BC-ADM - Board Certified - Advanced Diabetes Management

The Board Certified - Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) certification validates the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers working in advanced diabetes management. The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) offers the BC-ADM exam, accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Completion Time: Candidates have about 3 hours to complete the BC-ADM exam

Cost:

• ADCES member initial: $600

• Non-member initial: $900

• ADCES member retake: $220

• Non-member retake: $340

Exam Format

The BC-ADM exam includes 150 scored questions and 25 unscored questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam. BC-ADM exam topics include:

• Assessment and Diagnosis (37)

• Care and Education Interventions (105)

• Standards and Practices (8)

Test Dates

PSI Testing Centers offer BC-ADM exam. Examinees may also take the exam at home via live remote proctoring.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the BC-ADM exam, applicants must meet one of the following license and education requirements:

• An active RN or advanced practice nursing license with a master’s degree or higher in a related educational, clinical, or management area

• An active dietitian license or registration with a master’s degree or higher in a related area

• An active pharmacists license with a master’s degree or higher in Pharmacy

• An active Physician Assistant license with a master’s degree or higher in a related educational, clinical, or management area

• An active MD or DO license with an MD or DO degree

In addition, applicants must have completed 500 clinical practice hours within the previous 48 months of application.

BC-ADM certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal applicants are encouraged to apply for renewal at least 6 months before expiration and no later than 30 days before expiration. To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Hold an active RN, RD, RPh, PA, or MD/DO license in the U.S. or the legal equivalent in another country 

• Hold a current BC-ADM certification

• Have 1,000 hours of practice in advanced diabetes management during the 5-year certification period

• Complete the professional development requirements

• Pay the renewal fee

Renewal Fees

• ADCES member renewal: $500

• Non-member renewal: $800

• Certification holders must complete at least 75 CE hours each cycle.

• Required: Participate in CE activities on the ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes twice per renewal cycle (virtual or in-person).

• Encouraged but optional CE topics: education strategies, diabetes technology, leadership/strategy, population health, or diversity/equity/inclusion.

• Other CE hours can be chosen by the certificant, as long as they meet CBDCE guidelines (diabetes-related, recognized providers, etc.).

Refer to the CDCES website for full information on professional development categories.

The ADCES provides several resources to help prepare for the BC-ADM exam, including:

• BC-ADM Handbook

• Content Knowledge Self-Assessment 

• Practice Exam available for $39 for ADCES members and $59 for non-members

Similar certifications include:

• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

• Academic Novice Educator (CNEn)

• Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl)