CDA credentialing program FAQs: everything childcare workers need to know

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is the CDA credential and who issues it?

The Child Development Associate credential is a nationally recognized, competency-based credential for early childhood educators. The Council for Professional Recognition (the Council) issues it. The Council is a nonprofit set up in 1975 to write standards for early care and education professionals. ^[1]

The CDA is not a degree. It sits below an associate degree on the education ladder but above a basic state orientation or a short training certificate. Think of it as the entry-level professional credential for someone who works directly with children under age 5, or with school-age kids in before- and after-school programs.

More than 650,000 CDA credentials have been awarded since the program launched. ^[1] That makes it the most common early childhood credential in the country. If you're trying to meet a staff qualification for a state license, a QRIS rating, or a Head Start program, the CDA almost certainly shows up on that list.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CDA?

The Council sets four requirements you have to meet before you apply. ^[2]

First, a high school diploma or GED. No college coursework is required at the point of application, though some candidates pursue both at the same time.

Second, 480 hours of professional experience working with children in an early childhood setting. Those hours have to be within the last 5 years. The setting has to match your credential type: a center-based infant/toddler candidate must have worked with infants and toddlers, not preschoolers. The 480-hour threshold works out to roughly 12 weeks of full-time work, which surprises people who assume it's harder to hit.

Third, 120 clock hours of formal early childhood education training. The 120 hours must cover all eight CDA subject areas: planning a safe and healthy learning environment; physical and intellectual competence; social and emotional development; building productive relationships with families; effective program management; and more. At least 10 hours must fall in each subject area. The Council does not require a specific provider. You can use community college courses, Head Start training, T.E.A.C.H. scholarships, or many online platforms, as long as the training is documented.

Fourth, you must be working with children in the credential setting at the time of the Professional Development Specialist (PDS) observation, which is the final step. You can't finish the credential while you're between jobs.

One thing worth knowing: there's no explicit age minimum on the Council's eligibility page, but the diploma requirement sets the floor for most candidates around 17 to 18.

What does the CDA application cost?

The Council charges $425 for candidates who apply in English and $500 for the Bilingual Specialization. ^[2] Those fees cover the online portfolio review by a Professional Development Specialist and the official credential if you pass.

That number does not include preparation costs, which vary a lot. If you use a community college course to get your 120 training hours, add tuition. A dedicated CDA prep course through a private provider typically runs $150 to $400 depending on format. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarships exist in most states and can cover training costs, sometimes the application fee too. Check your state's Child Care Resource and Referral agency to see what's available near you. ^[3]

The fee is the same whether you're pursuing center-based (infant/toddler or preschool), family child care, or home visitor. Renewal is $150, which I'll cover in a later section.

Honestly, $425 is accessible for a nationally recognized credential. The CDA is not a financial wall the way a college degree can be. The real cost is time.

How long does it take to earn a CDA credential?

The Council says most candidates finish in 6 to 12 months, and that tracks with what practitioners report. ^[2] The main variable is how fast you can pile up your 120 training hours while also clearing the 480-hour work experience threshold.

Here's a rough timeline:

Phase	Typical duration
Accumulate 480 work hours	3 to 6 months (full-time work)
Complete 120 training hours	2 to 6 months depending on schedule
Assemble Professional Portfolio	4 to 8 weeks
PDS observation scheduled after submission	1 to 6 weeks
Council review after observation	2 to 4 weeks

The bottleneck for most people is training hours, not work hours. Work full time in a center and you hit 480 hours in about 3 months. Getting 120 structured training hours while working full time takes longer.

The Council's online portal (the CDA Registry) is where you track progress, submit your application, and upload documentation. You can start building your portfolio before you've finished all your hours. That's good practice, because the portfolio is the slowest piece to put together.

What are the six CDA credential types?

