CDA Certification Online - post

If you are considering the CDA Credential, what does a fully online pathway look like and how can ChildCareEd support each step? ChildCareEd offers programs such as the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00 and the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $400.00, each a 120-hour, self-paced training that covers the Council’s eight subject areas. Completing one of these courses fulfills the formal training portion of the credentialing process and provides portfolio resources and review options; the Council for Professional Recognition issues the CDA Credential only after you meet the Council’s full requirements (portfolio submission, exam, and typically a verification visit). This article answers common professional questions about online CDA training, portfolio preparation, timelines, and next steps so you can plan a realistic pathway to the credential.

What is the CDA Credential and who benefits from it?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized professional credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It documents competency in early childhood pedagogy and practice across the Council’s eight subject areas, and it is widely used by preschool, infant/toddler, and family child care educators seeking professional advancement. The credentialing pathway requires documented formal training (120 hours), a professional portfolio demonstrating competency, verification of workplace experience, a Council-administered exam, and typically a verification visit. Completing a ChildCareEd CDA course satisfies the training requirement and gives you portfolio supports, but the Council retains authority to award the credential after you meet all requirements.

How does ChildCareEd’s online CDA training work and what options are available?

ChildCareEd delivers fully online, self-paced 120-hour credential courses tailored to common practice settings. Core options include the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00, the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $400.00, the CDA Family Child Care Credential, and a Birth-to-Five CDA Buy Now $399.00$299.00 option for mixed-age settings. Many candidates choose a package that includes portfolio review or targeted portfolio coaching; ChildCareEd’s program descriptions note whether Portfolio Review is included. If you need a shorter gap to meet a state training ladder, consider the state-specific 30-hour CDA Bridge Bundles.

What steps make up the credentialing process and how should I prepare my portfolio?

The Council’s process combines formal training, experience, portfolio documentation, exam performance, and typically a verification visit. Practically, that means: complete your 120 hours (ChildCareEd courses can provide this), accumulate the required supervised experience hours, assemble the Professional Portfolio (reflective competency statements, professional philosophy, and specified work samples), take the Council exam, and coordinate a verification visit with an approved PD Specialist. To prepare efficiently, enroll in a course that includes portfolio guidance or a portfolio review add-on, and use instructor feedback to iterate your reflective competency statements. ChildCareEd’s short preparatory courses such as CDA Preparation: From Training to Application Buy Now $25.00 and the free CDA Introduction Buy Now $0.00 help demystify portfolio expectations.

How long will the process take and what costs should I expect?

Time and cost vary by candidate. The 120 hours of coursework can be completed in weeks or months depending on your schedule; many candidates finish part-time over 2–6 months. The Council requires documentation of work experience (often 480 hours, depending on credential pathway), and you should budget time for portfolio development and possible revisions after a portfolio review. Course prices vary by package and whether portfolio review is included; ChildCareEd lists course fees on each course page. After earning the credential, note that CDA credentials must be renewed as described by the Council (renewal coursework is commonly required every three years; ChildCareEd offers renewal courses such as the CDA Preschool Renewal). For state-specific steps and funding options, consult state pages such as Earning Your CDA in California, Earning Your CDA in Florida, and Earning Your CDA in Maryland for local guidance and resources.

For professional context and benefits, see articles explaining why providers pursue the CDA and the outcomes it supports: What are the benefits of getting a CDA?, Why take CDA training with ChildCareEd?, and region-specific guidance such as New York Educators: Earn your CDA.

How can I verify state acceptance and funding for the CDA?

State acceptance of online CDA coursework and available funding programs vary by licensing agency and workforce registry. To confirm whether an online ChildCareEd course will be accepted by your state or registry: contact your state child care licensing office or workforce registry directly; check the registry’s approved training/provider list; confirm the Council for Professional Recognition requirements that apply to your chosen CDA pathway; and, if your state participates in a QRIS or scholarship program, ask whether CDA coursework or portfolio review is an approved expense. If you plan to use training funds or scholarships, ask your funding source about application steps, allowable providers, and documentation required to reimburse course fees. Because requirements and funding options differ by role, program type, and locality, document all communications (names, dates, and confirmation emails) so you can demonstrate approval when you submit your portfolio or apply for reimbursement.

What are the next steps to finish my CDA pathway?

Plan a clear sequence: enroll in the 120-hour, self-paced ChildCareEd course that best matches your setting; track supervised experience hours required by your CDA pathway; complete portfolio documents and request a portfolio review or coaching if available; schedule and prepare for the Council exam; and coordinate the verification visit per Council guidance. Build time into your schedule for portfolio revisions after feedback and allow lead time to secure any employer or state approvals you need. Keep copies of completion certificates and any correspondence about state acceptance—these support your portfolio and verification visit. Topics: #CDA #earlychildhood #credentialing #portfolio #training

What are the best next steps to complete my CDA?

Use this concise checklist to move from training to credential in an organized way. 1. Enroll in the 120-hour ChildCareEd course that matches your setting and finish the required hours; retain all completion certificates. 2. Document supervised experience hours in the format required by your chosen CDA pathway and employer. 3. Assemble and revise your Professional Portfolio using portfolio-review options or coaching; save all drafts and reviewer feedback. 4. Schedule and prepare for the Council exam, using practice materials and instructor guidance. 5. Arrange the verification visit with an approved PD Specialist and provide requested documentation. 6. Confirm any state or employer approvals needed for training or funding and keep written confirmation for your portfolio and reimbursement records. Following these ordered steps reduces delays and helps ensure a smooth submission and verification process.

H&H also offers over 150 online training courses to help you complete your professional development requirements once you are working in the field of early childhood education. We also offer several required trainings for various states. We are always adding more trainings each and every week. 

Take the first step on your path to career advancement in early childhood education by obtaining your CDA Credential, which is the most widely recognized credential in the field. Stand out from the crowd and become a leader in your work with young children. H&His here to help you along the way.