CDA Credential: A catalyst to professional growth

The CDA Credential can be a catalyst to professional growth and a career in early education. Here’s what you need to know. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a national credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA Credential is based on a core set of competency standards developed by the Council for Professional Recognition, which guides early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.

"Being a lifelong learner means having endless curiosity and willingness to learn. Especially working with children as your career, it is ever changing and varies for different people." --BKC CDA Course participant

CDA Process--Prepare, Apply, Demonstrate, Earn

In order to qualify and be well-prepared to earn a CDA Credential, a CDA candidate needs to complete the following steps:

Step 1: Get organized

Gather information from the CDA Council for Professional Recognition.

Choose the appropriate CDA setting:

  • Preschool (Center-based)
  • Infant/Toddler (Center-based)
  • Family Child Care
  • Home Visitor

Explore CDA Course options. Consider CDA setting, learning style, cost, and support.

Organize CDA information, contacts, and any notes/questions into a folder.

Step 2: Prepare

Hold a high school diploma, GED, or currently be enrolled in a high school career/technical program.

Have 480 hours of experience of working with children in your chosen setting (within three years of applying for CDA).

Obtain the required CDA Competency Standards book(s) from the CDA Council:

  • The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and CDA Competency Standards (in your chosen CDA setting).
  • Also recommended: Essentials for Working with Young Children (Second edition) and companion Essentials Workbook.

Complete 120 hours of education/CDA Course (any time before CDA application).

Complete the Professional Portfolio (within six months of CDA application).
Locate a CDA Professional Development Specialist (CDA/PDS).

Prepare for CDA application and next steps.

Carefully review The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and CDA Competency Standards and CDA Council website (how-to webinars available).

Step 3: Apply

Complete the CDA Application and required fee online (preferred) or by mail. State scholarships may be available.

Await application approval and the Ready to Schedule notification (email).

Step 4: Demonstrate

After receiving CDA application approval and the Ready to Schedule notification, schedule and complete the:

  • CDA Exam with Pearson-Vue testing centers.
  • Verification Visit with identified CDA Professional Development Specialist (PDS) (includes observation of the CDA Candidate, review of Professional Portfolio, and reflection of goals).

Step 5: Earn

The CDA Council reviews results from both the CDA Exam and the Verification Visit to determine award of CDA Credential.

Step 6: Celebrate!

Acknowledge your efforts! Share your success with your family, friends, and peers.

Step 7: Renew

Prepare for CDA Renewal (within three years). Better Kid Care can help!

Learn more about CDA:

Try this 2-hour course: "CDA Credential: An Introduction and Professional Reflection."

Explore CDA options with Better Kid Care

Test drive the BKC CDA Course (no obligation)

Important CDA contacts:

The Council for Professional Recognition

Penn State Better Kid Care

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