CDA credential in Virginia: requirements, costs, and how to apply

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is the CDA credential and why does it matter in Virginia?

The Child Development Associate credential is a nationally recognized, competency-based credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. It is the most widely held early childhood credential in the United States. As of 2023, more than 500,000 CDAs have been issued since the credential launched in 1975 ^[1].

In Virginia, the CDA matters for two concrete reasons. First, VDOE's childcare licensing regulations treat the CDA as a formal qualification for staff and director roles at licensed child day centers and family day homes. Second, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program, funded through the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), ties higher reimbursement rates to programs that employ credentialed staff, so a CDA can directly affect your program's revenue ^[2][3].

If you work at a licensed center in Virginia and you want to move into a lead teacher or program director role, the CDA is often the fastest route to meeting the paper qualifications. A two-year associate degree takes longer and costs more. The CDA does not replace a degree, but Virginia regulations do accept it as an equivalent qualification in defined circumstances, which we cover in the section on licensing rules below.

One honest caveat. The CDA is not a Virginia-specific credential. The Council for Professional Recognition administers it the same way in every state. What changes state to state is how licensing agencies and subsidy programs count it, and that is where the Virginia detail lives.

What are the eligibility requirements to get a CDA in Virginia?

The Council for Professional Recognition sets these requirements nationally, and Virginia does not add separate state prerequisites on top of them ^[1].

You need:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent
• 480 hours of professional experience working with children in the age group you are applying for (infant/toddler, preschool, family child care, or home visitor) within the past five years
• 120 clock hours of formal childcare education covering the eight CDA subject areas, completed within the past five years
• A completed CDA Professional Portfolio
• One formal observation by a CDA Professional Development Specialist

The 480 hours sounds like a lot. Full-time childcare work clocks that in roughly 12 weeks. Part-time or seasonal workers need longer. Keep a simple log from day one, because the Council asks you to self-report hours with supervisor verification and there is no third-party tracking system.

Age group matters. If you work with infants and toddlers, you apply for the Infant/Toddler CDA. If you move to a preschool classroom later, you need a separate credential for that setting. Most Virginia licensing contexts specify which setting the CDA must cover, so check what your current or target job requires before you choose your track.

The bilingual specialization is a fourth option that requires 50 percent of your work to be conducted in a language other than English. Virginia has a large Spanish-speaking childcare workforce, and the bilingual CDA is accepted the same way as the standard credential under state licensing rules.

What are the 120 training hours and where can you complete them in Virginia?

The 120 hours cover eight competency areas defined by the Council: safe, healthy, learning environment; physical, cognitive, creative, and social/emotional development; communication; program management; professionalism; and family partnerships ^[1]. You do not have to split the hours evenly across areas, but you must have documented training in all eight.

In Virginia, several paths exist for completing those hours:

Community colleges. Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Western Community College, and most other Virginia Community College System schools offer early childhood education courses that are pre-approved for CDA training hours. A three-credit ECE course yields between 45 and 48 contact hours. Two or three courses usually gets you to 120 ^[4].

Virginia's TEACH Early Childhood scholarship program. TEACH (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) offers scholarships for early childhood workers pursuing credentials and degrees at participating Virginia community colleges. If you meet the income and employment criteria, TEACH can cover tuition and books. That is a real cost offset worth pursuing before you pay out of pocket ^[5].

Online training providers. The Council maintains a list of approved training providers. ChildCare Education Institute, Qualistar, and National AfterSchool Association, among others, offer online courses that count. Online is fine. The Council does not penalize online training. Just make sure any provider you use is on the Council's approved list before you pay.

Virginia's child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs). Local CCR&R agencies across the state offer workshops and training events. Some are free, some are low-cost. Check with your regional CCR&R (Child Care Aware of Virginia lists them), because free hours count exactly as much as paid ones ^[6].

One practical note. Spread your 120 hours across genuine learning time. The Council's Professional Development Specialist will review your portfolio and ask questions during the verification visit. Cramming 120 hours of online video in two weeks with no reflection is noticeable.

What does the CDA application process look like, step by step?

The Council for Professional Recognition runs the application entirely through its online system at cdacouncil.org. Here is the sequence as it actually works ^[1]:

Step 1: Build your Professional Portfolio. The portfolio includes a Family Questionnaire (six forms completed by families of children you work with), a Resource Collection (materials you have assembled for each competency area), and Professional Philosophy and Reflective Statements. Most applicants find the portfolio the most time-consuming part. Budget four to eight weeks of consistent work.

