Board Certification

American College of Diabetology Board Exam Eligibility

The exam is offered once per year at Pearson testing centers nationwide. As outlined below, there are two pathways to certification. If you have additional questions, please contact us at office@acdiabetology.org.

Pathway A - (Fellowship)

This pathway is for physicians who have completed a fellowship in Diabetes or Endocrinology. Here are the current requirements: 

  • Diabetes Fellowship Program Graduates: All graduates of a Diabetes Fellowship Program in the United States are eligible to sit for the exam. You must have a certificate of verification from the Program Director.

  • Endocrinology Fellowship Program Graduates: All graduates of an Endocrinology Fellowship in the United States are eligible to sit for the exam. You must have a certificate of verification from the Program Director or successfully completed the Endocrinology Board Exam.

Pathway B - (CME / Applied Experience) 

This pathway is for physicians who meet the required combination of experience and education to apply for eligibility to sit for the exam. There is a test-in period for those physicians who did not have the opportunity to complete a fellowship but possess this level of expertise.  This window is only open from 12/1/2023 to 12/31/2026. Here are the current requirements: 

  1. Physicians who are board certified or board eligible in an ACGME/AOA program who have also:

a. Proof of an active and unrestricted license in the US.

b. In active practice for at least 5 years

c. Provided chronic ongoing care for 4 patient populations below but must include technology:

i. Adults with type 2 diabetes

ii. Adults with type 1 diabetes

iii. Children/adolescents with type 2 diabetes

iv. Children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes

v. Gestational diabetes/Diabetes in Pregnancy

vi. Atypical diabetes

vii. Technology (insulin pumps/sensors)

viii. Inpatient diabetes

ix. “other”- may apply to other options.

d. Completed 60 hours of diabetes-focused CME programming in the last 3 years (30 of those hours must have come from eligible programs 1-7.

i. Eligible programming includes:

1. American College of Diabetology

2. American Diabetes Association

3. American Association Clinical Endocrinology (diabetes-focused)

4. Endocrine Society (diabetes-focused)

5. Association Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)

6. Endocrine Society/ACOFP Diabetes Certificate Program

7. University of the Pacific Diabetes Certificate program,

8. Continuing Education Company- ACD courses

9. . Primary Care Metabolic Group- ACD courses

9. Diabetes-focused CME from AAFP, ACOFP, ACP, ACP, AOA

10. “other” - may submit other courses for approval

e. A letter of support stating the applicant is in good standing from their medical organization/employer.

f. A personal reference from a professional colleague

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The fee for candidates following Pathway A/Fellowship is $500. If you are not already a member of the American College of Diabetology, become one now and add your first year of membership dues for $100, for a total of $600.

    The fee for candidates following Pathway B/ Applied Experience is $1250. These candidates can also receive a slightly discounted first-year membership fee of $250, for a total of $1500.

  • ACD will hold at least one board exam preparation session each year to help physicians prepare for the boards. This session is optional for everyone.

  • You can take the exam at Pearson Vue testing centers nationally. Your exam will be scheduled through ACD.

  • We are here to support you. Use our contact form to connect with our team. You will hear back from us within 2-3 business days. 

  • Graduates of Diabetes Fellowship Programs and graduates of Endocrinology Fellowship Programs are automatically eligible after providing the information requested above.

    Physicians applying for eligibility through Pathway B must meet the requirements listed and send all documentation to the ACD.

    Applications are reviewed by the committee and notice of eligibility status will be given within ten business days from the date of application submission.