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. Becoming a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE®) means formal recognition of your expertise in diabetes education. Backed by ADEA, the national peak body for diabetes education in Australia, the credential signals your commitment to person-centred, evidence-based diabetes care.
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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, you’ll complete a structured program that includes:
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An ADEA-accredited Graduate Certificate
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A minimum of 500 hours of diabetes education practice
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A six-month mentoring program with an ADEA-approved CDE
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The ADEA Professional Practice Microcredential
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A workplace-based 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?
Understanding the CDE’s role and when to refer to a CDE in helping people with diabetes build the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their condition day to day — and across every stage of their health journey.
CDEs work closely with clients to:
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Understand their priorities, health literacy, and changing needs
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Tailor education and clinical guidance to their goals, culture, and current stage of care
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Provide in-depth knowledge across all key areas of diabetes management
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Support clients to set realistic and sustainable self-management goals
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Assist with registration to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) to help clients access subsidised diabetes products and services
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Collaborate with other health professionals by initiating appropriate referrals
CDEs play a vital role in helping people understand their diabetes, make informed decisions, and live well.
Becoming a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Overview of the Initial Credentialling Pathway
The Initial Credentialling Program supports health professionals to develop the skills, reflective practice and supervised professional experience required to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator® (CDE).
Through a combination of structured learning, mentoring, and a workplace-based assessment, you’ll be supported to grow your confidence and readiness to formally achieve your CDE certification.
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You’ll work through three core components:
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A Professional Practice Microcredential focused on scope, standards and reflective learning
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A six-month mentoring program with an ADEA-approved CDE
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At least 500 hours of supervised diabetes education practice, including 300 hours in the 12 months before applying
Each component is supported by a detailed resource pack, including multiple documents, templates, and step-by-step guidance, all accessible to ADEA members via the Learning Hub.
Eligible health professions for credentialling include:
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Accredited Exercise Physiologist
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Accredited Practising Dietitian
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AHPRA-registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner
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Nurse Practitioner
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Optometrist
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Registered Medical Practitioner
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Registered Midwife
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Registered Nurse (RN or Division One)
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Registered Pharmacist
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Registered Physiotherapist
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Registered Podiatrist
Other primary health disciplines
Primary health discipline peak bodies can apply to the ADEA Board for recognition as a discipline eligible for Credentialling. The document below outlines assessment criteria and the application process.
Application for Health Disciplines Eligibility for Recognition as Credentialled Diabetes Educator (PDF - 0.54MB)
If you are from a primary health discipline not listed above and wish to credential, ADEA recommends contacting your peak body to discuss an application for recognition as a primary health discipline eligible for credentialling.
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.
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Practical skills assessment
Practical experience requirement
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: •Direct observational assessment of a clinical consultation. •Case-based clinical report focusing on educational planning. •Reflection activity, evaluating professional responsibility and continuous improvement.
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
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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.
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Assessment
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​To be eligible to enrol in the Initial Credentialling Pathway, you must:
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Be currently registered in an ADEA-recognised primary health discipline
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Have completed an ADEA-accredited Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management within the past five years
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Be a full member of ADEA
Eligible health professions for credentialling include:
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Accredited Exercise Physiologist
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Accredited Practising Dietitian
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AHPRA-registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner
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Nurse Practitioner
-
Optometrist
-
Registered Medical Practitioner
-
Registered Midwife
-
Registered Nurse (RN or Division One)
-
Registered Pharmacist
-
Registered Physiotherapist
-
Registered Podiatrist
Other primary health disciplines
Primary health discipline peak bodies can apply to the ADEA Board for recognition as a discipline eligible for Credentialling. The document below outlines assessment criteria and the application process.
Application for Health Disciplines Eligibility for Recognition as Credentialled Diabetes Educator (PDF - 0.54MB)
If you are from a primary health discipline not listed above and wish to credential, ADEA recommends contacting your peak body to discuss an application for recognition as a primary health discipline eligible for credentialling.
Graduate Certificate
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To be eligible for credentialling, you must complete an ADEA-accredited Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management. Here's what that involves:
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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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Earning the CDE credential demonstrates advanced knowledge, clinical skill, and commitment to best-practice diabetes education. It’s nationally recognised by health services, Medicare, private insurers, and government programs. CDEs are trusted to: Deliver structured diabetes education Initiate and adjust diabetes therapies (within scope) Register clients with the NDSS Contribute to multidisciplinary care and referral pathways ADEA’s Credentialling Program helps ensure CDEs are equipped to provide high-quality, person-centred care across all settings.
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.