CDCES Practice Test 2026 — Free CDCES Exam Prep Questions
The CDCES exam is taken by nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and other licensed health professionals who educate and support people with diabetes and prediabetes. Our practice questions follow the CBDCE content outline effective July 2024, with case-based items on assessment, nutrition, medications, insulin math, monitoring, complications and DSMES standards.
A DSMES program finds that participants who prefer Spanish complete half as many sessions as English-speaking participants. Interpreters are available on request. Which action BEST addresses this gap?
CDCES format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at PSI test centers or by live remote online proctoring, year-round. One question per screen; you can skip, bookmark and change answers. An on-screen calculator is built in. Breaks are allowed at test centers (the clock keeps running) but not during remote proctoring.
| Exam | 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored + 25 pretest) in 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Content outline | Examination Content Outline effective July 1, 2024 |
| Content split | Assessment 37, Care and Education Interventions 105, Standards and Practices 8 (scored questions) |
| Item format | 4 options (A–D); no guessing penalty |
| Passing score | 70 on a 0–99 scaled score |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator built in; handheld calculators not allowed |
| Fee | $350 initial / $250 renewal by exam |
| Testing window | 90 days from application approval; testing is year-round |
| New guidelines | New guidelines and medications are tested no sooner than one year after release |
| Official practice exam | 50 questions, $55, through PSI |
Facts last verified Nov 3, 2026. Source: www.cbdce.org/documents/2693566/2711622/CBDCE+2026+Handbook.d_FINAL_v1.2.pdf/8e2fda09-9289-947c-7587-712a4e74f10a?version=2.0&t=1779473164408. Always confirm details with CBDCE before your exam.
When can you take the CDCES?
Apply any time. Once your application is approved you have 90 days to schedule and take the exam at a PSI test center or by live remote proctoring.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the CDCES covers
Every PrepBanq CDCES test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
AssessmentPhysical and psychosocial assessment, self-management behaviors and knowledge, and learning needs, readiness and literacy (37 scored items). | 24.7% | ~37 | 37 questions → |
Care and Education InterventionsDisease process and treatment approach, individualized education plans, person-centered education on nutrition, activity, medications, monitoring, acute and chronic complications, problem solving and living with diabetes, and evaluation and follow-up (105 scored items). | 70% | ~105 | 105 questions → |
Standards and PracticesNational Standards for DSMES, National DPP standards, practice standards, population health, team-based care, advocacy, prevention and health equity (8 scored items). | 5.3% | ~8 | 8 questions → |
How to register for the CDCES
Eligibility
A current, active, unrestricted US license or registration in a qualifying discipline (e.g., RN, registered dietitian, pharmacist, physician, PA, OT, PT, optometrist, podiatrist, clinical psychologist, clinical exercise physiologist, MCHES) or a master's degree in social work. You also need 2 years of practice in that discipline, 1,000 hours of diabetes care and education within the last 5 years (at least 200 in the most recent year), and 15 hours of diabetes-related continuing education within 2 years.
Retake policy
No limit on attempts while you remain eligible; each attempt needs a new application and fee.
Score release
Pass/fail appears on screen at the end of the exam; PSI emails the official score report within 24–48 hours.
Credential renewal
Certification lasts 5 years. For anyone certified on or after January 1, 2027, the renewal cycle is 3 years.
Your path to passing the CDCES
Diagnostic
Free test across every content areaTargeted practice
Drill your weakest areas firstReview
Every option explainedFull simulation
Real format and timingReady
Book your exam with confidenceCDCES practice tests
All CDCES tests →The full CDCES question bank is on its way
All CDCES practice tests here are free right now. Leave your email and we'll tell you when the complete question bank, full-length simulations and readiness tracking launch.
CDCES FAQ
How many questions are on the CDCES?
The CDCES has 175 questions (150 of them scored) and you have 4 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice only: 175 questions (150 scored + 25 unscored pretest questions mixed in), each with 4 options (A–D). There is no penalty for guessing..
How long is the CDCES exam?
Testing time for the CDCES is 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the CDCES?
CDCES passing standard: Scaled score of 70 on a 0–99 scale. Forms are equated, and the passing point was set by an Angoff study for the July 2024 exam. Score range: 0–99 scaled.
How much does the CDCES cost?
The CDCES registration fee is $350 initial (or expired) certification; $250 renewal by exam. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the CDCES?
The CDCES covers Assessment (about 24.7%), Care and Education Interventions (about 70%), Standards and Practices (about 5.3%).
Who administers the CDCES?
The Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Exam is administered by CBDCE. Delivery: Computer-based at PSI test centers or by live remote online proctoring, year-round. One question per screen; you can skip, bookmark and change answers. An on-screen calculator is built in. Breaks are allowed at test centers (the clock keeps running) but not during remote proctoring.
Can you retake the CDCES?
No limit on attempts while you remain eligible; each attempt needs a new application and fee.
Is there a free CDCES practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CDCES practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CDCES formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
CDCES practice test reviews
No reviews yet. Took a free CDCES practice test? Tell other test-takers how it went.
Related medical professional exams
Your CDCES prep starts with one free test.
Instant score report · no credit card.