CDA and CCP credentials: what they are and how to get them

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is the CDA credential and who is it for?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition and has been the baseline professional credential in early childhood education since 1975 ^[1]. It shows a caregiver has met a national standard of knowledge and observed practice. If you're a home daycare provider, a lead teacher in a center, or a family childcare home operator trying to meet a state licensing education requirement, the CDA is almost certainly the credential your licensing agency has in mind.

The Council awards CDAs in six settings: center-based preschool, center-based infant/toddler, family childcare, home visitor, adult/bilingual family literacy, and a preschool Special Education Endorsement. You apply for the setting that matches your actual work. A family childcare home provider cannot use a center-based CDA to satisfy a family childcare licensing requirement, so pick the right one from the start.

The CDA is not a degree. It sits below an associate's degree on the qualifications ladder, and that matters when you read state licensing rules carefully. Many states count it as an alternative to formal college credits for lead teacher or director qualifications. Not all do. Check your specific state rule before you enroll in anything. A good starting point is your state's licensing office or a cda credential overview.

What is the CCP credential and how does it differ from the CDA?

The Child Care Professional (CCP) is a credential issued by the National Child Care Association (NCCA), aimed squarely at center-based childcare directors and lead staff ^[2]. The CDA is built for direct caregivers across a range of settings. The CCP leans toward the management side of running a center. It covers regulatory compliance, staff supervision, fiscal management, and program development alongside child development content.

Here's the practical difference. The CCP shows up less often in state licensing rules than the CDA. Open a state licensing manual that lists accepted credentials and you'll almost always find the CDA named outright. The CCP appears in some state quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) and in some Title I or CCDF fund administrator guidelines, but it isn't as portable. That's no knock on the content. It just reflects the market.

Think of it this way. The CDA proves you can care competently for young children in a specific setting. The CCP proves you can run the business of childcare at a professional level. Many directors earn the CDA first, then the CCP once they move into administration. Some hold both.

What are the education and training requirements for the CDA?

To apply for a CDA you need three things: 120 hours of formal childcare training, 480 hours of professional experience working with children in your chosen setting, and a completed Professional Portfolio ^[1]. The 120 training hours have to cover eight content areas defined by the Council: Planning a Safe, Healthy Learning Environment; Advancing Children's Physical and Intellectual Development; Supporting Social and Emotional Development; Building Productive Relationships with Families; Managing an Effective Program Operation; Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism; Observing and Recording Children's Behavior; and Understanding Principles of Child Development.

Those 120 hours can come from community college courses, online training platforms, employer workshops, or Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) training events. Many states run free or subsidized training through their CCR&R network that counts toward the CDA ^[3]. None of the 120 hours have to come from a single program, which is one reason the CDA is reachable for people who never finished a degree.

The Professional Portfolio trips people up. You collect 17 items organized into six Competency Standards, write a philosophy statement, and document your experience. The Council publishes a detailed checklist. Give yourself at least six to eight weeks to build it right. A rushed portfolio is the most common reason applications stall.

You also need a Professional Development Specialist (PDS) assigned to run your verification visit. The PDS observes you working with children, reviews your portfolio, and signs off on your competency. The Council helps you locate a PDS through its website.

What does it cost to earn a CDA or CCP?

The Council for Professional Recognition's CDA application fee is $425 for first-time applicants as of 2024, which covers your online application and the verification visit fee ^[1]. Retaking the exam costs extra. Training hours cost separately, anywhere from zero (if your CCR&R offers free workshops) to several hundred dollars for a community college course sequence.

Total out-of-pocket cost swings widely once you add training. People who use free CCR&R training and already have their 480 experience hours can sometimes finish for the $425 application fee alone. People who pay for training courses can spend $800 to $1,500 all in. Some states reimburse the application fee through CCDF-funded professional development dollars, so ask your licensing specialist or CCR&R coordinator before you pay a cent.

