2021 UPDATE
“CEDS” for ALL!   After September 1, 2021: Unless you notify iaedp in writing to keep your current certification credential, when you renew your certification you will receive the “CEDS” credential.  If you wish to keep your current credential, you may do so as long as your renewal is prior to September 1, 2022. After that date, all renewals will be issued as CEDS  Note to CEDRD certified members: iaedp has notified CDR of this change and received affirmation that it will not affect its recognition of the credential.

BECOME CERTIFIED AS AN EATING DISORDER PROFESSIONAL
If your passion is providing care to individuals and their families suffering from eating disorders – becoming certified is a great way to let everyone know that you are a specialist in the field of eating disorders! There are four certification credentials, based on your area of expertise:

CEDS – Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
CEDRD – Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian
CEDRN – Certified Eating Disorder Registered Nurse
CEDCAT – Certified Eating Disorder Creative Arts Therapist

The benefits of certification include:

1. Professional Identity
2. Professional Commitment
3. Promotion of Ethical Standards and Quality Care
4. Increased Consumer Confidence and Recognition
5. Increased Marketability and Competitive Edge
6. Measure of Professional Excellence
7. Professional Growth
8. Personal Growth
9. Dedication to Clinical Advancement
10. Increased Credibility with Insurance Companies

Are you wondering whether the CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT is something you should pursue? You may have some doubts and additional questions, such as, “This isn’t a requirement for my license, so why should I invest the extra time and money to earn this credential?” You may also be wondering, “Will this credential really help me get a job in the field of eating disorders, and will it possibly allow me to earn more?” If you are someone in private practice, you might be thinking, “Will becoming certified help me to attract more clients, and be approved for insurance panels?”

As the Denver IAEDP Chapter’s Certification Chairwoman, I am available to answer any questions you may have about the CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT application process, and how certification can be a benefit for you. I recently went through the certification process, because I can clearly see the advantages – personally and professionally.

Don’t just take my word for it! Here is what the Denver eating disorder community leaders say:

Dr. Emmett Bishop – Founding Partner and Medical Director of Outpatient Services and Program Development at Eating Recovery Center: “The CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT designation gives me the confidence that the person has a basic knowledge and understanding of the treatment of eating disorders rather than being a self-proclaimed “expert”. Eating Disorder Treatment Centers look for qualified professionals to treat patients after discharge. CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT status is a great indicator.”

Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani – Former Medical Director of ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health and founder of Gaudiani Clinic: “As an internist and the Medical Director of ACUTE, I am proud to carry the CEDS designation. Our field has shown itself increasingly committed to high quality, rigorous care of patients with eating disorders, and I feel the CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT designation gives my patients, their families and our referring providers a sense of confidence that I possess a certain degree of experience. I know I feel confident in other treatment professionals when I see CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT after their names. I’m proud to be part of this family.”

Tamara Pryor, Ph.D., FAED – Clinical Director of EDCare Denver: “Clinicians who receive the CEDS/CEDRD/CEDRN/CEDCAT certification show a developed interest in the field of Eating Disorders. Additionally, they show a willingness to devote time and resources for this certification.”

**Requirements for certification have been updated as of January 2015. A brief outline of the new updates is provided below – please note that you may become certified via the Traditional Route (see steps 1-8) or Equivalency Route (step 9):**

1. Education and registration/licensure requirements (generally a Masters Degree or higher, plus state/national licenses, registrations and certifications)
2. Core course requirements (four core course are required, which may be taken at an iaedp pre-symposium workshop or online)
3. 2500 hours of supervised patient care hours directly in the field of eating disorders (500 hours may be during your internship or after you graduate before you receive your license)
4. Supervision requirements (75% done by an individual in your discipline who has experience in the field of eating disorders who is an iaedp-approved supervisor; 25 % may be done by a person outside your discipline who is experienced in the field of eating disorders who is an iaedp-approved supervisor)
5. Case study requirement (a 1500 word-minimum document to demonstrate proficient with a patient treated by the applicant)
6. Verification of areas of proficiency (a document signed by iaedp-approved supervisor which states the applicant meets several areas of proficiency)
7. Certification Exam (complete core courses before taking exam; a passing score is valid for 2 years; must be complete in one sitting; may be retaken up to 3 times)
8. Supporting documentation (three letters of recommendation, a signed statement of ethical principles, demonstration of involvement in professional associations, proof of licensure, plus active iaedp membership)
9. Equivalency certification (may be obtained if you have been working in the field of eating disorders for at least 5 years, and meet additional criteria which demonstrate eating disorder proficiency)

You can find more details about certification by visiting these links:
iaedp Website – overview of iaedp, membership, and online institute
Certification Page – details about traditional and equivalency certification

If you want to show your passion for treating this population and be among those recognized as specializing in this field – join the ranks of the CEDS, CEDRD, CEDRN/CEDCAT!