What Is A CDA Certification? - post

A CDA is short for Child Development Associate® credential. Many people call it a “CDA certification,” but the official name is a credential.

A CDA shows that you have the skills and knowledge to work with young children in a safe, healthy, and caring way. It is earned through the Council for Professional Recognition, not through a state licensing office. (cdacouncil.org)

#CDA #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Who is the CDA for?

A CDA is for people who work with young children (and sometimes with families, too). It is a popular step for:

• New teachers who want a strong start

• Assistants who want to become a lead teacher

• Family child care providers who want to show professionalism

• People who want to grow their child care career

The CDA can be for different age groups, depending on the setting you choose:

• Infant-Toddler CDA: birth to 36 months (in a child care center)

• Preschool CDA: ages 3 to 5 (in a child care center)

• Birth to Five CDA: birth to 5 years (in a child care center)

A CDA can help you feel more confident because you learn the “why” behind what you do every day—like how to support learning, guide behavior, and keep children safe.

What types of CDA credentials can you earn?

The CDA has different settings, based on the age group and where you work. Common options include:

• Infant-Toddler (birth to 36 months) 

• Preschool (often ages 3–5)

• Family Child Care (care in a home setting)

• Home Visitor (working with families through home visits)

• Birth to Five (a newer option that covers a wider age range) 

Choosing the right setting matters because your work experience and observation must match the setting you apply for. 

What does having a CDA mean for your child care career?

A CDA can be a big career boost. It shows families and employers that you have completed training and an assessment process.

Here are a few ways a CDA may help:

• Better job options

  • Some programs prefer or require CDA training for certain roles.

• Professional growth

  • You learn about child development, guidance, health and safety, and positive learning environments.

• Stronger resume

  • A CDA is widely recognized in early childhood education.

• More confidence at work

  • You practice skills you use every day (like planning activities and guiding behavior).

Important note: A CDA does not guarantee a specific job title or pay rate. But it can help you qualify for more opportunities and show your commitment. #ChildCareCareer

How do I earn a CDA credential?

The Council shares a clear process. In simple terms, you will need training, experience, a portfolio, and an assessment. 

Many candidates complete steps like these:

• Complete formal training (120 hours)

  • Your training must cover CDA subject areas. 

• Get work experience (480 hours)

  • The work must be with the age group you are applying for. 

• Build your Professional Portfolio

  • This includes required documents and written reflections.

• Collect family questionnaires

  • Many settings require family feedback as part of the process. 

• Choose a CDA PD Specialist

  • This person completes your Verification Visit. 

• Apply and complete the exam/visit steps

  • The Council reviews your application and makes the final decision.

Tip: Today, the process is moving fully online through the Council’s platform. The Council ended paper applications after December 31, 2025. 

#CDAJourney #ProfessionalDevelopment

What is the CDA Verification Visit (and why does it matter)?

The Verification Visit is part of your CDA assessment. A PD Specialist comes to observe you working with children and reviews your portfolio.

This is important because it shows how you use your skills in real life—not just on paper. 

How long does a CDA credential last?

A CDA credential is valid for 3 years from the award date.

That means you will need to plan ahead to renew before it expires.

How do I renew my CDA?

Renewal helps you keep your credential active and up to date. The Council says you must renew before it expires, and it happens every three years.

A simple way to stay ready is to:

• Keep working in child care

• Track your training hours and certificates

• Save important documents in one folder (digital or paper)

Which ChildCareEd trainings can help me earn my CDA?

If you need CDA training hours and support, these ChildCareEd courses match the CDA path and are directly related:

• CDA Introduction (FREE) 
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-introduction.html

• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-preschool-credential.html

• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-infant-toddler-credential.html

What free tools can help me stay organized?

Use these ChildCareEd resources to plan your next steps:

• Updated checklist for earning your CDA credential:
  https://www.childcareed.com/r-00702-updated-checklist-for-earning-your-cda-credential.html

• How to get your CDA for free (ideas and support options):
  https://www.childcareed.com/r-00708-how-to-get-your-cda-for-free.html

And for a helpful overview of what to expect, read:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/your-cda-journey-timeline-and-what-to-expect.html

What should I do next if I want my CDA?

Here is a simple “next steps” plan:

• Pick the CDA setting that matches your job (infant/toddler, preschool, etc.)

• Start (or finish) your 120 hours of training

• Track your 480 hours of work experience

• Build your portfolio one small piece at a time

• Use a checklist so nothing is missed

• Apply when you are ready and schedule your next steps

Small steps every week really add up.

Want more CDA tips and training reminders?

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for quick tips, resources, and new training updates:
https://instagram.com/childcareed

Click “Follow” so you don’t miss support for your CDA journey! #CDA #ChildCareTraining