The CCP fee is set by NCCA and has historically run in the $200 to $400 range for the credentialing exam. Verify current pricing directly with NCCA, because it changes periodically ^[2]. The bigger CCP cost is often the required coursework, which some candidates complete through NCCA-affiliated training programs.

ChildCareComp's compliance toolkit includes a state-by-state summary of which credentials each licensing office accepts and which professional development funding sources can offset these costs.

Credential	Issuing Body	Exam/App Fee (approx.)	Training Hours Required	Renewal Cycle
CDA	Council for Professional Recognition	$425	120 hours	Every 3 years
CCP	National Child Care Association	$200-$400	Varies by NCCA program	Every 2 years
Associate Degree (ECE)	College/University	Varies	~60 credit hours	N/A (degree permanent)
Bachelor's Degree (ECE)	College/University	Varies	~120 credit hours	N/A (degree permanent)

Source: Council for Professional Recognition ^[1], NCCA ^[2]

How do you renew a CDA credential?

CDA credentials are valid for three years ^[1]. To renew, you need 45 hours of continuing education completed during your current credentialing period, evidence of ongoing professional experience with children, and a renewal application submitted through the Council's online system.

The renewal fee is $150 as of recent Council guidance, well below the initial application fee. Renewal skips the verification visit, which saves time and scheduling headaches. You do have to document your 45 hours carefully. The Council is specific about what counts: training must align with at least one of the eight CDA content areas.

If your CDA lapses, you get a grace window. The Council allows late renewal for up to one year after expiration, but the fee goes up. Once that window closes, you start the full application process over. Running a lapsed credential while working in a licensed facility can put your program out of compliance with state licensing rules, so set a calendar reminder at least 90 days before your expiration date.

Some states tie subsidy reimbursement rate tiers to current credential status. A lapsed CDA can cost you money month to month while you sort out renewal. That stings more than a technical licensing note.

Does the CDA satisfy state licensing requirements?

It depends on your state and the specific role you're filling. That's the honest answer, and it's the question that matters most for people reading this.

Nearly every state licensing system recognizes the CDA as meeting some or all of the education requirement for lead teachers or family childcare home operators ^[4]. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) state plans, which each state submits to the federal Office of Child Care every three years, show the CDA as the most commonly accepted sub-degree credential for regulated caregivers ^[5]. As of the 2022 CCDF state plan cycle, at least 46 states explicitly named the CDA in their licensing or QRIS frameworks ^[11].

Director qualifications are where it gets complicated. Many states require a director to hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. The CDA alone often doesn't satisfy a director qualification. The CCP is sometimes accepted for director roles in states that recognize it, but again, not everywhere.

For family childcare home operators, the CDA is frequently the highest formal credential a state's QRIS system expects at its top tier, with college degrees being optional add-ons. Run a daycare center instead of a home and the bar usually climbs.

Pull the actual regulatory text from your state licensing office. Don't rely on what another provider told you or what you read in a Facebook group. State rules change, and the exact language about which credentials count for which roles is what decides your case.

How does the CDA affect childcare subsidy reimbursement rates?

This is where a credential turns into monthly income. Most states build their CCDF-funded childcare subsidy reimbursement rates on tiered systems, where higher-quality programs (measured partly by staff credentials) get higher payment rates ^[5]. A program where the lead caregiver holds an active CDA typically lands in a higher reimbursement tier than one where the lead has only finished a licensing orientation.

According to Child Care Aware of America's 2023 data, median weekly childcare costs swing enormously by state and setting, and the subsidy rate difference between a non-credentialed provider and a CDA-credentialed provider can run from roughly 5% to 20% depending on the state's QRIS tier structure ^[6]. That adds up fast across a year of full enrollment.

The mechanism runs through your QRIS rating. Most state QRIS systems award points for staff credentials, and those points translate to a star level or tier, which maps to a subsidy rate multiplier. Earning your CDA and keeping it current is one of the most reliable ways to move up a QRIS tier without spending years on a college degree. For more on how subsidies interact with your finances, see our coverage of childcare subsidy qualification and payment structures.