Step 2: Apply online and pay the application fee. As of 2024, the fee is $425 for a new CDA application ^[1]. There is a $150 fee for renewal applications (CDAs are valid for three years). If you applied under the old paper process and are transitioning, fee structures may differ, so check the Council's current fee schedule directly.

Step 3: Complete the CDA Exam. Once the Council accepts your application, you schedule a computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. There are several Pearson VUE locations in Virginia, including in the Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads metro areas. The exam has 65 scored multiple-choice questions across the eight competency areas. The Council does not publish a single first-time pass rate, but passing requires a score of 170 on a scaled score of 200 ^[10].

Step 4: Schedule the Verification Visit. A CDA Professional Development Specialist (a Council-credentialed observer, not a state employee) visits your workplace, reviews your portfolio, observes you working with children, and conducts a short oral review. This is the step that trips people up most often, because scheduling can take weeks in some parts of Virginia. Do not wait until the last minute.

Step 5: Receive your credential. If everything passes, the Council issues your CDA, typically within four to six weeks of the verification visit. You get a physical certificate and can access a digital version for your employer.

Total time from starting training to receiving the credential is typically six months to one year for someone working and completing training at the same time. Some motivated candidates finish in four months. Nobody who is honest will promise you two.

How much does a CDA cost in Virginia, all in?

The $425 Council fee is the floor, not the ceiling. Here is a realistic all-in estimate:

Cost item	Low estimate	High estimate
Council application fee	$425	$425
120 training hours (community college, 2-3 courses)	$300	$900
120 training hours (online providers)	$150	$500
Textbooks and materials	$50	$150
Portfolio supplies (binder, printing)	$20	$60
Transportation to testing center	$10	$50
Total (community college path)	$805	$1,585
Total (online training path)	$655	$1,185

If you qualify for a TEACH scholarship in Virginia, your tuition and books for the community college path can drop to near zero, putting the real out-of-pocket cost close to the $425 application fee plus minor supplies ^[5]. That is the best financial outcome and worth serious effort to pursue.

Some Virginia employers, particularly larger center chains and Head Start programs, reimburse the Council fee or cover training costs as a retention incentive. Ask your director before you pay anything yourself.

For a broader look at the national CDA process and how costs compare across states, the cda credential overview has side-by-side detail worth reading.

How does the CDA count toward Virginia childcare licensing requirements?

Virginia's child day center and family day home licensing regulations are administered by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Office of Child Care Health and Safety (formerly under VDSS). The relevant regulations are the General Approvals and Administrative Requirements, the Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers (22 VAC 40-185), and the Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes (22 VAC 40-111) ^[7][8].

Here is where the CDA appears in those rules:

Lead teacher qualification at licensed child day centers. Under 22 VAC 40-185, a program director at a center must meet specific education and experience requirements. The CDA alone does not qualify someone as a program director at most center sizes, but it counts as a formal qualification for lead teacher and assistant director roles in many program configurations. The exact requirement depends on enrollment size and age groups served.

Family day home providers. The Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes reference early childhood training requirements. The CDA is accepted as documentation of meeting the training competency standards for licensed family day home operators ^[8].

Virginia Quality (the state's QRIS). Virginia Quality, the Quality Rating and Improvement System for early childhood programs, awards points at Levels 3-5 for staff credentials including the CDA. Programs at higher Virginia Quality levels receive enhanced CCDF subsidy reimbursement rates ^[3]. This is the financial mechanism that makes the CDA worth real money, more than a wall certificate.

Head Start programs. Federal Head Start Performance Standards require that at least 50 percent of Head Start teachers nationwide hold an associate or bachelor's degree. A CDA does not satisfy that federal requirement on its own, but it counts toward the qualification for assistant teacher and home visitor positions ^[2].

The regulations are updated periodically. Always verify current requirements directly with VDOE's licensing office, not through a summary article including this one. The VDOE licensing page is cited below ^[7].

How does the CDA connect to Virginia's childcare subsidy and CCDF funding?

Virginia receives federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) money and distributes it as the Child Care Subsidy Program administered through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) ^[3]. The CCDF statute (42 U.S.C. 9858) requires that states use a portion of their CCDF funds to improve childcare quality, and Virginia's plan for doing that runs partly through Virginia Quality ^[9].

