CDCES Exam Information and Outline
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Syllabus Update Checked on: November 12, 2026
CDCES Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the
official CDCES exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.
The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
NCBDE.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
- Exam Format
- 175 multiple-choice items (150 scored); 4 hours
- Domain I: Assessment (25%)
- Physical and psychosocial assessment
- Self-management behaviours and knowledge
- Learning needs and readiness
- Domain II: Care and Education Interventions (70%)
- Disease process and treatment approach
- Individualized education plan
- Person-centered education on self-care behaviours
- Evaluation, documentation and follow-up
- Domain III: Standards and Practices (5%)
- DSMES and National DPP standards
- Practice guidelines (ADA, AACE, Endocrine Society)
- Population health, advocacy and health equity