Practice Resources

A Roadmap for the Specialty

Maps show us what lies ahead and give us the information we need to create a plan to get there. The ADCES competencies for diabetes care and education specialists are just that, a roadmap for the specialty. They provide a point to work towards, through education, mentorship, personal development and even job creation. Use the competencies, worksheets and other tools below to create your own personal roadmap, one that will lead you, your colleagues and clients to success.


Competencies for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

In 2020, the competencies were revised to meet the current needs and future trajectory of the specialty, with emphasis on language choice and the goals and pillars of the ADCES strategic vision. Unique to this revision, ADCES conducted a modified Delphi study to validate the updated model. The resulting competencies are divided into 6 key domains that underscore specific sets of knowledge, skills and abilities critical to the role of diabetes care and education specialists.

The purpose of this document is to:

  • Serve as a master list of the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the role of diabetes care and education specialist.
  • The four key times to implement DSMES services.
  • Provide a framework for interprofessional practice that extends beyond disciplines
  • Activate self-assessment for continual improvement of knowledge, skills and abilities
  • Maintain a standard for the specialty, encouraging diabetes care and education specialists to work at the top of their scope of practice
  • Inform stakeholders of the breadth and scope of the specialty.

For more information on the Dephi study used to create the competencies, download the report.


Self-Assessment Worksheets

Create your own road map using these worksheets to target key areas for growth and development.

Access a breakdown of each domain with available ADCES education:


Job Description Template for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists 

Use this template to create a comprehensive job description based on the competencies for diabetes care and education specialists. 


The Huddle: Conversations with the Diabetes Care Team

The Huddle is available on all major podcast platforms including Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify and Stitcher. Listen to previous episodes of The Huddle

Build Your Career in Diabetes Care and Education: Utilizing the ADCES Competencies For Future Growth

Co-author Sandi Burke joins us to break down how you can utilize the revised competencies as a master list of skills for thoughtful self-assessment and strategic professional development.



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