What is a CDA?
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential® is a nationally recognized certification awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It proves that an #early-childhood- #educator has the knowledge, training, and experience to help children grow, learn, and thrive.
Earning a CDA shows families, employers, and colleagues that you are a skilled professional dedicated to quality care and education for children from birth to age five.
Why should I earn a CDA?
A CDA Credential is more than just a certificate—it’s a career booster. Many states require it for specific positions in early childhood education, and it’s widely recognized across the United States. With a CDA, you’ll:
- Build your confidence as a teacher or caregiver.
- Qualify for more job opportunities in childcare centers, preschools, and home programs.
- Gain a competitive edge for promotions and career advancement.
- Meet state standards for professional training and education.
Start your CDA training today
ChildCareEd makes it simple to get started on your CDA journey with flexible training and support:
- Learn on Your Schedule: Courses are self-paced and available anytime.
- Portfolio Help: Guidance and tools for creating a strong CDA Professional Portfolio.
- Training in 40+ Languages: Making it accessible for diverse learners.
- Community Support: Join the CDA Club on Facebook to connect with peers and PD Specialists for tips, resources, and encouragement.
CDA Training Online
ChildCareEd’s CDA online classes are offered in the following areas. Each of the initial online CDA trainings is a 120 hours CDA Certification program for childcare.
Initial CDA Credential training:
How to Earn Your CDA
The CDA process has four main steps:
1. Get Ready
Before you apply, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Education: A high school diploma, GED, or higher education.
- Training: 120 hours of formal early childhood training, with at least 10 hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas.
- Experience: 480 hours of hands-on work with children ages birth–5 in a licensed program. Informal experiences like babysitting or Sunday school don’t count.
2. Apply for the CDA
- Purchase the CDA Competency Standards Book for your chosen setting (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, Home Visitor, or Birth to Five).
- Submit your application online.
- Start building your Professional Portfolio, which includes competency statements, resource materials, and proof of your training and experience.
3. Show What You Know
Your skills will be evaluated through:
- The CDA Exam: A computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. You’ll have about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete it at a Pearson VUE testing center.
- Verification Visit: A PD Specialist will visit your program to review your portfolio, observe your work, and discuss your teaching practices.
4. Earn Your Credential
The Council reviews your exam results and observation feedback. If you meet the requirements, you’ll receive your CDA Credential, valid for three years.
CDA Credential Options
You can choose a CDA setting that matches your work environment:
Birth to Five CDA NEW!!
Perfect for educators working with children of all ages from birth to five.
- Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED (or be a high school junior/senior in an ECE program).
- 120 training hours, 10+ in each CDA subject area.
- 480 hours of experience, including 160 hours each with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
- A portfolio covering all age groups.
- Assessment:
- A multiple-choice exam (1 hour 55 minutes).
- Observation with at least 3 children under 3, or 6 children ages 3–5.
- Key Change: Starting in 2025, you’ll take the exam first before scheduling your observation visit.
Other CDA Settings
- Center-Based Infant/Toddler: For those working with children from birth to 36 months in a center-based program.
- Center-Based Preschool: For teachers of children ages 3–5 in a preschool setting.
- Family Child Care: For providers caring for at least two unrelated children under age 5 in their home.
- Home Visitor: For educators supporting parents and children through regular home visits.
Renewing Your CDA
Your CDA must be renewed every three years. Renewal steps include:
- Completing 4.5 CEUs, a 3-credit college course, or 45 clock hours of training.
- Documenting 80 hours of recent work experience in your CDA setting.
- Getting a recommendation from a qualified early childhood professional.
- Submitting proof of background clearance or safety verification.
- First Aid/CPR certification is no longer required for renewal as of 2025.
If you hold both Infant/Toddler and Preschool CDA Credentials, you can now renew into the Birth to Five CDA.
Special Opportunities
- Bilingual CDA: Available if you use two languages daily in your work and serve children in bilingual settings.
- Scholarships: Many states and organizations cover the cost of CDA training and fees, including Birth to Five.
Renewal CDA training online
ChildCareEd’s CDA online classes are offered in the following areas. Each of the renewal CDA trainings is 45 hours.
Get Started Today
ChildCareEd offers a Free CDA Introduction Course to guide you through the process. You’ll learn about training requirements, how to create your portfolio, what to expect during the Verification Visit, and tips for passing your exam.
Start your CDA journey now and take the next big step in your early childhood education career!
Its as easy as 1-2-3 to get started
1. Determine which CDA is best for you:
2. Start Online CDA Training:
