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:

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.

To become a CDE, a health professional must:

To maintain their CDE status, a health professional must undertake a minimum of 20 hours of professional development per year.

What is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator® (CDE)?

A CDE is a health professional who has been recognised by the ADEA for their specialist knowledge and professional development in the field of diabetes education. CDE is a registered trademark.

An ADEA CDE means providing assured assistance and quality education to those with, or at risk of, diabetes, as well as family members and carers.

To be recognised and maintain CDE status, you must demonstrate ongoing participation in professional development within the specialty of diabetes education.

CDE status is recognised by:

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:

A CDE can provide:

A CDE may be a:

A person living with diabetes should see a CDE when:

  • they receive a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes,
  • there are any unresolved issues regarding diabetes care,
  • they require blood glucose monitoring (technology options),
  • their glucose levels or previous HbA1c are above target,
  • there is a change in diabetes management (i.e. change to medication/diet/exercise),
  • they are starting insulin,
  • the person is starting to use new/automated technology,
  • they are going through key life transitions (workplace/living arrangements/ageing),
  • there is a change in social situation that may impact management,
  • the person is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycaemia,
  • they are preparing for surgery,
  • the person needs help with their sick day management,
  • they are using insulin and need to discuss driving requirements, or
  • they are planning a pregnancy or need support regarding contraception, and
  • for at least one annual check-up.

How to become a CDE – Initial Credentialling

Information about Re-credentialling for CDEs

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:

  • completed ADEA’s rigorous Credentialling Program and has specialist knowledge in the field of diabetes education
  • 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.

To become a CDE, a health professional must:

  • complete an ADEA-accredited postgraduate course
  • complete 1,000 hours of practice in diabetes education
  • undertake a minimum of six months mentoring by an experienced CDE.

To maintain their CDE status, a health professional must undertake a minimum of 20 hours of professional development per year.

What is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator® (CDE)?

A CDE is a health professional who has been recognised by the ADEA for their specialist knowledge and professional development in the field of diabetes education. CDE is a registered trademark.

An ADEA CDE means providing assured assistance and quality education to those with, or at risk of, diabetes, as well as family members and carers.

To be recognised and maintain CDE status, you must demonstrate ongoing participation in professional development within the specialty of diabetes education.

CDE status is recognised by:

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:

  • Hospitals
  • Community health centres
  • Medical centres
  • Private practices

A CDE can provide:

  • Support and assistance for those with diabetes
  • Education and training
  • Clinical care and management
  • Information, knowledge skills and strategies
  • Assistance with setting self-management goals
  • Registration to the NDSS to assist people with diabetes to access subsidised goods and services

A CDE may be a:

  • Registered Nurse (RN or Division One)
  • Registered Midwife
  • Accredited Practising Dietitian
  • Registered Medical Practitioner
  • Registered Pharmacist
  • Registered Podiatrist
  • Accredited Exercise Physiologist
  • Registered Physiotherapist
  • Optometrist

A person living with diabetes should see a CDE when:

  • they receive a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes,
  • there are any unresolved issues regarding diabetes care,
  • they require blood glucose monitoring (technology options),
  • their glucose levels or previous HbA1c are above target,
  • there is a change in diabetes management (i.e. change to medication/diet/exercise),
  • they are starting insulin,
  • the person is starting to use new/automated technology,
  • they are going through key life transitions (workplace/living arrangements/ageing),
  • there is a change in social situation that may impact management,
  • the person is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycaemia,
  • they are preparing for surgery,
  • the person needs help with their sick day management,
  • they are using insulin and need to discuss driving requirements, or
  • they are planning a pregnancy or need support regarding contraception, and
  • for at least one annual check-up.

How to become a CDE – Initial Credentialling

Information about Re-credentialling for CDEs