Aims <p>This review aims to identify the current status of the core competencies of Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs) as referenced in available international literature. It identifies specific categories and important components of the core competencies identified internationally, which lacks attention for now.</p> Methods <p>A scoping review was conducted using electronic databases including CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The latest Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was aligned with.</p> Results <p>After initial analysis, 27 competencies were extracted from 11 studies, and then categorized into eight domains: Diabetes professional knowledge, Supporting self-management, Clinical Management Practice and Integration, Administration and research, Professional technique, Complication care, Teaching and learning, and Cultural Competence. The PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was applied.</p> Conclusions <p>The compilation of the currently identified core competencies for DSNs, coupled with an analysis of the core competency standards in the assessment of these professionals, can contribute to facilitate the establishment of a uniform standard of professionalism in the delivery of diabetes care on a global scale. This would facilitate the development of an internationally applicable core competency framework for DSNs.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>