One warning. Some states require you to notify your subsidy administrator when you earn or renew a credential. It doesn't always update on its own. Submit the paperwork.

Can you earn a CDA credential entirely online?

Partially. The Council for Professional Recognition runs an online pathway called the CDA Exam, which you take remotely once your portfolio and other requirements are complete ^[1]. Your 120 training hours can be finished entirely online through approved providers. The Professional Portfolio is submitted digitally.

Two things can't be done online. Your 480 hours of professional experience have to happen in person with real children. Your PDS verification visit must include an in-person or live video observation of you working with children. The Council adopted live remote observations during the COVID-19 pandemic and kept them as an option, so being physically in the same room as your PDS is no longer always required. Real children in a real setting still are.

Several community colleges and training platforms offer full CDA preparation programs built around working adults, with evening and weekend coursework. The Council's website keeps a searchable list of CDA Gold Standard programs, training providers that have met Council quality standards. Those are a reasonable starting point if you want a structured path instead of piecing together individual workshops.

How does the CDA compare to an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education?

The CDA sits below an associate's degree in the qualifications hierarchy nearly every state licensing system uses. An associate's degree in early childhood education typically takes 60 semester credit hours, compared to the CDA's 120 training hours (which generally equate to far fewer college credits). A bachelor's degree is the standard for lead teacher roles in state-funded pre-K programs under most state pre-K standards.

For family childcare home operators and entry-level center staff, the CDA is often enough for licensing and represents a realistic, lower-cost path to a credential. For anyone who wants to direct a center, lead a Head Start classroom, or teach in a state-funded pre-K program, an associate's or bachelor's degree is almost always required ^[4].

Here's the useful part. Many community colleges accept completed CDA training hours as credit toward an associate's degree. Some award up to 12 credit hours for a completed CDA. If you hold a CDA and decide to pursue a degree later, ask the admissions advisor about prior learning credit before you assume you're starting from zero.

For curriculum planning resources that pair with credential coursework, see our guides on preschool curriculum and creative curriculum for preschool.

What are the most common mistakes people make when applying for a CDA?

Choosing the wrong setting type is the most expensive mistake. Work in a family childcare home and apply for a center-based CDA, and you'll end up with a credential that doesn't satisfy your licensing requirement. Read the setting descriptions carefully before you submit.

Poor portfolio documentation is the second most common problem. The 17 required items must be organized exactly as the Council's Competency Standards specify. Miss an item or file it in the wrong section and your application slows down. The Council lets you resubmit with corrections, but it costs time and sometimes money.

Not checking that your training hours come from an approved content area is the third issue. Hours from a random professional development seminar on general business management, for example, may not count toward the CDA's eight required content areas. Keep documentation for every training hour: the agenda, the learning objectives, and a certificate of completion.

Underestimating how long a PDS visit takes to schedule is common too. In rural or underserved areas, Professional Development Specialists can carry long waitlists. Start the PDS search early, not at the end.

For providers working through a specific state, like those handling Michigan daycare licensing, local CCR&R agencies often keep lists of PDS contacts who know your state's rules. That can save weeks of searching.

Are there financial assistance options for earning a CDA or CCP?

Yes, and plenty of providers leave this money on the table because they never ask. The Child Care and Development Fund authorizes states to use part of their CCDF allocation for professional development, including credential fee reimbursement ^[5]. According to the Office of Child Care, as of 2022 the majority of states offered some form of scholarship, stipend, or fee reimbursement for early childhood credentials funded through CCDF.

Your first stop is your state's CCR&R network. CCR&R agencies administer professional development funding in most states and can tell you what's available in your county. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarship program operates in many states and supports childcare workers pursuing credentials and degrees ^[10]. Check whether your state has a T.E.A.C.H. affiliate through the Child Care Services Association.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs are federally required to support staff professional development, so if you work in that system, your employer may cover your CDA costs directly.

