BC-ADM Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Board Certified – Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) credential is for healthcare professionals who specialize in diabetes care. It demonstrates expertise in managing complex diabetes cases, including medication administration, nutrition therapy, patient education, and risk-reduction strategies. Earning this certification can help you advance your career and make a meaningful impact in diabetes care — whether in clinical practice or community health.
Diabetes affects over 38 million people in the U.S., and it’s one of the leading causes of death, so your expertise is in high demand. This guide covers what the certification is, who qualifies, and how to earn it.
Advanced Diabetes Management Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You must have a current license or registration, a master’s degree or higher, and proof of completion of 500 clinical practice hours in the past 48 months.
- Preparation: Review the examination handbook, study all topics outlined in the content guide, and take practice tests to assess your knowledge.
- Application process: Create an online account, submit your exam application, upload the required documents, and wait for your application to be reviewed and approved.
- Exam: Your test will have 175 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours and 30 minutes to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $900.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.
What Is BC-ADM Certification?
BC-ADM stands for Board Certified – Advanced Diabetes Management, and it’s designed for diabetes care professionals who specialize in managing complex diabetes cases. As of January 2025, this specialized credential is offered by the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE). Previously, it was issued by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).
Interested in knowing who can earn this credential? It’s available to a variety of healthcare professionals, including the following:
- Registered nurses (RN)
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN)
- Dietitians (RD/RDN)
- Pharmacists
- Physician assistants (PA)
- Physicians (MD/DO)
To earn this credential, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements and take a specialized exam, which focuses on five key areas of diabetes care:
| Domains: | Examples of testable tasks: |
|---|---|
| Assessment and diagnosis |
|
| Planning and intervention |
|
| Evaluation and follow-up |
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| Population health, advocacy, and professional development |
|
Steps to Get BC-ADM Certification
Wondering what it takes to earn this credential? Here’s a breakdown of the journey to becoming a certified diabetes care expert.
1. Meet BC-ADM Requirements for Eligibility
Before applying for this credential, you must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure you have the necessary education, experience, and clinical background. These requirements depend on your academic background and include the following:
| Eligibility pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|
| RN and/or APRN |
|
| Dietitian |
|
| Pharmacist |
|
| Physician assistant |
|
| Physician |
|
Your application will be reviewed to assess how your education and experience align with the required level of practice. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage complex patient needs and support therapeutic problem-solving.
2. Prepare for the BC-ADM Exam
Your next step is to get exam-ready. Start by reviewing the BC-ADM study guide, paying careful attention to all the topics in the content outline. You’ll find study sheets outlining key topics for each of the four knowledge domains — print them out and use them to create a structured study plan.
Here are some helpful resources to support you as you prepare for the exam.
3. Register for the Exam
Ready to test? Start with creating an account through Meazure Learning and filling out the online application for your exam. As a part of your application, you’ll be required to provide proof of required practice hours and upload the following documents:
- A copy of your current license or registration
- A copy of your transcript or diploma for an eligible advanced degree
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed, and your eligibility will be determined within seven business days.
Applications are accepted year-round, but the exam is available only twice a year, in June and December, each with a 30-day testing window. Be sure to apply at least 30 days before the testing window opens.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
To finalize your application, you’ll need to pay the $900 exam fee. However, if you’re a member of ADCES, you’ll receive a $300 discount, reducing the cost to $600. This discount is available to active members at the time of application, so make sure your membership is current to take advantage of this offer.
5. Pass the Exam
Curious about the testing experience? Here’s a look at what you can expect when it’s time for the exam:
- Your test will last 3.5 hours.
- You’ll need to answer 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored and 25 unscored).
- You’ll receive your results approximately 6 to 8 weeks after your testing window closes.
6. Maintain the Certification
Your credential is valid for five years. To renew your certification, you must hold a current BC-ADM certification and complete 1,000 hours of professional practice in advanced diabetes management during the five-year cycle.
Additionally, you’ll need to meet two of the following professional development categories:
- Continuing education hours
- Academic credits
- Presentations
- Publications or research
- Preceptorship
- Professional service
Submit your renewal application at least 45 days before your certification expires. Along with your application, you’ll need to pay the renewal fee of $800 to complete the process.
Frequently Asked Questions: Advanced Diabetes Management Board Certification
What is the BC-ADM pass rate?
The pass rate for the exam is around 70%, meaning that a majority of candidates are successful in earning their certification. To increase your chances of passing, study thoroughly and hone your test-taking skills with practice exams.
BC-ADM vs. CDCES: What’s the difference?
Compared to Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credentials, BC-ADM certification requires a higher level of education and clinical expertise (i.e., a master’s degree and, in some cases, prescriptive authority). In contrast, CDCES applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and focus primarily on patient education and support.
Where can I request BC-ADM verification for my certification status?
To verify your credentials, contact the appropriate organization based on when it was issued. If you earned it after January 2025, contact the CBCDE. If it was issued earlier, the ADCES can help.
What do I do if I fail the exam?
Candidates who don’t pass the exam on the first try can retake it in the next testing window. The retake fee is $340. If you don’t pass twice in a row, you’ll need to skip the upcoming testing window before trying again.
Related Certifications
Want to expand your professional credentials? Here are some certifications to explore:
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Nurse Coach Board Certified (NC-BC)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
- Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN)
- Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC)
Want to Elevate Your Healthcare Career?
Whether you’re BC-ADM-certified or working toward it, there are exciting nursing opportunities waiting for you. Don’t miss out on IntelyCare’s personalized job alerts tailored to your skills and preferences.