The connection to your CDA is direct. Programs enrolled in Virginia Quality at higher levels (Level 3 and above) receive a differential reimbursement rate when they serve subsidy-eligible families. Staff credentials, including CDAs, contribute to reaching those higher levels. The CCDF quality set-aside was built to work this way, tying credential attainment to better reimbursement ^[2].

For families and providers both trying to understand how subsidy payments work, the childcare subsidy article explains the Virginia subsidy system in full.

Child Care Aware of America's 2023 report on childcare costs and availability found that states with stronger credential requirements and differential payment structures (Virginia is among them) showed modest but measurable improvements in staff retention ^[6]. Nobody has clean causal data on whether the CDA alone drives retention, but the correlation is consistent enough that CCDF policy has leaned into it for years.

One thing worth knowing. The CCDF reimbursement differential is not huge per child. Across a full program serving 30 or 40 subsidy-eligible children, it adds up to a meaningful annual figure. Ask your CCR&R or Child Care Aware of Virginia for the current differential rate, since it changes with state plan updates.

Can you renew or upgrade a CDA credential in Virginia?

CDAs are valid for three years. Renewal requires 45 hours of continuing education, a current Infant/Child CPR certification, an updated professional statement, and the $150 renewal fee ^[1]. The renewal is done entirely online through the Council's system. There is no in-person visit required for renewal.

If you let your CDA lapse, the Council has a reinstatement process, but it costs more and requires more documentation than a timely renewal. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before your expiration date.

Upgrading from a CDA to an associate degree in early childhood education is a logical next step for many Virginia providers. Because the CDA competency areas map closely to ECE coursework, some Virginia community colleges award credit for the CDA credential when you enroll. Northern Virginia Community College and Tidewater Community College both have articulation policies worth asking about specifically. Getting even six credits recognized can cut your time and tuition cost significantly.

The Council also offers a CDA Renewal Scholarship for low-income candidates. It is competitive and not guaranteed, but it is free money if you qualify.

For providers thinking about what curriculum to use once their credential is in hand, understanding preschool curriculum options gives useful context on how credentialed teachers are expected to run developmentally appropriate programming.

What Virginia-specific resources exist to help you get your CDA?

Virginia has a decent infrastructure for early childhood professional development compared to many states. Here is what is actually useful:

Child Care Aware of Virginia (CCAV). The state's Child Care Resource and Referral network. CCAV connects providers to training, technical assistance, and Virginia Quality support. They can tell you which local workshops count toward your 120 hours and help you find a CDA advisor in your region ^[6].

TEACH Early Childhood Virginia. Run through CCAV, TEACH offers scholarship support for community college tuition to early childhood workers meeting income and employment criteria. Applications open periodically. This is probably the single most underused resource in the state for CDA candidates who are cost-constrained ^[5].

Virginia's SNAP and TANF funding for workforce training. Some Virginia DSS offices have workforce training funds that can cover education costs for workers meeting income requirements. It is worth a direct call to your local DSS to ask.

Council for Professional Recognition's CDA Candidate Advisors. The Council maintains a list of advisors (often early childhood faculty at community colleges) who help candidates through the process. There is no additional fee from the Council for this. The advisor's time may or may not be free depending on whether they are a TEACH partner.

ChildCareComp's compliance toolkit lists Virginia-specific approved training sources and links to the VDOE licensing documentation, which can save real research time when you are trying to match training hours to regulatory requirements.

One honest opinion. Most Virginia CDA candidates underestimate the portfolio work and overestimate the exam difficulty. The exam is manageable with basic ECE knowledge. The portfolio, specifically gathering six complete Family Questionnaires and writing strong reflective statements, is where most people stall. Start the portfolio on day one, not after you finish training.

How does the CDA compare to other Virginia early childhood qualifications?

Virginia's early childhood workforce qualification landscape has several levels. Here is how they relate to the CDA:

Credential / Degree	Approx. time	Approx. cost	Virginia licensing use case
CDA credential	6-12 months	$650-$1,600	Lead teacher, family day home operator, Virginia Quality points
Associate degree in ECE	2 years	$6,000-$15,000	Program director (smaller centers), stronger qualification base
Bachelor's degree in ECE or child development	4 years	$30,000-$80,000	Program director (larger centers), public school PreK
Virginia Child Development Associate (state recognition)	N/A	N/A	The state accepts the national CDA; there is no separate VA-issued version
First Aid/CPR certification	1 day	$40-$80	Required for all licensed providers; separate from CDA

The CDA is the right first step for most people who are already working in childcare and want to formalize their knowledge without stopping work for two years. It is not a terminal credential for professional growth, and the most respected early childhood programs in Virginia still expect their lead teachers to eventually hold a degree. But the CDA gets you qualified, moves you higher on the Virginia Quality scale, and, if you use TEACH, it costs almost nothing.

