How to Become a Diabetes Educator

Because of the growing diabetic population, there is a major need for certified diabetes educators across the country. In order to become a diabetes educator, however, there are several criteria that must be met. Once these criteria are met, you will reach a position where you can help thousands of people diagnosed with diabetes and teach them how to properly manage their condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Obtain a formal education from an accredited school. A Master's degree in a health care related subject is the minimum for this requirement.
2. Complete at least 2 years of professional practice as a doctor, licensed nurse, pharmacist, dietitian or other health care provider. You'll need to become specifically involved with diabetes education for the duration of the two qualifying years.
3. Acquire at least a thousand hours of experience in a health care environment where you provide services as a diabetes educator. Though you will not be licensed in this capacity until you have met all the requirements, you must have been actively involved in the role of diabetes educator.
4. Hold a job in a health care facility that treats diabetes on a regular basis. You must be employed at least 4 days a week, or the equivalent of 32 hours per 7 days.
5. Sign up for the exam. The test is offered twice a year at various locations throughout the country. Check the website for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators for test dates and locations (see Resources below).
6. Pay the exam fee of $350. This fee is nonrefundable, and will not be returned if you fail the test.
7. Take the exam. The test consists of 200 questions, 25 of which are control questions that are used for statistical evaluation and may be used on future tests. You'll have 4 hours to complete the exam to become a diabetes educator.
8. Maintain your certification by retaking the exam or gaining continuing education credits every 5 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Sign up early to ensure your spot to sit for the exam.
• Request a handbook and study guide directly from the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. Since this is the organization that wrote the test, the samples and study tasks are highly relevant and will prepare you well for the exam.
• Apply early to avoid the extra $100 late registration fee.