Some states also offer retention bonuses or wage supplements tied to credentialing. Child Care Aware of America tracks these in its annual compensation and workforce reports ^[6]. Programs and amounts shift with each state budget cycle, so verify what's current before you count on a specific dollar amount.

How do the CDA and CCP credentials affect your tax situation?

Credential expenses can be deductible as business expenses if you're self-employed as a family childcare home provider or center operator, as long as the education maintains or improves skills required in your current work rather than qualifying you for a new career ^[7]. The IRS draws a line between education that improves current job performance (deductible) and education that qualifies you for a new profession (not deductible as a business expense).

For employees at a childcare center, the employer-paid education exclusion under IRC Section 127 lets employers provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance, which could cover CDA training costs if the employer runs a qualifying plan.

The Lifetime Learning Credit can apply to tuition paid to eligible educational institutions for CDA preparation coursework. The direct CDA application fee to the Council is not paid to an eligible institution, so it wouldn't qualify for the credit on its own. If your CDA prep involved paying tuition to a community college, that portion may be creditable.

Nobody should take tax strategy from a licensing publication. Talk to an accountant who works with small childcare businesses. Knowing these categories exist means you walk into that conversation with the right questions. For broader financial planning context, see our overview of the childcare tax credit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CDA credential nationally recognized across all 50 states?

The CDA is recognized in all 50 states in some capacity, but how it satisfies licensing or QRIS requirements varies by state and by the specific role you hold. As of the 2022 CCDF state plan cycle, at least 46 states explicitly name the CDA in their licensing or quality frameworks. Always check your state's licensing regulations directly, because recognition for a lead teacher role differs from recognition for a director role.

How long does it take to earn a CDA credential?

Most people finish the CDA process in six months to a year, assuming they're actively working with children to build the required 480 experience hours. The 120 training hours can go faster, but scheduling a Professional Development Specialist observation and building the Professional Portfolio usually takes two to four months. Candidates who rush the portfolio tend to get applications returned for corrections.

Can a CDA credential substitute for college coursework in state licensing requirements?

In many states, yes, for specific roles. Lead teacher and family childcare home operator requirements in many licensing systems list the CDA as an accepted alternative to college credits. Director qualifications usually require a degree, and the CDA alone generally doesn't satisfy them. Read the exact language in your state's licensing regulations, not a summary, to know what roles the CDA covers in your jurisdiction.

What is the difference between a CDA and an ECE certificate from a community college?

A community college ECE certificate is an academic credential awarded by an accredited institution and appears on a college transcript. The CDA is a competency-based professional credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition after a portfolio and observation process. Many states treat them as equivalent for licensing purposes, but some rank the college certificate higher because it carries formal credit hours. Some colleges also award credit toward a degree for a completed CDA.

Do I need a CDA to open a home daycare?

It depends on your state. Some states require a CDA or equivalent credential before issuing a family childcare home license. Others require only a licensing orientation or basic first aid and CPR. A number of states have no formal credential requirement at all for the initial license, though they may require training hours or credentials for higher QRIS tiers that affect subsidy rates. Contact your state licensing office for the current requirement in your county.

How does the CCP credential help a daycare director?

The CCP from the National Child Care Association covers program administration, regulatory compliance, staff management, and fiscal oversight alongside child development content. It's built for directors rather than direct caregivers. Some state QRIS systems award quality points for CCP-credentialed directors. It's less universally accepted in licensing rules than the CDA, but it signals administrative professionalism and pairs well with a CDA for a director who also does direct care.

What happens if my CDA expires before I renew it?

The Council allows late renewal within one year of expiration, but the fee increases above the standard $150 renewal fee. After the one-year window, you must reapply as a new candidate and complete the full application process again, including the verification visit. More immediately, a lapsed CDA may put your program out of compliance with state licensing requirements or drop you to a lower QRIS tier, cutting your subsidy reimbursement rate while the credential is lapsed.

Are there free training programs that count toward a CDA?

