Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to refine your expertise, the child development associate (CDA) certificate showcases your commitment to nurturing young minds and opens doors to professional growth.
The CDA credential is a trusted benchmark, aligning with top industry standards and quality practices to ensure every educator is well-prepared to foster safe and creative environments for young children.
If you’re wondering how to go about it — this article covers everything you need to know about the CDA, giving you the tools to make your journey in early childhood education both fulfilling and impactful.
Understanding the CDA Credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized certification awarded by the Council of Professional Recognition for early childhood educators for competence in delivering quality education and services to children from zero to five years of age.
It is designed to validate your knowledge and teaching practices in areas critical to a child’s development, such as child growth, learning environments, and family relationships.
Earning the CDA certificate shows that you’ve met high standards of professional competence, ensuring that you’re prepared to support the needs of young children and provide quality care. What sets the CDA apart is its focus on hands-on, real-world experience.
It’s not just about passing an exam or completing coursework; it’s about applying your learning to everyday situations, such as interacting with children, planning educational activities, and engaging with families.
The CDA also offers a personalized approach, allowing you to choose a specialty, whether it’s working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or in family childcare settings. This allows you to focus on what excites you most and tailor your career to your strengths and passions.
CDA Certificate vs. CDA Credential: Is There a Difference?
The terms “CDA certificate” and “CDA credential” are often used interchangeably. The certificate is the document you receive after successfully completing your CDA process, while the credential refers to the formal recognition granted by the Council for Professional Recognition. Both indicate that you're qualified and certified to work in early childhood education.
Eligibility and Certification Requirements
Before diving into the CDA certification process, it's important to understand the key requirements that lay the foundation for success. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need to get started to earn your credential.
Educational prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
The first step in earning your CDA Credential is having a high school diploma or GED. This is the foundation that sets you up to dive deeper into the world of early childhood education and ensures you’re ready to take on the certification process.
Choosing your early childhood setting
The CDA lets you specialize in one of four settings, each focusing on different age groups or childcare environments. You can choose from:
- Infant-Toddler
- Family Childcare
- Home Visitor
- Center-Based Preschool
Selecting the setting that resonates with your interests and experience is key. It’s a chance to tailor your certification to match your passions and career goals while providing the best care for children.
Training requirements: Completing 120 hours of CDA-approved training
A big part of the CDA certification is completing 120 hours of CDA-approved training. This training focuses on important areas like child development, health and safety, curriculum planning, and family engagement. It’s designed to help you build a solid foundation for supporting the kids you care for, ensuring you’re equipped with both knowledge and practical tools to succeed.
Experience requirements: Accumulating 480 hours of work experience
In addition to training, you’ll need to complete 480 hours of hands-on work experience with young children in your chosen setting. You’ll need to apply everything you’ve learned in real-world situations, building the skills necessary to create nurturing, educational environments for the children in your care.
Professional portfolio: Key components and documentation needed
Part of the CDA process is putting together a professional portfolio that highlights your growth and expertise. Here’s what you’ll need to include:
- Competency Statements showing your understanding of early childhood education topics
- Training Records to document your completed coursework
- Reflective Statements about your development as an educator
- Family Questionnaires that gather feedback from the families you work with
This portfolio is a way for you to reflect on your journey while also ensuring that you meet all of the CDA Council’s standards.
Can You Get a CDA Certification Online?
Yes. Many accredited CDA training programs offer online learning options, allowing you to complete the 120-hour coursework at your own pace. This is especially helpful if you're balancing work or caregiving responsibilities.
You’ll still need to complete your experience hours in person and schedule a verification visit with a certified observer, but the flexibility of online programs makes the process more accessible.
Make sure your training program is approved by the Council for Professional Recognition or carries the CDA Gold Standard℠.
Step-by-Step Process to Earn Your CDA Credential
The path to earning a CDA Credential is structured yet flexible, allowing you to complete the necessary steps at your own pace. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to guide you through the process.
