the textbook, The Art & Science of Diabetes Care and Education, 7th Edition. It is not included in the course registration and is mandatory reading for this course.

Expert Faculty

Amy Hertz, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES

Amy has dedicated her career to diabetes care since 2009. She focuses on collaborative, person-centered care and integrating technology to enhance life quality. Amy, who also teaches at the undergraduate level, has led this course for 5 years.

David Miller, RN, BSN, MSEd, CDCES, FADCES

David is an experienced diabetes care and education specialist and clinical trainer who specializes in personal care. He has also contributed to professional publications and co-edited The Art & Science of Diabetes Care and Education publication.

Evan Sisson, PharmD, MSHA, BCACP, CDCES, FADCES

Evan is a professor at VCU School of Pharmacy, a Master Trainer Select and an experienced diabetes education leader. He has trained more than 500 Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle coaches and contributed to many key ADCES publications.

Helpful Resources

The Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education, 7th Edition

Transform your diabetes care and education knowledge with The Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education, 7th edition, our premier diabetes education book. This is the most comprehensive, reliable resource for every health care professional offering diabetes care. It is a must-have for those preparing to take the CDCES exam.* The Art and Science covers the background and theoretical foundations essential to providing diabetes care and education to individuals with diabetes. All chapters provide evidence-based discussions on managing diabetes and its related conditions.

For a digital option, buy the Art and Science e-book.

Buy Art and Science in Print

Review Guide for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam, 7th Edition

Feel more confident on exam day with this essential CDCES exam study tool. This diabetes education book includes 75 self-assessment questions, two practice exams with a total of 400 questions, plus answers and rationale for all questions. All questions have been updated for accuracy, currency and relevance, as well as alignment with the ADA Standards of Care.

Prefer a digital option? Buy the Review Guide in e-book format.

Buy the Review Guide in Print