The Council offers a distinct credential for each major early childhood setting. You pick the type that matches where you actually work. ^[2]

1. Center-Based Preschool: the most common type; for staff working with 3- to 5-year-olds in a group setting. 2. Center-Based Infant/Toddler: for staff working with children from birth to 36 months. 3. Family Child Care: for providers working in a home setting where the provider is the primary caregiver. 4. Home Visitor: for professionals who visit families in their homes to support child development. 5. Preschool Special Education: added in 2023 for those working with children with developmental delays or disabilities in a preschool setting. 6. Bilingual Specialization: an add-on to any center-based credential for educators who work with dual-language learners and can demonstrate Spanish-English bilingual ability.

The Family Child Care CDA is a natural fit for home daycare operators who want a credential that mirrors their real work environment. If you run a licensed family child care home, the family child care type is almost always the right choice over the center-based preschool version, even when your state licensing rules accept either.

What is the Professional Portfolio and what goes in it?

The Professional Portfolio is the core of your CDA application. It documents that you have the knowledge and skills the credential requires. The Council posts a detailed portfolio guide on its website, and candidates are expected to follow it closely. ^[2]

The portfolio has three main parts. First, the Resource Collection: a set of documents you gather or create, such as proof of your training hours, a statement of your philosophy of early education, health and safety resource files, and professional development plans. Second, Reflective Statements of Competence: six written statements, one for each CDA Competency Goal, where you describe how your work shows that competency. These run 200 to 500 words each and are your chance to connect daily practice to the formal standards. Third, the Professional Philosophy Statement: a short essay on your beliefs about early childhood education.

The portfolio does not require formal academic writing. It requires honest, specific reflection. A lot of candidates overthink this and produce generic statements about how much they love children. Don't do that. The PDS reviewing your portfolio wants evidence that you understand child development and can connect theory to real practice.

You submit the portfolio through the Council's online portal. Once it's submitted and reviewed by a CDA Specialist, the Council schedules your verification visit.

What happens during the CDA verification visit?

The verification visit is a structured observation of your work with children, run by a Council-assigned Professional Development Specialist (PDS). It usually lasts about 2 hours. ^[2]

During the visit, the PDS watches you interact with children in your setting, reviews your portfolio on-site (or confirms the submitted version), and reads the Family Questionnaires that families in your program completed. The PDS also administers the CDA Exam, a 65-question multiple-choice test on child development and early childhood practice, either on-site or at a testing center depending on your setup.

The exam has a 2-hour limit. It covers the same content as your 120 training hours. The Council reports a high pass rate but does not publish a specific number publicly, so be cautious about any source that hands you a precise figure. Candidates who fail can retest.

After the visit, the PDS submits a report to the Council. The Council reviews the full package (portfolio, PDS report, exam score) and issues a decision. Most candidates hear back within 2 to 4 weeks of the visit.

Does the CDA count toward state childcare licensing requirements?

In most states, yes, and this is where the CDA earns its keep for daycare operators and center staff. ^[4]

State child care licensing rules set minimum education and training standards for teachers and directors. As of 2022, at least 35 states recognize the CDA as meeting all or part of the education requirement for lead teacher or caregiver positions in licensed childcare centers or family child care homes. ^[5] Several states name the CDA in their Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) as a staff qualification that raises a program's rating.

The connection matters financially. Higher QRIS ratings often mean higher tiered reimbursement rates from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). CCDF is the federal block grant that funds childcare subsidies, and states must use quality incentives in their subsidy systems under the 2014 reauthorization. ^[6] If a staff member earning a CDA bumps your program to a higher QRIS tier, that can mean meaningfully more subsidy revenue per enrolled child.

Head Start and Early Head Start are more specific. The Head Start Program Performance Standards require that 50% of center-based Head Start teachers hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field, a requirement set in the 2007 reauthorization of the Head Start Act. ^[7] The CDA alone does not satisfy that requirement, but Head Start grantees often use the CDA as a step toward an associate degree and as a qualification for assistant teachers or family child care providers in Early Head Start.

Check your state's licensing rules to confirm what the CDA qualifies for in your setting. Rules vary a lot. Michigan's licensing regulations, for example, have staff qualification tiers that name the CDA directly.

How do you renew a CDA credential, and when does it expire?