Step 1: Application and portfolio submission
To kick things off, you’ll need to complete the application form and submit it to the CDA Council. Along with your application, you’ll submit your professional portfolio, which should include competency statements, training records, reflective statements, family questionnaires, and anything else that shows your experience and knowledge.
After submitting everything, the CDA Council will review your materials to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
Step 2: Scheduling and conducting the verification visit (observation)
Once your application and portfolio are approved, the next step is scheduling your verification visit. During this visit, an assessor will observe your interactions with children and take a closer look at your portfolio.
This is a key part of the process, as it helps the assessor see how you apply what you’ve learned in a real childcare setting. Be prepared to demonstrate your teaching approach and explain your methods for supporting child development.
Step 3: Taking the CDA certification exam (including preparation and scheduling details)
The final hurdle is the CDA certification exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of early childhood education. To make sure you're fully prepared, it’s a good idea to use study materials and take practice exams.
Once you feel ready, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, the official testing provider. Be sure to schedule ahead of time to secure the date that works best for you.
Typical timeline for completing the entire process
The timeline for earning your CDA usually ranges from six months to a year, depending on your pace. This includes time for training, gaining work experience, preparing your portfolio, and scheduling the verification visit and exam.
It’s important to note that the process can vary based on your personal schedule, but overall, it’s a faster route to professional growth compared to earning an associate’s degree. So, if you're eager to advance in your career, the CDA provides a quicker pathway to make that happen.
What Does a CDA-Certified Educator Do?
CDA-certified educators work in preschools, childcare centers, Head Start programs, and home settings. They:
- Plan and lead age-appropriate activities
- Create a safe, engaging learning environment
- Support children’s emotional, physical, and cognitive growth
- Communicate regularly with families
- Help track developmental milestones and individual progress
Whether you work with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, the CDA ensures you're prepared to meet their needs in a structured and responsive way.
Expert Advice and Best Practices
Earning a CDA Credential is a big achievement, but like any important goal, it comes with its challenges. One common hurdle is balancing your time between work, training, and fulfilling the required hours. The key to overcoming this is consistency — set small, manageable goals each week to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Another challenge is crafting a strong professional portfolio. Your portfolio reflects your growth as an educator, so make sure to include clear and thoughtful competency statements. Be honest in your self-reflections and organize all your supporting documents — such as training records and family questionnaires — so they’re easy to access when you need them.
Lastly, sufficient preparation for the CDA exam is crucial. Review the exam blueprint carefully and focus on areas where you feel less confident. Using practice exams and study guides can help you get familiar with the exam format, easing your nerves and increasing your chances of success on exam day.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
As an educator, maintaining and renewing your CDA certification is essential. Your CDA must be renewed every three years to ensure it remains valid and that you stay aligned with current industry standards. To renew your certification, follow these key steps:
- Pay the renewal fee (which may vary depending on how you submit your application)
- Complete 45 hours of professional development training over the three-year period
- Update your professional portfolio with your most recent experiences and training records
This renewal process ensures you continue meeting the ever-evolving standards in early childhood education, helping you stay up-to-date with the latest best practices.
Benefits of the CDA Credential
Earning your CDA Credential opens up many opportunities for growth — both professionally and personally.
Career advancement and increased job opportunities
The CDA Credential is widely recognized in the early childhood education field, making you a more competitive candidate for a variety of positions. It can help you move into higher roles, such as lead teacher or director, and may open doors to new job opportunities in different childcare settings.
Enhanced teaching practices and professional credibility
The CDA ensures that you’re up to date with best practices in early childhood education, which leads to more effective teaching. By completing the certification process, you demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, gaining respect and trust from parents, colleagues, and employers.
Broader community and personal growth benefits
Beyond career advancement, the CDA Credential helps you build stronger relationships with families and the community. It provides you with the tools to engage families in their children’s development and empowers you to create a positive impact on the lives of the children in your care.
