iaedp Voices | Certification Program Update with Adrienne Sutton

About This Episode A strong credential is only as meaningful as the program behind it. In this episode of iaedp Voices, host Kyle Woodson, MA, LPC, speaks with Adrienne Sutton, Director of Certification for the iaedp™ Foundation, about the thoughtful, community-informed work underway to strengthen the Foundation's certification program — and what it means for professionals in the eating disorders field. Adrienne shares what is driving the program's evolution: feedback gathered directly from certificants, volunteers, and the broader community, alongside a third-party GAP analysis that revealed clear opportunities for improvement. The conversation covers the governance changes that have made certification decisions more transparent, consistent, and aligned with national credentialing best practices — including the introduction of specialized subcommittees focused on eligibility, exam development, and appeals. Listeners will also hear about meaningful improvements to the candidate experience, from updated handbooks written in plain language to standardized application reviews that promote fairness at every stage. Adrienne addresses exam quality and security, explaining how psychometric best practices and regular content reviews keep the credential valid, reliable, and reflective of real-world practice. The episode also explores one of the more nuanced aspects of the Foundation's structure: the intentional and necessary separation between education and certification — why it matters for accreditation, how it protects objectivity, and what it means in practice for professionals who engage with both sides of the organization. Looking ahead, Adrienne outlines the program's priorities for 2026 and beyond, including a comprehensive review of eligibility and continuing education requirements, expanded accessibility, and alignment with accreditation standards that will further strengthen the credential's credibility across the field. iaedp Voices is sponsored by Alsana, Equip, and the Laureate Eating Disorders Program. New episodes are available at iaedpfoundation.com/resources and on PodBean. Subscribe today to stay connected with the conversations shaping eating disorders care. To learn more about the iaedp™ Foundation or its Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) credential, visit iaedpfoundation.com.