CDE Pathway - Credentialling & Re-credentialling
What is Credentialling?
The ADEA Credentialling Program is a certification and professional development program for Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs). It was established in 1986 when the first ADEA-accredited courses in diabetes education were introduced.
The ADEA Credentialling Program provides formal certification that a health professional has:
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completed ADEA’s rigorous Credentialling Program and has specialist knowledge in the field of diabetes education
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undertaken regular and ongoing professional development within the specialty of diabetes education.
As part of the ADEA Credentialling Program, ADEA accredits postgraduate courses in diabetes education and management. These courses are available through tertiary education institutions, including universities.
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To become a CDE, a health professional must:
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complete an ADEA-accredited postgraduate course
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complete 500 hours of practice in diabetes education
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undertake a minimum of six months mentoring by an experienced CDE
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Complete the Professional Practice Microcredential
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Complete a practical assessment
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To maintain their CDE status, a health professional must undertake a minimum of 20 hours of professional development per year.
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What does a CDE do?
A CDE assists those with diabetes by empowering them to effectively self-manage the care and treatment of their diabetes or prediabetes.​ ​​​
A CDE may work in a variety of settings including:
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Hospitals
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Community health centres
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Medical centres
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Private practices
A CDE can provide:
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Support and assistance for those with diabetes
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Education and training
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Clinical care and management
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Information, knowledge skills and strategies
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Assistance with setting self-management goals
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Registration to the NDSS to assist people with diabetes to access subsidised goods and services
A CDE may be a:
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Registered Nurse (RN or Division One)
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Registered Midwife
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Accredited Practising Dietitian
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Registered Medical Practitioner
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Registered Pharmacist
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Registered Podiatrist
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Accredited Exercise Physiologist
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Registered Physiotherapist
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Optometrist
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AHPRA-registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner
Pathway to becoming a CDE
The initial credentialling process prepares individuals to become Credentialled Diabetes Educators® (CDEs) by emphasising practical experience and support. Candidates will complete a minimum of 500 hours of hands-on training, participate in a Professional Practice Microcredential to develop essential skills, and engage in a six-month mentoring programme with experienced CDEs. This comprehensive pathway ensures that candidates gain the confidence and knowledge necessary for excellence in diabetes education.
Eligibility
​To enrol in the initial credentialling program, candidates must:
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Be registered in an ADEA-approved primary discipline or as an ADEA-approved individual candidate.
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Have been awarded a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management (GradCert DEM) from an ADEA-approved course within the past five years.
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Be a full member of ADEA.
Graduate Certificate
The ADEA conducts an Accreditation Program for tertiary education institutions offering postgraduate courses in diabetes education and management. Completing an ADEA accredited postgraduate course is one of the criteria for achieving recognition as an ADEA CDE. The courses include a clinical placement component and require the completion of the Student Placement Record Booklet. Diabetes Educators with Graduate Certificate dating beyond the 6 years must complete a Case Study as well as meeting all other criteria for achieving ADEA recognition as a CDE. The Marking Guide and the Template for your case study are provided for further guidance.
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Professional Practice Microcredential
The Professional Practice Microcredential covers professional practice standards, scope of practice, competency standards, and code of conduct. It includes self-assessment tools, case studies, and reflective activities to support professional growth. As one of ADEA’s latest microcredentials, it is recognised through a verifiable digital badge that validates your skills and accomplishments.
This badge can be easily shared online, helping you showcase your expertise to employers and peers, enhancing your professional profile, and opening new career opportunities.
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Mentoring program
A minimum six-month mentoring program pairs candidates with experienced CDEs.
The program is supported by comprehensive resources such as mentor and mentee packs, which include checklists, templates, and agendas to guide mentoring sessions. The new mentoring program resources are part of ADEA’s ongoing commitment to improving the credentialling process. Future enhancements will streamline how mentors and mentees connect, ensuring a more efficient and supportive experience.
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Practical skills assessment
The practical skills assessment is a new component of the credentialling program, providing a more standardised and comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s skills.
Replacing the logbook and referee report, this clinical workplace-based assessment is split into three parts:
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Direct observational assessment of a clinical consultation.
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Case-based clinical report focusing on educational planning.
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Reflection activity, evaluating professional responsibility and continuous improvement.
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Practical experience requirement
Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 500 practical experience hours in diabetes education, reduced from the previous 1,000-hour requirement. This reduction acknowledges that some candidates enter the credentialling process with significant prior experience, while others may need additional hours to fully develop their skills. The emphasis is on quality and relevance, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for their roles as CDEs. Verified by a manager or supervisor, this experience demonstrates real-world competency, allowing candidates to showcase their skills.
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Assessment
Applications are assessed by two members of the ADEA Credentialling Committee who can’t be members of the applicant’s own branch.
A non-refundable assessment fee of $162 incl GST will apply when you submit your application. The annual fee is $66 incl GST, and applicants will receive a certificate via email once accepted.​ Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by the credentialling officer.
An application may be declared pending if additional information is required by the assessors. This information must be received within three months.​
Why become a CDE?
Guide to initial credentialling
Re-credentialling Pathway
The ADEA Recredentialling process is essential for maintaining your expertise and status as a CDE. By remaining a full ADEA member and keeping your primary health care professional registration, you validate your dedication to the field. Earn points through ADEA-approved or endorsed activities that enrich your professional development and keep you connected with the latest advancements in diabetes care. This process not only reinforces your skills but also immerses you in a dynamic community committed to excellence in diabetes education.
​You must also meet the requirements of the ADEA Re-credentialling Program as outlined in the Re-credentialling Points Guide (PDF – 0.50MB).
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Five points must be from ADEA-approved or ADEA-endorsed activities:
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ADEA-developed activities include ADEA conferences and education programs (available on the ADEA LMS).
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ADEA-endorsed courses are developed by other organisations and endorsed by ADEA.
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You can renew your CDE status via the ADEA member portal under 'My Account.'
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Fees
The annual credentialling fee is $66 incl GST which is payable after your application has been submitted and assessed. You will receive an email notifying you when this fee is due.
Resignations that occur prior to the completion of a membership or credentialling period will not attract a refund of fees for the period.
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Auditing
10% of applicants for re-credentialling are selected for auditing each year. Those selected for auditing will be notified once they commence their re-credentialling application.
Please note: Evidence to support professional development (CPD) activities must be provided with the recredentialling application when selected for auditing to maintain CDE status.