How to Earn a CDA as a Home Visitor (Simple Step-by-Step) - post

Working as a Home Visitor means you do more than support children you support the whole family. This article walks you through how to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential as a Home Visitor, step by step. You’ll learn where to find training, how to build a strong professional portfolio, and what to expect during the verification visit so you can feel prepared, not overwhelmed.

For more details on the role and value, see The CDA Home Visitor Credential.

What do I need to be eligible for the Home Visitor CDA?

Short answer: You must meet basic education, experience, and training requirements.

Most candidates need:

• 🎓 A high school diploma or GED

• 🧑‍🏫 480 hours of home visiting experience in the past 3 years

• 🗣️ Ability to read, write, and speak the language used for the CDA assessment

• 🕒 120 hours of formal early childhood training across the CDA Home Visitor subject areas

A good place to review the basics is ChildCareEd’s breakdown here:Get the Home Visitor CDA

What training do I need, and where can I get it?

Short answer: You need 120 training hours that match the CDA Home Visitor subject areas.

Many candidates choose ChildCareEd because the options are flexible. Here are 2–3 directly related trainings:

• CDA Home Visitor Credential Birth to 5 (120 hours):

• Home Visitor Coaching and Mentoring Sessions (support staying organized and portfolio-ready)

• Browse additional home visitor options (helpful if you need specific hour topics):
  https://www.childcareed.com/search.html?searchwords=home+visitor

How do I build my professional portfolio and prepare for the Verification Visit?

Short answer: You’ll collect proof of your training and work, write reflective statements, and prepare for an observation and conversation with a CDA PD Specialist.

Use this ChildCareEd resource to build your portfolio step-by-step:How to Compile your CDA Home Visitor Portfolio

What should be in the portfolio?

• 📄 Proof of your 120 training hours (certificates)

• 📝 Required written statements (reflective statements + professional philosophy)

• 🧾 Family questionnaires and permission forms (protect confidentiality)

• 🧠 Samples that show how you support child development and parent learning

• 🩺 Health/safety materials you use during home visits

Check out  CDA Portfolio Sample

What happens at the Verification Visit?
A PD Specialist will typically:

• 👀 Review your portfolio

• 🏠 Observe a home visit

• 💬 Hold a Reflective Dialogue (a professional conversation about your work)

Learn more about what happens and how to practice at Understanding the CDA Verification Visit and review the checklist CDA Verification Visit.

How do I apply, take the exam, and finish the CDA process?

Short answer: You apply through the Council’s system, schedule your Verification Visit and exam, and then wait for the final decision.

A simple “start to finish” flow looks like this:

1. 🖥️ Create your Council account and begin your Home Visitor CDA application

2. 💳 Submit the application and pay the fee

3. 📅 After approval, schedule the CDA Exam

4. 🧑‍🏫 Schedule your Verification Visit with your PD Specialist

5. 📬 After both are complete, the Council reviews results and mails your official CDA credential if you pass.