CDA Renewal Training

To renew a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™, educators must complete the CDA Council’s renewal requirements before their credential expires. The CDA is valid for three years, and candidates may submit their renewal application up to six months before the expiration date.

CDA renewal candidates must complete continuing professional education specific to their CDA credential type. This may include 45 clock hours of training, 4.5 CEUs, or a 3-credit college course in early childhood education or child development. Training must be completed after the issue date of the current CDA credential and should be related to the age group and setting of the credential being renewed.

Candidates must also show proof of current membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization, complete at least 80 hours of work with young children within the past year in the same setting as their CDA credential, and receive a recommendation from an Early Childhood Education Reviewer. A Verifier is also required to review and confirm the candidate’s training and membership documentation.

As of August 1, 2025, First Aid and CPR certification are no longer required by the CDA Council for CDA renewal; however, educators should still follow any First Aid and CPR requirements set by their state licensing agency, employer, or child care program.