Yes. Most states fund free or low-cost training through their Child Care Resource and Referral network, and many of those trainings align with the CDA's eight required content areas. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarship program also covers training costs for eligible candidates in participating states. Some community colleges offer discounted CDA prep for childcare workers. Ask your CCR&R agency what's currently available before paying full price for training.

Can I earn a CDA in a language other than English?

The Council for Professional Recognition offers the CDA in English and Spanish. Candidates can submit their Professional Portfolio and take the CDA Exam in either language. The bilingual family literacy setting CDA specifically serves providers working with non-English-speaking families. The Council's website has current information on language options, and some states offer additional translation resources through their CCR&R networks.

Does a higher staff credential level actually improve child outcomes in childcare?

The research is mixed and widely debated. A 2013 meta-analysis in Early Education and Development found teacher education level had a small positive association with quality indicators but noted quality is driven by many interacting factors, not credentials alone. The NICHD Study of Early Child Care found similar nuanced results. Credentials are a measurable proxy for quality that licensing systems can verify, not a guarantee of better outcomes on their own.

How do I find a Professional Development Specialist (PDS) for my CDA verification visit?

The Council for Professional Recognition maintains a national PDS registry through its website at cdacouncil.org. You can search by state and credential setting type. Your state's CCR&R agency often keeps a local list of active PDSs, which can be faster than the national registry. In rural areas with few PDS contacts, the Council now accepts live remote observation as an alternative to an in-person visit, which widens access.

Do CDA or CCP credentials affect what curriculum I'm required to use?

Credentials do not mandate a specific curriculum. Earning a CDA does require demonstrating competency in planning developmentally appropriate learning environments and activities, which means you need a coherent curriculum approach to document in your portfolio. Curriculum choices like free preschool curriculum or Montessori approaches become relevant as evidence of your practice. Your state's QRIS or pre-K program may set separate curriculum requirements independent of your credential level.

Sources

1. Council for Professional Recognition, CDA Credentialing Process: CDA requires 120 training hours, 480 experience hours, a Professional Portfolio, and a PDS verification visit; application fee is $425 for first-time candidates; renewal requires 45 hours of continuing education and costs $150; credential is valid for three years.
2. National Child Care Association, CCP Credential: The CCP credential is issued by NCCA and targets childcare center directors and administrators; exam fees are in the $200 to $400 range.
3. Child Care Aware of America (National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies): State CCR&R agencies offer free or subsidized training events that count toward CDA content area requirements.
4. National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, Office of Child Care, State Licensing Requirements: The CDA is listed as an accepted credential in the majority of state childcare licensing frameworks; director qualifications typically require associate's or bachelor's degrees.
5. U.S. Office of Child Care, Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Policy: CCDF authorizes states to use fund allocations for professional development including credential fee reimbursement; the majority of states offered credential scholarships, stipends, or fee reimbursement as of the 2022 state plan cycle.
6. Child Care Aware of America, Price of Care Report 2023: Subsidy rate differentials between non-credentialed and CDA-credentialed providers can range from roughly 5% to 20% depending on state QRIS tier structures; state workforce compensation data tracked annually.
7. IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education: Education expenses that maintain or improve skills in your current employment are deductible as a business expense for self-employed individuals; education qualifying you for a new career is not deductible.
8. Early Education and Development, Meta-Analysis of Teacher Education and Childcare Quality (2013): Teacher education level had a small positive association with quality indicators but quality is driven by multiple interacting factors, not credentials alone.
9. NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, NIH: NICHD Early Child Care Research Network found nuanced relationships between caregiver education levels and child outcomes, consistent with other research showing credentials are a proxy for quality but not a sole determinant.
10. Child Care Services Association, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood National Center: T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program operates in many states and covers credential and degree costs for eligible early childhood workers.
11. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care, CCDF State Plans: As of the 2022 CCDF state plan cycle, at least 46 states explicitly named the CDA in licensing or QRIS frameworks.