For providers who also want to understand broader program management topics, including how a daycare center is licensed and what qualifications directors need, that overview covers the full Virginia center licensing picture.

What are common mistakes Virginia CDA applicants make?

Based on the Council's own published guidance and patterns visible in the early childhood training community, these are the errors that delay or derail applications:

Not logging hours from the start. The 480 experience hours and 120 training hours both require documentation. Reconstructing months of work history from memory is painful. Keep a simple spreadsheet from day one.

Using training providers not on the Council's approved list. Not all Virginia training events count toward CDA hours. A great workshop that is not on the approved list gives you good learning but zero hours toward your application. Verify approval before you register.

Waiting to schedule the verification visit. CDA Professional Development Specialists book out weeks or months in some regions. Submit your application as soon as you are ready, because the clock on your Pearson VUE exam window starts once the Council accepts your application. Running out of time because of scheduling delays is avoidable.

Portfolio Family Questionnaires that are incomplete or from the wrong families. Questionnaires must come from families of children you currently work with, not former families, and they must be completed fully. Six complete questionnaires is the minimum. Collect eight or nine to give yourself a buffer in case some come back incomplete.

Applying for the wrong age-group setting. If your Virginia licensing context requires an Infant/Toddler CDA but you applied for the Preschool setting, your credential does not satisfy the requirement. Confirm with your licensing representative before you apply.

Missing the renewal window. Three years moves fast. A lapsed CDA requires reinstatement, which costs more and takes longer than a timely renewal. Put the date in your phone the day you receive your credential.

Frequently asked questions

Does Virginia require a CDA for licensed childcare providers?

Virginia does not require every childcare worker to hold a CDA. However, the Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers and Family Day Homes (22 VAC 40-185 and 22 VAC 40-111) specify education and training qualifications for lead teachers and operators, and the CDA is one of the accepted credentials. Staff without any credential must still meet Virginia's training hour requirements. The CDA is optional but practically valuable for meeting those standards.

How long does it take to get a CDA in Virginia?

Most Virginia candidates complete the process in six to twelve months while working full time. The 120 training hours typically take three to six months via community college courses or online training. Building the portfolio and scheduling the verification visit add two to four months. Candidates who start the portfolio at the same time as their training, rather than after, typically finish closer to the six-month end.

How much does a CDA cost in Virginia?

The Council for Professional Recognition charges $425 for a new CDA application as of 2024. Training hours add $150 to $900 depending on whether you use a community college or online providers. All-in costs typically run $650 to $1,600. Virginia's TEACH Early Childhood scholarship can cover tuition and books for eligible candidates, reducing the real out-of-pocket cost to close to the $425 Council fee.

Where can I complete CDA training hours in Virginia?

Virginia Community College System schools (Northern Virginia, Tidewater, Virginia Western, and others) offer pre-approved early childhood education courses. Local child care resource and referral agencies offer workshops, some at no cost. Online providers on the Council's approved list also count. The Council for Professional Recognition maintains a searchable training provider registry at cdacouncil.org.

Does Virginia have financial help for getting a CDA?

Yes. TEACH Early Childhood Virginia offers scholarships for community college tuition and books to early childhood workers meeting employment and income criteria. The Council for Professional Recognition also offers limited CDA scholarships. Some Virginia employers, particularly Head Start grantees and larger center operators, reimburse the $425 Council application fee as an employee benefit. Ask your employer before paying out of pocket.

What is a CDA Professional Development Specialist and how do I find one in Virginia?

A CDA Professional Development Specialist is a Council-credentialed observer who conducts your verification visit: reviewing your portfolio, observing you with children, and completing an oral review. You do not choose your specialist; the Council assigns one after your application is accepted. Scheduling can take several weeks to months in some Virginia regions, so submit your application as soon as your portfolio and training are complete.

Does a CDA count as a director qualification in Virginia?