Cost and Financial Assistance
Earning your CDA Credential does come with some costs, but there are also funding opportunities to help make the process more affordable.
Cost breakdown
- Exam fee: The CDA exam typically costs around $425, which covers the assessment and processing of your credential.
- Training expenses: Completing the required 120 hours of CDA-approved training may involve costs for online courses or in-person classes. Prices can vary depending on the provider, but you can often find affordable options.
- Portfolio preparation: There may also be small costs associated with preparing and submitting your professional portfolio, especially if you choose to work with a portfolio specialist.
Funding Opportunities
- CDA fund: Some child care providers are eligible for financial assistance through the CDA Fund, which helps cover the cost of certification, including the exam and renewal fees.
- Affordable training classes: Many online and community-based training programs offer affordable or even free CDA-approved courses.
- Scholarships and discounts: Keep an eye out for scholarships and discounts, which may be available in your state or through specific training providers. These can help reduce the financial burden as you work toward your credential.
With these options, earning your CDA is an achievable goal, even if you're working with a tight budget.
Additional Resources and Support
Enhancing your professional journey as an early childhood educator involves continuous learning and ensuring your training aligns with the standards set by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Here are some valuable resources that can help:
- CDA webinars and tutorials: The Council for Professional Recognition offers a variety of webinars and tutorials. These resources cover topics from the initial application process to renewal procedures, providing guidance at every step. Access these materials here.
- Training class acceptance: Ensure the training programs you select meet high-quality standards. Look for providers accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) or those recognized with the CDA Gold Standard℠. These designations indicate that the training meets rigorous criteria. Learn more about choosing quality training programs here.
In Summation
Earning your CDA Certificate is more than just a milestone. The entire process helps you gain more knowledge and enhance your teaching practices, boosting your professional credibility.
The CDA credential opens the door to career advancement and new job opportunities; it also helps you stay current with industry standards, building stronger connections with parents and colleagues. However, the CDA is just the beginning of your career.
If you're an educator aiming to make a lasting impression with your colleagues or perhaps considering starting your own childcare business one day, we have the tools to help streamline your operations.
illumine is a childcare management software designed to support a childcare business’ ongoing growth. Key features include:
- Automated reminders for training and certification deadlines for educators
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FAQs
How can I get a CDA for free?
You can get a CDA for free through Head Start programs, state workforce grants, or T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships. Many employers also reimburse CDA training or exam fees for current staff. Some nonprofit training providers offer fully funded online programs that meet the 120-hour requirement.
What can I do with a CDA certificate?
A CDA certificate qualifies you for roles like preschool teacher, daycare assistant, or home-based childcare provider. It’s often required for Head Start programs and can help you meet licensing or staff qualification rules in your state. The credential also makes you more competitive for raises or leadership roles.
What is a CDA in early childhood education?
In early childhood education, a CDA is a nationally recognized credential for educators working with children under age five. It shows you’re trained in child development, learning environments, and family engagement. Most early childhood centers, preschools, and programs accept it as a standard of professional readiness.
How do I get my CDA certificate online?
You can complete your 120 hours of CDA training online through a Council-approved program. Your exam prep and portfolio work can also be done remotely. However, your 480 experience hours and observation visit still need to happen in-person in a real child care setting.
How can I get a copy of my CDA certificate?
To get a copy, log in to your account on the Council for Professional Recognition’s website. You can download a digital version or request a printed replacement for a small fee. If your credential has expired, you’ll need to renew before reissuing the certificate.
What qualifications must you meet to apply for a CDA?
You must have a high school diploma or GED, 120 hours of early childhood training, and 480 hours of recent experience with children. You also need to complete a professional portfolio and submit family feedback questionnaires. All materials should align with your selected CDA setting, such as preschool or infant-toddler care.
What must you do to keep a CDA?
To renew your CDA, you must complete 45 hours of professional development and remain actively working with young children. You’ll also need a reference from a professional in early childhood education and updated family feedback. Renewal is required every three years to keep your credential valid.