A CDA credential is valid for 3 years from the date it's awarded. Renewal is not automatic. ^[2]

To renew, you need 45 clock hours of professional development completed during the 3-year period. At least 25 of those 45 hours must relate to the age group your credential covers. You submit a renewal application through the Council's online portal with documentation of the training and pay the $150 renewal fee.

If your credential expires before you renew, you get a one-year grace period to apply for renewal at the current fee ($150 as of the Council's published schedule, but verify it, because fee structures change). After that grace period, you have to reapply as a new candidate and go through the full process again, including the verification visit and exam.

One practical note: set a calendar reminder 6 months before your expiration date. The 45-hour requirement is not hard to meet if you stay active in professional development, but candidates who wait until the last few months tend to scramble. T.E.A.C.H. scholarships, your local CCR&R, and Head Start training calendars are all free or low-cost ways to log hours. ^[3]

Can you get a CDA credential online?

Partially. The training hours (120 for initial, 45 for renewal) can be finished entirely online through approved providers. The portfolio is submitted online through the Council's registry portal. ^[2] Those pieces are fully flexible.

The verification visit is different. It requires an in-person observation at your worksite. You cannot swap in a video observation or a remote review for the on-site visit. The Council uses a network of PDSs across the country, so scheduling is usually manageable, but candidates in rural areas sometimes wait longer for one to be available.

The exam runs on-site during the verification visit or at a Pearson VUE testing center, depending on the arrangement with your PDS. Either way, it's proctored in person.

So the honest answer: most of the work is online, but the final step is not. Plan around that if you're in a remote area.

How does the CDA compare to other early childhood credentials and degrees?

The CDA sits in a specific spot on the early childhood education credential ladder. Here's a comparison that helps you see where it fits against the other credentials you'll run into in licensing and staffing discussions. ^[8]

Credential/Degree	Typical time to complete	Typical cost	Nationally portable?	Common qualifying use
CDA Credential	6 to 12 months	$425, $900 all-in	Yes (all 50 states)	Lead teacher, asst. teacher, FCC provider
State Certificate/Registry Level	Varies	Low to free	No	State licensing compliance only
Associate Degree (ECE)	2 years	$5,000, $20,000	Partially	Head Start teacher, director in many states
Bachelor's Degree (ECE)	4 years	$25,000, $80,000	Yes	Pre-K teacher, director, higher QRIS levels
Preschool Director Credential	3 to 12 months	$300, $1,500	Varies by state	Center director qualification

The CDA is the most cost-efficient nationally portable credential for a frontline worker. It's not a substitute for a degree if your goal is leading a public PreK classroom or directing a large center in a state with higher director requirements. But for a family child care provider or an assistant or lead teacher in a private center, it's often the best return on time and money.

Some community colleges offer CDA-aligned coursework that also earns credit toward an associate degree. That path, sometimes called a CDA-to-AA pathway, is worth asking about at your local college. It lets you check two boxes at once.

For more on curriculum frameworks you might use alongside a CDA, the CDA credential overview covers how the credential connects to daily teaching practice.

How does the CDA affect childcare subsidy eligibility and business revenue?

The CDA touches your program's revenue through two channels: QRIS tiering and Head Start compliance. ^[6]

Under CCDF rules, states must run quality improvement systems that tie subsidy payment rates to program quality indicators. Staff credentials are a near-universal quality indicator in these systems. A program where lead teachers hold CDAs usually scores higher on the staff qualifications domain than one where staff have only basic orientation hours. That higher score can push you into a higher QRIS tier. ^[5]

Higher QRIS tiers mean higher tiered reimbursement rates from the state's CCDF-funded subsidy program. The premium varies by state. In some it's 5 to 10% above the base rate; in others it's 15 to 25%. Over a full enrollment year, that adds up, especially for a center with a lot of subsidy-enrolled families.

For home daycare operators reading this: the family child care CDA can do the same thing in states where home-based programs join QRIS. If you're already childcare subsidy enrolled and you're not at the top QRIS tier, staff credentials (including your own as the provider) are often the fastest route up.

The childcare tax credit for families is separate from your program's revenue, but it's worth knowing that families sometimes choose a higher-rated program because higher QRIS scores signal quality, and CDA-credentialed staff is part of that signal.

If you want help tracking staff credential status next to your licensing compliance calendar, the ChildCareComp compliance toolkit keeps those records in one place.

What resources and scholarships help cover CDA costs?

Cost should not be the reason someone skips the CDA. Real funding sources exist. ^[3]

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood is the biggest one. It runs in more than 25 states and provides scholarships that cover tuition, books, and sometimes the Council application fee for early childhood workers pursuing credentials and degrees. Your state's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network is the first place to call. Child Care Aware of America keeps a directory of CCR&R agencies by state. ^[9]

Head Start and Early Head Start grantees frequently pay for staff CDAs as part of their program improvement plans. If you work for a Head Start program, ask your education coordinator before paying out of pocket.

CCDF quality set-aside funds flow to states for workforce development, and some states use these funds to directly cover CDA application fees. This varies a lot and changes as state plans get renewed every 3 years. ^[6]

Some community colleges waive or reduce tuition for early childhood workers through workforce development grants, especially for programs that lead to the CDA. A quick call to the continuing education or workforce development office at your local college is worth the 10 minutes.

For program directors supporting staff through the CDA: the cost to your program is modest, the retention benefit is real (credentialed staff tend to stay longer), and the QRIS rating benefit can generate revenue that beats the investment in a single enrollment year. It's a good business decision, not a compliance checkbox.

The ChildCareComp resource library also links to T.E.A.C.H. contacts by state for providers who want a faster starting point.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a CDA credential if I'm currently a home daycare provider?

Yes. The Family Child Care CDA is built specifically for home-based providers. You need a high school diploma or GED, 480 hours of experience in your family child care home within the last 5 years, and 120 clock hours of training across the eight CDA subject areas. The application fee is $425. Your home counts as the credentialing setting for the verification visit observation.

Is the CDA accepted in all 50 states?

The CDA is nationally portable, meaning all 50 states recognize it. What it qualifies you for varies by state, though. Some states accept it as the full lead teacher qualification; others count it as a partial qualification or as one tier in a multi-level system. Check your state's childcare licensing regulations for the exact qualifying language.

What is the CDA exam like, and how hard is it to pass?

The CDA exam is a 65-question multiple-choice test given during the verification visit or at a Pearson VUE testing center. It covers child development, curriculum, family engagement, and program management. The Council does not publish a specific pass rate publicly. Candidates who review the CDA competency standards and finish all 120 training hours generally find it manageable. You can retest if you don't pass.

What are the eight CDA subject area training requirements?

The 120 training hours must cover: planning a safe, healthy learning environment; advancing children's physical and intellectual development; supporting social and emotional development; building family and community relationships; managing an effective program; observing and recording children's behavior; understanding principles of child development and learning; and professionalism. The Council requires at least 10 hours in each area, with remaining hours spread across them.

How long is a CDA credential valid?

A CDA credential is valid for 3 years from the award date. To renew, you need 45 clock hours of professional development during that period and a $150 renewal fee submitted through the Council's online portal. If the credential expires without renewal, there's a one-year grace period to still apply before you have to go through the full initial credentialing process again.

Does the CDA help you meet Head Start teacher qualification requirements?

Not fully on its own. The 2007 Head Start reauthorization requires that 50% of center-based Head Start teachers hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education. The CDA satisfies assistant teacher qualifications in many programs and is a common first step toward an associate degree through CDA-to-AA pathways at community colleges, but it does not replace the degree requirement for lead Head Start teachers.

Are there CDA scholarships or financial assistance programs?

Yes. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarships run in more than 25 states and can cover training tuition and sometimes the Council application fee. CCDF quality set-aside funds in many states support childcare workforce development, including CDA fees. Head Start programs frequently fund staff CDAs directly. Your state's Child Care Resource and Referral agency is the best first contact for local options.

Can CDA training hours be completed online?

Yes. The 120 initial training hours and 45 renewal hours can be done through online providers. The portfolio is also submitted online through the Council's registry. The one in-person requirement is the verification visit, where a Professional Development Specialist observes you working with children at your site. That step cannot be done remotely.

How many CDA credentials have been awarded?

The Council for Professional Recognition has awarded more than 650,000 CDA credentials since the program launched in 1975, making it the most widely held early childhood credential in the United States. Roughly 30,000 to 50,000 new credentials are awarded each year, though the Council does not publish an annual figure publicly.

What is the difference between the CDA and a state childcare orientation or registry certificate?

State orientation certificates and registry levels are state-specific, not portable across state lines, and usually require fewer training hours (often 10 to 30 hours vs. 120 for the CDA). The CDA is a nationally recognized, competency-assessed credential with a formal verification visit and exam. For staff qualification and QRIS purposes, the CDA generally carries more weight than a state orientation alone.

Does a CDA increase a childcare provider's pay?

There's no federal pay floor tied to the CDA, but it often does raise earnings in practice. Some states set minimum wage scales tied to credential levels in CCDF-funded programs. Higher QRIS tiers tied to credentialed staff can raise subsidy reimbursement rates for the program, which operators sometimes pass on as wage increases. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not break out wage data specifically by CDA status.

Can you transfer a CDA credential if you move to another state?

Yes. The CDA comes from the national Council for Professional Recognition, not any state agency, so the credential itself does not need to be re-earned when you move. You present your CDA documentation to the new state's licensing agency when you apply for a license or demonstrate staff qualifications. The new state decides what the credential qualifies you for under its own rules.

What curriculum should I use while working toward my CDA?

The CDA does not require a specific curriculum. You can use any research-based curriculum that maps to the CDA competency areas. Common options include the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, which matches the CDA subject areas well, or a Montessori preschool curriculum if your setting uses that approach. Your Professional Portfolio reflections should tie your curriculum choices to the CDA competency goals.

Is the CDA credential required to open a daycare?

In most states, no, the CDA is not required to open or run a licensed daycare. States typically require a minimum number of training hours, a background check, and possibly a director credential, but the CDA is usually optional. That said, many states include the CDA in their QRIS frameworks, so it can affect your program's quality rating and your subsidy reimbursement rate even when it's not a licensing requirement.

Sources

1. Council for Professional Recognition, About the CDA: More than 650,000 CDA credentials have been awarded since the program launched in 1975; the Council is a nonprofit established in 1975.
2. Council for Professional Recognition, CDA Credentialing Requirements: Application fee is $425 (English) or $500 (Bilingual Specialization); requirements include 480 work hours, 120 training hours, and a high school diploma; credential valid 3 years; renewal requires 45 hours and $150 fee.
3. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood National Center: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarships operate in more than 25 states and support early childhood workers pursuing credentials and degrees.
4. National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, Licensing and Credentialing: Most states recognize the CDA as meeting all or part of the education requirement for lead teacher or caregiver positions in licensed childcare.
5. Child Care Aware of America, Child Care in America 2022 State Fact Sheets: Staff credentials including the CDA are near-universal quality indicators in state QRIS systems; at least 35 states recognize the CDA for staff qualification purposes.
6. HHS Office of Child Care, Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Program: CCDF reauthorization requires states to use quality incentives including tiered reimbursement rates linked to QRIS ratings in their subsidy systems; quality set-aside funds support workforce development.
7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1302): The 2007 Head Start reauthorization requires 50% of center-based Head Start teachers to hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education; the CDA does not satisfy this requirement on its own.
8. National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), State of Preschool Yearbook: Comparative data on teacher qualification requirements and credential levels across state-funded preschool programs, including CDA recognition.
9. Child Care Aware of America, Find Child Care Resources: Child Care Aware of America maintains a national directory of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies by state.
10. Office of Child Care, CCDF Reauthorization (Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014): 2014 CCDF reauthorization established requirements for states to implement tiered quality rating systems linking subsidy payments to quality indicators.