Generally no, not for program director of a licensed child day center, particularly for centers with larger enrollments. Virginia's director qualification standards under 22 VAC 40-185 typically require an associate or bachelor's degree for that role. The CDA qualifies you as a lead teacher or, in smaller programs, a site supervisor in specific configurations. Check the specific enrollment-size thresholds in the regulations with VDOE for your exact situation.

How does the CDA affect Virginia Quality ratings?

Virginia Quality, the state's Quality Rating and Improvement System, assigns points based on staff credentials. Holding a CDA contributes to reaching Level 3 and above. Programs at higher Virginia Quality levels receive enhanced reimbursement rates when serving families through the Child Care Subsidy Program. The differential is not dramatic per child, but across a full program serving multiple subsidy-eligible children, the annual difference is meaningful.

Can I get a CDA for a home daycare in Virginia?

Yes. The Council offers a Family Child Care CDA specifically for home-based providers. Virginia's Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes accept the CDA as documentation of training competency for licensed family day home operators. The Family Child Care CDA has the same 120 training hours and 480 experience hours requirements as the center-based credentials, but the portfolio and verification visit focus on home-based program management.

How do I renew my CDA credential in Virginia?

CDAs must be renewed every three years through the Council for Professional Recognition. Renewal requires 45 hours of continuing education, a current Infant/Child CPR certification, an updated professional philosophy statement, and the $150 renewal fee. Everything is done online through the Council's system. There is no in-person visit for renewal. Letting your CDA lapse requires a reinstatement process that costs more than timely renewal.

Does a CDA count toward Head Start teacher requirements in Virginia?

Only partially. Federal Head Start Performance Standards require that at least 50 percent of Head Start center-based teachers hold an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. A CDA does not meet that threshold for the 50 percent count. It does qualify for assistant teacher and home visitor positions within Head Start programs. Virginia Head Start programs follow this federal standard regardless of state licensing rules.

Is the CDA accepted by Virginia childcare licensing for infant/toddler rooms?

Yes, but you must hold the Infant/Toddler CDA specifically, not the Preschool CDA. The Council issues separate credentials for each setting. Virginia's licensing rules tie credential acceptance to the age group your credential covers. A Preschool CDA will not satisfy a licensing requirement tied to infant/toddler care, even though the application process is nearly identical.

What score do you need to pass the CDA exam?

The CDA Exam uses a scaled scoring system with a maximum of 200 points. The passing score is 170. The exam has 65 scored multiple-choice questions covering the eight CDA competency areas, administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. The Council does not publish an overall pass rate publicly. Most candidates with solid practical experience and who have read the CDA Competency Standards handbook pass on the first attempt.

Sources

1. Council for Professional Recognition, CDA Credentialing Program Overview: CDA application fee is $425 for new applicants; renewal is $150; 500,000+ CDAs issued since 1975; 120 training hours and 480 experience hours required
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, Head Start Program Performance Standards: Head Start requires 50 percent of teachers to hold associate or bachelor's degree; CDA qualifies for assistant teacher roles; CCDF quality set-aside supports credential attainment
3. Virginia Department of Social Services, Child Care Subsidy Program and CCDF State Plan: Virginia distributes CCDF funding through the Child Care Subsidy Program; Virginia Quality differential reimbursement rates tied to program quality levels including staff credentials
4. Virginia Community College System, Early Childhood Education Programs: Virginia community colleges offer ECE courses pre-approved for CDA training hours; three-credit course yields approximately 45-48 contact hours
5. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Virginia (Child Care Aware of Virginia): TEACH Early Childhood Virginia offers scholarships for community college tuition and books to early childhood workers meeting income and employment criteria
6. Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America: 2023 State Fact Sheets: States with stronger credential requirements and differential payment structures showed modest measurable improvements in staff retention; Virginia CCR&R network connects providers to training and technical assistance
7. Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety, Child Day Center Licensing: VDOE administers licensing under 22 VAC 40-185 Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers; CDA accepted as qualification for lead teacher and specific director configurations
8. Virginia Administrative Code, 22 VAC 40-111 Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes: CDA accepted as documentation of training competency standards for licensed family day home operators under 22 VAC 40-111
9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), 42 U.S.C. 9858: CCDF statute requires states to use a portion of funds to improve childcare quality; quality set-aside policies link staff credential attainment to differential reimbursement
10. Pearson VUE, CDA Exam Scheduling and Testing Center Locations: CDA Exam administered at Pearson VUE testing centers; passing score is 170 on a 200-point scale; locations in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads